✨ 181228 - Key’s interview with K-Style
SHINee's Key released first solo mini album 'Hologram'
"'KEY LAND' is my country in SHINee World"
– Congratulations on the release of Japan solo debut 1st mini album! First of all, please tell us the meaning of the title and the feelings you put in the album.
Key: There were a couple of songs candidates to be the title track but "Hologram" was chosen in the moment when I listened to it and could imagine myself singing it on the stage. As the whole concept and choreography and so on immediately came to my mind, I decided to make this song the title track. As for the concept of the album I wanted to make it feel like the nostalgia of the 90's and I selected (the songs) from something other than "群青の夜 ~One of Those Nights~ (Japanese Version).
– Do you usually think of images when you listen to or choose songs?
Key: I think that songs like that (which an image comes to mind) are the good songs (laughs).
– "Hologram" has 5 songs, please tell us the story related to each song such as the contents of the lyrics and melodies, the points that you like and the memories at the time of recording.
1. Hologram:
Key: This song is a 90's old school. I think that song recalled me a nostalgic feeling at the time (of recording). It's my favorite genre of song, so it's fun to sing it. I think that everyone who listens to it will get some nostalgic memories.
2. Why Are You Here (feat. CoCo)
Key: The second song is about a broken heart. Since my image is pop, there may be people saying that they can't imagine me singing about disappointed feelings (laughs). Moreover, in a duet with a female singer, the content of the lyrics is about an encounter by chance at a party after a break up (laugh). But I would like to sing sad themed songs one more time.
3. POWER
Key: The 3rd track is a song made by TETSUYA of L'Arc~en~Ciel. When I was a junior high school student, L'Arc was very popular in Korea. It's such a famous band that everyone listened to at school, so I was very happy that I got a song from someone like him. The lyrics are very powerful, and I personally love them. I think that's a song that could be included in SHINee's album.
4. City Girl
Key: The fourth song, "City Girl," is a fresh and stylish song. But these days, we don't use the words “city girl” or “city boy” very often (laughs). That's connected to the concept of 90's. Since I had a desire to put songs of various genres in this album, wanted to include ithis song also in that meaning, and I think that it is a song that makes you feel fresh.
5. 群青の夜 ~One of Those Nights~ (Japanese Version)
Key: The fifth song, "群青の夜 ~One of Those Nights~" was also the title song of the album released in Korea, so I made it because I thought Japanese fans would like to listen to the version of the song sung with Japanese lyrics. The MV is also made in the Korean version and Japanese version.
– It seems that this MV was released a few days ago at the solo event 'KEY LAND' held in Kobe and Tokyo.
Key: That's right. But I don't think everyone watched the MV (properly) with so much MCing during it (laughs). I tried to set up such a corner with an image of everyone watching a movie together at the theater in "KEY LAND". With a style like a commentary video, I was explaining while watching the MV.
- Is there anything that makes you feel that something is different when you sing 'One of Those Nights' in Korean and Japanese versions?
Key: The singer Crush featured in the Korean version but the Japanese version is just me singing on my own. Lyrics remain the same feeling, so there is no change there. Speaking of a big change, in the title of the song, “센척안해” (“I don't wanna be strong") is the title of the Korean version, I thought it would sound weird if I literally translated it into Japanese (laughs). I wish it could be like the Korean title, but in Japanese it would be kind of... That's why it became “群青の夜” ("A deep blue night").
– I heard that the album's artwork was handled by the illustrator Chocomoo. How was it when you saw the finished design?
Key: I was very happy the moment I saw the artwork. Actually, Chocomoo is actually a friend of mine. However, it was not my request because I was a friend but a proposal from the company. Chocomoo draws illustrations using only white and black, but this time she changed the colors for my album. I was very happy that she took this big challenge as an artist. I had nothing to suggest but the color. Other than this color, there were other versions such as yellow and blue, but the album was titled 'Hologram', so I chose the hologram color.
- I heard that the first limited edition comes with a photo book celebrating your first solo work. You are famous for being fashionable, but please tell me your particular favorite outfit and preferences.
Key: I had the photo shooting at the same time when I made a Korean solo album, but I wanted to take some separate pictures that can only be seen in the Japanese album, so I prepared it specially. That's why the outfit and atmosphere are different from those in the Korean album. I think those who bought the Korean album will feel the difference. The concept of the album was "I want to show you a lot of things," so I shot it in street fashion clothes, suits, and many other outfits. I'm satisfied because I was able to take pictures outside and show many sides of myself.
- You have just released an album in Korea, and there was also a mini album release and live performance in Japan. Please tell me why you wanted to accomplish these two things in a short time.
Key: Actually, I've been talking about whether I'd like to do solo activities for a long time. But I kept thinking “Not now”. I still have a lot of work to do to have a solo activity. I'm not completely ready yet. But since the beginning of this year, I've been talking about my solo career again, and I've decided to do it at the end of the year, so I started preparing for it. If I were to release an album in Korea, I would like to release an album in Japan and have a conceet, so I prepared it at the same time.
- You have just released an album in Korea, and there was also a mini album release and a concert in Japan. Please tell me why you wanted to accomplish these two things in a short time.
Key: Actually, I've been discussing about whether I'd like to do solo activities for a long time. But I kept thinking “Not now." I still have a lot of work to do before having solo activities. I'm not completely ready yet. But since the beginning of this year, I've been discussing about my solo career again, and I've decided to do it at the end of the year, so I started preparing for it. If I were to release an album in Korea, I would like to release an album in Japan and hold a concert, so I prepared it at the same time.
– What was the biggest reason you thought you couldn't do solo work until this year?
Key: I was quite scared. That's why I wanted to work harder and start my solo career after getting many people to know about the name “Key” and its charms. I was afraid because I was not ready. But when I thought I was ready, my fear disappeared.
– This member of SHINee, Taemin, has just completed a long tour in Japan this year. Did Taemin encourage you to do your first solo concert in Japan this time?
Key: “‘Hologram’ is really good!” was all he said (laughs). On the other hand, I told Taemin: "I respect you!". It was my first time singing in a studio for hours to record a solo album, and then appearing on a variety show on my own... I called Taemin with a feeling of sincere respect (laughs). No, but it's amazing (that he could do all that on his own).
– And what Taemin said?
Key: He sent me some Chinese herbal medicine that would give me energy, expensive stuff! (laughs) I took it before the concert in Japan, so I got some energy.
– Did you have fun on your first solo live?
Key: Yes, I had fun. Although it's not my first time standing on the stage on my own. I also did a solo stage at SHINee's concert, so singing on my own is not a problem. But the MC part... It's a bit difficult for me to speak all on my own. You can't have a break, you must impose the atmosphere yourself. There is no one to talk to except me (laughs).
– Taemin said the same thing previously. At solo concerts there is no one else to talk, so he would rather handle the MC parts together with SHINee.
Key: Oh, really? (Our thoughts match) at this proportion... (laughs).
– The title "KEY LAND" was also very nice. What meaning did you put in it?
Key: Actually, the image of "KEY LAND" has been around since a long time ago. I don't remember clearly when it was created. Because I always think about the stage and the music, this idea was born before I knew it. The image of "KEY LAND" is like my own country in "SHINee World". Since it's a land in the world, the image is perfect.
– The items (merch) of this live performance was in a collaboration with LITTLE SUNNY BITE, and you also decided yourself what would be the items, materials and colors. What made you decide for this collaboration?
Key: It will be my first performance of "KEYLAND", so I thought it would be a cake if it were to be my birthday or an anniversary. Then, I thought LITTLE SUNNY BITE would be perfect for that image, so I took a picture of the cake and made it a motif. Also, I made a mini bag logo with the image of Halloween or Christmas party. What I think is the cutest is the mini bag. But I can't use it because I'm a man and (the bag) is pink (laughs). But I think it's the cutest.
– There's only a few days until 2018 ends. What kind of year it was for you? How do you expect the next year to be?
Key: If I could say something to myself, I would like to say "You did your best". As a SHINee member and as solo artist. The year will end soon and peacefully, and I want to continue the next year with this same spirit/energy. If in the next year I work as hard as I did this year, there's not really much to say.
– Is there anything you would like to do next year? By the way, Taemin said he wants to climb Mt. Fuji.
Key: What, just like this?! (laughs) I will be 29 years old next year. In Korean age. So, I want to taste the feeling of being close to 30 years old. I'm looking forward to becoming 30 years old. I had my debut as a teenager and have spent all my twenties with SHINee so l'm looking forward to see what kind of person I will become in my 30s.
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Credits: K-Style
JPN - ENG translation: @DiamondTaem