Three years may seem like an extended period in the Korean music scene, but for MIYEON, the interval between solo projects was more about embracing change rather than taking a step back.
As she returns to the studio for her second mini-album – ‘MY, Lover’ – she shares: “It's been three years since my last solo release, and I did experience some pressure to showcase new aspects of myself as an artist, but that feeling quickly shifted to excitement. I approached this project with joy and sincerity, always mindful of the fans who have been anticipating my return.”
Continuing the narrative she began with ‘MY’ in 2022, ‘MY, Lover’ reflects MIYEON's more refined and mature evolution. “My goal was to demonstrate how much I’ve developed as an artist over the past three years and to broaden my musical range. I invested considerable time reflecting on how to convey that growth throughout this album,” she explains.
The pre-release track ‘Reno (Feat. Colde)’ leads the album, but it doesn't fully encapsulate its overall sound: “While all the songs on this album revolve around the theme of love, to me, ‘Reno (Feat. Colde)’ felt like the most intense expression, which is why I chose to introduce it first. It also represented a significant conceptual challenge, so I thought fans might appreciate a sneak peek of this new facet of me before the complete album drops. However, I wouldn't claim that ‘Reno (Feat. Colde)’ alone defines the album's overall mood, as each of the seven tracks possesses its distinct essence. Together, they form a rich and complex representation of love.”
Recording the song presented its own unique challenges. “‘Reno (Feat. Colde)’ starts with a narration, which was my first attempt, making it quite demanding. I wanted to ensure that part effectively set the tone for the song and the whole album, so I dedicated a lot of effort to capture the right emotion and atmosphere from the very beginning. It was an exhilarating challenge!”
Her collaboration with Colde added an extra layer of depth. “The track reached its full potential the moment Colde's voice filled in the melody that had previously been unfinished. It’s a brief but crucial section of the song, and he delivered it with great impact. I was thrilled to collaborate with him and genuinely appreciative of his involvement.”
MIYEON emphasized the importance of experimentation in 'MY, Lover,' saying: “Over time, I have gained more confidence in expressing myself across various genres, so for this album, I sought to explore a range of musical styles. I pushed myself in various ways, trusting that my growth since my first mini-album would shine through. Instead of focusing solely on drastic changes, I aimed to highlight my development while also experimenting with new sounds and vocal techniques that I hadn't previously tried.”
Even the simplest songs underwent surprising transformations. The title track ‘Say My Name’ started as a piano-only piece, but revisions drastically altered it. “Initially, the song was much simpler, featuring just the piano, but after several revisions, it evolved into its final version. It was fascinating to witness how minor adjustments could completely change the song's mood.”
MIYEON's visuals and music embrace contrasts – evoking softness and dreaminess at one moment, then shifting to bold and cinematic the next. “I aimed to express extreme contrasting emotions, yet throughout the album, I hope listeners experience the full range of love’s complex feelings. Genuine emotions can't be easily categorized. Some days you feel passionate love, while other days may bring frustration or sadness. I wanted to showcase these multi-dimensional and authentic aspects of love.”
Visually, the album delves into love in all its nuances. “I wanted to highlight the diverse facets of love. Love can be intricate, yet it’s a universal experience. My aim was to capture it in a straightforward and intuitive manner, so that through this album, listeners could feel the depth and variety of emotions that love encompasses.”
Surreal imagery, such as melting ice cream or a snail on her forehead, symbolizes the intensity of love and its gradual evolution. “Through this imagery, I aimed to convey both the passionate, fiery side of love and how that love slowly diminishes. It represents love at its peak, at 100 degrees, and how it transforms as it melts down to 100ml.”
Fashion serves as another avenue for MIYEON's self-expression. “Recently, I’ve been experimenting with diverse styling, both for this album and in my daily life. I’ve been enjoying pieces with unique silhouettes, such as the midi skirt I wore for the title track’s music video. With the colder weather approaching, I’ve also been focusing more on warm outerwear.”
As i-dle’s main vocalist, she feels that transitioning to a solo role entails both pressure and liberation. “I notice a shift in my role when I perform solo compared to being i-d
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While three years may seem lengthy in the Korean music industry, for MIYEON, the interval between her solo releases was more about embracing a new chapter.