courtesy of The True Blue, Facebook
I found The True Blue on Spotify about a year ago, and I haven’t stopped listening to their music since. There’s something authentic, soulful, and provoking in their sound that makes their music uniquely perfect for nostalgia. I can’t describe it more than that.
I’m grateful to have had a chance to chat with Christian Koo, the lead singer for TTB.
First of all, congratulations on 1M streams on Spotify this past year! “Other Summer”, TTB's first official album, came out in 2017, and TTB's EP, “Somewhere I Go Often” just released this past October. How has TTB grown since?
Thank you very much. We’re just happy to be making the music we want & continuing to do so over the past 2 years. We’re constantly evolving in the things we want to say, how we say them, & the feelings we want to express. I think we’ve gotten better at being clearer in our intentions & the motives behind the songs, more so lyrically.
Personally, TTB’s songs have been perfect for melancholic moments and night drive vibes in LA. Honestly, your music has gotten me through a lot of rough times. How would you describe your sound? How do you hope to affect your audience?
I’m humbled to hear our music has connected with you & helped you out in any capacity. Our sound is fairly subtle, brash at times. I think our music is unapologetic but not polarizing. Not to be cheesy, but it makes me think of the color blue & the different shades of it. I simply want our songs to be there when someone needs it. Whether that’s on a regular basis or once a year. All that matters to me is that it helped you get through something or enhanced a moment you’d want to remember forever.
In what ways has Detroit influenced your music?
Detroit is home to a number of young, growing & amazing musicians. If I could describe the artists around here in one word, it’d be “driven.” In turn, there’s constant inspiration around by our friends & peers that helps everyone grow together.
What was a big success for you/TTB in 2018? Any upcoming work in 2019?
Putting out “Somewhere I Go Often” was huge for us. Those songs summarize 2018 better than I could ever do in words.
Always.
courtesy of The True Blue, Instagram
What is your background? How has your upbringing influenced your own goals and dreams?
Growing up, I studied classical piano & competed for many years. That gave me a very disciplined, but fun, background in music that was rooted in technique & practicality. It’s stuck with me ever since. My parents have been supportive of my musical endeavors since day one. There were times that have been difficult along the way & I honestly don’t think I’d still be doing this if not for them.
As an Asian-American, it’s quite common to hear about how difficult it is for a POC to have a successful creative career. Have you had to face any obstacles yourself?
It’s hard to say. I can’t say personally, that I’ve experienced any explicit difficulties or shortcomings with getting our music out there due to my ethnicity. I hope that we never have to cross that bridge.
courtesy of The True Blue, Instagram
Recently, film/tv (i.e., “Crazy Rich Asians”) and music labels (i.e., 88rising), have provided more Asians opportunities to show talent in diversity beyond stereotype. What are your thoughts about Asians in entertainment?
We need more representation. Like I said personally, I haven’t had my ethnicity ever come up as on obstacle regarding our music. That certainly doesn’t mean it hasn’t occurred for other Asian American musicians, actors, etc. Generally, I think a lot of media has portrayed us as “nerdy” or “cheap” & I’m so sick of it. I’m not sure if there’s a quick way to combat the stereotype. However, it’s not about being Asian American & going so far the opposite way of how the media has painted us. It’s about being ourselves.
How has your identity shaped your music/creativity?
If anything, I’m going to rephrase your question & say that music has shaped my identity & gave me an outlet to be creative.
Christian and The True Blue came out
with their EP “Somewhere I Go Often”,
which you can listen to here:
Thank you to Christian for being a part of this!
Wishing you the best for TTB.