The four directors of Mnet global band-making survival show '스틸하트클럽(STEAL HEART CLUB)' revealed their individual guidance and evaluation criteria for contestants and their musical philosophies ahead of the premiere.
Mnet's '스틸하트클럽(STEAL HEART CLUB)', which premieres Oct. 21 (Tue) at 10 p.m., is a global band survival show in which individual contestants in various positions such as guitar, drums, bass, vocals and keyboard gather to challenge themselves to form the "final headliner band." Actress Moon Ga-young will serve as MC and "band curator," and Jung Yong-hwa, Lee Jang-won, Sunwoo Jung-a and Ha Sung-woon join as the four directors to lead contestants' growth with their own experiences and philosophies.
Jung Yong-hwa, reflecting on joining '스틸하트클럽' as a director, said he was "excited and thrilled to witness the birth of a great band." Watching the contestants, he said, "Seeing their sincere approach to music reminded me of where my music began," and added, "They are still rough, but I'm really looking forward to what kind of band they'll become once polished."
He emphasized that when evaluating contestants he focuses on "a serious attitude toward music and the aura they project on stage." He also advised, "As important as skill is confidence and flexibility," adding, "You must have the conviction that 'I am the best' in music."
Lee Jang-won, on participating as a director at a time when band music is again drawing attention, said, "It really feels like the era of band music has come. I want to generously pass on band experience to the younger generation." He stressed the importance of teamwork, saying, "Band music is based on ensemble." He explained, "A person who knows when to shine and when to make friends shine, someone with that balance, ultimately looks the most beautiful on stage."
He also mentioned "the importance of soundcheck before performance" in the audition format where a high-quality stage must be completed quickly, saying, "The will to prepare the stage meticulously even in a short time is the greatest weapon."
Sunwoo Jung-a said, "Although I am a solo artist, I have made music in band formats since childhood, so band activity is the most natural form of music to me. I want to offer contestants a wide range of diverse advice," expressing her aspirations. Recalling her first impressions of the contestants, she said, "Everyone shone in their own way. What left an impression was eagerness rather than nervousness."
She added, "More important than skill are the aura you give off and growth potential," and said, "What matters most is the real 'desire to do it.' If the direction of the heart is similar, any hardship can be overcome together." She also hinted, "The live sound on site was so good I almost forgot we were filming. Watching the show in an environment where you can really feel the sounds of various instruments will make it much more enjoyable."
Finally, Ha Sung-woon said, "It's an honor to be able to work with seniors I respect. Based on my experience so far, I want to give contestants practical help."
He said, "All the contestants' personalities were diverse and intense," explaining that when guiding or evaluating contestants he focuses on "stage attitude and growth potential." He added, "I'll point out details that captivate the audience, such as onstage movement and facial expressions, to raise their energy." He repeatedly emphasized, "Attitude is the most important. People with good attitude will ultimately gain skill as well. After all, a band is people and people's music."
'스틸하트클럽,' featuring four directors who have each received the public's love from their respective positions, will show a "true band's growth story" that listens to each other's music and creates harmony, rather than just simple competition. Expectations are building over what kind of emotion the new band sound they create will deliver.
Meanwhile, Mnet's global band-making survival show '스틸하트클럽' premieres Oct. 21 (Tue).<
[Photo] Mnet
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