EXCLUSIVE: K-pop star BAEKHO talks about solo debut album ‘Absolute Zero’, unravelling new artistic expression and completing a decade in music industry : Bollywood News

The two words “Absolute Zero” in physics mean temperature extremely cold without any heat or motion. For Korean artist BAEKHO (born KANG DONGHO), the singer-songwriter has been trying to find a balance between these extreme motions. He has been in the industry for over a decade and finally made his solo debut with Absolute Zero. This particular feeling is clearly the theme of the music video for the lead track ‘No Rules’ where he is unbound in the sub-zero environment but finds a way to feel liberated on his journey. The depiction of this is beautifully capturing the emotions through multitudes of love – “Let me be your one desire / I can quench all your curiosity / I wanna dive into you / Woo, baby Into your warmth dive into you.”

Image Courtesy: Pledis Entertainment

EXCLUSIVE: K-pop star BAEKHO talks about solo debut album ‘Absolute Zero’, unravelling new artistic expression and completing a decade in music industry

Popularly known as the vocalist, producer, and songwriter in the former band NU'EST, it has been in the industry long enough to see the ever-evolving shift in music. As the group parted ways following their 10^th album, BAEKHO renewed his contract with his company. With Absolute Zero, the singer-songwriter-producer makes a solid beginning towards a journey he has envisioned to explore his artistic expression and unravel his individuality through it. When I first heard the album prior to its release, I could see the vision of BAEKHO to create something that he could be proud of. The album is definitely a glimpse into the diverse musicality of the artist who has an exquisite line-up for everyone’s taste – there’s R&B, Hip-Hop, Newtro, addictive bass, rock sounds and more. Be it the Rock & EDM track ‘Festival in my car’ or newtro track ‘We don't care no more (Feat. June One of Glen Check)’, the overarching theme of the album changes in temperature which depicts his deep emotions. The former is also the first track he worked on for this album. "I was the only voice on the whole album, so I figured I had to make music that shows the kind of person I am if people were going to understand my music a little better," he told Weverse magazine.

His songwriting is mature, with crisp sonic elements in production and exploration of multi-genres – there’s confidence in the way BAEKHO narrates his story. There's a sense of understanding of what he wants to achieve, a sharp focus on creating melodies and penning lyrics through his experience and being as honest about his journey and where he is at. While his vulnerable emotions are reflected in the album, what is it like to debut after 10 years in the industry? BAEKHO does feel the pressure but he also has a vision for himself. “I hope to create music and perform for a long time!” he tells us in an interview.

In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama and in his first interview in India, Korean artist BAEKHO talks about what it is like to work on a solo album following a decade-long music history and how his artistic expression evolved over the years.

Congratulations on the solo album ABSOLUTE ZERO. What are you feeling – excitement, nervousness or overall satisfaction?
With the first EP released, I am performing and promoting in a much more enjoyable manner than I have worried about. I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to meet my fans on stage.

The album feels like you are reinventing yourself. It also is a beginning of a new era as you introduce yourself again through a refreshing mature sound. So did you also feel the shift in your music process with this album?
Overall, making this album was an invaluable learning experience. For example, I heard a brand new sound and voice of myself for the first time ever while recording. Also, I gained insight into varying strategies to produce better sound by having in-depth discussions with other artists.

ABSOLUTE ZERO is multi-genre with sounds like pop, rock, EDM, R&B, newtro and more. After the first listen, it seems like a cohesive album, highlighting your strengths. Did you feel the same way while working on the tracks?
Definitely, and I’m happy to hear that, especially because that is exactly what I intended!

‘No Rules’ is grittier but such an addictive track. Tell us the inspiration behind it and why did you feel it was the best fit for the title track? Also, how many versions did you work on before finalizing the track?
I dove into the production, already having decided that this song will be the lead track. I wanted to appeal to a romantic allure that one can rarely witness when having a glimpse of things through an odd and extraordinary perspective. Also, rather than having several versions of the track, I had fun modifying it during the production stage.

Have there been any challenges that you faced while working on the album? Any memory of it where you were surprised by how a particular track turned out?
I love to bounce ideas and work in a diverse environment rather than sitting still in one place. Each song is created following a varying process, but I usually come up with a keyword first that could represent the aura of the song. Then, I work on the melody and perfect the song with lyrics. Although the first step of creating the album was a little daunting, there was nothing particularly difficult throughout the process, especially after finishing the first track. Upon collaborating on ‘We don't care no more (Feat. June One of Glen Check)’ with June One, I was afraid that he would keep the song to himself because we both loved it so much.

You’ve worked extensively with producer BUMZU on this album and it seems like this bond has brought one of the finest works this year. You both go way back since N’UEST days. So how has this collaboration evolved between you and him and what was it like going into ABSOLUTE ZERO?
Since we’ve been working closely for quite some time now, it pays off in moments when we just click and know how to spin certain motifs into musical inspiration. I believe the bond between us truly helped in creating this album.

Image Courtesy: Pledis Entertainment

This is such a solid album. I have heard it plenty of times already. ‘Love Burn’ and ‘Festival in my car’ are sort of on repeat but my favourites keep changing. So, what was a song that took you the longest to make and the one that came quite easily to you?
Every song in this album took substantial time and effort. I paid most of my attention to perfecting the lead track ‘No Rules’ as I had to consider the performance aspect as well. Once I was done with creating ‘Festival in my car’, though, I had a better understanding of how I wanted to manifest the overarching story of the album.

What inspires you when you are penning the songs, producing, or practising choreography?
It would be challenging to pinpoint one specific thing from the overall process. Yet, I seek to spot artistry in everyday activities, like when I am performing.

Is there a particular track apart from the title song that you are most definitely looking forward to performing in front of fans? Any particular reason?
I created every song, imagining how it would turn out on stage. So, I would love to perform all six tracks!

You have June-One and Sik-k as featured artists on two tracks, respectively. How did those collaborations come about? Any memory with them you’d like to share?
My primary goal was to showcase diverse genres of music through Absolute Zero. I believed that I could most effectively achieve my goal by teaming up with artists who are currently most active in the music scene. I am truly grateful that everyone accepted my request! While working with June One, I asked how his voice sounds so different when he is casually talking in a deep voice versus when he is singing angelically.

BAEKHO, you’ve been in the industry long enough to see the ever-evolving growth in music, particularly the international love for Korean music. 10 years down the line as an artist, has your relationship with your music changed in any way?

I learned distinct, yet equally valuable, lessons through each album release, project, and performance. I believe that the experience garnered helps me along the line.

A decade later, do you think ABSOLUTE ZERO is a reinvention of your sound? What was that one aspect of utmost importance you had in your mind whilst working on this solo debut?
I worked on Absolute Zero in an attempt to express the individual I am now rather than merely describing how I became over the past ten years. I hope the greatest takeaway is about the story that BAEKHO has to deliver through the text and sound of each song that best represents the musician he grew into.

You know, it isn’t an easy milestone to complete a decade in the music industry, but you have successfully. It may not have been an easy road but how did you overcome those moments? Now, you look back, does that give you the motivation to move forward? What keeps you optimistic?
I’m still puzzled about figuring out how to overcome difficulties, whether big or small. In retrospect, I didn’t have the courage to beat every setback. When life was gray, I tackled things step by step, seeking better opportunities to arise in the future rather than dwelling on the mistakes of the past. I learned that the biggest motivation comes from focusing on the present and the prospect of the future.

How important it is for you to give yourself that self-time for your physical and mental well-being?
I try to exercise at least once a day to stay healthy and fit for my fans.

BAEKHO, fans have always been such a huge support system. Do you have a message for them? Also, could there be a day you could perform in India?
Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such strong support from my fans! They constantly give me positive energy and motivate me to become a better musician. I want to thank my fans for their unconditional love and support, and I hope to meet my fans in India soon!