What does the Jade Bird symbolize for you?
He's a hero. He is the last remaining Jade Bird, the others have long since flown from the world of man because man no longer appreciates or values their qualities. But he refuses to give up. He wants to believe that the world has value. So he's a real strong one. He may bend but he doesn't give up hope.

How did you pick a title for the piece?
It's actually descriptive. It's the crucial act in the show when the Jade Bird decides to fly and go on his quest.

How long did the performance take to complete from conceptualization to finish?
Two and a half years. Everything was challenging. Everything asked for creativity as I searched for something real, something worth giving to the audience.

What is your favorite part of creating a show—the conceptualization, writing, composing or directing?
I think it varies from show to show. But I am more a writer and composer. That's where I find my truth.

What do you look for in a performer?
Humanity touched by the divine. Sensitivity combined with repeatability. Also, I want someone with a strong work ethic, a desire to try new things and who can weave their own magic around my writing.

What do you want the audience to take away from the performance?
I want their heads and hearts touched by the music, the story and the telling of the story. I want them to enjoy themselves but also leave slightly changed because they have been given something worthwhile.

The Flight of the Jade Bird runs May 18-19, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
 

Growing up in Los Angeles was great because…hip hop there is fresh, cool and rebellious.

As a teenager... I experimented. I emceed and did some free-styling during lunch, outside of clubs while waiting in line, and inside clubs battling. There was also free-style fellowship with acts such as King Tee, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and the Dogg Pound, Onyx, Tribe Called Quest and the Wu Tang Clan.

We were digging... for new stuff to be original. Nothing was handed to us.

I decided music was my career when… I signed the contract and realized I couldn't be out. Didn’t know how scary this contract could be.

My biggest music influences are… what I grew up listening to and all my ex girlfriends.

The Korean music scene hasn’t changed… it has just gotten more money-centric and systematic. Plus, it's gone global.

I work best with… fly ladies, because they are fly.

I deal with my disease by… knocking hate out with love. But it's an ongoing battle. Hope love prevails.

If I get tired on tour…I drink Redbull. Sleep helps too.

Tiger JK will be performing on May 24, 10pm at the Clarke Quay Fountain Square.