Diandra Interviews The Fur: Making You Feel Fluffy And Warm

We all need a “Serene Reminder,” which explains why Yoz and Zero, a.k.a The Fur, called their debut this phrase. 2020 has been a rough year; with many seeking serene reminders that they are okay and will be. In out interview, the Taiwanese duo discuss how music grounded them in a world where being “present” doesn’t always feel like a gift. 

Diandra: What has others’ love helped you heal about yourself?

Yoz: I’m grateful for all the people who have ever been into my life. Every relationship is with a kind of love, some are harsh, some are patient. Each kind has helped me become who I am right now. Whether if it hurts or heals, it only matters how we think of it.

Zero: I often think about things like giving and receiving help from others. When I receive love and care from others, I sincerely feel gratitude, and it smoothes out the negative feelings. Growing up, I realized that I’m healed more in giving than receiving. The power starts with two people and expands to everyone near us. I think that is the mechanism.

Diandra: There are those who believe love can heal the world. How do you feel music plays a role in making that true?

Yoz: Love can be transmitted in all kinds of forms and music is one of them. Music is a tool to tell stories and it is a combination of frequencies. It’s almost like a human. It is not limited by geographic locations. So it does play a role.

Zero: I think all the artists (any art form) put their spirit unconsciously into their works. Even when they are no longer in the world, the works would be still around for people who need it. I also believe in love could cure the world but it only takes time. Beautiful things are still happening around the place. It is probably a lifetime job for an artist to continue do so.

Diandra: Do you think there is more love in the world than hate? What are your serene reminders that love can conquer?

Yoz: I feel like hate is the impact when two different worlds hit on each other, and it is necessary somehow for us to know more aspects in life. I receive serene reminders in my everyday living. I think a serene reminder is a form of love itself.

Zero: This is an interesting question. People encounter things they believe in. When I was in mentally chaos I dealt with lots of hate in life. As time passed, I know both love and hate happen at the same time. Not sure if one is more than the other. But I think people still get to decide.

Diandra: What is a recent story you read in the news or even a love story from your family that gives you hope?

Yoz: I don’t remember I read articles that give me this feeling recently. But I think about hope these days and I feel like it’s when you can accept something and you accept more, and then you take action and wait.

Zero: During the recording session, I stayed at my sister’s place in Taipei. One day I took my niece to the new kindergarten she just entered. She introduced her classmates to me and when I’m about to leave I asked her if she is scared to stay at school without my company. She holds her tears and says no she is not afraid. I was touched that she decided to be brave at the moment.

Diandra: What are the things you most love about each other?

Yoz: Zero is very intuitive. He always has a very strong sensation of what is going to happen next. He is humble and kind.

Zero: Most of the time I don’t get to know what Yoz has penned in lyrics in the first place. The interesting part is that our interpretation of the song is usually the same.

Diandra: What are the ways you think 2020 has permanently changed the music industry? For better or worse?

Yoz: It’s very lucky to be in Taiwan where live acts are still available. But it indeed is challenging to share music without touring and meet people around the world. I guess it can only be better and every artist needs to be flexible with their plans to confront the day of change.

Zero: Due to the pandemic, most music gatherings are not allowed in many cities. People are trying to dig something new and they do have more time to discover what they like on the internet when quarantine. But the information has been too much and people are less patient than before. I think it’d be good if people adjust the pace of life and know how to be alone.

Diandra: Music is a signal for personal growth. What are the aspects of you it has shown you as grown and the parts of you it has revealed never change?

Yoz: I think I am definitely calmer than before. It is a long journey to work on the new songs and say it/do it right. And doubts might come along when a certain level is hard to reach. What has never changed is that we still want to be The Fur that makes people feel fluffy and warm.

Diandra: You have described your songs like a projection or a space to vent. What have your songs projected back to you and allowed you to vent?

Yoz: I don’t feel like I have room to find projection from the song I wrote anymore, at least not for now. I’m too familiar with them and I managed every tiny part of them. When I said people could find the projection they need I know they could grab the parts that are useful for them. But I need something new.

Diandra: If you could turn a movie or tv show into a concept album, which would it be and why? What angle or core message would you take?

Yoz: I choose Napoleon Dynamite. It brings joy and it is joy itself. We feel funny about the things that make the characters upset and overly serious about. I sometimes think the future-me would probably laugh at what I’m worried about now. That’s the core message I’d give a try.

Diandra: Your music is often defined as honest. What is a universal truth about you have discovered through your music?

Yoz: People deserve better life.

Diandra: How do you feel your newest album represent who you are today, and what emotions do you expect people to find within?

Yoz: People reacted to the album as they feel the sense of release and fully-acceptance about what happened in life. And they’ve felt what they should feel.

Zero: Yoz and I have known each other for a long time. Though as time goes, it seems we didn’t change that much. It is interesting that we released Serene Reminder this year because it does conclude what we’ve been through this year. I hope that every person who listens to it would find their own Serene Reminder needed.

Diandra: What is a flaw music has helped you turn or see as your strength?

Yoz: I used to lack confidence. In the process of making music and all the projects that came along with it, I’m more aware of that I’m at the beginning of the thread and the idea really has fulfilled me.

Zero: Before starting the project The Fur. I sometimes feel unsteady. It’s like I’m waiting for something to happen. Through making music and meeting people in this community, I got a better understanding of myself and what I’m supposed to do next.

For More Information On The Fur Click Here.