#02m1lk

[02m1lk]

180821 Beijing News Interview

2nd of august 2018, cai xukun’s 20th birthday, it was the day his ‘first child’ - first EP 《1》was ‘born’.

At 5am, he suddenly woke up and hurriedly asked the staff how much longer till his new song would be released at 10am? He then quickly got up, and confirmed it’s been 8 hours since he’s been on weibo to promote the news and discussed the details of the press conference.

That afternoon, in a certain industrial park area within beijing, cai xukun’s press conference officially started with the screams of his fans.

Yet the originally expected ‘fan-interaction’ and game segments did not appear. In that one hour, cai xukun’s every word never left (the topic of) his works. From playing his MV, to his DJ show, the whole time he only talked about one topic - ‘music’.

“I hope what everyone remembers is my music, that is the best gift I can requite everyone with.”

Someone once described cai xukun’s speed of rising in popularity to be higher than china’s ‘high-speed rail’. A year go, his career was still in a ‘blank period’, he was still a half-popular artist who could only let his stress out by doing music; a year later <Idol Producer> shot to fame, quickly making him the representation of the phrase ‘new generation flow’. each weibo post of his easily surpasses millions of reposts, and when the news of his new song was announced, that weibo post speedily broke over a billion reposts.

*new generation flow (?) - sorry i’m not very sure how to translate this, but it generally means the popularity rate/flow of a celebrity in the industry.

But on the flip-side of shooting to fame, are the eyes locked on cai xukun with hostility. Behind the doubts of him ‘not being as impressive as he looks’ are more and more people groundlessly defaming him.

When we met cai xukun, he was different from the public’s opinion of the boy that is sometimes cute, sometime sexy, gradually revealing the maturity and open-mindedness he holds beyond others his age. He says, from the very start, he just wanted to be a singer, music will always be the best weapon against gossips and rumours.

Cai xukun isn’t bothered by the public’s discussions, another reason is that - he throws almost his all into his packed schedule; group album, fan meeting tour… On the afternoon of the interview, he took only a few simple mouthfuls of food before quickly returning to his work mode.

Yet even so, during the afternoon break, the sound of music was still heard coming from cai xukun’s room from time to time. A soft humming and a light cough, proved that the person in the room had no thoughts of allowing him to get a moment of rest.

Though clearly the most concerned about his music and works, but when cai xukun was informed of the many records《1》had broke, the childlike smile only lasted on his face for a second. “I have to repress myself, and let my mind calm down. If I’m too impetuous, I won’t be able to make music down to earth(ly). I want to do even better.”

Stood on stage for the first time at 12 Returned seeking for the stage at 16

“I’d started preparing for EP 《1》after debuting, the reason why I’m only releasing it now is because I hope to take a slower pace, and perfect every detail.” After debuting from <IPD>, many people once doubted cai xukun for only having popularity and no works. Towards the pressure of these discussions, cai xukun smiled and replied with that.

As we know, every song in this EP - from its composition, production to the filming and editing of the MV was personally participated in by cai xukun. Even the filming angle of the scenes, and MV plot had him personally flying to korea and staying up to re-design and edit.

“Worrying over so much, don’t you get tired?” We were curious.

Cai xukun didn’t hesitate a second, “It’s okay. As I’m doing something I like, so I really enjoy every moment.”

Cai xukun seemed to have discovered his interest earlier than others his age.

Cai xukun’s grandpa knew how to play over 10 types of instruments, he’d been influenced since he was young, naturally moving his limbs when he hears music. After starting to attend school, cai xukun was once the student council president, an active member of the school’s literary activities. Speaking under the flag, being the host of parties, he was always taking the lead. “I’d started to unearth my hobbies (interests) then.”

Cai xukun grew up with a democratic family, supporting everything the child likes, and that cultivated cai xukun into someone with his own thoughts (opinions).

He first performed on stage at 12. Back then cai xukun didn’t actually know what music was, but the feeling of being free on stage, made him discover, that he’d already fallen hopelessly in love with singing and dancing, and that he wanted to keep doing it “I’ve been a pretty stubborn person since I was young, I persevere on the things I like.”

Therefore after going to high school in america, cai xukun learned about the pop music over there, and slowly came into contact with composing. The first time he wrote a song, he only wrote a short section of rap, even if it were only a few sentences, but he sang it repeatedly it for a long time.

He progressed to writing sections of lyrics, then tried to hum a melody, then slowly pieced them together to form a song. “A process like this felt really good! From then I discovered myself liking music more and more, I couldn’t help but to be immersed in it.”

In 2015, the 16 year old cai xukun decided to pause his education in america, and returned to take part in <Super Idol>. He said, he didn’t think too much, he only knew there was a stage (back in china). And the him back then, really needed a stage.

In that year of stillness He made peace with the world by writing songs

The cai xukun that controls the stage well now, and the cai xukun from <Super Idol> 3 years ago, are two completely different people.

Back then he was filled with shyness and nervousness. In that period of puberty (change in voice) he sang <Fate>, he eyes only looking straight, not even knowing where the camera was.

The cai xukun then didn’t talk much, only training under the programme’s arranged classes, practicing repeatedly in front of the mirror. He wasn’t the most eye-catching one on stage, everyone’s impression of him was just ‘cute’. “I have very high expectations for myself, I chase after perfection. When I am certain of how I should become (/achieve), I’ll want to do everything I can to change myself.” Cai xukun admits.

<Super Idol> allowed him to receive systemised training, but from his point of view, the year that made him change the most was 2017, when his career was at a temporary pause. The programme was popular at the time, debuting with glory then, many looked well upon cai xukun’s idol journey.

Yet no matter the effort put in, things did not go his way. Bringing up that period of time, cai xukun didn’t say much, and after a glum moment he said; actually a year of stillness doesn’t affect the choices he makes, he only see it as an opportunity arranged for him by the heavens, and is also a gift for his turning 18.

That year, cai xukun had little schedules related to music. Most of his time was spent cooped up at home or in the recording studio, repeatedly listening to music alone, writing sections of songs. Back then someone advised cai xukun to drop his path in music, but he was set on that - other than music, there was nothing else he wanted to do.

“I’m very grateful for myself not giving up on this path back then, to think of it now it was insane, as people had no idea that you were working hard. But I always believed, the most success one can achieve is doing something they like.” Cai xukun recalls smiling.

In may 2017, a period of time when he was the most lost and alone, cai xukun composed his first original track <I Wanna Get Love>. “If you need my baby, I will be your side.”

He says, this is a ‘love song’ written for the fans that had always been watching over him, it had nothing to do with his mentality(/condition) then, he just wanted to create a style that belonged to cai xukun.

While writing this song, he wrote his motto “keeping one’s heart grounded in a world of temptations”, “I took a really important step out, I can ignore the external matters and public’s discussions, as long as I’m focused on composing.” Music, became cai xukun’s conversation with himself during that period of stillness, and was his only way of making peace with the world.

Someone once asked him, if he could return to a year ago, what would he tell himself? Cai xukun admits, he wouldn’t say anything, “Because it’s only when you’ve truly walked through that period of stillness, will you turn into another person. Now I’ve changed, I’ve become stronger than before.”

About <IPD> What he cherishes most is the stage, not fame.

In the public’s eyes, cai xukun’s participation in <Idol Producer> is a ‘fight or die’. There are too many of such survival shows in the mainland, but those that really succeed can be counted with the fingers. And those who’ve gone through such audition programmes would know, that choosing a stage, means having to accept its success or failure, it is a long-term risk.

“I can’t say it’s gambling, but it does need courage.” Cai xukun talks about the reason for participating in <IPD>, “Because you’ve experienced not being recognised (/acknowledged for his skills) and uncared for, so you have to let go of all the previous bad experiences and pressure, and restart. It’s is a difficult thing to do.”

But to stand on stage, he gave up on the opportunities to film, and came to <Idol Producer> to fight.

His first appearance on stage, he chose <I Wanna Get Love>. The first performance, cai xukun became to first person to get an A with his mature stage control.

And yet, the public was mostly on his appearance; middle-parted golden brow hair, blue contacts, a velvet jacket matched with a mesh shirt, even the teachers’ first impression of him was ‘fishnet’.

“If I were to do it for the first time again, I’d still choose a style like this.” To him, ‘sexy’ is a style that belongs to cai xukun, and fits the expression of that song. Besides the stage, any  other voices were not within cai xukun’s radius of taking into consideration.

Cai xukun’s journey in <IPD> was a constant victory, no other trainee could ‘sit’ steadily in the centre position throughout till debut, yet cai xukun did it. There was a time during the competition where the trainees posted on weibo at the same time, cai xukun’s post had three hundred thousand reposts, and two hundred and sixty likes in two hours, shocking the entertainment industry. Many guessed, cai xukun’s generation of popularity is soon arriving.

Towards this, cai xukun himself was more than flattered, even a little dumbstruck. He says, those that have experienced (being at a) low, wouldn’t hope for ‘popularity’ and ‘shooting to fame’ to happen to themselves. He understands that the love he receives are requites from the stage and his works, “I’ll never give myself too many pre-set goals, when people place you on a higher starting point, there indeed will be pressure. But you have to spend more time to practice, to become better, not enjoy yourself in this ‘bunch of fresh flowers’.”

On the 6th of april 2018, zhang yixing announced cai xukun as the centre position of nine percent with 47,640,887 votes, successfully debuting. Cai xukun raised his head and took a deep breath, but still didn’t manage to hold back his tears. He said, that he is grateful for the him four months ago, for having made this decision, for not having given up.

Closing himself up after debut Making use of his spare time to compose

It’s been four months since the end of <Idol Prodcuer>, cai xukun’s daily schedules are packed: nine percent’s 7 consecutive fan meetings within two months, and endless endorsements. Our interview with cai xukun was also delayed for nearly 3 months.

Though surrounded by and stuck in his numerous contracts of business performances, cai xukun still spent most of his time after the competition on music.

After debut, he followed the band to LA for over half a month of training; in july, cai xukun many times flew to korea by himself, personally participating in the making of his new song. Every schedule of his were very low-key, it didn’t seem like he was enjoying the benefits of shooting to fame.

On the flip-side, the world never seemed to forget cai xukun’s existence. Just a video of him brushing his teeth made it to the trending list’s TOP20; any news that mentioned ‘popularity’ or ‘little fresh meat’, whether good or bad, the arrows would be pointed at cai xukun and his fans. Doubting voices like “no works, only popularity” lurked.

Someone once advised him, to not make an english song, but to compose a song with higher singing difficulty, but he always persisted on his own ideas and style in music.

“Because there was always a voice telling me, that I can do even better.” Cai xukun didn’t want to view music as a task because of these doubts towards him, “I want to try different styles, let everyone see the most all-rounded and best (version of) myself, instead of being eager to showcase myself. The process of keeping yourself grounded can only be grasped and persevered with by yourself.”

The competition just ended in april, and cai xukun posted a weibo in may, once again bringing up “keeping one’s heart grounded in a world of temptations”. He hopes to always keep the initial passion he had for music, and to not be affected by the impetuous industry.

Facing the schedules that only get more and more packed, cai xukun often gets only 2 - 3 hours of sleep. Like squeezing toothpaste out of its tube, he squeezes time out to compose; shower time, on flights, at the dinner table, these have all become places for cai xukun to compose. When travelling around for fan meets, cai xukun made use of the time to create 4, 5 songs “After I finish chatting with you and take a ten minute break later, I can write a section of lyrics, as long as I’m willing to. Since I’m still young, I think all of these are ok.”

Until the end, we even forgot, that he is still a boy that just turned 20. We asked, if you aren’t popular anymore in the future, returning to that year of stillness, what would you do?

He answered without hesitation: “I haven’t thought about that, these have never been a part of the things I worry about.”

Q&A

BJN: When are you usually the most happy?

CXK: When I eat (laughs). When I’m alone I listen to music, and get immersed in my own world. I can’t stand not listening to music for a day.

BJN: After debuting, what do you think is your biggest change?

CXK: My mentality hasn’t changed much, I’ve always persevered in doing the things I like. But maybe because it’s in a different environment, sometimes I’m also like a chameleon. They say sometimes I’m cute, but when on stage I become a little ‘arrogant’. In different environments, I turn into different colours.

BJN: Will you try any film-related work next?

CXK: Of course, I’d be to glad to try. But I’ll take every decision very seriously, like when I release music, I’ll be very serious (/careful) about each word, each melody. I’m just as serious when choosing scripts and characters.

BJN: Throughout this experience towards debut, have you ever ‘lost control’ of yourself? Or have you always controlled yourself well?

CXK: I’ve never lost control. If I did, I wouldn’t live tiredly like this. But this kind of tired is enjoyable, as it’s my own choice, because I like it.

BJN: Is 《1》a product of your perseverance in your own style?

CXK: 《1》is a very inclusive album, it doesn’t consist only of mainstream elements; while satisfying the audience, it also consists of my own style. I named it 《1》, as it holds the meaning of a new form of style. Each work is like my child, after this I will continue to extend my style and create new works, I’ll slowly strive it towards perfection. This is something that will never change, it must be my own original work.

BJN: When the public labels you with the tag ‘popularity’, do you get upset?

CXK: I’ll happily accept it, but time will prove everything.

BJN: Your current state (/condition), is it one that you are satisfied with?

CXK: I’ve actually never thought about a state (/condition) that I’d look forward to, or how I should become, and neither have I thought about which high level I have to achieve. I just want to do the things that I like right now, you’ll then be able to achieve the happiness as of right now. You don’t have to give yourself a frame - ‘I have to be this great’, there isn’t a need. If you want to write a song of this certain style today, ok, then it’ll feel nice to just write it out. The type of happiness that is ‘right now’.

Credits; Text: Zhang He Editor: Bao Bao Photography: Zhu Jun Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/NXbyk0oZgEmShjRDtCsh9g

Full Translations: @02m1lk Do NOT repost, please take out WITH credits.

[02m1lk]

180816 Sina Interview

2nd of August, on the day of cai xukun’s birthday, he released his first EP, and held a press conference for his new songs.

The 3 songs released so far in this EP, are all cai xukun’s original self composed works. The 3 ‘children’ he cherishes. On the dawn that they were finally going to be ‘born’, cai xukun woke up early; anxiously, excitedly and repeatedly thought over on how to properly express, how to introduce them to everyone.

If we looked at it objectively, that is the event of a highly popular idol. Yet when on site; the interactive game segments, ‘cheesy pick-up lines’ confession segments, the things that we have gotten used to and naturally assume will happen at an ‘idol’ event were all missing. The entire event, cai xukun played an MV of his song, detailedly talked about the composing and making of each song, showed the DJ skills that he had been practicing… nothing that didn’t revolve around music.

We’ve interacted with cai xukun a few times on different occasions. Like other male celebrities his age, he couldn’t help but exhibit a little playfulness, revealing the everyday behaviour of youths. Whenever we interact with cai xukun, he always seemed calm, reserved, and his topics always rounded back to ‘stage’, ‘works’. He is ‘single-minded’ (towards music), but for the us that wants to know more details about celebrities’ lives, this is inevitably a little boring. The ‘reservations’ that he has, sometimes gets teased by fans as being too ‘official’.

“Do you wish people will know less about your private life? That you only hope to share with them the you that is on stage?” After going through half of the interview, and having our questions constantly get ‘pushed away’, we directly asked about our doubts.

“I probably only know how to talk about these things (stage, music). Not to say that I don’t share more… perhaps it’s not in my personality (to do so).”

He says, “Only on stage can I be my true self”, and his music takes up a huge part of his life. You can say, the music tasks we’ve categorised as arduous jobs have become ingrained in cai xukun. When talking about music, from his point of view - he’s talking about himself.

As everyone knows, cai xukun’s journey in <Idol Producer> was victorious, shooting to fame through the programme. But his star journey prior to this was not smooth, having gone through a few years of difficulties. Although everyone shot to fame the same way through audition programmes; whilst among these fresh youths that are still following the arranged tight schedules, working hard to adjust to their daily bustle and the feelings of being a little ‘lost’, cai xukun is very certain of: “I have my own plans everyday, I am very sure of what I want.

Since the official debut from <IPD>, there has been a lot of discussions and debates about cai xukun and nine percent. Having no music productions after months of debuting, it has lead to criticisms such as “Only showing visuals, wasting their popularity”, “A year of being an idol was just a dream”; including cai xukun and a few other members having set up their own work studio, or members absent from group events, triggered guesses among netizens about the group’s development. As the member with the highest popularity at the centre position, cai xukun’s every movement is magnified and observed, all sorts of rumours lingering.

When it comes to the matters of work, he responds with confidence. Individual music productions? He’s had that long ago, but because of his concept to compile them into an album, he calmly waited, and continued polishing his works. Nine percent is but an empty shell? “The group has already finished recording two songs, I’ll personally watch over the production of this album”….

But towards other trivial matters, we asked if he was sensitive to all the external voices. He only calmly answers: “I focus on myself.”

“Then have you adjusted to the pace of the entertainment industry?”

“I have my own pace, I’m adjusted to my own pace.” Cai xukun corrected us.

Part 1.

“Being yourself? How would you define yourself?”

“Every song (of mine) is how I express myself.”

On the last day of nine percent’s fan meeting, all nine members played with cosplay. They had on exaggerated make up, and while dressed in all sorts of strange clothing, all of them danced to <Mack Daddy> in their cosplayed classic characters. It was a way of ‘letting themselves go’ to bid goodbye at the end of a journey (t/n: referring to the fan meetings), and it was also to bring a surprise to the fans.

At that fan meeting, the character cai xukun chose to cosplay was “V”, the main character of the movie <V for Vendetta>. He wore a small moustache, and when performing, he had fun with the other boys. At the end of the fan meet, cai xukun expressed his thoughts as the leader of the group: “Today all of us put effort into cosplaying, but from today onwards, we will only cosplay ourselves.”

“Then, how would you define your ‘true self’?” This interview, we tossed him a question.

“My dad’s surname is Cai, and my mom’s surname is Xu!” He caught us off guard with an unexpected answer. Seeing our awkward response, he cleared his throat, and said in a serious manner: “Actually I don’t know how to define myself. But as a singer, your works definitely speaks for you. Firstly I have to have my own style of music, so whenever I work on a song, I will add my own style into it. Every song has to be my own original composition. I feel that this is also a way of expressing myself.”

Sigh, we had wanted to use this opportunity to talk about his personality in his everyday life, yet this boy, again rounded the topic back to music. Whenever we hold an interview with cai xukun, it always feels like, other than talking about music and stage experiences; about other things - he always seems to use the shortest, most ‘surface’ answers to seal your attempts at digging deeper. At first, we weren’t used to it, and thought he was closing himself up on purpose. But after a few interactions, instead we felt something else. Perhaps from cai xukun’s point of view, he genuinely sees the him that is on stage, in music, as his ‘complete self’. Music has assimilated into every crack in his life. That is why he says, “I probably only know how to talk about these things (stage, music). They are an indispensable part of my life.”

To cai xukun, he isn’t too affected by the external world, no longer following the crowd. The moment he was certain about becoming his ‘true self’, had started from the moment he’d found his own style on stage. “From then on, I knew what I should do, what kind of person I wanted to become.”

The ‘moment he found his own style’, has to be backtracked to a few years ago, when he participated in <Super Idol>.

He started liking singing at the age of ten, having continuously participated in competitions since he was little. But it wasn’t until the first season of <Super Idol> in 2015, did cai xukun first receive a systemised training, and truly had contact with the ‘real’ stage. His first appearance (on stage), cai xukun would be nervous too. But he says, ever since he was young his character has been one of “As long as I’m doing something I like, I will persevere and focus on doing it well.” To capture the feeling of being on stage and completely freeing himself - other than completing the programme’s everyday arranged classes, cai xukun also came up with a small ‘trick’ that he uses even till today. “I will re-watch the performances. I will watch it over and over, and see where my problem is. eg. If I spot a detail where a dance move wasn’t fully stretched out, I must practice repeatedly to correct it.” The moment that let him feel he could truly become one with the stage, happened between season one and two of <SI>. During that schedule-free gap, under the arrangement of the programme, he started a phase of ‘trainee life’ overseas.

Previously during our interview, cai xukun revealed: “Actually after having experienced the first season of the show, I became very sure of which direction I should work hard towards, and also set my mind on using that period of time to change myself for the better. I hoped to show a completely different me in the second season.” After having gone through those days of training, when the filming for the second season came and cai xukun once again stood on stage, he could not contain his excitement: “I really felt that I’d changed a lot, and found the state of being my true self on stage.” And that moment made him decide, the cai xukun that can shine on stage, is the ‘self’ that he wants to become.

But life isn't always smooth sailing. A period of time after <SI>, cai xukun’s journey to be a star was not bright. Even later, he had little opportunities to showcase himself on stage. After filming his first drama, cai xukun set a motto for himself: “Keeping one’s heart grounded in a world of temptations.”

“At that time I started writing music; but back then it wasn’t like now, where many people will take interest in your works, so you have to be really focused about doing music. At the time there were also many voices of disagreement, telling me that there’s no need to be doing music right now. Many voices told me to take part in more film (related: tv/movies etc) work. I received a lot of advices like that back then…”

But the cai xukun that was firm about ‘only on stage can I be my true self’ wasn’t willing to just give up like that, and that’s how he wrote down “keeping one’s heart grounded in a world of temptations” to motivate himself.

(t/n: his motto 花花世界 静守己心 if literally translated for a better/deeper understanding:

花花世界: a dazzling/vain world; where people enjoy themselves with the pleasures and joys of the world.

静守己心: silently/calmly guarding your own heart.)

It was in that period of time, that cai xukun took his first step into composing, and wrote <I Wanna Get Love>. Looking back now, he is fortunate that the him back then hadn’t been ‘shaken’: “I’m very thankful for the choice I made, because it was after taking that first step and finding my own style in music, that I will have more things that will belong to myself in the days to come, this is something very important.”

Cai xukun is someone who, after being certain of ‘oneself’, will be firm on it. In April this year after <IPD> ended, cai xukun being the leader of the boys at the peak of their popularity, made a post on weibo, once again bringing up his motto. “I brought it up again, to warn myself, that I have to guard the initial passion that I had, to keep myself grounded in this world of temptations. I must have a calm, quiet state of mind, and do my job well.”

We have our doubts; when things are silent around him, ‘keeping your heart grounded’ is only natural to motivate, and strengthen your resolutions. But the cai xukun that has now shot to fame and is in a place full of temptations (for even higher fame/wealth), can he really keep his heart grounded?

“I feel that this album (《1》) should’ve proven myself.” cai xukun answered promptly, revealing a proud smile.

Part 2.

“Do you think you are someone who is able to be calm*?”

“I think I am someone who is sure of what I want.”

(*t/n: In this context it refers to a person who is able stay calm and collected when facing difficulties or hardships.)

Previously, we’ve interviewed many celebrities that had shot to fame. It was their first time learning the taste of fame. While embracing the phase of ‘victory’, at the same time many of them also felt lost, not knowing what they should do next. The sudden busy workload that piled didn’t give them time to think too much. For a long period of time they only digest their schedule, often not knowing where they are, what they are here to do.

No doubt that cai xukun too has many schedules, but he admits: “Every morning after I wake up, I’ll think clearly over the things I have to do today, the tasks I need to complete. I’ll set short-term goals for myself; eg. If I have to prepare for a performance within this 20 days, when should the whole music production process end? This type of goals are a must, then I’ll work hard step by step everyday.”

Something that left an impression, was a question raised by a media outlet at nine percent’s  beijing fan meeting group interview: “Now that you are all busy with schedules, do you still have time to practice?” At the time, nine percent was in their initial phase of being popular. The group had business events one after another, never-ending endorsements, weekly fan meetings, yet the rumoured ‘already recorded good music’ was nowhere to be seen. The doubts that the public had towards this new idol group were loud; debates over if the group had become one of prioritising gains (fame/wealth over music), sporting a lazy attitude, only drifting along day after day.

Right then cai xukun calmly answered: “On flights too we have our headphones on, and think over our choreography.” During the period of fan meeting tours, cai xukun will make use of the time between flights and travelling to work on composing. Like he says: “No matter how much work there is, I have my own plans, my own pace.”

The group were doubted for being too busy ‘making money’ to produce new works, and in this interview cai xukun reveals: “Actually I’d finished writing <It’s You> a month after debuting. I knew there were objections about me continuously having no works, but the reason that I hadn’t released them then was because I’d hoped to put them all at once into a more all-rounded, inclusive album. Because if today I release an individual song <Pull Up>, or only release <You Can Be My Girlfriend>, or <It’s You>, people will think, cai xukun only knows how to sing this type of song. But I hope my style is not confined, so when I released these 3 songs together I had this considered over. Also as these 3 songs have different styles, there will be different types of people liking them.”

Towards the doubts the public have about nine percent being an empty shell, including after cai xukun and a few members set up their personal work studio, there were voices criticising them for leaning towards ‘fighting individually’, guessing that the group will not release music productions anytime soon. In this interview cai xukun states: “Actually we’re also working on the group album. Including the choreographing process, I will also do my best to help each of our members, personally watch over the production of this album, and guarantee the quality of the whole album. The stage we will present at the end will definitely not let everyone down.”

“Do you think you are someone who is able to be calm?”

“I think I am someone who is sure of what I want.”

“Are you someone who will be sensitive towards the doubts from the public?”

“I think I am more focused.”

“Focused on your own matters?”

“Focused on my career.” Cai xukun corrects us.

Part 3.

“Have you adjusted to the pace of the entertainment industry?”

“I’m adjusted to my own pace.”

At nine percent’s last fan meeting, cai xukun cosplayed as “V”, the main character of the movie <V for Vendetta>. The reason for cosplaying as “V”, cai xukun explains: “In my heart he is someone with a lot of thoughts, and chases after perfection. I like this trait of his.”

“About doing music, cai xukun admits he is slightly more serious (t/n: To put it more crudely but for better understanding, the correct word is: anal. He’s anal about every detail of his music). Prior to the press conference of his new album, he had already revealed that when recording for his new songs, every breath, tone and expression in each sentence will be repeatedly made sure of, and in this interview he also reveals: “Usually when recording I’ll record two versions, each with different emotions, then select one to go with at the end.”

To allow the overall presentation of the production to achieve the standard of ‘perfection’ in his heart, cai xukun personally stepped in, and participated in the making of the MV: “<Pull Up> had an original version at the start, but it didn’t turn out the way I’d expected it to. Then I directly flew over, I said I wanted to edit it myself. I stayed up overnight at the last minute, including adding in the idea of an Intro at the start. In the original version, the music started right away. But I felt I had to give everyone a guide, like adding in a scene similar to that of a CCTV monitor, I feel that this will better attract people’s curiosity towards the song. The entire MV including the filming and editing, were my own ideas.”

The entertainment industry is that of a ‘fast-food’ scene. To newly debuted entertainers, they have to continuously appear (on screen) in a fast-paced manner to maintain their existence. Yet cai xukun is someone who perseveres with taking his time to work on his productions. About facing this complicated entertainment circle, we asked him: “Have you adjusted to the pace of the entertainment industry?”

“I have my own pace, I’m adjusted to my own pace. I have my own music that I make, things I do myself, including the pace of my job.” Cai xukun calmly answers.

Sina: It’s been four months since the competition has ended. How is your condition of life?

CXK: Actually my sleeping patterns are still as messy, but my initial heart (original intentions) is still there. My mentality hasn’t changed much.

Sina: Is everyday a really busy day?

CXK: Basically. I actually quite enjoy this fulfilling process.

Sina: Do you feel that you are being ‘pushed along’ by your daily schedules, or are you clear of the things you do everyday, and do them as planned?

CXK: There will definitely be busy times, but I still think you have to focus on the things you feel you have to do first. Also I am the type that will set goals for myself; eg. If I have to prepare for a performance within this 20 days, when should the whole music production process end? This type of goals are a must, then I’ll work hard step by step everyday.

Sina: On the last day of nine percent’s fan meeting, all of you wore the IPD uniforms. How did you feel wearing the same clothes you did during the competition, did you feel any changes in yourself?

CXK: Actually I was a little touched, like when dancing I actually had goosebumps. As I’m actually very thankful for this experience, it was a constant learning process. When you put on that uniform again, you will feel that you seem to be a little different, but actually, you’re still the same.”

Sina: Do you feel proud of yourself? When you first wore (the uniform) you were a ‘newbie’ unsure of your future, and now you’re a first place watched upon by many.

CXK: I think more of it is thankfulness and (feelings of) cherish.

Sina: During the cosplay, you played the character “V”, why did you choose this image?

CXK: Actually the feelings this character delivers, is that he is a person with a lot of thoughts, and is someone that chases after perfection. I like him also because I think he is someone I need to learn from.

Sina: So far which quality of yours do you admire yourself for?

CXK: Myself? I think an area that I do better at is (being able to) focus.

Sina: As an idol, do you wish people will know less about your private life? And only hope to share with them the you that is on stage?

CXK: Private life? I think after understanding my stage (performance), you should (be able to) understand the kind of person I am.

Sina: Just that you won’t share too much about your private life.

CXK: Not to say that I don’t share more, perhaps it’s not in my personality (to do so).

Sina: Other than your identities as a singer and the leader of nine percent, when else do you think you feel the most free, and childlike?

CXK: The most childlike, when I return home.

Sina: You’ll act cute?

CXK: No.

Sina: Then what kind of a state is it?

CXK: Just that when in front of my parents, in their eyes I am definitely always a child.

Sina: After your 3 songs were released online, did you read the comments about it?

CXK: I’ll read them carefully. Firstly I am very moved that my fans, they really put their heart into understanding my lyrics, the melody I wrote, including my fully self-composed song <It’s You>, they’ll really be curious about my song-writing experience… I feel that their accompaniment like this have given me a lot of support and motivation. Secondly, I also saw a lot of (comments from) ‘passer-bys’, they do think that my songs are nice, the response from the general public towards my music is of recognition. I feel that this, towards a person that makes original music is the biggest form of affirmation. As these works are just like my children, they are a part of my life, when my works receive recognition, I feel that there isn’t a moment where I’m even happier.

(t/n: Passer-bys: neutral netizens, that are not his fans/antis, just regular people who may not even know much about him. A common internet slang.)

Sina: Other than the fans, there are a lot of ‘passer-bys’ that will think all of you debuted from an audition programme on a surface level, and define you as ‘fresh meat’ idols.

CXK: I feel that you have to accept all sorts of voices, accept all the definitions, but I don’t have a defined image.

Sina: The general public look at ‘idols’ with filtered glasses. As you didn’t release music works before this, many people don’t look well upon you and nine percent. Under a situation like this do you feel anxious?

CXK: Actually I’d finished writing <It’s You> a month after debuting, although many people may have said, why does he not put out his works? But the reason that I hadn’t, was that I’d hoped to present the album in a more well-rounded, inclusive way.

Sina: Previously you mentioned that the EP will continue to expand with new works, when will those be released?

CXK: Around the end of month, it’d be released then.

Sina: Having set up your personal work studio, how would you balance your identity as nine percent’s leader?

CXK: Actually we’re also working on the group album. Including the choreographing process, I will also do my best to help each of our members, personally watch over the production of this album, and guarantee the quality of the whole album. The stage we will present at the end will definitely not let everyone down.

Sina: When will the group album be released?

CXK: It hasn’t been decided yet. But we’re all really working hard to prepare, and have already recorded two songs.

Sina: Any recent plans on your individual career?

CXK: I will continue to put out new works, and at the same time let everyone see my them in the form of stages (performances). And of course I’ll also try out variety shows. I’ll keep learning on many different aspects, and continue to improve my abilities.

Sina: About variety shows, which type do you think you are better at?

CXK: I’m better at the kinds involving food (laughs)!

Sina: Are you satisfied with your 20 year old self?

CXK: Firstly I feel that I’ve produced my own music works, it also holds the meaning of that I am able to continue to bring to everyone more of the music that belongs to me, this is my biggest gift for my 20 year old self.

Credits;

Text: Ran Photography: Wang Bo, Liu Jia Qi Article: https://bit.ly/2Mm4dis

Full Translations: @02m1lk Do NOT repost, please take out WITH credits.

[02m1lk]

180908(?) GQ Interview

(t/n: it’s an audio interview!)

cxk: hello everyone, i’m cai xukun. really happy to be a guest here, thank you.

what will you be busy with in the month of september?

cxk: in september i’ll be preparing for <wait wait wait>’s mv, as everyone likes the song quite a lot, so i hope to not leave any regrets. even though it’s a little late but we’ll still hope to film the mv for <www>. this time we also invited an exceptionally outstanding director dave meyers, it’s also his first time working with a chinese artiste. both our sides value this collaboration a lot and want to do it well. around the end of september i’ll also be going to LA to have a meeting with him, then film (the mv) in october.

how old do you think your mental age right now is?

cxk: i actually don’t know either, if there’s a chance i can take a (mental age) test. but it’s probably older than my actual age.

why?

cxk: hm.. because of dakui. dakui’s mental age is pretty old, he pulled up the average age of dakui and xiaokui’s mental age.

hahaha that’s an interesting explanation. talk about a really sad* moment you had recently? *t/n: can mean dejected/downcast/gloomy, i just summarised it as ‘sad’.

cxk: a really sad moment.. it’s actually (been) alright. but sometimes when i’m alone at night resting, listening to music or composing i’ll feel a bit of loneliness.

then are there any moments that you feel really happy (blissed)?

cxk: recently there was a moment i felt really blissed, if you watch my stage (performance on idol hits) this time you’ll see that when i heard them (ikuns) cheer for me below the stage, i think, it’s the most blissful moment i’ve had in this period of time.

can you hear what they were saying when cheering?

cxk: they sang <you can be my girlfriend>, and i think they did some fan chants as well.

if time could turn back, which moment would you want to return to?

cxk: i’d want to go back to.. maybe middle school? riding on bicycles in the forests, going to school everyday, listening to music, then playing basketball after school.. i think i miss those times quite a lot, it was very innocent (/pure) and cute.

like the feeling of youth?

cxk: yes, it was just very simple & natural, and comfortable.

previously someone asked you to describe yourself with an animal and you said tiger, has that changed now?

cxk: hm.. probably not. it’s either a tiger or a lion.

why a lion?

cxk: because i’m a leo heheh. so tigers and lions are more similar to me.

which characteristic of a leo do you think you fit with?

cxk: when i’m on stage i’m most like a leo. but leos originally also have a pretty introverted side. maybe they’re more calm (‘stable’) in daily life, but on stage he’ll be very confident and ‘arrogant’.

i thought of something funny that your fans really like recently, do you remember the time you accidentally dropped your plastic bag? then you calmly kicked it to one side before picking it up later.

cxk: i actually don’t know why this came about, i’m quite surprised because i don’t actually remember myself doing this 😂 just.. yea i don’t know why either, i’ve forgotten.

a lot of fans think it’s very old-school, and that a contrast like this is really good.

cxk: ’m usually quite thrifty heheheh.

(t/n: sorry i don’t know the interviewer said, but it’s still about being thrifty!)

cxk: right now I’m actually working with sina weibo on volunteering. usually my mum also teaches me a lot to live life ‘simply’, from using water to consuming food, that i have to be frugal (on such things).

what’s the most healthy thing you’ve done recently?

cxk: the healthiest thing.. actually recently i’ve been quite unhealthy 😅

sleeping really late?

cxk: yep, been sleeping pretty late recently.

after 12?

cxk: yes.

a trait you’d want to change about yourself?

cxk: hm.. i think i’m a little skinny, i’d want to eat & gain a little more weight.

host: woah, a lot of girls want to slim down hahaha. your troubles are.. pretty blissful troubles!

cxk: thank you 😅

host: what do you think the staff that follow you around are most afraid of you doing?

cxk: probably that i won’t talk, sometimes i’m a little quiet, and they don’t know what to do either.

host: but i see that the you right now is pretty bubbly.

cxk: it differs with the state (i am in). for example when i’m listening to songs or reading books i’d prefer not to be disturbed.

easily getting immersed in your own world?

cxk: there are moments where i need to be immersed in my own world.

when there are no work schedules what do you do?

cxk: hm.. i’d probably watch a movie, drink a cup of milk tea or coffee, then read books, listen to music, chat with my friends, just simple things.

about movies previously you mentioned you like <my old classmate> and <so young> etc?

cxk: yes yes, i love it, i still love it a lot. like i said just now i’d want to go back to the times of cycling to school, actually i have such sentiments.

do you have any worries recently?

cxk: recently the biggest worry (i have) is probably sleeping late.

when it comes to hairstyles - between having a fringe, showing your forehead and using a hairband(?) which one do you like most?

cxk: previously i mentioned (i like) the middle part and showing my forehead, but actually it depends on how i feel (at the time). recently i prefer braids or maybe i’ll leave my fringe down after a while.

as someone with allergies are there any things you take note of when doing skincare?

cxk: actually i’m really not good at skincare.. but my face doesn’t get the allergy as i have the habit of using face masks. the mask that i’m endorsing is really pretty good (literally everyone starts laughing lmao).

say something to your fans?

cxk: recently i posted on weibo saying i hope that everyone can study well in the new school term, at the same time i’d also continue to put out works and work hard with everyone. i also wish a successful career to everyone that is working, you can also take reference from my motto ‘keeping one’s heart grounded in a world of temptations’. that no matter the difficulties you face at work, i think keeping a positive and good mindset is really important.

full translation: @02m1lk​ (t/n: technically it isn't stated that it's a GQ interview and i can't find the original link either, but since this was supposedly recorded on the day where he attended the GQ event so just assuming it is a GQ interview!)

audio link (as provided by anon, thank you!): http://fx.weico.cc/share/36168775.html?weibo_id=4283210281874225