NCT's Doyoung met with legendary artists representing domestic rock music, including YB's Yoon Do-hyun, Jaurim's Kim Yoon-ah, and Nell's Kim Jong-wan.
Doyoung recently conducted an interview at a café in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of his second album 'Soar' and shared insights about the new album.
Doyoung's latest work 'Soar' features a number of legendary artists to convey his message more authentically. Including iconic musicians of rock music like YB's Yoon Do-hyun, Jaurim's Kim Yoon-ah, and Nell's Kim Jong-wan, accomplished musicians such as lyricist Kim Ina, producer Seo Dong-hwan, and Lucy's Jo Won-sang also contributed.
Doyoung said the theme of this album is 'the power to inspire dreams,' making the collaboration with legendary artists feel as though he has achieved a dream of his own.
He noted, "Since my first album, I have loved band music too much. Since they are the central figures in Korea's band music, I really wanted to work with them. I made several proposals through the company, and after meeting for discussions, it naturally came together," and added, "There are these three, but I also reached out to many other artists I truly admire. Even during the first album, artists I loved participated, and for the second album, it feels even more special because many senior artists contributed. Both the first and second albums feature people I have liked for a long time."
Regarding the work with Yoon Do-hyun, Kim Yoon-ah, and Kim Jong-wan, he said, "Musically, as you may know, they create excellent, widely appreciated music, so it's not that I became more newly fond of them in terms of music. Actually meeting them provided realizations from the words the seniors shared with me."
He continued, "In the case of Senior Kim Yoon-ah, even though there may be a predetermined meaning in the lyrics she writes and composes, when I initially looked at the lyrics and shared my interpretation, she even said that my interpretation could be correct, highlighting her flexibility in holding onto her meaning as an artist, which I found very instructive."
Additionally, he mentioned, "I met with Senior Kim Jong-wan the most. I had the most meetings and recording sessions with him, and he taught me details one by one, like training, so I learned a lot from him. Senior Yoon Do-hyun praised me a lot. He was very friendly while respecting me as a senior. Each character was different, but there were points to learn from all of them."
When asked if there were any memorable praises, Doyoung replied, "Senior Yoon Do-hyun said that he decided to give me a song after watching a video of me doing a musical. I felt fortunate to have worked hard, and that made me feel good. I hadn't actually done musicals before, so I was really motivated, and hearing him say that made me feel like I did well, which left a strong impression. Senior Kim Yoon-ah and Kim Jong-wan also gave me a lot of praise, with Senior Kim Yoon-ah often saying I was beautiful. Among all the tracks, that track was the only one I worked on externally. The whole environment remains beautifully memorable for me."
Regarding the artists he wants to meet in his third album, he said, "There are so many, but I would say Senior Naul. I have listened to Senior Naul's songs since I was young. I don't know if it's possible, but I would also like to work with the Japanese band Official Hige Dandism. They say they don't write for others often, but I would love to have a chance with them. And although they are very famous, I also really like Coldplay, so I would like to collaborate with them too. I'm the type who acts on what I think right away. I throw ideas out, even if I'm uncertain, because I don't want to have regrets." This raises anticipation for the next album. (Continued in Interview ③.)
[Photo] SM Entertainment
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