Photo = THEBLACKLABEL

 

Singer TAEYANG shared his sincere feelings toward fans as he marks the 20th anniversary of his debut.

 

TAEYANG held a listening session for his 4th full-length album ‘QUINTESSENCE’ at Cube Convention Center on the 18th. On this day, TAEYANG revealed that the fans who have stayed with him for 20 years have been his greatest driving force.

 

TAEYANG said, “I actually held my first fan meeting last year, and I felt such overwhelming emotions and feelings that I had never experienced before,” adding, “After promoting for such a long time, I strongly realized that the biggest core and driving force that allowed me to continue was the fans.” He continued, “I don’t think I would be who I am today without the fans,” and added, “When I think about my 20 years and the fans, it all feels so miraculous.”

 

He also explained why the album includes two fan songs. Following the track ‘WOULD YOU,’ he introduced the final track ‘4U,’ saying, “It’s literally a song for you, and ‘you’ here means the fans.” He added, “I put into the song the emotions I felt during last year’s fan meeting ‘Forever’ and my wish to last forever.” He continued, “The first lyric of this song begins with, ‘Beyond the boundary of time, I want to draw eternity with you,’ and it contains my honest feelings for the fans.”

 

He also shared the story behind releasing the album on his birthday. “This is the first time in 20 years that I’ve released something on my birthday,” he explained. “It was originally scheduled for release earlier this year, but after receiving an offer for Coachella late last year, the timing became awkward.” He continued, “As it got pushed back until after Coachella, it ended up being May, and this time my birthday happened to fall on a Monday.” He added, “The company suggested releasing it on the 18th as a gift for the fans, so that’s why it came out today.”

 

When asked about the essence he had discovered, TAEYANG answered, “While working on the album, I wondered whether the word ‘essence’ can really be defined as just one thing,” adding, “I think the attitude of trying to search for it deeply is what’s important.” He continued, “In the end, I realized that having the mindset, attitude, and direction of continuously searching for essence is what truly matters.”

 

TAEYANG first made a successful start as a solo artist in May 2008 with his debut solo track ‘Only Look at Me,’ and has since built a unique musical world, proving his power as an all-round artist in the K-pop scene. From fast beats to sweet R&B, he has completed his own musical language with soulful vocals spanning various genres.

 

This new release is his first full-length album in 9 years, completed through countless thoughts and decisions alongside collaborations with various producers and artists. It contains 10 tracks with strong individuality, including the title track ‘LIVE FAST DIE SLOW.’

 

Regarding the B-side track ‘YES,’ he explained, “It portrays the feelings of someone longing to hear ‘yes’ from the person they love, along with the nervousness and excitement that subtly exist.” He added, “In the latter half, I sampled ‘Lollipop,’ which I worked on together with BIGBANG and 2NE1.” When someone commented that the song might become a “CSAT-ban song,” he jokingly replied, “That could happen,” drawing laughter at the venue.

 

About the ninth track ‘G.O.A.T,’ he shared, “I wrote the lyrics while thinking about what I would want to say to the people I love around me if today were the last day of my life.” He continued, “It contains the message that the time we spent together truly was the greatest time, and that all the stories we shared will continue even after we leave, and even in heaven.”

 

He also shared his determination for future activities. “I plan to fill my activities with everything I can do and want to do,” he said. “I’m happy to begin my 20th anniversary with my solo album, and I’ll continue to show many different sides together with the BIGBANG members.”

 

TAEYANG’s 4th full-length album ‘QUINTESSENCE’ was released today at 6 PM through various online music platforms. Attention is focused on what kind of color TAEYANG’s musical essence, revealed after 9 years of contemplation, will shine with.