Interview with Youtube Rockstar Zack Kim

A few months back, while thinking of ideas for my CS803 Media In America project, I had the idea of "Youtube Rock" - a new generation of rockstars born in Youtube. The very first one I thought of interviewing is Zack Kim, for his unique Super Mario Theme-on-2-guitar-video. I remember when I saw it on Collegehumor 2 years ago and I think I posted it somewhere on this site.

Although he's a Youtube rockstar(by my own definitions!), he also plays in the KL-based band Cosmic Funk Express. So that technically makes him a real-life rockstar too!

Your cover of Viva La Vida is awesome! I love your Pieces(of You) cover too. What makes you cover a pop song? Is it because you really like those songs or you just wanna have a kick out of it?
I like the song, plus I want to get a kick out of it I guess. I just do anything randomly at anytime when I feel like it cause I love almost all music if it sounds good. Just like food, I like eating kimchi with nasi lemak or kuay teow with wasabi. Never tried it yet but sounds good :)

We all know you for your famous Mario Bros cover...it was ingenius and entertaining at the same time...where did you get that idea from? Do you always like to do something different like that or it's just a joke?
I wanted to do something really fancy at first but my playing capability was'nt good enough so I had to go with something that atleast "looked" fancy and thats how Mario came about :p I loved super mario from young age playing mario bros, world, kart and etc I was really serious uploading the video than but looking at it now, it is funny :D

What do you think is the reason for your youtube hits? What sort of appeal do you feel that you bring to your youtube viewers or subscribers?
I think it is the fact that I uploaded a bunch of video game songs with two gutiars. I am trying my best to show that I can play more than Super Mario but I can't seem to upstage my old Italian friend. Maybe for my next video I will eat some kimchi noodles and play guitar with the remaining hand.

Does your Italian friend upload his videos to youtube as well? Does he have a youtube page too?
I was reffering to Mr. Mario hehehe

Haha...you got me. How has rock music influenced your life? Did you make more friends because of a common interest? Do you get girls with your guitar skills?
Rock music to be precise GnR's knockin on heavens door made me start playing guitar. I am very grateful that I have an interest as I would have spent alot of my time doing something silly if it wasn't for the guitar like drinking which I really like to do anyhow :)

What are your ambitions? Are you satisfied with being a Youtube Rockstar? Or do you dream of something bigger someday? Like a record deal?
The fact that I like youtube is that I can upload any videos at any time and reach a very wide scope of audience but it can't compare to the vibe that you get on stage performing for a crowd even though it is smaller in number. It would be nice to get a record deal :)

Has anyone approached you yet? Assuming that someone gives you a record deal, what type of songs would you do? Give us a preview!
Some other TV programs and show organizers so far, no record deal. I have not decided but if I do get a chance, I would like to start a band with a vocal playing something inbetween Rock,Jazz, Pop and Techno. Don't know how that would sound yet And for solo project, I would like to work as a trio with a double bassist and a drummer cover and wrighting original materials changing calssical music into hip hop or jazz, playing game tunes inbetween a serious music and etc. I guess I want to try something strange and hopefully it will sound good.

Do you think more young people like yourself are 'the future of rock 'n roll'? Do you think that this style of tapping 2 guitars of yours should be a new, recognized subgenre of rock? On your Youtube profile, you put label type as "Independent".
I think Kpop dominates too much for young Koreans to become the future of rock but it would be nice to see not just from Korea but anyone from Asia to give a name in the world music. I don't know if it will be a new recognize subgenre of rock but it would deffientely be a new style of playing method that will be incorperated in modern music from time to time. Yes I am indi!! :D

How does your parents feel about your youtube fame? Are they proud or do they think that it's just another hobby that you would someday forget?
My parents are worried that I might not get a proper job!!

You're in the Army now, right? We Singaporeans guys must serve in the army as well...do your superiors know you as a youtube star and treat you differently from your peers? Coz if I was someone like you, they'd(my superiors) probably ask me to perform at unit events, celebrations, etc. I imagine that would be kinda fun! Any interesting stories to tell?
Yes they do but I am more known here in Korea for appearing on this talent show called Star King. (I was the champion last year) and I manage to travel and perform in different divisions including shows in the ministry of defense where I performed for the highest rank 4 star general. I don't know if this means anything to non soldiers though. So after appearing on the show everyone on the street started to recognize me but only when I am in the army uniform :p

Just for the fun of it...have you ever imagined that one day, people like you would be inducted into the Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame?
If they don't, I will go carve my own hall of fame!! It would be an honour to be inducted.

Here's the "Youtube Rock" article