“I received over 1,000 songs for the album”
“A full-length album released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of debut, confidence with reason”
“I don’t want to stay like the old singer”
“A full-length album released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of debut, confidence with reason”
“I don’t want to stay like the old singer”
"While recording this album, I heard about my daughter's rare disease. I was in a situation where I couldn't release the album. Fortunately, she recovered completely. Both the release of the album and the news of my child's complete recovery were like a dream."
Singer Byul, who returned with her 6th full-length album ‘Startrail’ on the 5th, said this in a face-to-face interview with Ten Asia.
Byul returned with a full-length album after 14 years. Over 10 years of being called someone's wife and someone's mother. Coming back after a long time was a decision for Byul and an opportunity to prove her worth as a singer.
The preparation process for the album wasn't smooth. There was a difference between the music that the public wanted and the music that Kim Go-eun (Bul's real name) wanted. The star said that he listened to about 1,000 songs and worried about finding somewhere in between. This, coupled with my responsibility as a mother, became the reason for the delay in the release date.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the star's debut. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, a ‘regular album’ was selected. Byul said, "You might think that releasing a full-length album is a reckless thing these days. But when I look back on my 30s, I was less active than my calling card as a singer. Personally, I was embarrassed."
He continued, "When I said I would release an album to commemorate the 20th anniversary, I was disappointed with the single. I personally suggested it to the company and prepared it as a full-length album. Of course, it wasn't easy, but after releasing it, I was proud of my fans and proud of myself. “He said.
Choosing the album track list was also not easy. 10 songs listed on the album. Byul confidently introduced all the included songs. He said, "I think I received about 1,000 songs. Since it's been a long time since I released an album, I was greedy. There are also songs that contain my thoughts. The process itself was different from previous albums. Starting with the music video, album jacket, and the lyrics in the album, etc. “Everything down to ten contains my thoughts,” he said.
Last year, the album came close to being discontinued. It was because of Byul’s youngest daughter, Song Yi,’s ‘rare disease.’ People poured in support after hearing the news that he was suffering from ‘galanbarre’.
Byul said about that time, "While I was recording this album, I heard that my child was sick. I hoped it was just a cold or a passing illness, but that wasn't the case. I wasn't in a situation where I could release an album. In fact, it would be difficult to even release it in January. "I thought it was. Thankfully, the child was completely cured. I don't know if it was a dream that he was sick or if he was better."
This title song ‘Afternoon’ is a song that reveals Star’s strengths. He conveyed a persuasive story to listeners through his unique vocalization and emotional delivery.
Intense deliberation could also be seen in the process of selecting the title song. Byeol said, "'Afternoon' is a song that can give joy to those who have been waiting for my new album by saying, 'This is a star.' My husband (Haha) had this song in mind from the beginning. As soon as he heard the first verse, he thought, 'This is a star.' He said, ‘It is,’” he said with a smile.
It is also an album that reflects my greed as a singer. Byul said, "I think a popular singer must maintain a fine line between what people want to hear and what I want to do. Actually, I like the hip-hop genre. I don't want to be a singer limited to ballads. That desire is reflected in this album. “It’s a lot melted in. The songs other than ‘Afternoon’ will sound a little more pop and rhythmical,” he said.
Lastly, he mentioned the goals of singer Byul. He said, "I want to make music for a long time. To be honest, I don't want to remain an 'old singer'. I want to be evaluated positively by everyone with my voice and story, not just a singer who causes nostalgia in my contemporaries. The vitality of a 'female singer'." “I want to prove that this is not short. I will work hard. Really hard.”
Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr