Interview with DMZ38
BY JOHN LEE

Ktown213: Hey DMZ, give our viewers your 30 second intro.
DMZ: I'm DMZ, vocalist/songwriter for the LA Koreatown-based band DMZ//38. Our new album No Man's Land features songs about peace and reunification for Korea, my homeland. We mix hip-hop, punk and folk influences into our rock sound, and were named "Outstanding Political Band of the Year" in 2005. DMZ//38 has performed throughout LA and Northern California, and has also been featured in Korea Times, KTAN TV and YTN. We will be playing on campuses and clubs this fall in support of No Man's Land.

Kt213: What can the people expect when listening to your album, No Man's Land?
DMZ: When listening to our new album, you can expect to hear a fresh new voice comparable to Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen singing and rapping deep, heartfelt lyrics. The music is very unique, ranging from head-bobbing funk/rap to atmospheric rock evoking Radiohead and U2.

Kt213: What made you decide to express your political views through music?
DMZ: I have a prior background in expressing my political sentiments through music...As the co-founder of the rap group Fists of Fury, I wrote and performed songs during the time of Sa-I-Gu, as a conscious Korean American. Since that time, I have developed my songwriting and vocal abilities to launch DMZ//38, a multi-racial band that includes not only Koreans but also African Americans and Filipinos.

Kt213: Where can we see DMZ//38 perform in the upcoming months?
DMZ: We will be performing at the M Bar in Hollywood, 1253 Vine St. on Saturday July 8 - 10 PM for our Album Release Party. We are planning additional shows for the late summer and fall which will be updated on our MySpace page www.myspace.com/dmz38 or www.dmz38.com.

Kt213: What are your thoughts on North Korea and the tension brewing with the United States?
DMZ: I try to stay informed about any new developments in the political situation between North Korea and the US. I support a nuclear-free Korean peninsula and permanent peace treaty ending the Korean War. I also feel that the current Bush Administration has not pursued a diplomatic solution with serious intent, as seen with Iraq and Iran they seem to favor military options over diplomatic.

Kt213: Where do you see yourself or the bank five years from now?
DMZ: Five years from now, I hope to be healthy and free pursuing a long-term career in music. I would like to still be performing regularly, and I definitely plan to be more involved with production and A&R through my independent label Taegukki Records.

Kt213: Now on a lighter note, what do you do on your free time?
DMZ: In my free time I work out regularly, go hiking, read, fix computers, and occasionally attend a protest!

Kt213: What are your turn-on's and turn-off's?
DMZ: Turn-ons: Intelligence, confidence, style, manners, a great smile.  Turn-offs: Loud noises, bling, and cursing.

Kt213: Where do you hang out in Ktown?
DMZ:  K-Town hangouts include I Love Boba, Koreatown Galleria, Omogari, and K-Town Pio Pico Library.

Kt213: Well we thank you for your time, and we wish you the best of luck!
DMZ:  Thank you Ktown213.com!

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