Introducing The Multi-Talented Collective Balming Tiger

If you’re looking for a music collective that will deliver a unique genre-bending sound and get you on your feet, then look no further… Balming Tiger is for you. Described as a “multinational alternative K-pop band,” the Seoul-based group is made up of performers Omega Sapien, sogumm, bj wnjn, and Mudd the student. Rounding out the collective is producers San Yawn and Unsinkable, video directors Jan’ qui and Leesuho, DJ Abyss, and writer Henson Hwang.

With talent radiating from every corner, the collective has expertly carved its own lane in the music sphere by bringing each member’s expertise to the forefront – which has resulted in the groups immersive and electric music catalogue. Their latest single, “SEXY NUKIM,” with BTS star RM, is the perfect example of their boundless artistry and creative vision to represent the younger generation and further popularise Asian culture worldwide. We were able to chat with Balming Tiger about everything from how they came to be, working RM, and so much more. Read the full interview below. 

Heya Balming Tiger! Thanks for sitting down with us. 

Thank you so much for having us.

How have you all been over this past year? Did you guys have a good summer? 

Our summer was fantastic. There were many shows in Europe from May to July. We went to “The Tiny Tour ll UK & Europe” and had a separate festival tour. It was the best summer ever.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty! Do you all remember the moment you realized you wanted to pursue music? 

I think all the members will be different. Omega Sapien realized that when he first heard Korean hip-hop on his sister’s Mp3 player while studying in China. And Mudd the student, too, seems to have naturally realized it as he grew up listening to his sister’s playlists.

Which artist or album do you continually look towards for inspiration?

Beatles, Pharrell Williams, and so many artists that it’s hard to tell.

Can you take us through the creation of Balming Tiger? How did the collective come to be?

When we first wanted to make this collective, we thought that we could just have fun in the process of making it, and let’s make music that would be fun to listen to. It doesn’t matter if other people think it’s not cool or the song is bad. Then, the creators who get along with each other got together one by one.

We have to talk about your sound. First of all, it exudes so much energy, it’s absolutely fantastic. How would you all describe the inner workings of your sound? 

There was a different process for each song. They were all very different processes, but these days we tend to make a lot of new demos through song camp. Let’s all focus on making new songs in the same house and live together for about a week. We never force each other to participate in the song camp, but we all became immersed in music as if we had been waiting for this time. In different combinations, the way the members take turns working seems to give new energy.

Your single ‘Sexy Nukim’ is such a banger, and it also features RM from BTS. Can you take us through the creative process for this record? What message or theme did you want to explore with this track?

bj wnjn, Leesuho and San Yawn got together and started working on it for the first time. We didn’t start making sexy music, but when we combined them, I think that was the atmosphere at the time.

The message is simple. It’s a track that talks about the sexiness that each thinks. I think there’s a message that’s more like the inner sexiness of a confident person than the sexual sexiness that’s seen on the outside.

How did RM’s involvement on the single come about? 

When we worked on the song, we felt that we needed a new voice aside from our members. And San Yawn wanted it to be RM. One of San Yawn’s old friends is a BTS producer named Supreme Boi. He asked Supreme Boi to play the track to RM. And RM said he wanted to participate after hearing the music.

You guys finished your UK/EU tour not too long ago! What were some of your favourite moments from being on the road?

Every moment was a great experience. But if I had to pick one, after the Berlin concert, which was the last tour city, we all bowed to the audience in Korean style. I think we really appreciated our fans and wanted to express our love for them. I was also overwhelmed by the thought that the tour was over. I just chose one of the 100 good experiences we had during the tour.

We need to know! Will fans be treated to an album or EP soon? Can you give us any details regarding its sound or story?

Our new single is coming out this year. And the new Baring Tiger’s first studio album will be released early next year. And our new cartoon worldview called “Balming Tiger Universe” also started with SEXY NUKIM, which will be further developed due to the album.

Lastly, what are your top five goals you want to achieve in the music sphere? 

1: Winning at the Grammy Awards

2: A world tour at the stadium

3: Creating a Balming Tiger’s own festival

4: Establishing a foundation for musicians

5: Collaborate on Daft Punk’s comeback

Make sure to listen to Balming Tiger’s latest single ‘Sexy Nukim’ here or below.