BTS (방탄소년단) 'ON' Commentary Film : Dialogue

Alright. I mean, it has to be boom, boom, pop. I mean, if you're playing the set, 204... Right now... It's like running away. Yes Yes Yes. I've been around to see the transition of music. Where, when we used to have live instruments and bands and stuff like that. And then when technology came along, it erased everything. I'm a big fan of technology and I'm also a big fan of live music. And one of the things that I think BTS does that I'm really excited about is that they combine the two. Just like music brings people together, BTS seems to be into pop music, it seems like they're bringing that back.

One should never replace the other. They should always be used in half and together. And I think BTS is a leader in that field. And that's why that's one of the things that really excited me about working with them. They cover topics such as mental health and bullying. I think that's what really sets BTS apart. You listen to that music. -They are so popular it's ridiculous. -People love BTS. They are preparing to shake up the crowd. We will see it on all social networks. Do you know BTS? Yes. Are you a fan of the group? Yes.

The Billboard Music Awards, I would watch them. BTS! That's when I knew the impact they are having with their music. Even friends I've talked to and even my own son when I said, "Hey, I'm going to do a recording session about the Echo Bar for BTS." "Really BTS? Really?" Because originally, when they contacted us, it was like, "It's a secret band." And then when I saw the music, I just liked it, it scared me, like I jumped across the room. We can do a lot of things as animators and artists, but it's rare to work with living legends.

I mean, they're young, but at this point they're still living legends. Yeah, you know, I like, I like... you know, what they're doing. And rap and singing. And you know, the messages are positive. I have to come to love myself for who I am, for what I was and for what I hope to be. So, you know, that's what I like about them. I think their goal is to contribute to... Their message as a band, it's really great. Good job! The future studio boy is here. On this recording, we had some members of the marching band.

We had some people from the Global Jazz Department. We mix them all together. And it's kind of like what BTS does, right? We mix them all together to get one big thing. And I think we pulled it off because... the tracks are just phenomenal on this project. Well, you guys killed that. -That was amazing. -Alright. There is only one blow we must take. I just have to get bar 24. -Bar 24? -If that is. Well. Music, everything from the rhythm, the rhythm that is the vibe and then of course, you know, good lyrics. You know, a good message.

There is no one way to do it. That's why you have all these great artists doing it in different ways. You know, it has an effect on people. -Yeah. -Then, we will do the same. You know, keep thinking about subdivisions. Yes. For the next section. Yes, that squeezed him a lot. I think it's absolutely fabulous what they're doing in terms of allowing people to have... this kind of self-esteem. It really talks about songs of joy and hope. Yes, I really like them. So you have to go this way or this way to the left, right? -Left. -Left, yes.

Well. -Yeah. -It makes the difference. -Yes Yes. Absolutely. -Absolutely. -Yes, raise the roof with your left. -Does anyone else need a pencil? We're ok? -Good. Alright. So, guys... I guess... I guess that's just the goal, the overall goal of our groups. I mean, I think BTS wants to make everyone happy. They want to act. They want to leave an impression on people, you know, and make it better. You know, as a band, we want to go out and cheer everyone up. We want to excite everyone. You know, we don't act just to make money. Let's give them something that can make them happy or make them live a better life.

And I think both BTS and the UCLA Bruin Marching Band share that. Unfortunately, I don't know Korean. That is, they also sing in other languages. so I don't really know the language in which they sing. But when I see what the songs mean, I can definitely feel how sincere it is. And I can feel the emotion they convey through their songs, regardless of the language. Dear America, thank you for hugging us. Thanks for having us. Thank you for accepting us. These seven guys from Korea who are singers in Korean and who even have different appearances, speak different languages.

But you really showed us that music transcends language, it seems... Thank you. Well, music, as we know, is a universal language. No matter who you are, everyone can relate to good music. Unite people. For me there is power in music like nothing else. For me, the arts...should be part of our society. Because we all think about technology, finances and things like that. I think music, in general, is something that balances everything. In fact, a few months ago, when I was going through a difficult time. I was just having trouble finding myself, questioning my own abilities, my own passions, my own friends.

One day, the song "Epiphany" really caught my attention. Words like, “Love yourself,” really touched me. It's really about finding yourself and loving yourself before, you know, loving other people. I'm just not sure who I was. And hearing that other people were going through something similar meant a lot to me. And then I started listening to them more and... Yeah. So, they really mean a lot to me now. I think anyone who listens to this music now growing up will stay with them for the rest of their life. If there's a song, a lyric, a beat that you really resonate with, you'll always play it.

It really takes me to a different place. So, that whole question about music and healing. Music, how has it changed you? I think they are all related. So for BTS, I think... That will have value for everyone individually. That really transcends any physical aspect... The healing power of music is definitely something that people need to tap into more, especially as we age. I think it's been since 2016, maybe 2015. It could be, it could have been about four years. And they were only here for a single project. And then we've done things remotely for them, which has been wonderful.

And it's been great, I'm very happy to be part of all this. It's been wonderful. I'm so sad Bang couldn't be here. But it's great to see you all. Well, I think the fact that the cultural bridge, right? We're doing things especially for this, for this project, but I think the cultural bridge is bringing something that I would say is pretty uniquely American: a marching band. In common, besides the love for music and the way music moves and influences people, I think the productions themselves are very well done. I think he's done an incredible job on the tracks and he's also embraced something that, like I said, is uniquely...American, a marching band.

You know, very nice. In the end, I am proud of you. -Good job. Well done. Good job. -Yeah. -Good job. -Thank you, it was a pleasure meeting you. -Not the same. Thank you. -Thank you. Excellent. Well done. Alright, so we should stick with the battery now. -Yes, we have to go. -Yeah. -Yes, and we have to... Music has the ability to really put you in a good space, in a good environment. Really making you feel that you are important and that you are valued in this society, in this world. That you belong to this, to this universe.

It's good. So thanks again, okay? That's all. Does anyone have any questions or comments? -Thank you. -Thank you. So, no, not to rush everyone, we have a gospel choir coming right behind you. You know... Well, I repeat, I mean inclusion, inclusion. A marching band does that. Know? Sometimes kids who maybe don't even want to make a living playing music, but they need some kind of music, they all need to be part of some kind of group. And everyone comes together to make this something very special, whether it's a halftime show, a concert or whatever. It's bringing people together.

Make them feel important about... and give them a purpose to achieve and do better in life. You know, I would say that music is kind of the body's natural endorphin. Naturally, he knows how to heal. He knows how to put us back in check. And it allows a reality check for me. And I need it many times. Because it really changes people's lives, as you can see. The joy, I think that's why everyone loves BTS and gravitates towards BTS so much. Because they feel so much joy and love for what they do that it is contagious.

That was it. That worked. That felt good. Ready. We're like... Together again. I experienced depression before. Yes, I experienced depression before. And I didn't know what it was. But what definitely helped me get through when I felt like I didn't want to get out of bed or I didn't want to do anything, music was always the thing that kept me calm, kept me at peace. And it even motivated me to keep going and keep going. Like I said, I'm inspired by music. And I'm inspired by artists who are genuine, real, and truly love what they do.

And they understand the power of music. And BTS, if you see them perform live, there's so much joy and so much fun and so much love that... it really... really transcends and it's really contagious. And so, that's what I gravitate toward. That's why I appreciate what they do. That's why I love what they do. And I think that's why the world loves what they do. Because there is passion, joy and love for the arts. The language barrier, sure, you know, I may not understand everything that's said, but you understand the passion. You understand the concept and the energy.

I think the positivity, even though I didn't understand the language at first, touched me. They had an impact before I even knew who they were. So yes. Definitely. Definitely. Because there are a lot of people in the US who have never been outside of the US and would never know what K-pop was if they hadn't broken that barrier and brought us into their world. And at the same time you are excited about the future of music. And I think that's why it's changing the culture in which we listen to music and what we listen to here in the United States.

Thank you! Come here! -Group hug! -Thank you! Man, bring it, bring it. -That was very good. Thank you all. -Thank you so much. Thank you so much. The power of music is that it connects everyone. It's also powerful because music can change your situation. Know? And connect the people around you. And I see, like I said, I keep saying that about BTS, one of the things that excites me about them is how they're bringing everyone together. In a time when it seems like the world is going upside down, we need people like that. And we need groups like that, that bring people together.

Do not separate them and keep them separate. Especially at a time in our nation where everyone is trying to stay isolated. Some of the problems we have in the world today will take a global approach. You know what I mean? It will take all of us working together to defeat some of the crises we are having in the world today. And if you can bring people together, as I think they are, I think it's a step in the right direction, certainly.