By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Norwegian pop group D'Sound will perform in Seoul Saturday, with a new album ―``Starts and Ends'' ― but one less member.
In an e-mail interview with The Korea Times, D'Sound's Simone and Jonny Sjo talked about their sixth album, their first effort as a duo after original member Kim left.
``Starts and Ends is maybe the most important D'Sound album ever. It is very energetic and more inspired by pop and rock than our previous records. Some of the songs are retrospective and there is quite a lot of melancholy,'' they said.
They started working on the album as a trio, but Kim dropped out during production. However, Simone and Jonny decided to continue work with producer Jorn Dahl, as they felt very strongly about the material.
After losing Kim, D'Sound admitted it was strange to be working as a duo at first. But they were able to adjust quickly, as Simone and Jonny had done most of the songwriting in the past.
``There is a natural rhythm between us and it felt only natural to go on. We felt so excited about the new songs,'' they said.
Since their debut in 1997, the band has released five albums: ``Spice of Life,'' ``Beauty Is a Blessing,'' ``Talkin' Talk,'' ``Doublehearted'' and ``My Today.''
Because the members came from different musical backgrounds, the group was able to create a distinctive sound. Jonny has experience in gospel and jazz, while Simone is a pop singer and songwriter.
``We have always inspired each other to mix different styles and dare to take it a step further,'' they said.
D'Sound has always been known for its sophisticated sound, which mixes elements of pop, acid jazz, funk, R&B and soul music.
``We've definitely gone towards a more popish sound, but the main idea behind D'Sound is not to commit to any specific genre and to stay free to explore all our musical ideas and inspirations,'' they said.
The duo said the new album offers something new and distinct from their previous works. ``Starts and Ends is my favorite song on this album. It's such a dramatic, sad and beautiful song. And it is so different from our previous body of work,'' Simone said.
For Jonny, his favorite song is ``Live Forever'' because of its ``unique energy, which I haven't felt in previous D'Sound works.''
D'Sound has performed in Seoul several times before, and said all their trips had been ``fantastic,'' thanks to the love and enthusiasm from the audience.
For their up-coming Dec. 19 concert at Melon-AX Hall, the pop duo says fans can expect a show filled with energy. The set list will include songs from their latest album and past hits ``Talkin' Talk,'' ``Do I Need a Reason,'' ``Tattooed on my Mind'' and ``People are People.''
``We will be passionate musicians excited to move the crowd and be moved by the crowd. Our Korean audience has a special place in our heart, and every chance we get to visit with our music, we want to grab the opportunity and hold on to our faithful musical friends … When we feel the energy, then the concert always has the potential of becoming the best ever,'' they said.
Tickets are 77,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com. For English reservations, email info@privatecurve.com or call (02)563-0595. To get to Melon-AX Hall, get off at Gwangnaru Station, Line 5, Exit 2.