SAAY is an artist who beautifully intertwines genres like R&B, hip-hop, and soul, creating music that reverberates with things that we feel inside of ourselves: emotions. Her background, rich with diverse musical traditions – from the depth of Korean traditional music to the intensity of heavy metal and J-pop – has enabled SAAY to cultivate a sound that reflects her eclectic influences and personal journey. Well-known for her hands-on approach, she immerses herself in every facet of her artistry, from songwriting and production to choreography and performance direction, ensuring that each piece of her work truly reflects her creative spirit.

Inspired by legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Prince, TLC, and Snoop Dogg, SAAY channels their influence into her distinctive style. Her admiration for pop, R&B, and hip-hop artists from the 90s and 2000s is clear in her music, which combines elements from these genres to make what she proudly calls “SAAY VIBES.”

In addition to her solo work, SAAY is a composer and producer for other artists, including groups such as TWICE and aespa. Her ability to inject her creative energy into diverse projects has earned her a reputation as a versatile musician.

In our exclusive interview, SAAY opens up about her latest single, DOMINO, the creative process behind the song, her collaboration with talented dancers, and the emotions that drive her artistry. SAAY also shares insights into her career, her evolution as a solo artist, and her plans for the future, including the possibility of touring in Europe.

I’ve been involved in music since I began reminiscing about my childhood. Music holds a deep place in my heart and has always been integral to my life, embraced by my family as well.

View of the Arts: Your music often reflects your personal experiences and emotions, as you mentioned that your songs are based on your real-life diary entries. Can you elaborate on the creative process behind your latest single, DOMINO? Specifically, how did you incorporate these personal messages into the lyrics and melody, and what new techniques did you experiment with for this track?

SAAY: All of the songs I’ve released are based on my experiences and diary. I melted the messages about dominoes that were latent within my age into lyrics first, then sketched the top line and track. It’s an impressive song with a composition that begins with a “one a cappella intro” that I’ve never tried before. It’s a song that expresses all the emotions and messages I tried to explain in the first 10 seconds of this intro. Whenever I release a new song, I enjoy experimenting with something I’ve never tried, and this song was like that, too.

View of the Arts: DOMINO is fully in English and beautifully executed vocally. I would love to know what went through your mind when you were writing the lyrics. 

SAAY: I’m focusing on the essential message that I’ve felt as a human being who exists within me. Every part is a direct expression of my inner self, and I’m honestly expressing the emptiness, depression, and other dark emotions I’ve felt. All of my songs are my babies that I wrote and created myself, but the lyrics that best express my feelings in this song are “Kill me gently when you go.” This part is the most direct expression of my childhood trauma, in which I was tired of the world and had nowhere to go.

View of the Arts: DOMINO, in some ways, expresses feelings of insecurity and imperfection. Could you elaborate on that a little bit more?

SAAY: DOMINO represents the complicated feelings that have accumulated throughout my life and career. Anyone who yearns for success can experience conflicting emotions in the form of anticipation and anxiety. Working step by step towards perfection increases the excitement, but the fact that a single mistake can make everything crumble also increases apprehension, just like a domino. I felt I needed to express these emotions for us, for me. It’s a medium-tempo R&B hip-hop song that combines classical and hip-hop elements. Starting with the a cappella intro, it’s an interesting song that opens up all possibilities for the development of the second half. It’s not limited to a specific genre but embodies my unique musical position.

View of the Arts: Your song’s imagery of being treated like a domino is powerful. What does the metaphor of a domino represent to you in the context of this song, and how does it reflect your experiences or feelings?

SAAY: When I write a song or create art, I don’t hold back my feelings or try to prettify them. As a musician, I remain true to my emotions, stories, and experiences, expressing them directly.  This was also the case with this song. Each verse, every personal story, and inner turmoil converge to weave a complete narrative within the song.  While it can be challenging to confront these traumas and transform them into music, I see it as an opportunity. It allows me to grow as an artist, and tackle my inner darkness to create something authentic and powerful.

“DOMINO” represents the complicated feelings that have accumulated throughout my life and career. Anyone who yearns for success can experience conflicting emotions in the form of anticipation and anxiety.

View of the Arts: The music video for DOMINO features the dance crew WE DEM BOYZ and dancer IBAN, both known for Korean dance shows. How did their energy and style contribute to the visual storytelling of the song, and what was it like collaborating with them?

SAAY: It was exciting to collaborate with my talented dancers in choreographing and bringing to life the messages conveyed in this song through performance direction. Each dancer embodied an emotion, not just a performer, authentically expressing their feelings within the song. They interpreted it exactly as I envisioned, resulting in a project that I’m truly satisfied with. To convey the essence of the song and blend it with their preferred styles of urban and hip-hop, I made complex and modern dance movements. The dancers infused the choreography with my detailed emotions, creating a compelling synergy that enhanced the entire production.

View of the Arts: Let’s talk about the choreography. The subtle yet powerful dance routine is beautiful. Were you involved in its making? If so, how did you develop the body movements to convey the emotions expressed in the lyrics? If not, what was your experience learning it, and did you face any challenges along the way?

SAAY: Before pursuing my career as a singer, I spent considerable time as a street dancer, which instilled in me a deep passion for integrating music with choreography and performance. I personally choreographed not only this song but also my previous performances like OverZONE, ENCORE, ZGZG, and Talk To Me Nice. Taking charge of both choreography and performance direction, I aimed to create a modern dance style that harmonised naturally with my body’s movements. Despite my familiarity with urban and hip-hop genres, I prioritised capturing the essence of the song through the physical expression of emotions rather than conforming strictly to traditional choreographic norms.

View of the Arts: You’re known for your hands-on approach to music, being involved in songwriting, production, choreography, and performance direction. How do you manage these multiple roles, and what part of the process do you find most fulfilling?

SAAY: I oversee every aspect of my music and artistic vision. During production, I personally create the storyline, establish the concept, compose the music, choreograph, and direct performances for songs that I feel require it. This comprehensive approach demands significant effort, far beyond what is typical for musicians, yet the immense pride and joy I experience when these elements coalesce into a flawless result are amazing. I find deep fulfillment in the entire artistic process of music making – it’s a pure expression of my desires, a source of immense joy, and a true passion.

View of the Arts: Over the past few years, you’ve pursued greater artistic freedom as a solo artist. How has this creative liberty influenced your music, particularly in your ability to blend genres like R&B, hip-hop, and soul?

SAAY: I’ve been involved in music since I began reminiscing about my childhood. Music holds a deep place in my heart and has always been integral to my life, embraced by my family as well. Over time, I’ve studied and drawn inspiration from numerous pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul artists whom I admire a lot. Now, these influences are manifested in my album – it feels like a genuine expression of my artistic essence, my “SAAY VIBES.” My album is a culmination of exploring and interpreting various genres, a process that feels natural thanks to my upbringing immersed in diverse musical styles. This versatility has always allowed me to incorporate different genres into my music, offering me the freedom to create albums that reverberate with my artistic vision – an advantage I cherish as both a musician and an artist.

Before pursuing my career as a singer, I spent considerable time as a street dancer, which instilled in me a deep passion for integrating music with choreography and performance.

View of the Arts: Which artists have influenced your sound the most, and how do you integrate those influences into your work?

SAAY: I love and listen to all kinds of music. Growing up, I experienced and learned about Korean traditional music, rock, heavy metal, J-pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Now, as an artist, I am capable of expressing myself across all these genres. Specifically, in my album, I focus on expressing and pursuing pop, R&B, and hip-hop the most. The artists who have influenced me the most during my formative years include Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Prince, TLC, N SYNC, Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, D’Angelo, and Erykah Badu – artists who were prominent in pop, R&B, and hip-hop during the 1990s and 2000s. Their music is naturally reflected in my own now, as their influences have been a part of my upbringing, experience, and learning, ingrained in my musical DNA.

View of the Arts: Beyond your solo work, you’re also a composer and producer for other artists, including TWICE and aespa. How does working with different artists influence your own music and creative approach?

SAAY: The distinction between these two roles used to be more defined, but now I approach both as if they were my own album. However, the source of inspiration varies depending on whether I’m the focal point or supporting someone else’s vision. As a producer on other artists’ albums, I find fresh perspectives and energy that continually enrich my own creative journey. Over my years in music, I’ve occupied various roles, each offering various insights and experiences. I appreciate the opportunity to absorb new energies from artists, guiding me to explore different directions and emotions in my own music.

View of the Arts: When I listen to music, I see shapes and colours. What happens in your mind when you’re listening to your favourite music, and how does it influence your approach to creativity?

SAAY:  I feel the true power and greatness of music. When I listen to exceptional music, it rekindles the energy of my creativity, which at times feels depleted. This renewal naturally sparks the beginning of another enjoyable project.

View of the Arts: Looking ahead, what are some of your upcoming projects or goals, and how do you plan to continue evolving as an artist? We would love to see you touring here in Europe, any chance of that?

SAAY: YES FOR SURE! I’m planning to go on my solo tour and meet global fans in person again. Starting with this single, DOMINO, I have many musical activities planned. I haven’t had the chance to meet global fans recently as I’ve been focusing on promotion in Korea. However, with DOMINO, I’m excited to reconnect with fans worldwide! Until we meet, stay healthy and happy. Please show lots of interest and love for this single, DOMINO! Thank you! See you soon! I love you!

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Univeral Music Korea

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}