BLACKSWAN is a global girl group based in South Korea, under DR Entertainment. The group is comprised of 4 current members, Fatou, NVee, Gabi, and Sriya. Debuted back in 2020, BLACKSWAN is back with their latest single Karma, which has been making waves everywhere from their vocals to their stage presence! I had the pleasure to interview them recently. Without further ado, check out their answers down below!
Congratulations on the release of your latest single “That Karma!” Can you tell us more about the title track?
Fatou: The title track “Karma” is a very strong and trendy beat-based song. It is also accompanied by a strong performance.
NVee: “Karma” has a very strong, confident sound. When I think of Karma there is one phrase that I remember: “What goes around comes around.” Or if you do good things, good things will come back to you. The same goes for bad. So, when you listen to this song and the lyrics, you’ll see a story behind it. There are two people who have a love for each other, one that makes them crazy and can’t stop thinking about one another. Though, one is worried that they might not have the same feelings towards them. But the other shows that they have nothing to worry about and that they want them just as much as they do. So, the story comes full circle. Passion and love were shown so they received that passion and love back.
Gabi: As the meaning of our title “Karma” says, all your actions affect your future. Since we, Blackswan, are doing this comeback with so much enthusiasm and passion, I feel that the good Karma is going to come around. Whereas we are doing with love, we will receive love.
Sriya: Karma is an impactful and trendy song that allows BLACKSWAN to display their performance abilities. The International sound represents global diversity and also the name Karma came from India, so this time we decided to use an Indian concept.
The “Karma” music video was shot on location in India. You’ve also recently performed there. What was the experience like for each of you?
Fatou: It was an amazing experience, even better than I could have dreamed of. We put in a lot more work on vocals and we’re just super confident in our presence.
NVee: I had always heard about India through my friends who are from there. So, it was a very heartwarming experience to see it all with my own eyes. Indian culture is very welcoming, bright, and colorful. I loved to see the artwork on the walls around the city. Other than that, India was the place I had my first debut stage, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Because that is where everything started for me.
Gabi: It was totally amazing. India is an amazing country and the people there are so warm hearted! I’m so happy for having the good experience to shoot in India and honored that it is the home country of one of our members.
Sriya: It was an amazing experience for me, because it’s the first time a kpop mv was filmed in India with an Indian concept. So, it’s a very proud moment for me that Indian culture is being shown on the global platform. When we first performed in Odisha Hockey World Cup, we were blown away by the audiences’ love and cheers. Always thankful and grateful to have Lumina on our side.
How did you prepare for this comeback?
Fatou: We, first of all, focused a lot more on our vocals as we had more vocal lessons than usual. “Karma” and “Cat & Mouse” are vocally more challenging than our previous songs. As for our dance practice, let’s say for “Close to Me” we had three days of the week dance lessons, but for “That Karma” album we had six days of the week dance lessons. So, we really put in a lot of work into our performances. The recording sessions were longer. We put in a lot more effort in vocal layering, harmonization, and adlibs to give the songs our unique color.
NVee: I had to work a lot on my physical and core strength. Something I am still working towards to this day. So, I did a lot of exercises physically and vocally because Karma specifically is hard on me physically. So, I had to up my endurance in order to not be so tired by the end of the 1st chorus. Ha ha. I had a lot of work to do. But, vocally I had to do a lot of vocal exercises to be able to sing along with the dance, and it’s not perfect right now. I know that I can do better and that’s what I am striving for. But other than that, I just tried to work on my facial expression and how I want to portray “Karma” on stage.
Gabi: Actually, everything was a challenge but beforehand we learned a lot about the Indian culture from our Indian member Sriya, and also during our stay in India. So, I’m really happy and feel love from Lumina.
Sriya: We have been preparing for this comeback for a long time because we wanted to show our best. It was hard at first because of the difficult choreography and song. We faced a lot of challenges. We also needed to go through certain history and cultural things to understand well so that we can put the right feeling into the music video.
Can we expect any individual activities from all of the members in the upcoming years?
Fatou: There might be, yeah, so stay tuned!
NVee: Of course! As we all grow and experience more and evolve into better performers. We all will be able to venture out and do our own work. I’m really excited to see my members work in the future!
Gabi: I still do not have any plans to release some solo music, but some solo activities as advertisements, sure!
Sriya: For sure, I would love to.
Do you have any dreams or goals as a singer? For example, performing at a certain music venue or collaborating with another artist?
Fatou: For me personally you can expect a lot more solo music in the future, and every opportunity that opens up, I’m willing to try.
NVee: My main goal is to host concerts at many venues around the world. So I can see where all our LUMINAs come from. Also 2 venues are my dream to perform at 1) Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada and 2) FedEx Field in Maryland because I’m from the DMV area so it is my home. I want to go back there and perform as an artist. Other than the concerts I want to collaborate with as many artists as I can in my career. My role models and other artists I meet as well along the way.
Gabi: I really want to join the billboard charts someday! And also do a world tour to meet all of our Luminas.
Sriya: Yes, I would love to collaborate with different artists from different countries, especially Kai sunbaenim from EXO. And I also want to do a world tour and see and meet our Lumina.
What is your favorite thing about living in Korea?
Fatou: You will never get bored in Korea!
NVee: The FOOD!!!
Gabi: It’s a really safe place! Since I always lose some things, it’s really good to know that when you realize and try to find it, the thing will still be there.
Sriya: It’s hard to choose one, but I like the culture and the places of Korea.
(From left to right: Fatou, Gabi, Sriya, NVee)
Any artists that you’d like to collaborate with?
Fatou: My dream collaboration is Kendrick Lamar!
NVee: They’re too many to say! I legit have a whole list. But to name a few: Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Leslie Odom Jr, BTS, ONEUS, J.UNA, Chloe & Halle Bailey, LAUV, BeBe Rexha, Ariana Grande, JVKE, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Tori Kelly. Ha ha. I’ll just stop there ‘cause the list goes on.
Gabi: I really would appreciate collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter, she’s an amazing singer and songwriter!
Sriya: Straykids or Exo sunbaenim. It’s very hard to choose because I love every artist. These days I listen to B.I sunbaenim a lot.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
Fatou: I like to write music or watch a movie/drama or sometimes just sleep.
NVee: Sleep and Eat. If there is a good show or book, I’ll read and watch that. If they’re free, hang out with friends. But I’m a homebody so you’ll find me at home most of the time.
Gabi: Usually I sleep haha. Because of our busy schedule, anytime that I get to rest, I’m gonna use to sleep.
Sriya: Be at home and watch dramas or cooking or drawing.
What destination would you like to visit, either as Blackswan or individually?
Fatou: I would love to go to Senegal with the group!
NVee: As BLACKSWAN, I would like to visit each of our home countries. For myself, I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand. Because that is where The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were filmed! Also, it seems like a very beautiful, peaceful place.
Gabi: I wanna visit as many countries as I can, but I’m missing my hometown, so for sure Brazil!
Sriya: I just want to keep going and make music… as high as I can go.
What’s a secret, special talent that you have?
Fatou: I can speak without moving my lips, pretty impressive hehe.
NVee: I can quote the full intro from “Avatar the Last Airbender” by heart.
Gabi: Well, it’s not a secret anymore, but I can touch the point of my nose with my tongue.
Sriya: I can make sounds of puppies and cats and I’m also good at yoga and running.
And finally, a message you’d like to share with your fans and our readers?
Fatou: Thank you so much for the love and support you’ve been showering us with. We’ll work really hard to always put on a good show! I love you Lumina!
NVee: LUMINA! Thank you so much for your hard work and the support you have given us with our recent comeback. There is so much more in store for you. Let’s create history together!
Gabi: Thank you so much for reading ‘til here and supporting Blackswan! Also, don’t forget to check out our “That Karma” album and our “Karma” MV on YouTube!
Sriya: Lumina, thank you so very much for always supporting and loving us. Without you this couldn’t be possible… I’m always grateful to have you… love you Lumina.
I’d like to thank BLACKSWAN for taking the time to answer all of these questions in detail and wish them luck with their promotions!
Was there anything awesome or new that you found out about them and where would you like them to go if they did a world tour?
Leave your comments down below!
Official Accounts:
Twitter: blackswan_drent
Instagram: blackswan___official
Facebook: drmusicblackswan
YouTube: Black Swan Official
