The singers behind the animated film KPop Demon Hunters say their musical influences extend well beyond K-pop.
EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna told Reuters they also draw inspiration from US hip-hop artists including Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott and Doechii.
"I think I discovered West Coast rap in high school, and I learned a lot about storytelling, lyricism and rhythm," said Korean American rapper and singer Rei Ami.
All three highlighted Lamar's impact, with EJAE describing him as a particular influence. "His flow is insane, his cadence, his way of writing, his way of vocal producing - I learned a lot from that," she said.
The film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has been one of Netflix’s global hits this year. Its soundtrack has already generated more than 3 billion streams, with breakout track Golden reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August. Netflix has said it is currently the platform’s most popular English-language film.
A sing-along version of the movie topped the US box office during its opening weekend on 23 and 24 August, which Netflix described as a first for the company. According to figures from Luminate, the film had 2.1 billion on-demand audio and video streams in the US across all platforms and 5.4 billion minutes viewed on Netflix by late September.
Luminate also reported that the soundtrack is the most-consumed album in the US so far this year when streaming and sales are combined.
The singers will now bring their music to the stage for the first time. On 7 October, they will perform Golden together live on The Tonight Show in the US. "It’s official," they said, confirming the debut. Rei Ami added: "These girls, it’s an honour being on stage with them," calling the performance "overdue."
Released on 20 June, the film follows fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X - Rumi, Mira and Zoey - who double as demon hunters. EJAE provides the singing voice of lead character Rumi, Rei Ami voices Zoey, and Audrey Nuna sings as Mira. The production was handled by Sony Pictures Animation.
With the film continuing to find audiences, directors Kang and Appelhans said they are considering what might come next. A sequel is possible, they said, although for now they are focused on their schedules and enjoying the response. They also welcomed the early awards buzz.
"It’s an honour to be even recognised, to be potential nominees," Kang said.
Source: Reuters
