Spotlight On: Andy “Akademikz” Shin of Unique Ones & “K-POP STAR”0

To kick off the countdown to our auditions on January 28, we’ll be chatting with previous competitors who have used their experience with Kollaboration Atlanta as a stepping stone to a larger spotlight in the mainstream media. This week, we caught up with Andy “Akademikz” Shin (Kollab 2 & 3) who was recently a competitor on the Korean talent show, “K-POP STAR”.

Unique Ones

1. Tell us what you’ve been up to these days. What’s it like being on “K-POP STAR” and how has it changed your life?

Lately, I’ve just been grinding with the whole music thing. Recording, writing, networking, and of course K-Pop Star. K-Pop Star was definitely a life changer. I’ve never been on national TV before so that was pretty cool. I got to meet a lot of talented people and celebrities. Having a camera in your face all day was pretty interesting. Plus, I learned and grew a lot as an artist thanks to the program.

Auditioning live on the Korean broadcast show, "K-POP STAR"

2. Who is the scariest judge: JYP, YG, or BoA?

They’re all scary to be honest. I mean, the top three entertainment groups in Korea are judging you, so it’s pretty nerve racking. But I would have to say that JYP is the toughest. He’s like the Simon Cowell of the show, but everything he says is right and constructive, so it’s all gravy.

Andy speaking on Arirang Radio

3. What made you want to audition for a show in Korea? Was it a big adjustment?

We actually came to Korea to do shows and get our name out there. We really weren’t planning on doing K-Pop Star in the beginning. But we put in an application just for fun and we just kept making every round! It was definitely a big adjustment because we are the only group who performs original songs. Plus, my Korean sucks so writing lyrics was a challenge.

4. We’re getting our auditions underway soon. Any advice you have for first-time performers?

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and MORE PRACTICE. There is no such thing as too much practice! Your singing, rapping, dancing can be awesome, but if your stage presence sucks, that could be a problem. I would recommend you record yourself and watch it to see what needs to be fixed. Make sure you are prepared because having regrets after a performance is the WORST. You don’t want to be like, “Oh shoot, I should have done this or that” after the show. Once it’s done, it’s done. Give it your all and most importantly go out there have fun!

Performing at Kollaboration Atlanta 2 in 2009

Hanging out with Joshua Fu, Kato and Rubox backstage before Kollaboration Atlanta 3 in 2010

5. What is your next step? Any plans to return to Atlanta and continue doing music?

I’m currently working on my first single EP that’ll hopefully drop sometime soon. Other than that, I’m just doing anything and everything to grow and succeed as an artist. Maybe do a few more Kollaboration shows if possible I am planning on coming back home but I fell in love with the motherland so much that I’m doing all that I can to live here in the near future. Hip-hop till the death of me!

As of Episode 8 of “K-POP STAR”, which aired in Seoul on Jan. 22, Andy was dropped from the competition during the casting round where each of the judges selected individual competitors to train under their record company. We wish him the best of luck in whatever he decides to pursue next!

Don’t forget to take your shot at competing for the $1,000 grand prize at this year’s Kollaboration ATL showcase in April! Apply now!