[Exclusive]Ann One: "New Song 'Wabi Sabi' Filled with Consideration and Love, Overcoming Pain to Be Free" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

• R&B Soul Diva Ann One Exclusive InterviewThe artist behind timeless hits like 'A Painful, Painful Name...' and 'Love I Do Alone,' which captivated both the public and criticsReleased new song 'Wabi Sabi' (Wabi Sabi) on the 5th

Singer Ann One, returning with the new song 'Wabi Sabi' (Wabi Sabi), has poured her heart of love and consideration into her voice.

Recently, StarNews conducted an exclusive interview with Ann One at a café in Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Debuting in 2002 with her first album 'Infinite Wave Of Love,' Ann One is well-known to the public through the track 'A Painful, Painful Name...' and the title track of her second album, 'Love I Do Alone.' In particular, these two songs continue to be covered by countless singers and are cited as representative audition songs for aspiring singers.

Even Ann One, who is called "a singer's singer," had pain that words could not express. She flew to Korea at a young age with dreams of becoming a singer and established an irreplaceable presence in the R&B soul genre, yet separately, she suffered pain due to trusted individuals, including unresolved royalty payments. Because the emotional wounds were so deep, Ann One, who had refused all Korean broadcast invitations and continued her music activities as a singer-songwriter, producer, and professor at the Musicians Institute (MI), announced her return as an "R&B Legend" after 14 years through JTBC's 'Suga Man 2' in 2018.

Since then, Ann One has consistently released music. On the 5th, she unveiled the pre-release track 'Wabi Sabi (Feat. ILLSON)' from a collaborative album with music producer Freddie Casso. This collaboration between Ann One and Freddie Casso is particularly meaningful as it is their first time working together. Earlier in March, she released the first track of her collaborative project with singers Jung In and Horim, titled 'Soul is Freestyle,' and met with listeners.

Ann One stated, "Life had many ups and downs. My friend, Solid member Jung Jae-yoon, asked me, 'Would you like to try recording?' and that was the beginning of my journey into recording studios. I cannot express the overwhelming feeling I had at such a young age. After that, I debuted at a young age in Korea and experienced everything. Feeling alone, the loneliness was great. I was also greatly envied back then, and the wounds from people were so deep that I left Korea with the mindset, 'I will never return to Korea.'"

He said, "(I did not appear on broadcasts,) but I continued my music activities." He added, "I love music like D'Angelo so much, but in the past, the Korean music industry seemed to have clear distinctions, such as dance for dance and ballad for ballad. Therefore, my first and second albums were almost filled with ballad songs. Fortunately, I feel that the recent Korean R&B and hip-hop scene has changed significantly and become more diverse."

He continued, "I continued my activities while participating in domestic music. However, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, and we went through a difficult time. There were many difficulties during the chemotherapy process, and the whole family was truly struggling. Fortunately, my husband's health has improved significantly now; even his attending physician calls it a 'miracle.' In the past, I was faithful to the tasks given to me and had a sharp side, but now, taking care of my husband's health and looking after him brings me more happiness," he said with a bright smile.

He also spoke about the new song 'Wabi Sabi.' 'Wabi Sabi' is an R&B track with a groovy rhythm and vintage texture, highlighting Ann One's signature sophisticated and restrained vocals. Additionally, rapper ILLSON, who was active under the name Double K, participated as a feature, enhancing the song's quality. In particular, Ann One offers calm comfort to the wounded through the chorus lyrics in this song: "I see God in you / What's broken is a blessing / Cuz' He shines through."

Regarding the new song, Ann One said, "We plan to release a full album by intersecting the music we love with Freddie Casso. 'Wabi Sabi' is a pre-release track ahead of that." He explained, "I considered most importantly what kind of feeling it would give to the listeners, from the vocal tone to the lyrics and melody composition. I believe 'Wabi Sabi' contains a heart of consideration. I wrote the lyrics with the sentiment, 'I see God in you.' When I was young, I worried about how to show off my skills, but as time passed, I realized it all meant nothing. I just wanted to give strength to everyone."

He also expressed satisfaction, saying, "I think I am now aiming for more hopeful music for people like me who have been wounded. The time when I risked my life for music like before has passed, and now I am free and happy making good music with the colleagues I want and the music I want."

He also mentioned 'Soul is Freestyle,' released in March with Jung In and Horim. Ann One said, "Originally, I loved Jung In's voice, but we were not close. One day, I received a DM (Direct Message). After exchanging messages, the three of us met, and it naturally led to music work. I always like to take on new challenges, so in 'Soul is Freestyle,' I also challenged low and comfortable low-tone rap."

Now, 24 years after her debut, what does Ann One feel has changed the most? Regarding this, Ann One shared her thoughts: "Back then, loneliness and hardship were significant. Now, I am so happy and joyful because I can freely make the music I want. I also think the Korean music market has grown enormously and become more diverse, which is one of the significant changes."

He continued, "I feel the popularity of K-pop very strongly even in Los Angeles, where I reside. Groups like BTS and the Netflix movie 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' are incredibly popular, aren't they? There are many talented and excellent friends. In particular, I like rapper Lee Young-ji. Her skills are truly excellent. I also want to work with Park Hyo-shin again."

Despite possessing vocals that cannot be imitated and being the owner of a soulful sensibility as if born with it, Ann One still strives to find inspiration. He said, "I work very hard to find inspiration." He explained, "The thing that inspires me the most is, of course, music. When a producer sends me a beat, I immediately feel it. For example, I get the most inspiration and feel the most when I listen to music, such as when a drum loop feels rough or when I sense jazz chords."

He added, "When I instinctively hear a song, I ponder, 'How can I purely express this first feeling?' I record various melodies and try changing things during the process. Just like solving a puzzle, I must try various approaches to create good music."

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*This content was translated by AI.