Epik Excessive is making ready a pumped-up comeback because the Okay-hip hop trio prepares to launch their first-ever mixtape, embark on a brand new tour, and ship extra tasks after celebrating their twentieth anniversary final 12 months.
Viewing the group’s twenty first 12 months since releasing their debut album Map of the Human Soul as a contemporary begin akin to their rookie days, Tablo tells Billboard how “our followers name this Epik Excessive’s ‘+1st 12 months,’” pointing to a revitalized spirit driving their newest efforts. “It actually does really feel like a contemporary begin after the milestone 12 months we had final 12 months.”
In an unique Q&A with Billboard following Epik Excessive’s announcement of their PUMP mixtape and accompanying North American tour in the present day, Tablo teases the mixtape’s tracks, an elevated live performance expertise plus extra new music from himself, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz.
Peep all 23 of Epik Excessive’s The Pump Tour dates within the official poster beneath after which dive into the complete interview for extra insights on PUMP and extra.
Epik Excessive
OURS Co.
Congratulations on the most recent mixtape and tour information. After your twentieth anniversary, you shared how “it appears like our first 12 months once more.” Inform me concerning the vitality in Epik Excessive in the present day.
Tablo: Our followers name this Epik Excessive’s “+1st 12 months.” And it actually does really feel like a contemporary begin, after the milestone 12 months we had final 12 months with the stadium present in Seoul and the ensuing film in theaters in quarter one among this 12 months. Artists can really feel misplaced after a milestone as a result of it normally marks the top of an period, however we now have by some means managed to make it a brand new starting. Our fandom is energized greater than ever. What higher strategy to begin this “first 12 months” than by dropping our very first mixtape, jam-packed with vitality paying homage to our rookie days? It’s time to get our followers pumped another time.
You teased the mixtape tracklist in your announcement. Are there any tracks you’re notably excited for followers to listen to?
You need to pay attention from monitor one to trace 9 straight as a result of Epik Excessive’s transitions are the most effective and this album has the best transitions. Additionally, there are just a few songs which might be going to generate tons of memes…we now have a variety of visible content material coming, so I counsel subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Epik Excessive has such a variety of collaborators. What are you able to inform us about these on the file or behind the scenes?
The album is just about completely self-produced, with just one that includes artist. Our core followers will get much more Epik Excessive with this one.
How will an Epik Excessive mixtape differ from previous album or EP tasks?
The format frees us from having to make radio hits, permitting us to refocus on the irreverent and uncooked aspect of Epik Excessive that our core followers love. It additionally allowed us to make songs which might be optimized for stay efficiency. This 12 months’s tour setlist is gonna be superb.
The Epik Excessive All Time Excessive Tour hit Europe and North America final 12 months. What can we look ahead to in The Pump Tour?
It’ll really feel very new, even if you happen to’ve come to each earlier present. We’re leveling up every part: the manufacturing, the merch, you title it. We’ve even revamped the VIP expertise so our most devoted followers can get uncommon merch and share extra private close-up moments with us. Severely, don’t miss it.
I’m certain we’ll see Epik Excessive’s good lightstick — the “Park Kyu Bong” — on the highway. Are you able to share extra about its conceptualization? Any worries it could be banned at sure venues?
It’s the lightstick that transcends fandoms, it’s the lightstick you maintain if you happen to’re a fan of your self. On social media, I’ve seen our lightstick pop up at different artists’ reveals and massive festivals all around the world. So if a venue blocks it, we’ll block the venue — as a result of that venue most likely sucks.
Tablo, you buy new K-pop acts’ records since you “bear in mind what it was like being a rookie and nobody shopping for my album.” Any suggestions?
In the meanwhile, I’ve been so busy with our [music] that I’ve been slacking on my Okay-pop purchasing. I will likely be visiting a variety of Okay-pop shops on this tour.
Whereas the tour will maintain you busy up til almost October, is there the rest for followers to look ahead to with Epik Excessive in 2024?
On the finish of the tour, we may have one other enormous present in Seoul. Additionally…my members are gonna kill me for saying this…however this new album PUMP isn’t the entire album. Lastly, I’ve a protracted awaited tune with somebody, completed and ready in my arduous drive. That’s all I can say. [Laughs]
