SAAY is one of the most promising K-R&B artists on the block. She started her journey as a K-Pop idol and soon ventured on a solo path in 2017 to carve a place for herself in the music industry — forging a path of self-expression, discovery, and resilience. 

She released her first single of 2024, “DOMINO,” earlier this month, presenting a captivating melody and haunting lyrics that stay with the listeners long after the song has finished playing. This song encapsulates deep embedded emotions of uncertainty and anxiety that brood in one’s mind after achieving considerable success.

Shortly after the release of “DOMINO,” HALSUG had a candid chat with the artist to know more about her work, her inspiration and her plans for 2024.

Q: First of all, congrats on “DOMINO!” This is your first release of 2024. How are you feeling?

I'm so touched. It's been six months since I released “RollerCoaster” last year. Starting with this song, I’m planning to do many fun projects this year.

Q: What inspired you to become a musician?

The first concert I saw in my life was the Wembley performance by Michael Jackson. My parents were huge fans of Michael, so whenever Michael Jackson appeared on MTV, my parents would sit next to me and watch it together, and when I saw the concert, I thought, "Oh, I want to be like him." In a way, I sometimes think that I am who I am now because I saw the concert then.

Q: “DOMINO” explores feelings of insecurity, anxiety and imperfection. What other themes or feelings would you like to explore in your music next?

There are countless experiences, emotions, and stories within me that I haven't yet talked about in music. I haven't decided yet how I feel, but as I have, the next song will come from my actual experience.

Q: What part of music-making do you enjoy the most: songwriting or composing? What would you say is the most challenging part for you?

Actually, these two parts aren't that different to me. They're all very enjoyable parts that are included in the creative process. The difference between these two positions used to be very different, but now I'm making it as if I'm making my own album and working on someone else's song. 

But I think the point of inspiration is slightly different depending on whether I'm the subject or the other person is the subject. When I work on other people's albums as a producer, I learn new things from their energy. I've been in many different positions in music for a long time, but it's always interesting. I'm really grateful that I can experience new energy from artists who make me feel like I can sing my songs in a different direction and feeling than I do.

Q: How different is working on your own music and collaborating with other artists? What lessons have you learned from being able to work solely on your own and work alongside other artists in collaborations?

Through a lot of collaborations, I've learned that if I really treat music with all my heart and create with all my heart, artists always understand each other's artistic values first. The various collaborations with all artists were all memorable and happy moments, but among them, my work with Snoop Dogg was the most memorable. I literally grew up with his music history and spent my childhood, so I was really, really happy and honored when he was commissioned to feature on his album. I still can't believe it, that my voice was on his album with his voice.

Q: Since your solo debut, what would you say has been your career’s highlight? What achievement are you the most proud of?

I'll never forget that I had three solo concerts in Korea, and I was able to dance and sing with my fans in a concert hall just for me. I still have the energy to do these wonderful projects. I have lived and built many musical careers, but the moments of my solo concert are the highlight[s] of my memory.

Q: What or who would you say has had the most influence on your music?

I love and listen to all kinds of music genres. Growing up, I have experienced and learned Korean traditional music, Korean traditional music, rock, heavy metal, J-Pop, R&B and hip-hop, and now I am an artist who can express all genres. Among them, the genres that I am most expressing and pursuing in my album are pop, R&B, and hip-hop.

The artists that I have admired the most while growing up are Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Prince, TLC, *NSYNC, Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, and pop R&B hip-hop artists who represented the 90s-2000s. It's naturally expressed in my music now because the music of these great and respectful artists of all genres that I've been growing up and experiencing and learning exists in my DNA.

Q: When you are not working, what do you usually do?

I love exercising. I used to be a swimmer for a long time when I was young, so I still enjoy sports that require high-intensity energy such as swimming, horseback riding, tennis, and fitness. Besides that, I also enjoy mental training through yoga and pilates. I usually like to exercise, take a walk with my dogs, or watch movies. I am a very common lifestyle person when I am not a musician. Haha!

Q: Can you give us any spoilers for your next release? What are your plans for the rest of 2024?

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. 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 starting with this single, “DOMINO,” I'm excited to meet global fans in person again!

Q: What advice do you have for anyone trying to make it in the music industry?

Humans make mistakes. So if you make a mistake, admit it quickly, and admit it. If you feel you have fallen, you can get up again. From then on, you can start over. Failure is the mother of success.

What do you think of SAAY’s latest single “DOMINO”? Tell us in the comments below or connect with us over Instagram and X (Twitter).

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Artist Facts

Name/Stage Name: Sohee Kwon/ SAAY

Birthday: 4/13/1993

Nationality: Korean

Zodiac Sign: Aries

MBTI: ENFP

Fave Foods: Korean Seafood Soup

Fave Drinks: Sprite Zero

Fave Movies: The Devil Wears Prada / Sex and the City

Day or Night?: DAY

Song you’re most proud of: “CIRCLE”

Edited by Divina Aloisa Tolentino