In these uncertain times, finding new artists to obsess over can bring a much-needed sense of joy and comfort. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to the talented Korean singer and songwriter, SAAY. Since launching her solo career in 2017, SAAY has made a lasting impact with her unique blend of newwave pop and R&B.
SAAY’s sound is rooted in her diverse musical background, having grown up surrounded by traditional Korean music, jazz, classical music, and various musicians. Her love for music started at a young age, and now she’s determined to showcase her talents to a global audience while staying true to her roots.
SAAY stays ahead of the curve, combining her musical abilities with a keen eye for fashion and music trends. With the release of her EP, “FEELosophy”, we had the privilege of chatting with SAAY herself and getting a closer look into her creative process. This eight-song project showcases SAAY’s take on love and its philosophy, with feel-good bops and a mix of English and Korean lyrics. Listen for yourself and see why we’re absolutely obsessed! Don’t miss her performance on our “Sit In On Friday” series, where SAAY will showcase her angelic voice and captivate you with her musical prowess.
What does True Identity mean to you?
As an artist or a human being, it’s really important to keep my identity firm. In a world where everything changes so fast these days, it’s really the most important thing to show and express that person. To me, my true identity is my music. And I’m constantly expressing myself with my music and letting the world know.
At what age did you start making music and what brought you to it?
My mother was a teacher who taught Korean traditional music to students when I was young, and my father always played guitar and sang for me and my siblings, my brother was a performer on the rock band team, and my sister was a dancer. All my surroundings as a child were music. And it was when I was about 5 years old that I followed my mother to the stage as a Korean traditional musical instrument player. I have been singing, dancing, and producing ever since. My family is the biggest cause and influence of my music.
How has growing up in Korea shaped you as an artist? What did the city add to your unique sound?
Doing music in Korea means that you have to read the music trend better than any other country. Music lovers in our country are the quickest to follow and read trends that are popular all over the world at all costs. Currently, Korean culture and musicality are all over the world. We are doing something all over the world while keeping our own color and originality. So am I. When people watch my music video and me on stage, the gestures of Korean traditional music and the flow of Korean dance that I have learned along with my mother come out of my gestures. And I combine it with my genre, pop and R&B. I am taking my steps while keeping my genre and identity firmly. Although pop and R&B is a genre from another country, my genre and my roots are all connected in my music.
What inspired you to make R&B music?
First of all, my genre is not exactly defined as R&B. I grew up learning all genres and coming in. Even jazz and classical music. My main genres are pop and R&B, sometimes expressing dance and alternative genres in music, but among them, the people who influenced me a lot to become an artist are pop and R&B artists and producers in the ’60s and ’90s. People like Michael Jackson and Jackson 5, Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, Usher, NSYNC, Earth, Wind & Fire, David Foster, Timberland, and Nerd. All of these were combined to create my main genre.
Who are your icons?
I admire Madonna’s attitude and Jennifer Lopez’s solemnity.
They are the textbook essentials for female artists these days. Like them, I want to make music and perform on stage for a long time.
Was there a musical experience, a concert, or a performance that touched your soul?
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 the 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.
The pandemic has caused many changes in our everyday lives and routines. How has that impacted your regular workday?
The worldwide Pandemics situation was announced, and for the first couple of months or so, I spent all my time denying the situation and the moment. But after that, I came to my senses again and started making an album, because making music and letting the world know is the only thing I can do under any circumstances. Although I can’t do offline performances or tours where I meet my fans in person, I’m making everything I can with my team now. Because we have to move forward without stopping in this situation, and I’m so proud of myself and my team.
When do you feel most creative and most inspired to make music?
I think an artist should be an artist at every moment. I don’t set everything up for inspiration or define moments, because every moment can be my inspiration whenever I want. Practicing, finding new things, and feeling constantly are my life’s homework. Every day is the moment when I become creative.
Your new EP “FEELosophy” is set to release on the 20th of October. The name “FEELosophy” is very unique, what is the message behind it?
It’s a word that I made for this album. Combining Feeling and Philosophy, it became “FEELosophy.” It’s a philosophy of feeling. It is an album that expresses the most sensitive moment of love through music. I really want many listeners to feel this album, not just listening to it. This is the message of this album, and my intention.
What are your musical and creative goals for the next few years?
I will release my second full-length album in 2021, next year. Since my first debut album, CLAASSIC, which was released in 2018, my second album will be released in three years. I’m writing some songs with a concept for the album, and I think I’ll be very satisfied with this album. I’m already excited. And as soon as this pandemic gets better, I want to meet fans all over the world through my solo tour.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give young SAAY?
Just do it. The world is yours.
