Tuesday, February 24, 2009

[09.02.23] Even Shin Seung Hoon approves of Shin Hyesung-style music

After releasing his new album, Vol.3 Side 2 ‘Keep Leaves’, as usual Shin Hyesung went to see Shin Seung Hun with his new album in hand. Shin Seung Hun listened to Shin Hyesung’s music intently and praised him, “After singing rock, your ballads are now stronger. The lower notes in the ballads are better too…”

Shin Hyesung released the experimental Vol.3 Side 1 “Live and Let Live” last August, and it was a valuable experience for him. He challenged himself to try out “un-Shin Hyesung” genres that he hadn’t attempted before, like Brit rock and swing. In a recent interview with Sports Donga, Shin Hyesung talks about how the Side 1 album became a milestone for him in his music career.

“It was a great help to me. Needless to say the concert repertoire is more interesting now, and trying the new genres of music has helped to broaden my musical horizons and also in terms of improving my vocals. Fans really liked it too, and that makes me proud. I’m thinking if I should continue making albums like this.”

The Evolution of A Ballad Singer… The Dramatic Change in “Keep Leaves”

The title of the Side 2 album refers to the dried leaves kept in between the pages of books, and implies separation, sadness, loneliness and painful memories of a past love. As such, Side 2 is a typically Shin Hyesung-type of ballad album.

Perhaps it’s the effects from his challenge of Side 1, but this ballad album is distinctly different from his first two solo albums. The title track “Why Did You Call” in particular, is a ‘dramatic ballad’, and has a different structure from that of usual songs. This track was written by Ha Jung Ho, who also penned Side 1’s A Good Day To Love, and tells of a man’s sorrow from being unable to forget his past love.

Besides Ha Jung Ho, other composers and lyricists such as Kim Do Hyun, Vink, Kim Jae Suk and Ahn Young Min have all contributed to different songs on the album, so that the album doesn’t end up having a similar style of songs throughout.

“If there is a particular fixed style of music that one can think of when you mention Shin Hyesung, that won’t be good in the long run. I hope to be able to create anticipation for everyone whenever I release an album, so that they would be thinking, what kind of songs will it be this time? I hope that my albums will have such a strong brand power that people would buy the albums without even having to hear it first.”



Now A 31-Year-Old Musician Who Debuted 11 Years Ago… Asia Tour Commences In 2nd Half of This Year

It has already been 11 years since 31-year-old Shin Hyesung made his debut as an idol group member. Unknowingly 30 years of his life has passed and he has spent already 10 years as a singer. It’s now time to reflect on his past 10 years in the industry, and to plan for the next 10 years.

“When I hit 30, the fact of moving from your 20s into your 30s is always a little depressing. Now that I’m 31, I’m still not quite sure of the significance of being in my 30s. I just hope I can continue making music.”

Shin Hyesung will concentrate on promotional activities in Korea, including a concert, and then move on to an Asia tour in the second half of the year. After holding concerts in Japan and China last year, he will be expanding his tour to other countries such as Thailand and Taiwan.

To prepare for his comeback performances, Shin Hyesung has been keeping late nights. “It feels better this time than any other time.” Just like what he says, the Side 2 album has already overtaken Fly To The Sky’s 8th album on the Hanteo sales chart and is current at top spot.

Source: Sports Donga
Chi trans: jojoyu7@shinhwachina
Eng trans: midnightgirl13@absolutshinhwa.wordpress.com

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