Today we’d like to introduce you to BERiKiLLA.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Saki : “I loved dancing since high-school, and I taught myself how to sing/dance! It used to just be a private hobby, until I was inspired by a local dance-idol from San Antonio, TX. That was when I realized I also wanted to be on stage, but in alternative themes, still staying cutesy! I was always quiet/shy throughout school, and I had low self-esteem. But throughout these past 3 years as an idol, I gained confidence with all the support I have been given. At first, I was a solo idol for about 2 years, until I wanted to start the alternative-idol unit; ‘BERiKiLLA’! I had planned the group’s concept in my 4th year of highschool, and so far it has been an amazing ride!”
Rai : “I was never interested in idol culture until I discovered K-pop back in 2017. I was drawn into the music but also, the energy the idols put in their dances! When I watched videos of K-pop Idol performances, they had huge crowds where the audience chanted and waved their lightsticks. It inspired me to become an idol myself, I want to also bring happiness and touch people with my music, with the crowd cheering loudly. I began to learn K-pop choreography and joined the K-pop club at my school to perform them on stage. When I was at school, I remember seeing the audition announcement for ‘BERiKiLLA’. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to pursue my dream and to give it a shot! Even if I didn’t pass auditions, I would be happy to fight the courage to attempt the audition and be proud of myself to give it my all. I recall being so nervous, hoping I’d make it in, btu all of the nerves disappeared as I got an email, saying that I passed the auditions! Until this very day, I don’t regret my choice to push through the auditions.”
Baika: “Since practicing singing from a young age and not caring about sounding bad comes from a spark of inspiration from all of my favorite bands. I like to listen to musicians connect with so many people with their feelings of joy, anger, and even sadness through their music. And that connection is what inspires me to pursue a dream where I could possibly create a bond with people who feel the same way. Of course I’ve learned more about singing since then, but, the pursuit for that never really died down, and because of that, I’ve made the decision to join ‘BERiKiLLA’ and actually have the opportunity to perform for some awesome people while joining the local idol community and I’m looking forward to it!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Saki : “To be completely honest, this road hasn’t been the easiest. I sometimes struggle with the challenges of anxiety when preparing for our next event, but I always find the positivity, that all this hard work will be worth it! Rai and I have been through this road together, and we have eachother”s backs, and with Baika in the group, it feels like we all will have strong connections working together, and having fun together!”
Rai : “My biggest challenge is definitely going on stage. I have bad anxiety which causes me to overthink a lot and shake. Sometimes it’s hard to fight over my thoughts but having Saki by my side helps me a bit. It’s definitely hard for me because it causes me to forget my lines and choreography sometimes. I am thankful though, by how supportive the local idol community is, hearing the audience and idols cheer us on definitely help me feel much better. I just have to remind myself that no one will actually judge me and that I am doing this to have fun.”
Baika : “A main obstacle for me (and many other performers) has to be stage fright, getting used to all of the audience focusing on you for those few moments is challenging but will get better with more and more performances.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Saki : ” ‘BERiKiLLA’ is an alternative idol group based in San Antonio, TX. We focus on bringing more heavy themes to idol music, as the ‘BERis’ are all into alternative subculture, whether it’s music, fashion, or interest. All members are associated with a ‘BERi’ as well as a unique charm. I, ‘SAKiBERi’, the bloody strawberry, am in charge of leading the group, as well as bringing heavy metal screamo with singing & dancing. ‘RAiBERi’, the bubbly raspberry, is the cutest and most bubbly within the group, having a cute-sounding voice, with dancing. ‘BAiKABERi’, the bloomy blackberry, is the newest member in ‘BERiKiLLA’, bringing another screamo sound, working alongside Saki to bring the heaviest screams you’ll ever hear. Along with singing and dancing.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Saki : “All credit goes to God, I wouldn’t be here without his presence by my side, supporting me and being there for me no matter what. I also am thankful towards Rai, for dealing with my weird personality and funky sounds I randomly make haha. But seriously, Rai has been by my side through the bad and good, and a great best friend of mine! I also thank Baika, as of typing this, she’s currently in pre-debut (training) for ‘BERiKiLLA’, and I am glad that she’s working hard to become a Beri, it’s also cute that she worked on her charm point to match the meaning of her name, haha. And of course, all of our supporters, whether I see you in real life, or liking our posts, commenting online, it means a ton to me that we have people who like what we do!”
Rai : “Definitely Saki deserves the credit for this group. I don’t think people really understand how important the leader role is. Yes, the leader is in charge of making the group thrive and happy, but the leader’s job is to also guide the members. They have to make sure to make the correct decisions for the group and lead everyone to the right path, which is not a simple thing to do. It is a very stressful job, but Saki overcomes it and pushes through. So far, we’ve made some small and big achievements and I am forever grateful for all the hard work we put into this group, thankful to have a good leader and best friend!”
Baika : “Saki and Rai deserve credit, they’ve been assisting me through planning/scheduling/pronunciation of lyrics/choreography, just basically helping any way they can. Them translating songs, assigning lines, figuring out dances and even molding them to fit our 3-member unit makes them so awesome and getting to witness them strive to be who they are is such a privilege!”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berikilla?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
