Known for his unbeatable musical range and the impeccable ability to master any and all genres, GAHO’s first album was highly anticipated. Kpopmap had the incredible opportunity of interviewing this young creative genius, courtesy of Global PR & Marketing by MJ Tonz, to dig deeper into how “Fireworks” came out, the driving forces behind the album and more. Keep reading until the end for a very special video message from GAHO, for fans all over the world! How did the title and the overall theme of “Fireworks” come about and what message did you imbue the same with? I am 25 and I thought “Fireworks” is a word that can represent the 20s. The fireworks go up high into the sky and for a brief fleeting moment burst glamorously. I also thought your 20s is a moment in life when you are shining the brightest. I thought I am also going through a time where I am in the chapter where I am going up into the sky. As it’s an official album, there are 12 songs and they all have different genres of music. GAHO In your incredible career, you have given a voice and expression to a range of complex emotions and feelings in a masterful way. Why did you choose the theme of “youth” as the subject matter for your first full album? The title song “Right Now”, like the other songs on the album, contains my thoughts and emotions. I wanted to express different emotions (hope, love, friendship, passion, regret, emptiness) felt by the young. GAHO
Your album “Fireworks” is an ode to youth. Did you draw inspiration from your own lived experiences for this album? Could you share some instances that perhaps influenced the sentiments that are expressed in this album? There are some that I personally experienced, some are from the thoughts I imagined after watching films and TV shows while some are from listening to the worries of my friends. As a 25-year-old myself, I tried to capture the thoughts of youth from different young people in the album. GAHO Fireworks go out in a blaze of glory in a matter of seconds, but the preparations for the same take great effort and time. Were there any moments of difficulty while you were working on this album? If so, what was something that motivated you to keep pushing through? This recent album also has a lot of meaning to me personally but also has a special meaning to the people in our company. So I had help from many people and this was possible thanks to their hard work. It made me realize that good work involves not just me but many people’s hard work and efforts. It made me think more carefully going forward. GAHO What aspects of your art and yourself as an artist did you want to highlight with this album? Did your initial idea for “Fireworks” match up with your final version? I tried to convey a feeling of “soul healing” through this album. I hope people feel that stimulation from my music that they might not feel from their everyday lives. I don’t mean stimulation in a bad way but I worked hard and thought carefully to give a feeling of positive stimulation. I hope that this intention and feeling can be delivered to the listeners. GAHO What are some of your favorite lyrics from your first full album “Fireworks”? There is a song called “High” and there is a line “let’s jump off a high building” (‘높은 빌딩 위에서 뛰어내리자’) which talks to me. I don’t mean this as a form of action. Instead, I tried to express GAHO that is in a fairy tale different from reality. It means liberation and freedom so I personally like this part. GAHO Your latest single “Ride” garnered an immensely positive response. These lyrics in particular: “I’m placing you in my own brackets” resonated strongly with listeners. Where did you draw inspiration from to create such impactful lyrics? I don’t have hobbies so I tend to take walks a lot. During my walks, sometimes I get inspiration. Regarding this album, there are some that I personally experienced, some are from the thoughts I imagined after watching films and TV shows while some are from listening to the worries of my friends. So the inspiration comes from conversations with different people. GAHO
How do you overcome creative blocks or other hindrances when you’re making music? I feel like as the music work gets longer, I lose my focus but this is the struggle that I have to fight. For songwriting, the contained focus is important but smartphones can be a distraction. Even sending one text message can break my focus. So during those times, I have a brief rest and get right back to it with full focus. GAHO You are creating an indelible legacy in the world of K-Dramas with some of the most beloved OSTs of all time. Can you tell us more about what goes into creating the perfect OST? I think joining a project where the song is produced has an attraction that’s the opposite from writing my own song. As a singer-songwriter, I do the music that I want to do as GAHO. But for working on OSTs or joining an outside project, I think of it as me playing another character. For the music with thoughts I want to express, I can manage it and I have a prediction on how to finalize it. On the other hand, an OST contains clear intentions and thoughts of other people who produced the song when you look at the melody, lyrics, and arrangement. So my utmost priority is to sing the song according to their intentions. Also, additionally, I try to add most of my vocal tones and flavors into the song. So since I can’t predict many of these parts, in some ways, it has its own type of fun. GAHO While working on the OST for tvN’s highly anticipated thriller “Jirisan”, what were some things that you primarily focused on? I think it was a challenge to sing the entire song in English. I tried hard to sing it in a refreshing and breezy kind of way. GAHO
A lot of fans might not know this but before becoming one of the most successful singer-songwriters of this generation, you almost became an idol! If you could join any idol group now, what group would it be and why? If I become an idol, I would have liked to be the main dancer. I did learn dancing when I was younger. Although my dancing skills would not be sufficient at all, in my imagination I’d like to be a cool main dancer and soar on the stage. GAHO A lot of fans might not know this but before becoming one of the most successful singer-songwriters of this generation, you almost became an idol! If you could join an idol group now, what position would you have and why? If I become an idol, I would have liked to be the main dancer. I did learn dancing when I was younger. Although my dancing skills would not be sufficient at all, in my imagination I’d like to be a cool main dancer and soar on the stage. GAHO Finally, with the world still reeling from a pandemic and most outdoor activities and gatherings being restricted, what are some things that make you happy? Since there is less time to spend with others, I naturally spend more time alone. During this time, I often think to myself and can better focus on music. I do like that I have more personal time like this, but I wish this COVID situation would end quickly and we can go back to how it was before. GAHO As promised, here’s a very special message for fans from GAHO!
What is your favourite track from “Fireworks”? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!
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