[TRANS] 200520 Solar for Marie Claire (June Issue)
Your solo album’s activities ended well. Are you satisfied?
Because it’s my first solo album, there was a lot of pressure. I went back to having the heart of a rookie and worked really hard preparing. But I still remember being more nervous during the first broadcast than my debut stage. There was a strong pressure that I have to do everything myself. But, as if they were anticipating it, I was really touched seeing my fans pouring everything out and supporting me.
I feel it would have been a lot more different than when you promote with your group Mamamoo.
Solar’s music, not Mamamoo’s, was not known, so I wanted to make it known that Solar does this kind of music and likes this type of thing. It also feels like a process of finding my real self. I’ve gathered everything I normally wanted to do and put it into this album. Liking all genres like hard hip-hop and exciting dance, this album showed what kind of color Solar’s music can create. However, it felt empty not having my members who are always by my side. Until now, if I made slight mistakes, the other members would fill that in, but going on stage completely alone, it’s something that needs a greater responsibility than I thought.
How was the reaction from Mamamoo members who watched your stage?
Wheein and Hwasa cheered me on a lot. And, (Moon) Byulie kept acting like a senior (laughs) I remember laughing a lot when I would give an opinion, she would joke a lot saying, “How dare you [say that] to a senior”
On stage, your visuals stand out. Whether they’re your nails, gloves, or lipstick color, you paid attention to details.
I collected a lot of various references. Because style is a part of the stage. Whether they suited me or not, I attempted bold lipstick colors. Of course, the thing I paid more attention than style was my singing. ‘Spit It Out’ live is a lot harder than you’d think, so I spent a lot of time in the practice room.
In your revealed teaser photos, the one where you had a shaved head/bald makeup garnered a lot of attention.
It was intended to show my raw appearances. Of course, I can’t show all of me through that one thing, but I wanted to attempt something that I haven’t living until now.
You’re in the position where you receive judgment from the general public in every moment. Aren’t you fraid of the response to your new attempts ?
Honestly, I’m scared (laughs) 99% of my company staff was actually against my shaved head makeup, too. It’s something I did because I wanted to do it, but I thought some people may not like it. I just followed my heart. I like myself being brave and attempting new things, and attempting things is one of the ways I live enjoying life.
Would it be because of the sense of accomplishment you feel after succeeding?
There are people who dislike it, but, on the other hand, there are people who do like it. I’m proud when I feel my attempt is meaningful and valuable. Most of the things I do are because I don’t want to have regrets.
The attitude touches on this title song, ‘Spit It Out’
It’s a song that had my thought to get on with my work with passion, even in adversity. I like fun and enjoyable things. That position also applies when I stand on stage for Mamamoo’s performances. It’s the reason why we always attempt new styles, and sing while actively communicating with the audience.
You’re consistently working on composing and writing lyrics, too.
I talk about myself the most. In a past Mamamoo’s album, the song ‘Hello’ is a song where you can think about the person Solar. It’s about a lover, the first verse being what a woman says to the guy, and the second verse being what the guy says to the woman. One day, I wanted a ‘Big Booty’, so I wrote a song titled that. Rather than my writing songs with a particular style, I portray emotions or situations I experience at that moment. Our fansong, ‘Never Letting Go’ as well.
Solar also enjoys various collaborations. Is there an artist you want to meet up with in the future?
While working on music, I grow musically and see the positives of other artists and learn from that, too. If I have the chance, I want to work with the musician Changmo. I listened to his song ‘Meteor’ a lot, too. The way he treats music is cool.
If you were to have a solo concert, what kind of stage do you want to create?
Until now, I’ve made various attempts through solo stages as Mamamoo concerts. I’ve done pole dancing, and flew around [tied to] wires. If I was to do a solo concert, I think it’ll become a set of art performances. Like a circus (laughs) I have a lot of interest in circus performances, so I’ve looked them up myself as well. I’m usually in charge of high notes as a group, but fans have said my low notes are charming too, so I want to present a song where I can let them hear my low voice. Whatever the genre, I’m planning on changing it to my own style.
It seems your attitude wanting to make various attempts are in the Youtube channel you run, ‘Solarsido’ as well.
The Youtube channel name also has the meaning of ‘Solar’s challenge’. I started it at first simply because it seemed fun, but, reaching 1 year now, I think it’s now another window for me to express myself.
I feel you’d have to be diligent to run a channel. Since you have to plan, film, and edit. How do you feel about living as a Youtube for a bout a year?
It matches me really well. I relieve my stress from music promotions creating Youtube videos. ‘Solarsido’ is my only hobby. So, Mamamoo’s members worry saying, ‘We need to play with Solar unnie’. But, even while having music activities, if I get an idea whenever, I create filming plans. Normally, I plan content about a month or two in advance, and Byulie occasionnaly does the filming. Editing is something that’s impossible with my own power, so my company is helping.
The way you bravely read malicious comments for your Youtube content was impressive.
It’s already been 7 years since I debuted as Mamamoo. As time goes on, I’ve slowly become dulled and stronged toward malicious comments. I can tell if a malicious comment is sincere advice for me, or if it’s just criticism to criticize me. if it’s sincere advice, I’m the type to carefully listen to it.
You also showed the process of your album preparation in a vlog. The way you kept asking for advice from staff around you also stood out.
When it’s difficult to make objective decisions, I always ask people around me. Occasionally, I am told, “the answer is already there, you just have to say it” (T/N : shortened phrase that basically means it’s a rhetorical question / the person asking it already has their decision made in their head), but I listen to and take in as many various opinions as I can. Because there are areas of things that I know really well, and some that I don’t. It’s for greater results.
Your ‘Yonglish’ content where you learn English is also fun. I heard you’re good at Japanese and have various certifications. Are you greedy when it comes to learning things?
I’ve forgotten almost everything [I know of] japanese (laughs) Recreation leader or laugher therapist certifications were things I attempted when I was in college, suggested by my professor. At times, certifications that don’t seem to have any relation are helpful in my activites as a singer. I started leaning english because I wanted to write better lyrics, but it’s so hard that I’m at a stage where I’ve kind of given up (laughs).
What video had the best response ?
I think my singing or dancing videos have the best responses. I feel happy all the time when I hear compliments.
Is there content that you want to attempt in the future ?
I’ve been doing small projects so far, but I want to attempt a bit, long-term project. For instance, spending 1 night and 2 days on a deserted island (laughs)
There are a lot of people waiting for Mamamoo’s album. When will we be met with a group album again?
I’m not sure when it will be, but the members and I are working hard preparing. You will be able to meet another different Mamamoo that we haven’t shown before.
What do you want to do when today’s interview is over ?
Eeven in this moment, I’m shooting a vlog for ‘Solarsido’, I’m thinking of organizing videos when I get home. Solo album promotions have ended, but I’m still busy. I like being busy. That way it’s Solar-like (laughs)
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