[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Chad Future, "Ask. Believe. Receive."

Bridging the gap between Korean and American pop, Chad Future sits down and answers some questions with HypnoticAsia about his music, experience, name, T-ARA N4, KCON, and more.

David Lehre, a 25 year old musician from Detroit, Michigan made his way to Los Angeles, California to pursue his dreams in music. Known by his stage name, Chad Future, he has a goal to bridge the gap between Korean and American pop music. His love for K-POP makes him unique and his fans “Time Travelers” have been his biggest support during this journey.

Recently, at KCON 2013, Chad Future made his debut on his long-time dream stage, M-Net’s M!Countdown. He performed in front of 15,000 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on August 25, 2013 just last week which was recorded and viewed by millions of people around the world (watch his performance below).

Mentioned in LA Times and Billboard Magazine, he was praised for his performance at KCON 2013. Also on stage, he was joined by fellow artist, Drew Ryan Scott. Chad Future will now be releasing singles featuring different K-POP artists and will show the world what he has been working on for so many years.

The artist answered questions about his overall experience and love for music and what he hopes to accomplish throughout all of this.

Read our interview with Chad Future below.

HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to the readers of HypnoticAsia.
CHAD FUTURE: What’s up HypnoticAsia! My name is Chad Future, thank you for showing love to my recent M! Countdown debut, I’m grateful for all of your support.

HYPNOTICASIA: Since you were young, your goal has always been to entertain people. What inspired you to reach that goal?
CHAD FUTURE: I really love making people happy and making a difference in the world. I’m never going to be a Doctor and save anyone’s life, so this is my way of giving back to the world. Providing music and videos to entertain people. I also try my best to always be a good role model and inspiration for people around the world too.

HYPNOTICASIA: Where did the name ‘Chad Future’ come from?
CHAD FUTURE: I think it’s really important for artists to have stage names so they can step out of “themselves” and become the person they really want to be on stage. Lady Gaga, Bono, Sting, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, Birdman, the list goes on.

Basically though, FUTURE is what I want to represent as an Artist. I want to give people what’s next. I want to be a trend-setter, a leader and bridge the gap between different cultures of music. Future kind of sums up that vision.

Chad was a High School nickname I had while doing Theatre. I would create different characters all the time, and Chad was this outgoing, confident and cool character I would act out every now and then.

I put it together, Chad Future and it just fit.

HYPNOTICASIA: Who and/or what inspired the name for your fan club, ‘Time Travelers?’
CHAD FUTURE: The name was tweeted to me by some loyal fans and I thought it was really clever. If you are a fan of Chad Future, you’re a Time Traveler… Future/Time Travel.

HYPNOTICASIA:How was the experience of hosting the American Music Award’s live pre-show with Dick Clark Productions?
CHAD FUTURE: Amazing!! That was basically the moment that inspired me to start fully pursuing a career in music! Being surrounded by the best artists in the world, watching them perform, rehearse, set up their stages… it was so inspiring to me. When I hosted the AMA’s, It wasn’t just for one day, it was for almost 2 weeks. We are actually sitting in for all the rehearsals, and that was incredible. Will.I.Am was “Directing” his entire team and stage production– It reminded me of exactly the kind of things I do too. Everything all of a sudden seemed so obtainable.

I’m grateful for that experience and everyone at Coca-Cola / Dick Clark Productions for giving me that opportunity because it changed my life 100% for the better.

HYPNOTICASIA:How did you feel performing in front of the KCON 2012 crowd?
CHAD FUTURE: It was one of my highlights of 2012, that’s for sure. Performing in front of almost 6,000 people for my debut performance with my 13 dancers and friends on stage with me was a very real moment for me. The KCON, MNET, CJ ent. and Koreaboo team are always so supportive of me and I’m grateful to have them a part of this journey. It was also great to meet so many fans in real life, take pictures and give back.

HYPNOTICASIA: Now, last week you returned to KCON 2013, but this time you were on the Main Stage along with G-Dragon, EXO and others. You also made your official debut on M! Countdown. How did that feel?
CHAD FUTURE: It’s been a dream of mine since I began, to perform on M Countdown. I’ve kept a picture of the M! Countdown Logo hung up in my bathroom for the past year. To see it all come to life was a blessing and dream come true. It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and support from a lot of people: MNET, MNET America, KCON, my team, my dancers, producers, stylists, family, friends, everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

HYPNOTICASIA:How did you get into K-pop and why did you choose to pursue it?
CHAD FUTURE: It started about 10 years ago with H.O.T. I saw a picture of them online and thought they had cool style. I liked that crazy hair, colorful outfits and hyper-realistic look. I told my friend to burn a CD for me with their music.

It also was my love of music videos and watching them almost everyday. Growing up in a small town near Detroit, Michigan, there was not really much to do. I got really into music videos at a very young age. I especially loved that 1999-2003 time period in USA when we had those big production value music videos for boy bands and pop stars.

Then, big budget American music videos went away. Everyone started doing these really small, uninspired and cheap videos. I stopped being inspired by music videos…

Then, about 2008, while searching YouTube I stumbled about a music video called DISCO with T.O.P. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen in my life at that moment. I instantly said: “WHAT IS THIS. THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO.” That’s the style that was in my head forever, the style that American videos used to do, but went away. Well, they didn’t go away, they went to Korea.

Once I started watching all the K-Pop music videos and seeing groups like 2NE1, Big Bang, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to do this and didn’t care what anybody else said.

HYPNOTICASIA:You have many K-pop covers including songs by B.A.P., Big Bang, JJ Project, EXO and more; why did you choose to remix them?
CHAD FUTURE: When I first debuted, I put out 2 original songs: Hello and Unstoppable. I was very happy with them and the audience response was great.

I was talking with some friends about capturing more fans and getting more exposure and they suggested we do a few cover songs. I was 100% against the idea at first because I want to be an original artist and create my own work. After about a week of talking about it, I decided to do one for fun.

We released Crayon and the response was very favorable. It opened the door to more fans, more exposure and it was also amazing practice too. I didn’t see it as a negative anymore. I saw it as another way I can connect to fans around the world. It makes people happy and I feel that I can honestly add something special and unique to the songs since we remix them in all English. The International fans really appreciate it and it’s been a tremendous gift in my life.

Thank you to all the fans I’ve gained through doing my covers who are now anticipating the new original music coming this year.

HYPNOTICASIA: What’s the secret to having a successful cover on YouTube?
CHAD FUTURE: I’m not sure the secret, but I am grateful for all the success we’ve been having.

If I had to guess, it’s just hard work, good quality product and giving people what they want. Me and the team are very passionate about what we do and I hope that passion comes thru in my work.

HYPNOTICASIA: Has there been a moment in your career that you are most proud of?
CHAD FUTURE: Saying: “I am going to do this” and believing in myself when nobody else did.

HYPNOTICASIA: What genre do you consider your music?
CHAD FUTURE: K-Pop / Hip-Hop / Pop ….. AK-Pop? haha

HYPNOTICASIA: Tell us about AK-POP and how the name came to be.
CHAD FUTURE: Basically, I was like: I love K-Pop. I love American Pop. But I think some parts of American pop really suck. I believe that we can learn a lot of things from K-Pop… I wanted people around the world and America to experience K-Pop the way I was. Once I discovered K-Pop, my whole life changed for the better. My life opened up and I have since thought about life so much bigger.

I want to bring more of the K-Pop style over here to America. So, AK-POP was born. It’s basically K-Pop inspired American Pop.

HYPNOTICASIA: What are you trying to accomplish with your music?
CHAD FUTURE: Influence as many people as possible in a positive way. Motivate, lead and be a good role model. Also, have a Number 1 song in USA. Number 1 song in Korea. Perform on M!Countdown (which I am grateful to have just achieved). TV show. Collaborations with the best artists in America, Korea and the World. Have a World Tour performing for fans and giving them the best show imaginable. Love my fans. Give more to the world than I take.

HYPNOTICASIA: You are really passionate about bridging the gap between K-POP and American music, why?
CHAD FUTURE: Because I feel that American Music is seriously lacking. The music videos are small and cheap, the artists don’t care to put on big stage shows, the comebacks take 2 years sometimes, and I honestly just don’t see the artists caring that much about their overall image. Even the styling and wardrobe is lame. It’s just not pushing boundaries anymore and K-Pop is doing it bigger and better in almost every aspect. They are imaginative, have interesting concepts for each song and make it an experience.

I want to bring more of that style and performance to the American Market, I think our audiences deserve it.

HYPNOTICASIA: Do you feel your efforts are making a difference in America?
CHAD FUTURE: Yes. I get messages and phone calls every single day that go something like this:

“Hey Chad, at first I thought you were crazy with all this K-Pop stuff. I didn’t understand it, but I still respected you. Recently, I went to a K-Pop concert and I was blown away!! I TOTALLY see what you fell in love with now! Now, I love it too! Me and my roommate are blasting K-Pop through our dorm room right now! I’m Inspired, thank you for introducing me to K-Pop.” Something like that.

I honestly just want to spread the culture, music and love of K-Pop to the world. I hope even more people in USA discover it through my music.

HYPNOTICASIA: You see K-pop artists performing here in America all the time; do you believe this is helping them get recognized by American producers?
CHAD FUTURE: Of course! I hear stories every day of K-Pop groups coming to America and all of a sudden, a famous producer or Artist is meeting with them. It’s great exposure for them, but I want to really help them more here in USA.

This might be a controversial thing to say, but I think the whole T-ara N4 situation was handled so, so terribly by their American management team.

First off, the whole Chris Brown thing was hard to watch– he invited them to a Las Vegas Hotel Pool Party, got them all excited about performing, and then turned off their song half way through while they were on stage. (Video here: http://youtu.be/f4TPM41B6fE)

That was very careless and showed no respect for K-Pop or the culture. So, K-Pop groups need culturally aware management that can help them navigate the murky waters if they hope to succeed in America. Again, I hope I can help them to align with the right people and make good decisions while in USA. I just want to spread the love of K-Pop to the world anyway I can.

HYPNOTICASIA:What is it like working with fellow artist Drew Ryan Scott?
CHAD FUTURE: Drew Ryan Scott is not only one of my best friends, but one of the most talented song writers/producers in the world. I really believe that. Drew will walk into the studio (most of the time late! haha) hear the song once, make up a hook and melody on the spot, get into the recording booth and have a demo tracked out in 5 minutes. It’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. Every thing he touches sounds like a “Radio Song”, everything. Drew IS music.

I’m really grateful to be working with him. He’s been supportive of me since the very beginning, even when other people weren’t… I appreciate that so much.

HYPNOTICASIA: Which K-pop artist do you want to collaborate most with and why?
CHAD FUTURE:

– B.A.P – In my opinion, they are leaders of the next generation of Boy Bands. I also heard they loved my “One Shot” remix, so I’d like work with all of the members, or just one member, on a song.
– Jay Park – He’s so versatile, speaks both languages, amazing Rapper and Singer and we share a similar style.
– VIXX – I’ve been watching them since their debut and they work so hard to have unique concepts and powerful performances. They are very talented performers.
– G-Dragon – He’s an icon in music, style and a visionary. He really loves music and works so hard. I would be honored to collaborate on a song with him.
– T.O.P – He performs with such charisma, and is powerful just standing still. I think it would be interesting to work with him.
– CL – She’s one of the most talented females in K-Pop today, in my opinion. She speaks English and Korean, can rap and sing, dance and understands the global music culture.
– Minzy – She’s very under-rated in 2NE1 and I would like to work with her so she could have a more solo opportunity to shine. She is a talented dancer, singer and even producer. I really believe Minzy will have some amazing years coming up!!
– Sistar 19 – I had the pleasure of meeting them in Las Vegas a few years back and they were so fun, nice and great people. Their talents in singing and dancing is obvious too.
– HyunA – HyunA always knows how to spark a conversation and controversy– I like how passionate people get about HyunA… and, her concept is always so colorful, young, cool.
– BTS – They are an amazing new Boy Group that I believe has potential to be at the top. They also focus a lot of rapping with American style. I feel like we would get along well.
– EXO – Every time I see them perform live, I am always blown away. They are so synchronized and tight in their performances. They are extremely well trained and It would be an honor to collaborate with any of the members. People also say that I look like Kris, so it would be amazing to do a song and video together… see how similar we really look on camera together. haha.
– Teen Top – I just think they have a lot of swag and talent. I’ve been a fan of teen top since their debut and watched them closely. They are really cool and good performers.
– f(x) Amber – Amber is a friend of mine and one of the nicest people in the world. She’s very fun loving, silly, cool and works very hard. I’d like to show the world how amazing her singing voice is.
– Crayon Pop – They are just fun. It would be fun to collaborate with them– they are not afraid of outside the box ideas too. I think they are going to keep gaining more popularity around the world.
– Ailee – Her voice is incredible, she’s bilingual and cares deeply about her performance. She works so hard and I believe our voices would fit perfect together on a song. Like a Jay-Z / Beyonce vibe.
– Girls’ Generation – They are legends and I love watching them perform. I’d be happy to collaborate with any of the members. I think TaeYeon and Sunny are my favorites.
– SHINee – They have some of the most powerful vocals and dancing in the history of K-Pop. Period.
– A Pink – I love their cute concept, they completely own it. They haven’t tried to change their image much since debut and I think they have finally “Perfected” the cute concept and sound. They are very fun to watch perform.
– Girls Day – They always look like they are having fun together on stage. I think it would be really fun to work together.
– MBLAQ – I also got to hang out with them in Las Vegas a few years back and they are so cool! Some of the best personalities in K-Pop.
– miss A Min – Min is a real talent. She has an amazing voice, dancing skills and a very cool style. I believe we could collaborate on a song together that would really show off some of the skills and style she has outside of Miss A.

HYPNOTICASIA: We heard you were producing a 5-track EP, tell us more about it. Release date? Were all the songs written by you?
CHAD FUTURE: The next original songs you will see from me will be Singles with Music Videos. The EP and album will come after a few more singles are released.

HYPNOTICASIA: Any special features to look forward to on your upcoming EP (singles)?
CHAD FUTURE: There will be several collaborations with K-Pop artists coming up. Please look forward to it 🙂

HYPNOTICASIA: If you could give advice to an up and coming artist, what would it be?
CHAD FUTURE: Create a YouTube channel, post new videos every week, be highly interactive with your fans. (Remember, THEY are the reason for your success.)

Treat everyone good. Be a good person. Give back all you can. Be self-less. Lose your ego. Work hard. Always keep training. Build a good supportive team. Think big. Be fearless. Believe you can do it. Always follow back haha

HYPNOTICASIA: Do you have a motto or saying you live by?
CHAD FUTURE: Ask. Believe. Receive.

That means, ask for what you want. Believe you can have it. Wait to receive it.

Every single time you use this formula it will happen for you, like magic.

HYPNOTICASIA: Who or what are you most thankful for?
CHAD FUTURE: I am so thankful for my fans around the world for always showing me love and support.

I’m so grateful for my family, friends and members of my team. Together with them, I really feel like we can achieve and do anything we believe!

I’m thankful to MNET, KCON and MNET America team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to live my dreams.

I’m thankful for anyone reading this article for taking time to learn more about me and my music.

I’m thankful for Detroit, Michigan for making me strong, humble and hard working.

HYPNOTICASIA: What is your favorite K-pop song at the moment?
CHAD FUTURE: G-Dragon’s new album sounds amazing!

HYPNOTICASIA: My celebrity crush is…
CHAD FUTURE: Too many… I also don’t wanna name names because if they ever read this it will be awkward when we meet 🙂

Other information about Chad Future you probably didn’t know: