KPop Demon Hunters‘ fantastic lead female singers EJAE (Rumi, who is also the songwriter of “Golden,” “How It’s Done,” “Your Idol,” & “Hunter’s Mantra”), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey) are a huge part of why this film has been so successful. Here, in an interview with The Contending, they detail how different this kind of singing was for them and why they think the song “Golden” has reached so many people. They also give the most realistic reaction to potentially performing at the Oscars.
The Contending: Was recording music for animation seriously different for you than normal singing?
All: Yes, definitely!
EJAE: It is like acting. Ian Eisendrath did an incredible job directing all of us. Helping us deliver and emoting the lines in the lyrics to get across how the character was feeling in that scene was very important.
The Contending: While the whole soundtrack of the film has been widely embraced, the song “Golden” has really hit a new level among the public. Why do you think that song got such a great reaction from everyone?
Rei Ami: I personally think it’s just an all-around great pop song, it is just iconic. Also this powerhouse vocalist here (pointing to EJAE). The song is so difficult to sing I personally had the honor of witnessing her recording it live in the studio. I just think it’s a great song and that’s why it’s been able to reach people of all ages.
Audrey Nuna: I also think just the way it is so connected to the story of the film and the character. I think all these songs, despite the fact that we were acting, came from a real place for all of us. I think that comes through in all of the records.
The Contending: In terms of getting into your characters, did you guys have any conversation with the voice actors or how did you guys get into your characters?
EJAE: We didn’t get a chance to physically collaborate with them but the directors did an incredible job teaching us about each character. What they are like, what they are going through. For me at least, with Rumi, I really connected with her. I had K-pop training days and trying to hide yourself and your flaws and being this perfect self and always having to put your best foot forward can be really hard. We put that in the lyric and I tried to put that into my singing as well. That’s how I got into my character.
Rei Ami: I feel like Zoey, I see myself in her 100%. So in a way it was easier to be given these lines and notes saying this is how you’re going to do it. With that direction I found a lot of freedom because I didn’t have to think, I just had to do and feel. It was just liberating and really fun.
Audrey Nuna: I think there’s just a level of relating to Mira as a character that was really helpful in channeling her energy. Also it was just really fun. Usually I’m involved in a lot of writing and production decisions, but this was just to show up and deliver the lines. That was a really fun art form in itself to explore.
The Contending: My website is very awards-focused, and “Golden” is a frontrunner for an Oscar nomination for original song. I’m certain you do not want to think too far ahead, but have you had any thoughts on how you would perform at the Oscars? Or do you just not want to think about that right now?
Rei Ami: Girls? Oh, my God.
EJAE: If we do, we will perform our best. [Laughs]
Audrey Nuna: It will be our tap dance ritual.
Rmi Ami: Yes, it will be our tap dance. That’s all I can say.
Audrey Nuna: Oof.
EJAE: Yeah, who knows?
Rei Ami: I’m getting nervous just thinking about it.
EJAE: Yeah, my goodness what are we doing? That would be exciting!
KPop Demon Hunters streams exclusively on Netflix.
