Up and coming new A capella group TGUS (The Guys Using Sound) have been gaining some positive attention. The group consists of four vocalists creating undoubted harmony, and they are Han Gwan Hui, Bak Sang Jun, Song Young Min and Yi Si Hyeon. Their voices and music gives a nice refreshing feel to the K-Music scene and they are definately a nice escape from Idol groups, worth checking out. The guys were kind enough to take a break from their busy schedule and answer some questions exclusively for ShenYuePop!
How about a little taste of their talents before getting to know the guys?
About TGUS:
What kind of style of music do you want to bring to the music scene?
- Well, we want to bring all styles of music with harmony as the base. But if we have to choose one, it would definately be R&B.
What makes T.G.U.S. stand out from other groups?
- Our harmony is our strongest point and we believe that it makes us special.
In this industry full of teen idol stars and a lot of ballad singers, what can you offer that can be seen as special?
- Harmony! We have been practicing for seven years on our harmonies, so our team works well together.
What made the company choose to promote an older-aged group?
- Like we have been emphasizing, we specialize in harmony. Our company saw that our style of harmony was different from other groups.
What kind of National artists do you strive to be like? And what kind of International stars?
- A national artist that we admire is Lee Eun-Mi, her passion for music is something we can relate to. An international group has to be BoyzⅡMen, their harmonies inspired us to pursue singing careers.
How do you feel about being compared to accomplished artists, such as SG Wannabe?
- We have been good friends with SG Wannabe for five years, because we were both so passionate about our music. So being compared to them is an honor.
Describe your music in three words.
- Contemporary K-POP Harmonization
Background:
Since when did you want to be in the music industry
- Our team formed in 2002, but we all have wanted to become singers since we were children. Two of our members Sang Jun and Young Min have released an album before.
What makes you so passionate about the business?
- We’ve never thought of a life off stage. We just love music.
Has anyone tried the solo route or did anyone want to be a solo artist (before joining the group)?
- Yes, we all have thought about solo careers, but we always felt like something was missing. Only when we are together and we feel our harmony, we feel complete.
What previous groups where you a part of?
- Sang Jun was in a group called “Base” in 1995 and released an album.
Young Min was in a group called “Wiz” in 2001, with the members of Soul Star.
Being already accustomed to the group experience how does it feel to debut as a “new group”?
- All experiences were helpful in the process of making TGUS; especially the fact that a group has to move as one. As far as we are concerned that is the most important factor.
Future Expectations:
What do you hope to achieve through your music?
- We are all Christians, we want to spread God’s words through our music.
What are your plans for the future of the group?
- We plan on having many concerts, we believe our strength is in our live performances.
About the fans:
Describe what your fans are like. Which demographics do you attract the most?
- Our fan base is mostly from our underground days. We used to be an underground group. So most of our fans are from that period, but as our TV performances increased our fans have increased as well.
Due to the fact that most Korean music fans are at least in their teens how do you plan to appeal to this group?
- If people think our music is good, we don’t think age makes any difference.
What would you like to say to existing and potential international (English Speakers) fans?
- We would like to thank our present fans! And to our potential fans, please keep listening, we have much more to show you!
Videos of TGUS’ amazing harmony:
(from TGUS’ Showcase)
Now onto to their A capella:
A nice review over TGUS’ first album “God Of Harmony”
TGUS
With the potential to strike beyond the Korean music culture to the Asian culture, TGUS has prepared for five years to release their first album, “The God of Harmony.”
TGUS’s first album “The God of Harmony” is solely based on the harmony of it’s four talented members. They tried to express different genres of music into Korean style, with their strength being their four harmonious voices. The album includes an array of genres like R&B, Funk, Blues, Ballad, Electronic, etc…
Kim JinHo (SG Wannabe), Son JoonHyuk (M to M), Ha DongKyun(Wanted), Kim JaeSuk (Wanted), As One, Lee KyuHoon (Soul Star), and many more famous musicians are featured on this album. And to be honest, that’s quite exceptional for a new group. Also, Hyee Sung wrote the lyrics for track num.10, Mike “fish” Herrings, (a famous guitarist of Christina Aguilera) and many other American musicians helped make this album what it is.
TGUS themselves worked as the producers of this album as well as vocal directors, composers and lyricists which showcases their true dedication to their music.
1. Intro
This intro has its bases on New Jack swing and it also includes a Blues feel. It shows the characteristics of every individual member and manages to remain harmonius.
2. I believe in
It shows TGUS’s vocal style along with their lyrical talents and holds a grand melody. This song was arranged by the famous string arranger Lee JiSoo, who is also known as the composer of “The Old Boy” soundtrack.
3. 가슴이 시키는 대로
The sad melody, dramatic lyrics, and the grand string session with oboe all comes together with this well arranged J-POP style ballad.
4. One last kiss
This songs lyrics are about the sadness after separation from a lover. It has an acoustic feel with Mike “fish” Herrings increasing the tension of the song with his own talents.
5. Feel so good
With its funky melody and outstanding lyrics this song has the power to make you feel good.
6. 너의 뒤에서
The cello solo and the R&B style are outstanding in this particular track. The ad lib on the later part is very effective and moving.
7. tonight
The melody is very sweet and reminds you of the sweet beginnings of a new love with the touching lyrics. It is a medium ballad.
8. 말해
As electronic music has swepty over K-Pop, TGUS take a spin on trying out the genre in their own particular TGUS style.
9. 무지개
This song is the Korean version of the American multi-featured song “We are the World”. SG Wannabe Kim JinHo, M to Ms Son JunHyuk, Wanted, Ha DongKyun, Kim JaeSuk, As One , Soul Star and Lee KyuHoon are all featured in this song.
10. player
Talented artist WheeSung wrote the lyrics for this song, and this song definately has a funky flavour.
11. 눈을감아
Kim JaeSuk of Wanted took the reigns for this K-pop Ballad inspired song
12. 말하지 못한…
The melody along with the strings work very well in this touching track.
13. Outro
Makes you want more…
We’re not sure about you guys but this group blew us away with their vocal talents. If your looking for an album to keep you warm all winter, yet can make you bop around during Spring this is the right choice for you. Enjoy their Music Video which starred ex-G.O.D member Son Ho Young:
Bonus:
Cute pic of TGUS & 2AM on Sukira!
Thank you to TGUS for taking part in this interview it was our pleasure,
SYP Staff
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Full Credit When Posted Elsewhere
Credit for ShenYuePop.com: ShenYue, tealfirestar07, & noonoo_shoo
