Pop is one of those genres that's hard to bend or challenge because by its very nature it's constantly changing. Think of all the subcategories — bubblegum, hyper, indie, teen, sunshine, not to mention K-pop. Korean pop has been around for decades, and in true pop form, always seems to be morphing into something new. Meet Saay, one of the genre's upcoming stars.
She's known for her versatile vocals, chic style, and fusion with R&B, qualities that are all exemplified in her latest single, Domino. The track is nuanced, touching on the singer's mixed feelings about success, which she characterises as a double-edged sword; it creates both anticipation and anxiety. This unique blend is what makes her stand out in a sea of pop stars; she's not afraid to get vulnerable about the realities of fame and universal recognition.
Chatting with her reveals much the same: a humble and grounded person who, though focused on her music and always ready to grow, still enjoys the simple pleasures of life and tries to find joy wherever she can. If Saay's rise to fame is any indication, high-maintenance is out, and soft, meditative comfort is clearly in.
Hi Saay! How are you today?
I feel great. This has been a week of focusing on my New York concert on August 9th and my concert preparation in LA on August 15th.
You describe your work as “not just K-pop.” What conventions of the genre do you try to challenge? What makes your music uniquely you?
I do music that only Saay can do. When I work on a song, I don't follow any reference, but I make music that only I can create and express. When I'm not a musician, I usually write and produce songs for other K-pop artists (such as Baekhyun, Aespa, Boa, Twice), but my album actually contains the best colours of pure R&B and pure neo-soul genres.
Let’s discuss your latest release. In the press photos and video for Domino, you're in this lacy white maxi dress. What was the intention behind the photoshoot?
I really liked playing dominoes when I was young. When I had complicated thoughts or needed mind control, I just spent my own time silently stacking dominoes one by one. And their colour was white. I wanted to express my single without thinking about it, just the same time I was setting up a white domino that wasn't stained with anything.
Does that represent your personal fashion sense?
Yes, I participate in the processes of all my albums and express and capture my colours and thoughts. Although it's too dressy for everyday wear (laughs). It contains my detailed process in my styling.
The word ‘domino’ can have many connotations. What does it evoke for you?
Domino represents the complicated feelings that have accumulated over the span of my life and career: anyone who yearns for success can experience conflicting emotions in the form of anticipation and anxiety. Working step by step towards perfection increases the excitement, but the fact a single mistake can make everything crumble also increases apprehension, just like a domino. I felt I needed to express these emotions for us, for me.
It's a medium tempo R&B hip-hop track that combines classical and hip-hop. Starting with the a cappella intro, it's an interesting piece that opens up all possibilities for the development of the second half of the song. It's not limited to a specific genre, but it embodies my unique musical position.
It's a medium tempo R&B hip-hop track that combines classical and hip-hop. Starting with the a cappella intro, it's an interesting piece that opens up all possibilities for the development of the second half of the song. It's not limited to a specific genre, but it embodies my unique musical position.
Out of curiosity, do you have a favourite board or card game?
I like Uno. I also like card games and brumable [Korean Blue Marble Game]. I don't really play board games these days, but I liked playing with dominoes when I was young.
How do you approach crafting the intricate vocal harmonies in your songs?
From the first time I sketch the song, I start to think about the details of vocal production as well. After the vocal recording of the original main track is finished, harmonies that fit within that are recorded separately like musical instruments for each part. Sometimes there are more than a hundred chorus tracks. I don't call the process of putting vocal harmony and chorus 'vocal'. I work as if dealing with my vocals were instruments.
And in your personal life, do you prefer to have things in harmony or is there a certain joy in chaos?
I think our lives are 'chaos' in themselves, so I tend to be in harmony. Everything I think is perfect is born when the right balance and balance are achieved.
In Domino, you explore feelings of anticipation and anxiety in the face of monumental success. How did you represent that tension in the song’s composition?
I honestly melted my experiences mentioned above without lying or pretending. All of my songs begin with stories from my diary, and this one was no exception.
What is it like to sing and write in English compared to Korean? Do you have a preference?
I'm 100% Korean, born in Korea, but I've lived abroad a lot since I was young. I've worked on this song in Korean, and I think the genre's coolness is expressed better in English. The debut song, Circle, was also in English. After trying to work on both Korean and English, I tend to write lyrics more directly in English with ease.
Speaking of which, you'll be on tour in the US soon. What do you do to remind you of home when you're away?
I often make video calls with my family, loved ones, and friends. I tend to adapt well anywhere and don't get homesick, so I don't feel lonely or anything. Rather, I am really happy every day with the expectation that I will be able to meet my American fans in person at my concerts for the first time in a long time.
Also, enduring a tour is no easy feat. What do you do to prepare yourself both physically and mentally?
I tend to practice 1000% so that I don't make mistakes or lack in performances. And I exercise often. I like to exercise, and exercise is the best solution for mind control.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I haven't decided which of the many demos I've worked on yet, but I'll be making a comeback with another concept and song later this year. It probably won't be long. Also, I’m planning to have my solo tour and meet global fans in person again. Starting with this single Domino, I'm planning to do a lot of musical activities. I haven't had the chance to meet global fans since I've been focusing on promoting in Korea for a while. But I'm excited to meet global fans in person again! I can't wait to meet them at my upcoming concerts in New York (August 9th) and Los Angeles (August 15th)!
