Interview With RUSUR
We talked with Rusur, an award-winning singer and songwriter and the first black Kpop male idol. He talks about future plans, his musical inspirations and more! [Date: January 2, 2023]
You can view Rusur’s profile here.
Before starting, I want you to introduce yourself for both your supporters and Kprofiles readers.
Good morning, good evening, and goodnight my ROUGIES, and anyone curious enough to learn more about me! My name is Zeboria, you know me as RUSUR, and I am honoured to share some more about my life with you and KProfiles.
I’m sure there were countless moments in the past year when you thought, “I can’t believe this is happening to me” — but is there one that stands out as particularly unbelievable?
This year has been an absolute roller coaster, and I feel so grateful to have achieved everything that I have this year, but the #1 craziest thing that happened to me this year was when I started working with Rokman who is the producer of ‘Lemonade’ by NCT 127! We’ve created 4 songs together so far, and I’m so stoked to see what happens to them… Fingers crossed we get a song with SM ahhhh!
If you had to pick one of your favourite songs from any of your albums, which one would it be and why?
Young Minnie has been the driving force behind all of the production of 2022’s songs, and she just debuted on my label, NO STRUM Records, in November. She visited me on the West Coast of Canada all the way from South Korea for us to create The MINNIE Album together, and I know I’m being biased when I say this, but I think that the entire album is a SMASH beginning to end! My favourite right now is ‘Miracle‘ since I’m using the KPop technique, but singing in French and English!
If you could collaborate with anyone right now, who would you choose and why?
I think the path that Fatou has paved being the first black KPop artist is beautiful, and I would love for us to have a chance to be on a song together since I’ve been continuing this expansion of what KPop looks like as the first black male KPop artist. I understand that there’s a lot of commentaries around who can participate in KPop, but one thing that we have to acknowledge is that a large piece of KPop is rooted in black culture, and I think it’s time for us to have our voice in the scene.
What makes you most excited about popular music in 2023?
The idea that my songwriting has a chance of being sung by a major KPop act in 2023 makes me the most excited! My fingers and toes are crossed hoping that we can make a big placement this year!
You debuted in Korea as the first black male idol in 2022. What has changed since you started? And what are the goals you want to achieve?
These days it feels like things are always changing, and that’s the way I like it; I want to always be keeping my head faced towards the future, and enjoying the journey along the way. The biggest thing that has changed though is my confidence in myself. To witness all this hard work of creating over 100 covers, learning Korean, directing and choreographing my own music videos, and running my own label turn into history has shown me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. The next step on this journey is to have a song placed with one of the big KPop labels (SM, HYBE, YG, JYP)!
If there’s one thing you want to be remembered for, say in 30 years or so, what would it be?
That I never stopped loving with my whole heart.
Please recommend a song for your fans’ playlists.
How about I UNO reverse you and send you my own playlist 😉 I’d love for anyone reading to send me some KPop tracks that they have on repeat!
If you’re wanting to start your own playlist, don’t forget the ABSOLUTE BOP that is “Waves” by KANG DANIEL (feat. Simon Dominic and Jamie). TSUNAGI TSUNAGI
Can you speak any other languages? If yes, where did you learn it?
My native languages are English and French, and to prepare for my trip to Korea in 2023, I’m being tutored in Korean!
Is there anything else you want to do besides making music?
Making music hasn’t ever been the goal if I’m being honest. I saw that the entertainment industry had the biggest voice, and I wanted to share my ideas with as many people to inspire growth within them! Doing interviews like this is why I work so hard in everything that I do; I want to earn the attention of others, and leave a blueprint of my journey along the way. Currently, I’m entering the acting industry, and I’ve already filmed a movie that I’m starring in! I’m so excited for it to come out this year on Discovery+ Ahhhhhh
What is your biggest dream both as a person and as a celebrity?
My biggest dream is for people to understand how powerful they really are; your perspective on life is the most valuable thing that you can offer the world. I hope that the day will come where you truly understand how much you matter.
What are the main sources of inspiration for the creation of your music, videos, and performances?
I’m very inspired by people who have broken the boundaries of what it is to be an artist, and create work that they enjoy rather than following the trends. People like Pharrell Williams, Tyler The Creator, and Childish Gambino really inspire me to see just how far I can take things!
What do you think when you look in the mirror before going out?
Damn, I feel good.
Is there a song you listen to often these days?
The amount of times I’ve listened to 2 Baddies by NCT 127…
Do you listen to Kpop often? Do you have a favorite artist in the new fourth generation?
Since I’m building out a network of KPop coverists through my platform, I try to stay on top of all the latest releases. I’ve always loved KPop since I found the music video of “Haru Haru” by BIGBANG, and I would say KPop has come a VERY long way since then, and these new generation KPop groups are BLOWING MY MIND. Shout out to XG, IVE, and LE SSERAFIM are currently on the top of my list… Secretly have a crush on Soyeon from (G)I-DLE though… shhh”
2023 came. What wishes do you hope to achieve this year?
As I prepare to visit Korea for a month, I want to create a music video for my KPop debut “One Way Home“; I think it would be so special to have that moment realized since I set out to do that the moment the song was released in June of 2022. I also REALLY want to get a KPop placement with a big group in 2023. Wish me luck!
You’ve been making history lately. So how do you want people to remember the name “Rusur”? ㅡ What impact can Rusur have on people’s lives?
Genuinely, I want you to see me as a friend. I don’t want you to idolize me, I want you to feel comfortable enough to let me know if you’re feeling sad, or want some advice. I’m living the life that I do, and push myself this hard, because I want to show you how much is possible when you believe in yourself. I love you!
Lastly, can you leave a special message for Kprofiles readers?
Stay curious, stay creative, and stay ROUGIE <3
Related: Rusur Profile
Are there any other people you’d like us to interview? Comment down below! 🙂
(by irem)
