Complex Interviews Taeyang

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Interview: Taeyang Talks "Rise," Individuality in K-Pop and Life After YG Entertainment

By now you've most likely heard of G-Dragon, the Korean pop juggernaut whose exploits in music and style we covered extensively last year. But if you're not a K-pop enthusiast, you are probably unaware of Taeyang—G-Dragon's best friend since childhood, YG Entertainment labelmate, and fellow member in the mega-group Big Bang. Though he isn't quite as flashy as GD, Taeyang is undoubtedly a star in his own right, with a well-earned reputation in K-pop circles as the genre's best R&B singer and dancer. (He's also a global face for Calvin Klein's new CK One campaign.) Taeyang's second solo album, RISE, has topped the iTunes album charts in 10 countries since its release in June,

Speaking with the 26-year-old singer recently, it’s clear how serious he is about his craft and artistry—two words not commonly used within the manufactured confines of K-pop. In our interview, Taeyang was characteristically candid and unguarded about his career. So why did it take him four years to release his new album? Which American artists is he listening to lately? What’s up with new music from Big Bang? And will he ever leave his record label? He answers all of these questions and more in this exclusive Complex Q&A.

How's the reaction been to your new album, RISE?
Luckily, the reaction has been very good. I'm happy about that.

Are you happy with the music? Did it come out the way you wanted?
To be honest, it's a little different compared to the initial concept I had when I started the album.

The last time we spoke, you said you wanted to make every track off the album as if it were a single. Did you fulfill that goal?
I've worked on numerous tracks and out of those tracks I've handpicked nine songs. I think each song definitely stands out, but as a whole, there are some elements that leave more to be desired.

There was a four-year hiatus between RISE and your last solo album. Was that due to your record company?
There were definitely demands from the company. So it took longer to complete the project. We ended up making a diverse array of tracks. And those that were approved became a part of the album.

There must be a measure of satisfaction now that it has finally been released.
I can never be satisfied. It took a long time for this comeback. I've wanted to showcase a lot more, because I wasn't able to put out all the songs I've worked on. There are some feelings of regret.

If you have to pick out a specific song that stands out to you the most, what track would it be?
The last track, "Love You to Death." I think that sound best reflects my personal taste in music right now. Of course, I like all the tracks I have on the project, but my personal favorite is track nine.

How did that track come about?
I worked on that record in Los Angeles with producer Happy Perez. I was out there with Choice37 and had a five-day session with Perez. We've worked on a lot of records together and I like all of them, but I felt like the sound of that particular record was new for the Korean audience. The company didn't like it that much, but I pushed it, and we ended up having that track on the album.

Are there roadblocks in the Korean market because of your musical taste?
I wouldn't say they're roadblocks. It's more so a process of figuring out how to merge the sound I like for the market out here. My personal taste is closer to the underground.

What are you listening to lately?
It's been out for a while, but I like The Weeknd's Kiss Land a lot—though I definitely liked his mixtapes more than the album. I'm also a fan of SZA. Oh, and Michael Jackson's Xscape.

You've mentioned how much of an influence MJ was to you as an artist. How did it feel listening to his posthumous album?
It was really sad. I felt very emotional listening to that album. I listened to "Love Never Felt So Good" and thought, "If Michael was alive, I wonder if he'd want to this be released." It was a mixture of various feelings. I was sad that he's no longer here with us. To me, the first single didn’t feel like a complete record. It felt a bit like a demo in terms of the sound and the lyrics. I was very happy to hear his voice though. I get inspired just by listening to his voice.

Let’s get back to your album. The lead single "Ringa Linga" came out in November 2013, but there were no more singles for the next seven months, when RISE was released.
Yes, you're right. To be direct with you…

Please be direct.
The company held it back. [Laughs.] But the fans know. The album was prepared back then, and starting with "Ringa Linga" we wanted to put out records one after the other, and then release the album. I don't think the company was certain about my album. The company asked me to work on more records, and because I wanted to put out this album so much, I concentrated on making more tracks. That's how the single "Eyes, Nose, Lips" came about.

Video source: BIGBANG @ YouTube

I'd love to talk about the music video for that. It kind of reminds me of D'Angelo's "Untitled." But it is also refreshing because in K-pop, music videos are usually very fancy and loud. I like the fact that it was so simple yet detailed.
Yes, that's completely right. If you look at the tracks released from my previous album, either the performances were really flashy, or the video sets were very well-produced. But for a track like "Eyes, Nose, Lips" I wanted to make something simple. I felt like that was the best way to relay the record's emotion. So we decided on the idea of completing the video in one take. And people around me said I look better when I take my shirt off, so that made it more interesting.

It’s a great love record. Speaking of: What’s your real love life like as of late?
I can tell you that I don't really reminisce about my past relationships. I've been seeing a lot of…well, I wouldn't say a lot.

Nothing wrong with a lot.
Personally, if I like someone I'm pretty earnest with that one person. So I've dated only a few over the years. And you know, it's been really good. I'm not as much tied to my past. I've sought after newer emotions. And it's good to share those various feelings through music.

When you released your first solo album in 2010, there weren't many commercial K-pop artists with an R&B sound. As of late, singers like Zion T and Crush are helping popularize the genre.
I'm actually a big fan of Zion T and Crush. I think they're very impressive. They’re very clear about their artistic identities. It's not easy to pursue that style of music and gain a strong fandom in Korea, but they've been successful at it. And I applaud them. Especially Crush, I'm pretty close with him. We hang out, go out to eat, and I consider him a friend.

It's also interesting that both of your albums came out around the same time. Did you check out Crush's Crush on You?
Yes, I did. I thought it had a great R&B sensibility, and it also had this youthful energy that was very refreshing.

So what's the latest update on Big Bang’s music?
We're currently working on a new Big Bang album. If it's early, you'll hear something from us sometime in the fall.

What can the fans expect from this upcoming Big Bang release?
It's really hard for me to say. We're still in the process of figuring out what style of music we want for the group. So instead of having this grand theme for our sound, I think it'll make more sense for us to compile a collection of records and then figure out how we want to package it as an album.

K-pop is changing, it seems—there are more acts that can hold their own musically and I've noticed more artists with hip-hop influences.
There are definitely a lot more artists in K-pop now with strong individuality. And it's a great thing. Especially in the Korean music system, it’s not an easy feat. It's a slow process, but it's good to grow and develop those types of artists in the K-pop scene. Even myself, I believe that as an artist I should pursue more independent activities. If more artists believe in this and are active about it, they will be able to accomplish more on their own, without the influence of entertainment labels. So I think it's a very positive shift.

How long have you been with YG Entertainment, your record company?
About 14 years I think.

Wow, even for those who work regular office jobs, that's a pretty long time. Ever feel the need to move towards something of your own?
Realistically speaking, I still have about two more years left on my contract with the company. And it doesn't matter where I end up I'm going to do my best to fulfill my responsibilities. Plus, I've spent half of my life here at YG, so more than any other place in the world this is the most comfortable place for me. And there are too many people here that I love, and I've known since my childhood, so it wouldn't be easy for me to leave. But, as an artist, if the only way to improve myself were to leave this place, then I welcome that idea. I'm not talking about obtaining more fame or popularity. I'm talking about the artistic choices I have to make as a musician.

I don't think I'm at that point yet. I have a lot of concerns about how to go about my career moving forward. But if I can accomplish all those things here, then that'd be wonderful. At the same time, I do have concerns that might not be possible here. If I feel like I'm not influencing anyone here as an artist, I'd like to notice it before someone else tells me. Then I'll leave to pursue my own path.

Whereas American pop stars can continue dominating the charts in their 30s and 40s, K-pop stars tend to disappear at a certain age. Do you have any concerns about that?
Actually, I was very concerned about that when I was younger. But these days, I don't worry about it. When I look at the life of those artists I admire, I believe that age isn't a big factor. As long as I have the capacity to accept a wide range of music, and have the ability to produce and make new music, I think I'd be okay as an older K-pop artist.

There were a lot of articles about you at various fashion shows over the past year, but it seems like you’re keeping things more simple these days.
That's what I like. Keeping things simple. Beanie, gold chain, Timberland boots. The articles were regarding my appearance at events and fashion shows, when I had to dress up. But normally, I like to keep things simple. Lately, I've been wearing Converse Chuck Taylors and just Timberland boots.

Is there anything you'd like to add?
Nope, I think that's about right.

Source: Jaeki Cho @ Complex

Comments

[waves-of-light.livejournal.com]

"What are you listening to lately?

It's been out for a while, but I like The Weeknd's Kiss Land a lot—though I definitely liked his mixtapes more than the album. I'm also a fan of SZA. Oh, and Michael Jackson's Xscape."


OMG at first i just read that as "Xscape" and got really excited

[hellociara.livejournal.com]

omg! if this is what he would've been talking it about, i would have flipped. and surprisingly, i've never seen the music video. wth jermaine dupri?! anyways, i love taeyang's interviews. personally, i wish he would leave YG to pursue his individual activities and keep pursuing group activities with big bang under YG. out of all those other songs that he's worked on, i bet they're amazing. or at least more r&b-esque. granted, his last album was good as well.

tbh, i don't see taeyang's (solo career) growth with yg.

[blueglassbeads.livejournal.com]

If you have to pick out a specific song that stands out to you the most, what track would it be?
The last track, "Love You to Death." I think that sound best reflects my personal taste in music right now.

Shame the rest of the album wasn't in the vein of that song, because the rest of album was such a solid 5 for me. It just came and went without any highlights besides Love You To Death.

[fukkthedumbshyt.livejournal.com]

I wanted him to go the Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, PBR&B route long before Rise came out (in fact it was around the time he came to the States with Choice37) I had a feeling that's what he was into so I was so let down by RISE.

[blueglassbeads.livejournal.com]

Mte! I was waiting for that, and RISE was such a let down. It just sounded so.... blah.

[canxi.livejournal.com]

l like these interviews. Always a nice read and always interesting. He seems more hopeful about the industry than he did a few months back, though I suppose then he was just talking about the idol industry. I was just thinking to myself today that I think they would really grow and benefit from some cross-collaboration across labels. Collaboration usually only happen within a company unless it's with indie artists but I think if idols cross-collaborated, lots more diversity and maybe more innovation may come from that...

It's cute to see he is friends with Crush and I do wonder if he will stay with YG. To be honest, it's felt like the people and atmosphere there keep him there more than anything else. It's felt like that for a while. So, if he does decide to leave after the contract ends I wouldn't be at all surprised. I hope he figures things out within the next two years. Either him or YG, actually. He's been there so long he really should be allowed some more artistic freedom or even just to test the waters with a free mixtape (aaand you can always put these up for sale later with some extras). I honestly think he could really slay if allowed to put out one with just music he wants to do and had full control and input over. No good will come from keeping anyone in a box. You can't just decide to let only certain people be the beacon of hope and kind of keep everyone else under strict (musical) guidance. Though I am sure even the beacons have their own restrictions, too... ): Well, IDK. We'll see... I'm just saying change, growth, and experimentation ain't nothing to be afraid of.

[jamieguo48.livejournal.com]

The thing about it is I don't think YG micromanages GD or even Seungri as much in terms of what music they release. At least it doesn't seem like from what I've read and GD's released, what was that bizarro song on his Heartbreaker album?

Yeah, it does seem like there's a certain amount of comfort when he mentions being there 14 years. Taeyang seems like someone who sticks to one thing and that's it (witness mohawk hairdo) for a long time. I think if YG offers more freedom in the contract ,and YG might do so to keep Big Bang around longer, he'll stick around and put out his own stuff. Since YG will have 2 boy groups by then, and Big Bang popularity will probably be falling, I doubt YG will care as much.

Now I wish we had that album he wanted to put out. I think Rise was good in a mainstream sense, but the only song that stood out was Love You to Death for me. Although I did like Stay With Me and eventually the title track.

[canxi.livejournal.com]

I feel the same about GD though I am not too sure about Seungri as I've never seen him talk about it but I would assume Seungri is pretty safe and doesn't need to be micro-managed.

I think YG and Taeyang will eventually have to negotiate on the music because Taeyang clearly wants to do more and doesn't feel like he is able to. YG might lose a good thing if not and I agree that he doesn't want to break up Big Bang anytime soon. But yep! With two other male groups and another girl group it's time to worry less about the older kids and let them roam free~

And lol, I keep hoping he'l just "accidentally" release those other tracks he had.

btw -- I've always wanted to ask, where is your icon from??

[jamieguo48.livejournal.com]

Maybe Seungri is less picky? Cuz he talked about making an album, his last one really quickly, and it got released quickly too. Or maybe YG just doesn't expect him to chart high.

Fabulous Boys, tw drama based on You're Beautiful.

[canxi.livejournal.com]

Maybe! It could also be that he is more sure what he wants to do and is less experimental so he can be independent without all the fuss--and he also has a straight-forward pop sound that's well liked.

And thank you! Lol, it looked so familiar but I couldn't see their faces.

[dewi-matahari.livejournal.com]

Another excellent Taeyang interview. BigBang generally come across as bored/tired these days but him, GD and TOP are great subjects to interview once you can get them talking.

Anyway, I didn't know he was friends with Crush! This makes me happy. :)

[canxi.livejournal.com]

WHO IS YOUR IDEAL TYPE?!

[canxi.livejournal.com]

I think the interviewers sometimes pander a little too much to what they think people want to hear.

[skystealers.livejournal.com]

his interviews are always refreshing. it's nice to know he's a zion. t and crush fan!

[fukkthedumbshyt.livejournal.com]

I wish he would just do like US artists and just leak the stuff he wanted out since YG is bullshitting.

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

And funny thing is that apart his title track his album didn't even sell that well compared to his old releases that were much more R&B and less mainstream pop. (I'm hoping YG would realize that and stop micromanaging Taeyang's non title album tracks).

[fukkthedumbshyt.livejournal.com]

Me too especially with Taeyang clearly stating his displeasure with how the company handled this album in EVERY FREAKING INTERVIEW hopefully YG will listen before they lose the closet thing they have to a genuine artist because everything about the new YG Taeyang/GD hybrid is lame.

[hopelessheartz.livejournal.com]

That was a great interview. I wish love you to death was better received in Korea since I live and die for that song. I'm just happy he saw me losing my shit over it at the concert.

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

I think it being the last track on album pretty much killed any chance that song doing well as Koreans rarely bother downloading the last tracks on albums.

[hopelessheartz.livejournal.com]

The intro also wasn't well received, but I guess that's because it wasn't a whole song. Love you to death would've been awkward anywhere but the end though. Oh well at least he still really believes in the song

[hellodee16.livejournal.com]

Omg him and Crush actually hang out. \o/

"But, as an artist, if the only way to improve myself were to leave this place, then I welcome that idea. I'm not talking about obtaining more fame or popularity. I'm talking about the artistic choices I have to make as a musician."
Respect. Do you, YB.

[atopworld.livejournal.com]

I mentioned this before in other posts with his interviews, but when I listen to Rise, it feels bittersweet. Since Rise is the first solo Tae album I listened to, I had no expectations or pre-judgments and comparisons. I basically love it. That being said, there are obvious tracks I could just feel weren't "him". Knowing that he wasn't all the way satisfied with Rise, had to compromise on his own personal taste for what he envisioned, and even hearing/reading the way he speaks about the album, makes it hard to listen to at times.

I'd like to see what else kind of material he would put out if Love You To Death was the song he had to fight for. Mixtape possibility is very real, but at the same time it's not.

[fukkthedumbshyt.livejournal.com]

A mixtape is totally possible if Taeyang would just leak it. I can't imagine YG releasing him for that considering all the other crap other YG artist get away with.

[mangomuffins.livejournal.com]

wow i know nothing about him so he's always seemed kinda tryhard to me from his MVs, but this interview was good! very direct and honest, which is refreshing

[fukkthedumbshyt.livejournal.com]

Honestly I think this tryhard era is because of YG pushing a more GD like image on him. Most people were cool with the older simpler version of him but around the Alive mini album things start going left.

[lily-of-west.livejournal.com]

Reading his, Chaerin's and Tabi's interviews is so refreshing. all I can say is if that old fart won't let you do you, leave bae. That's it...

[mollyana.livejournal.com]

I always enjoy reading Taeyang interviews.' Love you to Death' was also my fav 'Rise' track so I believe in his taste. I'm so happy he is friend with Crush, I remember that time he used his twitter to also promote Zion T. I will no talk about the sensitive matter that is a BB comeback.