After a decade of charming us as a member of WJSN and its sub-unit WJSN CHOCOME, K-pop veteran DaYoung steps into a brand new chapter of her illustrious musical journey with her solo debut. Inviting us into a world where she's at her boldest and most authentic, she captures the power of simply being herself on her first project gonna love me, right?.
Speaking of the two-pronged message behind the album, DaYoung reveals as much as empowerment as she does tenderness. She says, " First, the confidence and attitude of “You can’t help but love me.” And second, the softer plea of “You’re gonna love me, right?”
Since this is my very first digital album, I poured my heart into it, and it reflects my strong desire to be loved and supported by the public and my fans."
Showcasing various sides of her artistry, she breaks down the different tracks, " "Body" is the title track and the song that best shows my energy. It’s a bright pop sound with catchy melodies and a performance I always wanted to show as a solo artist. Then, "Number 1 Rockstar," is full of my passion and confidence, with the mindset of “If I’m going to do it, I should do it the best.” It feels the most like my own story and expresses me perfectly. And, "Marry Me" is a song I wanted everyone to enjoy and relate to easily. The making process was so fun, and while the title might sound like a sweet love song, it’s actually the opposite—so I hope you give it a listen."
DaYoung's solo sonic identity is one that works towards steadily experimentation while also building on the strong foundations of her journey so far. Reflecting on how WJSN shaped her craft, she says, "Being part of a group for so many years gave me the chance to experience all kinds of stages—from small shows to huge arenas—and I learned so much along the way. I discovered how to connect with the audience and deliver music and performances that really move people. Those experiences helped me a lot when working on this album."
Shaped by a personal touch, the album blossoms with her distinct creative signatures at every nook and note. She explains, "I personally tweaked every sound, carefully adjusted the volume, and re-recorded the chorus several times to make sure each song would be something listeners could truly enjoy. My solo identity is about doing the music I truly love and becoming a performer and artist who can grab people’s eyes and ears."
Whether it's songwriting sessions and choreography or styling, visual direction and marketing, DaYoung sculpts her solo identity with intricate care and deep involvement. She elaborates with an example, " For “Body,” I wanted the music, choreography, and story to feel like one, so I spent seven days in LA rehearsing every day from early afternoon to night just to perfect the one-take concept. That level of focus and immersion is what defines my solo work."
While her group activities continue to inspire, she also has her share of other musical inspirations. She says, "There are so many artists who inspire me, but if I had to choose, I’d say Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears. I grew up listening to their music and practicing their songs, and it feels like such an honor that I got to learn from them in that way. Now it feels like a dream that I’m in the same industry as them, and I hope that one day I’ll get to meet them in person!"
As she looks forward across the sparkling path that lay ahead, she shares her ultimate goal "is to become a real pop star." She adds, "There are so many things I want to try, but I know I want to keep doing pop music. Pop literally means “popular music,” and I want to make songs that everyone can enjoy—music the public can truly love.
Confident, passionate and leading with a heart that wants to give and receive love, DaYoung illuminates the music world with disarming charm and an easy-going sense of power that pulls each and every one of us towards everything she has to offer us.
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