Photo = STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT

 

[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] MONSTA X KIHYUN expressed strong confidence in his solo comeback after three years and nine months.

 

KIHYUN met with Hanteo News at STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT’s headquarters in Seoul on the 1st and talked about his 2nd mini album 'BORDERLINE.' On this day, KIHYUN said, “I think I have returned with more confidence than ever,” adding, “The source of that confidence is the quality of the seven tracks on this album.”

 

As it is his first solo comeback in three years and nine months, his feelings were also special. KIHYUN said, “During that time, I also went to the military, and while I worked hard on group activities, I always had the thought that I should release a solo album someday,” adding, “I tend to give fans spoilers often, but this time, I talked a lot about how confident I was, almost to the point where it felt excessive.” He continued, “The source of this confidence comes from the title track 'So Good' as well, but also from the fact that all seven tracks on this album are of great quality.”

 

He also put great effort into selecting the B-side tracks. KIHYUN said, “Every single one of them was my pick,” adding, “More than ever, I took a long time to collect songs.” He continued, “Even when talking with the A&R team, I was very detailed about what kind of mood I wanted in a song and what kind of track I wanted to fill the album with, but it still wasn’t easy,” adding, “As a result, we gathered really diverse songs that I feel confident about, and the recordings came out really well too.”

 

As for the B-side track he put the most effort into, he chose 'Stealin' Air.' KIHYUN said, “The high notes were one thing, but there is also a slightly rap-like feel in the middle, and because it is not an easy song to pull off, I recorded it with a lot of care together with the director,” recalling, “I am usually the type to finish recording one song in an hour and a half, but this song took almost three and a half hours.”

 

He also revealed his first encounter with the title track 'So Good.' KIHYUN said, “It was a song that our local manager in the U.S. played for me last December when MONSTA X was on the Jingle Ball tour,” adding, “Even though I heard it during a brief waiting moment, it would not leave my head.” He continued, “Even though it was far from the music I had done before, it had the vibe of James Bay, an artist I liked,” explaining, “We were planning to make other songs the title track, but in the end, this song became the title because it kept pulling me in.”

 

The members’ advice also helped in the process of choosing the title track. KIHYUN said, “As soon as the members heard 'So Good,' they said, ‘Hey, this has to be the one,’” adding, “The B-side tracks on this album also each have very strong individuality, and within that, I thought that for a song to carry the name of the title track, it had to have its own clear color while also being a song that listeners could recognize as the title track. Many of the members shared that opinion.”

 

There were also difficulties in working on the solo album while carrying out a world tour. KIHYUN said, “I came back from the tour and arrived on an 11 PM flight, then recorded right away the next day,” adding, “Since I am the main vocalist, I sing a lot, and because I tend to have a lot of energy at concerts, I also do a lot of shout-outs, so after a tour, my throat is not in perfect condition.” He continued, “Because the time zones and climates are all different, adjusting was a bit difficult, but I had already been trained for it, so there were no major limitations.” Regarding vocal care, he said, “I warm up my voice frequently, and if I feel even the slightest sign, I go to the hospital right away,” adding, “I have also bought and used recently released breathing-strengthening devices and items you put in your mouth.”

 

KIHYUN’s 2nd mini album 'BORDERLINE' will be released through various music sites today at 6 PM.

 

grace@hanteo.com