Rain prepares to attack U.S. market as first successful Asian

HKVP RADIO - Pop sensation Rain is set to make his American debut in New York on February 2. He and his producer, JY Park, have high hopes for the crossover potential of Asian musicians in the American market. “I am the first Asian to perform at Madison Square Garden,” declared Rain, beaming in front of journalists assembled at a press conference the day before his concert.

The singer and his producer were both clear that this debut was not about one individual. “No Asian artists have succeeded in the American market,” said Rain. Park elaborated that in the past, Asian musicians have tried too hard to imitate American music. “We researched the people that came before us, and studied why they failed,” he explained.

Park believes that Asians and Americans listen to and appreciate music differently. “Asians hear music, while Americans feel music,” he said. He argued that these differences should not be ignored.

The duo has a vision of cultural exchange that is broader than financial success. “We’re not here for the money,” said Park. “We can make more money staying in Asia. We want to make something nice for the world.”

These shared dreams are part of a special bond between Rain and Park. “JY is my brother,” said the singer. “He was my student, then my artist, and now my partner,” Park responded.

Park has a history of collaboration with leading American artists such as Will Smith, Outkast, and Lil’ Kim. This leaves him ideally poised to promote musicians such as Rain in the difficult U.S. market.

Rain has also been compared to a young Michael Jackson. Park believes that the Korean singer can appeal to worldwide audiences as Jackson did at the peak of his career.

In the mean time, Rain has a busy year ahead of him. After his two concerts at Madison Square Garden, he will continue his world tour. Park Chan Wook, internationally acclaimed director of “Old Boy,” has cast Rain as the male lead in his next film. The singer hopes that the growing worldwide popularity of Korean films will also increase his visibility in the U.S.

And then there is his English. Hoping to achieve fluency by the end of the year, Rain is clearly making rapid progress toward his goal. “Next time, no translation, right?” asked Park. “Yeah!” he answered, smiling.

-- HKVP Radio, Aaron Miller
-- Photo by Liz Chow
Original source: http://www.hkvpradio.com/