CECE 'BUNNY' LEE'S INTERVIEW WITH UPPER ECHELON MAGAZINE
CeCe Lee, better known as Bunny, sat with us for a four page spread interview . Her outfit was simple, jeans and sneakers paired with a white tee and denim jacket. A classic, all of it from high end designer brands. After ordering her cheeseburger and fries, she spoke between sips of water with a dash of lemon.
[UEM] Bunny, thank you for joining us today. We’ve heard you’ve had a busy schedule as of late. First off, how about you tell us how you’re doing?
[Bunny] Thank you for having me with you. I have been busy, but I’m doing very well.
[UEM] That’s great to hear. There have been some recent, and very sudden, changes to your life. The main one would be your leaving of ICE Entertainment, formerly known as AND Entertaiment. Tell us about that. What led you to that decision?
[Bunny] That decision was a hard one, seeing that I had been with the company since I was 18 and joined as a trainee. However, creative and personality differences were what led to my decision. I’m someone that craves artistic and creative freedom when it comes to my work and while ICE is a great company, in the long run it was not the one for me. That being said, I made sure not to leave on a bad note with those that mattered.
[UEM] Around the time of your leave, the duet in which you were in was disbanded. Was it hard to let go of that part of your life. Of R.yal C?
[Bunny] No, it wasn’t hard. I know when it’s time to let something go and it was time. While it had been less than a year long run for us as a duo, I knew end had come. And rather than pushing for something that would become problematic in the end, I decided it was time to part ways.
[UEM] Did you part in good terms with your partner?
[Bunny] We parted on professional terms.
[UEM] You had your comeback fairly quickly after all these events. Why did you decide it was time for one so soon?
[Bunny] In all actuality, my comeback was not supposed to happen until the end of the year or early 2015. However, when I went to STC with the plans to join, they requested that I come ready to make a comeback. While it was much sooner than intended, I understood their reasoning for it. Working overtime is nothing new to me, so I welcomed the challenge.
[UEM] Your album, soveREIGN, came in two versions. Both are very different from each other. Dare we say you showed sides of your artistic abilities that the public didn’t know of before. Do you have a favorite between the two?
[Bunny] You could say that, that was my goal. I wanted to showcase a side of myself that had only been hinted at beforehand with my music. As for a favourite, that’s a hard choice. I love them both equally, but the distinct difference between the two is that Red is more Bunny and Gold is more Cece. That being said, I can’t pick a favourite. That’s for my fans.
[UEM] Both albums received much love and attention. Not to mention your performances that were awarded four times.
[Bunny] I’m thankful for all the love and recognition that they have received, I couldn’t have asked for more. The wins were a shock for me and I can only thank my Royals for all the voting and dedication they have shown in helping me accomplish them.
[UEM] You worked with a variety of artist for your album. Some we had seen before, and others we hadn’t. Some big names like Seungri of BIGBANG. How would you describe the experiences of working with these artists?
[Bunny] Seungri is one of my closest friends and has been so since I made my debut 3 years ago. Working with him, while it is different than our normal interactions, it’s not like work. We understand each other and over the years, we have come to realize our weaknesses and strengths when performing together. And the same goes for Jia, whom I’ve worked with on numerous occasions as well. And as you said, there are new artists that I chose to work with this time, such as O.E and even P.O of Block B. But each of these artists were a wonder work with and I would do it again if given the chance.
[UEM] One of your awards did include the song in which P.O is featured, after all. The variety in the tracks was refreshing, which brings us to ask about your experiences in STC Media. Is the ambiance different from ICE Entertainment or has your transition to new label mates been easy?
[Bunny] You’re correct and performing that song with him has been one of my favourites thus far. The variety is refreshing and feels to be more up my alley. There’s a certain vibe with the company and artists that makes me feel as though I’m working with people with the same goals and talents and backgrounds as myself. That being said, transitioning has never been hard for me. However, I’m still working on getting to know all my label mates well.
[UEM] Now we’ve heard of a special treat that forty lucky Royals got to experience recently. Your first acoustic set took place on the 4th of September. How would you describe it?
[Bunny] It was a completely new experience for me, but I’m so glad I did it. The intimacy of the performance with the fans is something I always strive for with my Royals. And it was so well received, so I was very thankful. I was also thankful for my fellow idols who did show up.
[UEM] During your set, did you perform any tracks from this rumored mixtape you might be releasing? Could you confirm it’s existence?
[Bunny] Ah, no. I only performed music that I have already released. As for the existence of this rumoured mixtape, we’ll have to see what the future holds, right? I’m not sure if I should tell all my secrets at once.
[UEM] We do know the future holds a track with Taeyang of BIGBANG. And very soon, actually. What was it like working with him?
[Bunny] While Taeyang and I are very close friends, it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan. So, to work with him was one part fangirling and two parts having a good time. Our time in the studio felt so natural, it wasn’t forced or felt like work. And I do hope we get the chance to do it again.
[UEM] Any plans for a tour in the future? It has been pleaded for by your fans.
[Bunny] There are plans, things are in the works. While I cannot say when, I can say that I will be holding my first ever solo concert in the coming months. So, that is where a lot of primary focus is now. But as for the tour, that is certainly in the talks and my fans will be the first to know when I know.
[UEM] We wish you luck in all your future endeavors. Thank you for accompanying us today.
[Bunny] Thank you very much for the warm wishes and thank you for having me. I wish you well also.
