Diandra Interviews Run River North: Dancing Upon Injustice

In life, there are no guarantees. It is a journey, after all. For Run River North, this has been a truth they have learned that made them see success is not just doing what you love but learning to love what you do, despite all the times you should or feel you could give up. Building a career from your passion can really test how passionate you are, with all the highs and lows, and in our interview member Alex Hwang discusses what it means to “dance upon injustice.”

Diandra: Your relationship formed, as a band, during a talent competition. What did you see in each other, as persons and artists, that made you feel you could both compete and build a career as a group? 

Alex: Technically speaking – Incredible rhythm section – specifically John’s experience and charisma & Joe’s natural musicianship. Daniel is also a gifted musician – classically trained violinist and could pick up any instrument. Jennifer also came from a classically trained violin background. Sally never sang before, but I thought she had a great look and a good talking voice so I was interested in what she would do on stage with our songs. All of us just so happened to be Korean and they all resonated with the first song and first name of the band – Monsters Calling Home. Everyone had their own sense of style and groups like, Arcade Fire and the Head and the Heart, inspired me to believe in big group creativity. 
Run River North – “Wake Up” [Official Music Video]

Diandra:  What are the qualities about each other that you feel builds the band as a whole? 
Alex : Since the break up in 2016/17 when we downsized to three – I feel we’ve definitely figured out our strengths and complimenting skills. Daniel’s musicianship, production and recording skills along with my love for lyrics and performance are a great combo live as well as in the songwriting room. Sally adds a lovely feminine energy to all parts – whether it’s her voicing, melodies, and just simply her presence. It’s intangible but definitely impactful. 

Diandra:  What is the funnest memory you have with each other in forming in this trio? 
Alex: Writing new songs that we love collectively 
Run River North – Monsters (whips the llama’s ass)

Diandra: Was there a moment, after the old members left, when you realized “we are going to be just fine?” 
Alex: Not really. I think it just made us realize that being in a band isn’t supposed to bring you that “we are going to just fine” feeling. That that feeling needs to be found within ourselves regardless of the success and failures of RRN.

(Me: I am in love with that response! So wise!)

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music?  
Alex: Performing as Captain Hook in the third-grade musical version of Peter Pan. 

Diandra: Your lyrics have often been described as “heartfelt.” What verse of your most moves your heart? 
Alex: The bridge of Casina “I get lonely but never alone” 
The opening lines of Beetle “don’t know where to begin, if this is where it will end up. Do you think that it’s over, before it even begins?”
The second chorus of Foxbeard before “glory to his name, Glory to His name, glory to his name, Glory to His name” 
and the recent bridge of Wake Up “we ain’t got no money but we got lots of time, so let’s give a little, live a little, cause everyday the sun’ll rise”
Run River North – Let Me Down [Official Audio]

Diandra: Your sound has gone from folk rock to dance rock. What about where you are in life makes you want to dance? 

Alex: There’s this Christian praise song that has the line – “I will dance upon injustice” and I always thought that that was such a silly way to deal with injustice but as I get older, I realize that sometimes dancing in the midst of any situation may be the most transformative response. 

Diandra:  With a new decade upon us, what do you feel you learned and wish to leave in the past decade? Alex: Veiled tolerance masking a lack of personal responsibility and self-indulgent lust parading as love and\or authentic feelings. 

(Me: Well, damn!)
Run River North – I’m Amazing [Official Audio]

Diandra:  If Music was a person, which song of yours would you dedicate to her and why? 
Alex: “Growing Up” because it’s free.

For More Information On Run River North And To See Their Rough Trade Show on January 24 Click Here.