LOREN SCOTT Exclusive Interview
(* This is an exclusive, probably the first time ever interview with Mr. LOREN SCOTT (로렌 스캇). The first American drummer ever to play with Yim Jaebum (임재범) and the man behind the historic tracks “Rock in Korea” (락 인 코리아) and “The same old story” (세임 올드 스토리). He talks for the first time in 22 years about the project and reveals many untold stories for this exclusive interview for the Yim Jaebum Fanpage. Hope you enjoy..)
Hello Mr. Loren Scott. Thank you so much for you granting this interview for the Yim Jaebum (임재범) Fan page. You’ve been in Korea before, so I’d like to send greetings to you on behalf of fellow Koreans. I wonder if you remember “Annyong Haseyo” ?
Ha ha… Of course! 안녕하세요 ! How are you ?
Doing great, especially that I have the honor of talking to you Sir. First off, Can you introduce yourself briefly?
Well, I am Loren Scott (로렌 스캇). I’ve been in Korea before and while I was there I was fortunate enough to be a drummer and have a great time. And I had the chance to play with one of the greatest vocalist I’ve ever met, but we’ll get to that later. I started playing drums when I was 10 years old, and started learning guitar when I was 16. I got my first regular professional gig with a working band on drums when I was just 16 years old. They were the house band at a little club in Mesa, Arizona. I’ve been in various bands on drums, guitar, and bass up until just a few years ago. These days, I am a professional wedding photographer based in southern California. I finally had to make the tough decision to quit my last band because my photography business kept me so busy that I could no longer commit to performing on weekends. But, I still jam whenever I get a chance, because I still love to play music.
How did you find yourself in Korea in the first place? Were you here as US military or as a civilian ? And how many years have you stayed here ?
I came to Korea in September 1984 with the U.S. Air Force. I was stationed at Osan Air Base. I spent a year there before returning to the States. Then, I returned a year and a half later and spent another two years (1987-1989) at Osan Air Base again. So, I was in Korea for three years total.
Did you ever come back since then ? And do you miss Seoul ?
No. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to return to Korea since I left in 1989. But, I would love to !
Now, we want to talk about your great contributions in “Rock in Korea” album. But before that I think we have to start from MAZURKA (마주르카). Can you tell me about this band ?
(* Loren Scott and his mates released an album while he was in Korea as the first ever Rock band with all American members : MAZURKA - "Dream Machine" (1988). ASIA records)
Myself and four other Air Force guys at Osan formed MAZURKA (마주르카) and began playing mostly cover songs at the clubs outside the base. Since most of us in the band were also songwriters, we had also started working some of our original songs into our set lists as well. We played in many clubs and had a good time.
Please tell me how did you get to make a full on record in Korea, as an all American Rock & Roll band ? This was very unusual for the times, I think it’s even safe to say that it hasn’t happened since.
One night after we had performed at the Yesterday’s Club in Songtan-si, the club owner (Mr. Kim) found my house and told me that his music producer friend, Bang Ki-nam (방기남), had heard us play the previous night and liked us. Mr. Kim asked me if we had any original songs, and I told him that we did. He said that Mr. Bang wanted to meet us and talk to us about recording an album with him in Seoul. We did meet with Mr. Bang -- I think it was at the KFC restaurant in Songtan-si -- and he confirmed that he wanted to produce an album of our music for us. At first, we were unsure what the catch might be. We asked him how much this would cost us. He said “nothing”. He would pay for it all – moving our equipment up to the studio in Seoul, our hotel, our food, the recording, mixing, and production of albums and cassettes. He would pay for it. So, then we got excited and wondered how much WE would get paid. He replied, “Nothing... except two free records and two free cassettes each. And you can buy as many more that you want wholesale.”
Wow, that is “some” deal offer...
Yes!, but we said, “Okay!”. Ha ha… it was pretty exciting actually. We did not really care about making a lot of money anyway. We just were excited to have the chance to make a record. As it turns out, Mr. Bang was interested in eventually producing records for musicians in the United States and he needed an American band in Korea to produce an album for first to use as an example of what he could do. So, truly, we were in the right place at the right time. Over the next month or so, we practiced the songs that we were going to record, which were all original songs written by us with the exception of one track written by Mr. Bang and a friend of his, and one cover song –- “Born To Be Wild” by STEPPENWOLF, that only appeared on the cassette, not the vinyl album. The cassette also contained one more additional song, “After I Have Gone To Sleep” which was written and sung by me.
The band name was MAZURKA (마주르카), which is a name for Polish folk dance rhythm. I'm wondering how did this come up for an all American Rock band formed in Korea?
Our bass player (Terry) suggested the name. When he first said "Mazurka", I recall thinking that he said "Berserka" -- like berserk (or "crazy"), and I thought "Yea, that sounds cool!" But, then he corrected me and explained what it really meant (a Polish waltz type of music or dance in 3/4 or 7/8 time).
Oh OK, Did it have to do with a certain member ? Was anyone in the band a "heavy" blooded Polak?
No. Nobody in the band was Polish, that I am aware of, anyway. But, the whole band still thought it sounded odd enough to use. In retrospect, I think we probably should have kept thinking of better names, because some people had thought that we were not a rock band, based on our name! Ha ha!
Which bands inspired you and your mates to form MAZURKA (마주르카) ? Or should I say main influences?
We liked SCORPIONS (스콜피언스), JUDAS PRIEST (주다스 프리스트) and VAN HALEN (밴 헤일런) a lot.
When the band played live, what covers were played besides the band's own material?
Lots of songs from JUDAS PRIEST, VAN HALEN, SCORPIONS, BILLY IDOL (빌리 아이돌), and some ZZ TOP (지지 탑). We did quite a wide range of rock songs.
I do own a playable and also a sealed copy of MAZURKA's only album. PLEASE tell me that I'm a lucky bastard (laughs)..
Yes, you are a lucky bastard! Where did you get that?
I did have the “Rock in Korea” (락 인 코리아) album forever, But when I started seriously "studying" Yim Jaebum (임재범)’s past, your name came up obviously. And I dug deeper and the band MAZURKA (마주르카) came up. I started searching, and years later I finally got a hold of 2 good copies. 1 for listening and 1 sealed. You don’t wanna know how much I had to pay for them ! (laughs)
Ha ha... Is that so? (laughs)
Yes, I’m very glad to have it. Now, did MAZURKA (마주르카) give any interviews while you were Korea ? Or any press or a promo ad of any sort? I can't find anything here whatsoever.
We did do an interview on AFKN Radio, and there were lots of posters made to promote the album. But, nothing on TV or any newspapers or magazines, that I am aware of.
Well since I have the vinyl of MAZURKA (마주르카)and listened to your Rocking tracks. I’d say it was very 80’s sounding, melodic, hard Rock. I wouldn’t be surprised if the little kid back then heard the songs on AFKN radio. How would you look back on the album ?
The songs on that album definitely had an 80’s Rock sound to most of them. One thing that I a most proud of is that each song on the album sounds different from the others. I hate when I hear an album from a band and all of the songs sound the same. And, I really liked that we showed a good variety of sounds and moods in the songs on this album.
A song written by yourself appears on the very first track of the album. And there’s even a significant drum solo on a track that’s more memorable than any other parts’ solos. Would it be safe to say that you "took the wheel and ran the show" in that band ?
No, I was not the band leader. In fact, MAZURKA (마주르카) did not have a leader. We were all equal contributors to everything the band did, and we liked it that way. I have only been in one or two bands in the past that had a designated leader, and it was no fun. I prefer it when each member of the band has a voice.
Hmmm...
That is what truly makes it a band, in my opinion. In MAZURKA (마주르카), since I also could play guitar and I goofed around on keyboards a little bit, I was able to write a few of our songs. Todd Stafford (타드 스태포드 : Lead Guitar) wrote the music for the title track “Dream Machine”, but had lyrics for his music that were honestly just so-so. One day, Todd was flipping through the pages of a book of lyrics that I had written (many with no music yet) and discovered that the lyrics called "Dream Machine" fit perfectly with his music, and that song was born. John Cormier (존 코르미어 : Keyboards / Guitar) had the most formal musical education in the band. So, he was tasked with transcribing all of our music. Terry Scherrer (테리 쉐러 : Bass guitar) was also very well educated on music theory and contributed some very intricate bass lines to every song. He also wrote most of the song "East Is East". And, of course, Mike Stefanos (마이크 스테파노스 : Lead Vocals) was our front man and gave a voice to the band. We all considered ourselves equal partners in MAZURKA (마주르카). It was a fun band to be in!
(MAZURKA members (Left to Right): Todd Stafford (Gtr), Terry Scherrer (Bs), Mike Stefanos (Vo), John Cormier (Keys), and Loren Scott (Dr). Courtesy of Loren Scott)
Any fond memories or interesting stories while playing in Korea? Oh, do you remember Nakwon Sangga (laughs) ?
(* Nakwon Sangga : 낙원상가 – A huge mall downtown Seoul that has all the musical instruments and sound gadgets in 1 building)
Yes, I loved that place. I spent a lot of time (and MONEY !) at that music arcade. Is it still there ?
Yes it is. Still standing tall.
Wow, I would love to go there again.
That would be awesome. So, is that record you’ve made in Korea your only record ? Or have you guys flew back and played more or formed a new band ?
Other than the ROCK IN KOREA (락 인 코리아) project that Terry (Bass) and I played on, that was the only record that we made there.
Mmmm I see, Are you in contact with “the boys” still ? Are they doing OK ?
I last had contact with the other guys in MAZURKA (마주르카) through MySpace a few years ago. They all seem to be doing well, and still playing music.
And are you jamming with a new band now ?
I've still been playing as well, but just not in a regular band anymore, since I don't really have time. Besides, my own kids are way better musicians than I am anyway now. So, I'm happy supporting their musical endeavors now.
What drum kits did you use for the recording ? And there’s this red room of your band photo, Was it your band’s rehearsal room ?
The drums that I used on the recording were a custom CB-700 set with a set of Roto-Toms as well. I had a bunch of Zildjian cymbals all over the place too. It was a good sounding set. That red room on the album cover was in the studio in Seoul where we recorded the album. Our rehearsal room was in the basement of my house in Songtan-si, just outside of Osan Air Base.
("Rock in Korea" cover. This is the 2002 CD reissue version. Original LP is slightly different)
Now, we get to the core of the interview. Please tell me how you got to know Yim Jaebum (임재범). As accurately as you can.
Wow, let's see.. While MAZURKA (마주르카) was recording our album a few different popular Korean singers and musicians came by the studio to see what we were doing - since it was kind of odd to see an American band recording in a Korean studio. One of those musicians was "Steve" Kim (Kim Dokyoon : 김도균) of the band BAEKDOOSAN (백두산). He and I became quick friends and we visited each other many times after that day. Later, when he became involved with the ROCK IN KOREA (락 인 코리아) project, he asked me to play drums and write lyrics for his two songs that Yim Jaebum (임재범) would be singing on ("Rock In Korea" and "The Same Old Story"). He introduced me to Yim Jaebum and I was impressed immediately at how well his English pronounciation was. He was also very humble and friendly. I liked him from the moment I first met him.
Wow what an impression he must have gave you.. What band was he in at the time ? And what was your impression when you first saw him sing ?
I believe he was still in SINAWE (시나위) at the time. I listened to some of his songs with SINAWE and was amazed at his voice. I felt that he was the best singer I had ever heard, and I still think that. He's the best.
Did you see him sing in SINAWE (시나위) in “Rock World” in Itaewon? And what about his 2nd band WAYIN BUDAE (외인부대) ?
No, I never did have a chance to see these, unfortunately.
Did you ever play on stage together with Yim Jaebum (even for a drunk, club jam) prior to “Rock in Korea” (락 인 코리아) ?
No, unfortunately, we have never played live together. Even in the studio, we recorded the music first and then I finished writing the lyrics and I came back to the studio to help show him the melodies and pacing for the words that I wrote and he recorded his lead vocals and then I helped sing backups on both "Rock In Korea" and "The Same Old Story".
On the record it says lyrics are by "Yim & Kim". Even on the CD reissue, which are just a full on copy of the LP. But you say you’ve penned the words of determination. Can you “verify” that as a fact somehow ? Personally I’d believe you because I can HEAR those kind of words cannot come out of a Korean mouth.
Yea, I know. I was not too happy to see that. I am sure that Kim Dokyoon (김도균) or Yim Jaebum (임재범) would confirm that I wrote the lyrics, if they were asked. At least, I would hope so. In fact, the only contribution on the words for these two songs that did not come from me was that Kim Dokyoon (김도균) said that he wanted the fast song to have a chorus of "Rock in THE Korea". I told him that having the word "the" in there was not proper English and it should just be "Rock in Korea" (락 인 코리아). He agreed and that was that. I wrote everything else.
Concerning the lyrics for the 2 songs. You say that you wrote the lyrics for both "Rock in Korea" and "The same old story". While I would believe your claims without a shadow of doubt, are there ANY document or evidence that will back your statement up? Like a hand written note of your music works that you would scribble your ideas on..
I do still have the original typed lyrics sheets from those two songs. They are from 1989 ! I think that would have to come fromYim Jaebum (임재범) or Kim Dokyoon (김도균) for sure.
(Original lyrics manuscript for "Rock in Korea". Courtesy of Loren Scott)
Do you wish you can fix it or would just let it be ?
Definitely. If they ever reprint the covers, it would be nice if they gave me credit for my lyrics. I also wrote the lyrics to "All Because Of You" on the album, but they listed me as co-author of the music as well (with Sohn Moohyun : 손무현), which is not correct. I just wrote the lyrics - and sang lead vocals on that one.
And it also separately written : “Percussion” by Loren Scott (로렌 스캇). And all those years I’ve spinned the track, I can’t make out any obvious percussion other than the drumkit. Can you please shed some light on this matter ? Exactly what kind of percussion is in the tracks and where do I have to listen carefully to really hear it ?
Yea, they recorded me hitting a cowbell during the chorus. But, it is not very high in the final mix. I recall the engineer thinking it sounded too much like a woodblock for some reason.
And even your name is mis-spelled. "Lorren" Scott. Now who should we blame here?
I know! I was not too happy to see that they spelled my name wrong either. I wrote it down for them correctly and, somehow, it got spelled wrong all over the place. But, to prove it's really me, you can see me in one of the photos on the back of the album -- right next to the "All Because Of You" song info with Kim Dokyoon (김도균) pointing at me.
( The "group photo". Loren Scott is 4th from the left. Kim Dokyoon & Terry Scherrer next to him. Yim Jaebum is on the far right - From "Rock in Korea" LP)
In the insert sheet of "Rock in Korea" album, there is a big photo (above) of all the musicians around a microphone in a big circle. You and Yim Jaebum (임재범) are both in it too. It looks like everyone's singing a chorus for a song. Can you tell me which song it was? Or was it just a picture for "show"?
If I recall, that photo may have been taken in the studio while we were all singing the "ROCK! ROCK! ROCK!" part at the end of the "Rock In Korea" song, but I don't think we were actually recording at the moment the shot was taken. But it was taken during that recording session.
And on the credit for “Rock in Korea”, there are 2 bass players listed for the song. Terry Scherrer (테리 쉐러) and Kang Gi-young (강기영), can you give me an explanation for this ?
Why there were two bass players listed on the "Rock In Korea" instead of just Terry ? Good question ! When we originally recorded the song, the bass line and rhythm guitar parts under the guitar solo were different -- they matched the riff under the chorus. But, after we finished the recording the original drums and bass, when I came back in to record the vocal tracks, I heard the song and noticed that they had changed the rhythm behind the guitar solo to have a different groove. The drums still fit, but the old bass guitar part would no longer fit the new rhythm guitar part. So, I recall that Kim Dokyoon (김도균) told me that he had Kang Gi-young (강기영) re-record the bass part just for that portion of the song.
I see, now that’s very new for me. Now, leaving out the 2 tracks that you played with Yim Jaebum (임재범), what song(s) that Yim Jaebum sang you've heard so far really got you the most ? Be it a Metal or pop piece ?
I have not viewed so much yet. I had just done a search for those two songs and watched the performances of those. But they were all great.
Was there any event, of which where you, and Yim Jaebum or Kim Dokyoon performed TOGETHER with MAZURKA on stage ? Either as a special guest individual or as a band member..
None unfortunately.
Well, with all those aside, I personally think the track “Rock in Korea” is more than a song. It’s a statement. How do you feel being a big part of that particular track ?
I love it. When we finished recording it, I could tell that it was kind of an "anthem" type of song that would get the crowd going. Kind of like "Rock And Roll All Night" from KISS was when I was growing up. In fact, as I wrote the lyrics, that was the feeling I wanted to put into them -- that this was the band telling the rock fans in Korea that we know you like it loud and so we're going to turn up the volume and shake the ground !
(* In an episode of Yim Jaebum's latest TV show called "Saddle the wind" (MBC), Yim revealed that it was none other than KISS that turned him into Rock & Roll, during his early teens.)
And “The Same old story” is even written by somebody in the web that it’s our “Stairway to heaven” from Korea. What are your thoughts on that track and how does that remark make you feel ?
I love that song. In fact, I feel that the lyrics to "The Same Old Story" are some of my best ever. They really have a deep meaning if you listen carefully to them. Basically, it's talking about never reaching your goals (in life or in relationships) because of constantly getting distracted by other things (or other people). The line "... another love gets in the way" is a reference to this. In my case, it means that I never got as good on drums as I could have if I had focus only on drums (rather than also taking time to learn guitar). But, it can also mean that a romantic relationship with someone does not grow as strong as it could because you get distracted by someone else and end up starting a new relationship. I love that song.
"All because of you" : how did you get a slot for your own song ?
While I was in the studio recording the backup vocals for "Rock In Korea" and "Same Old Story", I met one of the other musicians on the album, Sohn Moohyun (손무현). He had music recorded for his song, but did not have lyrics written yet. He had heard my singing liked it. So, he asked me if I would like to write the lyrics for his song and also sing lead vocals on it. Of course, I said "Yes!"
It was unusual because you sang lead vocals on “All because of you”. And didn’t play drums. Was the desire to be a lead vocalist inside you all along ?
Well, I have sang lead vocals on at least some of the songs in every band I have ever been in, all the way back to high school. So, I do love to sing and feel confident singing lead vocals.
How was it to have your own Rock & Roll track ? Do you ever play or sing it sometimes in your local music clubs ?
It was great! But, no. I honestly have never sang that song outside of the studio it was recorded in. Kind of sad, huh?
("Steve" Kim Dokyoon is probably saying "All because of you" to Loren Scott. From "Rock in Korea" LP cover)
Is the “Steve” in the middle dialogue section Kim Dokyoon (김도균) ?
Yes, that was Steve. Sohn Moohyun (손무현) had the idea for having a little spoken part in the middle between me and someone else, that was kind of like what David Lee Roth did in a couple VAN HALEN songs. I knew exactly what he meant.
Like “Hot for teacher” ?
Yes exactly. So I wrote up a short script of lines for Steve and I to say to fit that segment of the song. I decided to make it a little bit funny too. It worked great!
I won’t argue with that. The song Rocks . And do you know about the “so called” LIVE REMIX (a.k.a. "Rock in Korea II") version that came out in 93 ?
Well, it's not really live, of course. It is just the studio version with crowd noise added in. I can tell that it's not live because I recognize my drumming and vocals and I never performed these songs live, unfortunately.
(Rock in Korea II -a.k.a. "Live Remix"- cover. Not a real live album.)
How did Mr. Terry Scherrer (테리 쉐러)’s participation come into the picture ? Pretty much same as your case or were there anything different that your way of getting involved of this album ?
No, it was just like me. Kim Dokyoon (김도균) needed a drummer and bassist for his songs and liked MAZURKA (마주르카). So, he asked both Terry and I if we wanted to help with his songs on that project. And, just like me, Terry was excited to be a part of it.
Did you and Mr. Scherrer, Yim Jaebum & Kim Dokyoon jam together as a quartet often ? Or was it just an “album” session ?
No. Just for the album. Honestly, I hardly even remember us practicing much for this. If I recall, Kim Dokyoon (김도균) just played a cassette tape for us of a rough demo of the music for the songs that we used to get familiar with the changes so that we could create our own musical parts. We just showed up in the studio to record, and practiced the songs a couple of times before actually recording them. It was pretty quick.
This one is important for the books. Have YOU played as this quartet, on stage, playing “Rock in Korea”. Because so far I haven’t been able to find ANY record of that album’s groups performing live.
No, never. Again, pretty sad, isn't it? I would love to, though, if the opportunity ever comes up to do so.
Were there any plans on paper at least ? Because even as a kiddie, I remember seeing a footage of Yim Jaebum (임재범) singing “Rock in Korea” - the immortal chorus part to be precise in a rehearsal studio, ages and ages ago. And Kim Dokyoon (김도균) was cranking the axe right next to him. This was a coverage of a entertainment report on TV. I’m not sure if this was ROCK IN KOREA or ASIANA (아시아나) - the band the 2 formed about a year later.
I've never seen that footage. But, I know that the vocals were not recorded on the same day as we did the music. So, I am guessing it was just recreated for the video.
(* As Mr. Scott verified this, it seems that the footage was of ASIANA. In Sep. of 1989 LOUDNESS from Japan played in Korea and ASIANA (아시아나) was to be the opening band. This was a big buzz back then so it may have got TV coverage)
So, you and Mr. Scherrer had a further endeavour outside your own band, with Yim Jaebum (임재범) with Kim Dokyoon (김도균) in the circle, these are 2 of the most influential, and biggest names in Korean Rock today still. Looking back, how do you remember it ?
I feel very fortunate that I was truly in the right place at the right time for all of this to come together. If my band MAZURKA (마주르카) had not performed at a club where the owner was friends of a music producer (방기남 : Bang Ki-nam), we never would have recorded our MAZURKA album. And, without that, I never would have met Kim Dokyoon (김도균). And, without meeting Kim Dokyoon, well... I never would have met Yim Jaebum (임재범) and I never would have written the lyrics for "Rock In Korea". So... I feel lucky in many ways.
Are there any unseen photos or live recordings from that era you wanna open up now? It would be great if you shed some more light for this awesome project. I’m sure you know, it was a “who’s who” of Korean Rock from the times.
Unfortunately, I have nothing. I know that someone took a lot of photos of us recording in the studio, and a few of those photos are on the back of the Rock In Korea album cover. And, there were cassettes of rough tracks and demos of the songs while we were working on them, but those are long gone.
Not even a buddie shot with you and Yim Jaebum (임재범)?
No. Unfortunately, not.
Awww... that’s too bad and too sad...
Yes... it is.
When you saw the recent clip for Yim Jaebum (임재범) singing “Rock in Korea”, what were your immediate impressions and thoughts that you had at the moment ?
(* Yim Jaebum performed “Rock in Korea” with Korean Metal band DIABLO in the heaviest form ever in years. This new 2011 footage can be seen on youtube)
Well, of course, I thought his voice sounded just as awesome as it did way back in 1989. And, it brought back great memories for me. Also, I was a bit jealous watching another drummer recreate the drum parts that I wrote too. Ha ha!
You’ve left a comment on his video of that song on youtube, that’s how I found you. Like you wrote there he’s still got it and kicks like no other. Do you know that he’s recently got REALLY famous in Korea after a “survival” type show ("I am a Singer" - MBC) appearance ?
Yea, I heard about that. I am glad that he is getting more popular again. He deserves it.
His albums are getting out from shelves like pancakes, his nationwide tour is all sold out, and recently shot a TV commercial for a very popular coffee brand.
Mmmm... coffee! I love coffee! Ha ha!
Have you seen his recent footages ? And what d’you think of them ?
I have only seen a few of them. But, he looks and sounds great in all of the recent videos that I saw.
He sang “Rock in Korea” with a famous Metal band called DIABLO (디아블로). What did you think of that power filled metallic sound that was 21th century updated ?
It sounded great! But, again... I should be banging on those drums behind him. Ha ha!
As a drummer in your own right, what did you think of the drummer of DIABLO (디아블로) ? And did you like the the way they played the sick rhythmic mid-section that your drumming shined on the original version ?
Yes, he did a great job, of course. I love watching other drummers too. Drummers are cool people. Anyone who bangs on something for a living has to be okay -- they have no stress left! Ha!
Do you hope for a shot at kicking it loud for “Rock in Korea” again if the opportunity comes ? With Yim Jaebum (임재범) of course.
Yes, of course. Just say when and where, and I'll be there.
Well, hold your breath then, There are even talks of Yim Jaebum (임재범) taking his tours internationally. And if a Korean singer flies overseas, 8 out of 10 times they’ll hit L.A. first. Suppose you’ve heard that he’s flying in today, and you happen to be passing right next to LAX, what goes through your mind right now ?
With no doubt, I would go meet him !
If Yim asks you to get your drumsticks ready and get up there to play “Rock in Korea” and “The Same old story” with him, would you do it ?
Obviously, I would LOVE to share the stage with Yim Jaebum (임재범)and play drums for "Rock In Korea" and "The Same Old Story". That would be amazing. Absolutely. I would be ready !
Maybe you should call up your buddies from MAZURKA (마주르카). (And possiby have a Reunion jam in your garage) as well. What about that ?
Ha ha! I would love that too. I have often thought about what would happen if MAZURKA (마주르카) all came together in a music room with our instruments and were asked to play all of our songs with no practice -- just from memory. Wow! I actually think I could pull off my drum and vocal parts still. But, I know it's harder to do that with guitar and keyboards sometimes. It would be fun, though.
You’ve left the musician life and put your hearts in another form of Art : photography, How did it start and are you happy shooting pictures ?
I actually started studying photography way back in high school when I was just 15. I photographed my first wedding when I was just 19 -- on film, way before digital. I did photography as a hobby for a long time and, finally, in 2005, I decided to officially go professional and have grown my business quickly ever since. I have photographed weddings all over California, Hawaii, and even the U.S. Virgin Islands. I love it.
Do you jam occasionally at least ? If so, with whom ?
Yes! Although I don't have enough free time to commit to a full-time band project, I still practice (on my 16 year-old son's drum set now) and I also sit in on drums and guitar at jam sessions every now and then. It always feels great to get out and play in front of a crowd that loves live music.
With your artistic hands you now hold the camera instead of drumsticks. You want to promote your new artistry for the people who reads this here?
Eh... I probably said enough already. People who are interested can go to my website (http://www.lorenscottphotography.com/) to read all about me and to view my work.
I'm sure you're a master of the lenses over drumheads now. Do you miss drumming and the Rocking stages and the sweat filled nights?
Yes, I do miss performing live. I don't miss having to set up and tear down my drum set before and after the shows. I wish that I had roadies to do that for me. But, I did it all myself. The playing part was fun. The "being a roadie" part was not so fun. Ha ha !
Well that's great. I wish you return behind the drumkit someday and Rock people's socks off.
Thank you. Me too!
Which makes me wonder, if you were asked to join and play drums for a very well known successful band, which band would you love to join? Or would you prefer to get MAZURKA (마주르카) back together?
I would love to play drums for SCORPIONS (스콜피언스), VAN HALEN (밴 헤일런), or RUSH (러쉬). All of those bands are ones that inspired me musically when I was growing up.
Well, I just want you to know, that as long as Yim Jaebum (임재범) sings “Rock in Korea”, your drumming is written down as the original, and will be remembered and heard down in Korean Rock history. What are your thoughts on this ?
Where is my royalty check? Ha ha!! Just kidding. I am very happy to be a part of Korean musical history. I enjoyed the three years that I spent in Korea, and I hope to go back some day and make more history. I learned to read, write, and speak Korean while I was there. But now, since I don't have the opportunity to speak Korean hardly ever, I have forgotten a lot of my Korean vocabulary words, sad. But, knowing that a song I wrote in English is being enjoyed by Korean rock music fans makes me very happy!
That’s great. My guess is that that song will be a staple “classic” for Rock kids in Korea, for generations to come. One of those “Smoke on the waters” and “Back in Blacks” of our own.
Exactly!
Looking back, how was Yim Jaebum (임재범) as a “person” ? He is considerd a bohemian in Korean show biz. Pulling no shows very often and refusing to “fit in” the system etc. But your thoughts of him as a human being, and your friend ?
As I mentioned, he was very friendly all the time. He always had a big smile on his face and was always wanting to practice his English with me. I remember him laughing a lot in the studio and just really being fun to be around.
You think you can meet up with him one of these days for a drink ?
Actually, I don't like alcohol -- never have. But, I'll buy him the beer and I'll have a Diet Coke! Or coffee ! Ha ha!
Do you have any plans to fly out to Korea again ? Even for a short holiday trip ?
I don't have any plans at the moment. But, I would love to.
For your info , Yim Jaebum (임재범) , Kim Dokyoon (김도균) , Kim Jongseo (김종서), Sohn Kyongho (손경호) are still very much active in the music scene here. And I don’t know if you knew him well, Lee Byong-il (이병일 : drummer from LOVE & PEACE : 사랑과 평화) had passed away years ago.
I was not familiar with that drummer or band, but it is sad that he passed away in his prime.
Well he’s actually standing right next to you to your left, wearing a blue jacket, if you look at the “group” photo in the studio. He was one of the best Funk Rock drummers in Korea.
Really ? I didn’t know that it was him. What a loss. Too bad...
You had probably the most variety of roles (written & unwritten) on “Rock in Korea” record. Any last words ?
Yes... let's make some more music! Let's get the band back together! Ha ha! And, watch out for my 16 year-old son, Brandon Scott. He's a far better drummer than I ever was already. Look up "Brandon Scott Drums" on YouTube or just go to http://www.brandonscottdrums.com/ to see him in action. My 19 year-old son, Josh, is an incredible guitarist and film-maker too. The youth of today is taking the musical world to a much higher level. And, I am very proud to have been an influence on my own kids as well as any of the Korean kids who started becoming musicians because of listening to "Rock In Korea".
Oh, I’m not forgetting the very rare case of releasing an album as MAZURKA (마주르카) in Korea . How would you remember that one ?
I kind of explained all of this earlier. But, one additional note is that, although we did not get paid any money from that record itself, we were able to charge twice as much as before for our live shows at the clubs. So, that was nice. Also, it was pretty nice to walk into a record store and see our poster on the wall and our vinyl album on the shelves. I actually went on vacation all the way down in Busan and went into a record store there and, sure enough, there were about five or six copies of our MAZURKA album there. The store owner gave me a pen and had me autograph all of them! Ha ha! That was cool!
I’m a mad collector of Rock albums and I have that very album. And right now I’m very proud to hear from “the man” behind the band and finally heard some stories about that band.. I really appreciate it.
Thank you !
Anything you want to add Mr. Scott ?
I think that about covers everything. This interview actually brought back a lot of memories that I had almost forgotten about. So, I thank you for asking such good questions.
You’re very welcome Mr. Scott. I deeply appreciate your time and your kind answers. Especially for all the material that you've sent and gave permission to use here, and for shooting the exclusive video of yourself playing "Rock in Korea".This will all be posted on the Yim Jaebum (임재범) fanpage and hopefully his fans will find more info and cool stories of him to talk about. And of course know of your contribution to such a great album and memorable track in Korean Rock. Like I said, it’s more than just a song. It’s a statement, and an announcement.
My pleasure. I mean... 천만에요 !
Thank you so very much Mr. Scott. I send you Metal horns and cheers. Please take care and all the best to you Sir.
And you too.
All the best and horns up from Korea to you Sir. Rock on....
Rock on! |m|
And for this Interview, Mr. Loren Scott filmed this first ever video of himself performing drums for "Rock in Korea". Enjoy....
(Video courtesy of Loren Scott)
Much gratitude and appreciation for Mr. LOREN SCOTT, who gave prescious time and shared so many personal memories with us for this exclusive interview. The YIM JAEBUM Fanpage sends applause and respect to Mr. Scott.
(* YIM JAEBUM recently played his very first concert outside of Korea in L.A. at the Nokia Theater to a sold out crowd. Sadly, "Rock in Korea" was played without Mr. LOREN SCOTT....)
* LOREN SCOTT’s official Website & other links :
- http://www.LorenScottPhotography.com/
- http://www.facebook.com/lorenscottphotography
- http://www.youtube.com/LorenScott69
- http://www.livemusichq.com/
(* 본 인터뷰의 한글버젼은 여기를 클릭)
(* For a more in-depth review and history on the "Rock in Korea" project, click HERE)
---- The YIM JAEBUM Fanpage 2011 ----
.
