1415’s Biggest Moments

The one-man band talks about significant moments in his career.

Photo courtesy of 1415

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “1415 is ___” or “1415’s music is ___”?
“The music of 1415 is the four seasons.”

Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career?
There was a time when all I did was sing. After spending about ten years singing other people’s songs, I was suddenly overcome by the fear that my musical career might end just like that.

How have your personal music tastes evolved over the years?
Until a few years ago, I used to seek out and listen to a lot of R&B artists. Lately, I’ve been enjoying listening to alternative rock bands.

What career would you be pursuing today if it could not be music-related?
I think I'd probably be a hairdresser.

Photo courtesy of 1415

Did you consider changing the name “1415” once you became a one-man band?
I thought about it for a very long time, but I felt like I was going to lose the music of 1415, so I wanted to hold on to the people I spent that time with and the life I had within that time.

What were the biggest changes to 1415 after it became a one-man band? 
Since I was handling every aspect of music production on my own, it really felt like I had gone back to when I first started making music. It was both exciting and scary. But I’ve managed to hang in there, and now I’m getting things ready day by day.

Please describe your newest single, “This Life Feels Ruined.”
Life can feel like a series of repetitive tasks, right? You get exhausted and start to feel like something’s going wrong. In a lighthearted way, I wanted to convey the realization that so many people are going through the same tough, exhausting struggles. “Welcome! This is your first time living this life too, so I know it’s been tough,” is the vibe I wanted to convey.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about the making of “This Life Feels Ruined”?
This song actually came about because I was so exhausted while working on another album, but the more I listen to it, the more I realize how great it is. 

What have been the most challenging moments in your music career so far, and how did you overcome them?
I guess this must be the hardest moment so far, right? I’ll show you how I overcome this challenge.

What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
When I received an invitation from Hankuk University. I think it was the moment I realized that my music was bringing comfort to people far away.

What is the best advice a fellow musician has ever given you?
“When you’re feeling shaken, don’t doubt your talent. Just keep moving forward.”

Photo courtesy of 1415

What is next for you?
An EP is coming out very soon. [I’m] also performing at various venues. 

What are your longer-term career goals?
I want to keep performing even when I'm a grandpa, haha!

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
Music is like magic that comforts me [and] people like me. It’s like a friend who isn’t strictly necessary but feels absolutely essential. I hope we can enjoy it for a long, long time to come.

Check out 1415’s latest single here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.