The translation seems a little off, but overall it's a pretty good interview! Most interesting parts to me were that he was inspired to work with MHJ because of the f(x) album Pink Tape and that he originally wanted to release his album last December.
V’s serene radiance once more unfurled—an effortless presence suspended in time’s gentle cadence, even in the flutter of his lashes. Amidst the lavish lighting and intricate jewelry gracing him, V’s poised demeanor exuded an irresistible allure. In the prelude of the ‘Love Me Again’ music video, a glimpse into his forthcoming solo debut album Layover, his aura resonated with the glitz of a glam rock icon. Surrounded by the mystical cavern’s grandeur, where stalactites dangled otherworldly, however, he stood as a modern embodiment of Narcissus—illuminated by suspended luminance that blazed as fiercely as the sun.
In the subsequent preview of ‘Rainy Days’, the very essence of the music video can be distilled into ‘an intensity of sentiment’. Throughout album creation, V’s aspiration was to unveil new dimension within himself, and the diverse personas nurtured through shared experiences. The seamless harmony of music videos for five album tracks appears almost as a foregone conclusion—an homage to artistic brilliance. From V’s mellifluous vocal expressions to the aura, he commands before the lens, it beckons not just ARMY, but also producers and visual artisans eager to plunge into his creative depths.
Be it the entrancing glimmer in his gaze, the captivating grace of his fingers, or the elegant contour of his silhouette, W Korea captured each essence of V through the lens. As the sun descended casting its gentle hues, ‘In these days, happiness flourishes and joy fills.’ V casually imparted.
<W Korea> As BTS members embarked on individual pursuits, June 2022 served as the month of an elegant tapestry, weaving together nine years of collective history; the anthology album Proof. You’ve watched the septets embark on their solo ventures since then, what emotions and insights have emerged for you?
V: Every time they hit the stage, I’m literally proud of how far they’ve come. They bring something fresh and it’s just amazing to see. Honestly, I’ve been all in, soaking up every scene they’ve been in and on.
With the spotlight now on V, the buzz is all around – Layover, your forthcoming solo album is set to drop on September 8th. Delving into the solo venture, what thoughts held prominence during the last few months of the creative process?
It feels like forever since I’ve been solo and connected with the ARMY on stage. The burning question in my mind? ‘Do I need to diet for this grand return?’ Trust me, that thought was non-stop (Laugh)
Layover features a notable collaboration with Min Hee-jin, the president of ADOR and the creative genius behind NewJeans. What sparked that move to get her in the producer’s chair for this project?
I wanted to show a different side of my music compared to my past works and collaborating seemed like the best way to achieve that. F(x)’s Pink Tape was a big inspiration, I reached out to her the moment I recalled it. Our collaborative discussions were productive, encompassing every detail, and the entire collaboration process was seamless. She brought sincerity and expertise to the table. She has such a warm presence.
You’re certainly no stranger to the recording booth. Yet, spearheading a solo project is uncharted territory. Were there self-revelations, nuances you discovered in your craft throughout this journey?
The entire process was reminiscent of revisiting my early vocal training days. It was like rediscovering my vocal identity. I stumbled upon my new vocal identity – certain tonalities and pronunciations seemed to resonate more now.
Flashback to your early days: you nailed ‘Love’s Twist’ by Sul Woon-do on <BTS Gayo>. Fast-forward to this June, and we’ve seen you serenading with jazz classics. Your voice has this rare, mature tone, especially in the lower registers, setting you apart from many vocalists in 20s. Do you recognize the vocal techniques that highlight your charm?”
My love for diverse genres often has me humming away. While creating this solo album, I truly discovered my vocal essence, and that’s what makes me incredibly fulfilling.
With Layover, is the solo venture more a collection of what V is good at or what V loves?
It’s a mix of both. In Layover, I’ve melded my strengths with my passions. I am second to none in this kind of mood (laughs). But as for the finer details… well, let me keep them under wraps.
You and Jung Kook often share musical drafts, correct? Following his recent solo endeavor, ‘Seven’ in July, he mentioned you were the first one to get a listen. Yet, he candidly expressed a sonic disparity between you both noting ‘ Honestly, our music tastes don’t quite align. V leans towards the calm and the cool.’ What does it mean by ‘the cool’ in V’s lexicon?
Hahaha, in my perspective, ‘cool’ carries various nuances. Take RM, for example. He’s got this amazing unreleased track, the one he unexpectedly rocked up at SUGA’s encore concert and just freestyled for everyone. Every time that song hits my ears, I’m thinking ‘I’ve got to sing something cool like that someday.’
As an artist, there are numerous stages and steps before presenting something to the world. At which point do you experience the most profound thrill?
There’s an undeniable thrill and profound satisfaction in bringing an envisioned aesthetic to life, whether in music videos or editorial shoots.
Even the global icons sometimes grapple with nerves. How do you stay in your comfort zone? It’s the struggle no one can help.
I must confess there’s a certain allure to the jitters before a performance. It’s an exhilaration, a joyous anticipation. I like that kind of tension.
Are there any compliments that especially uplift your mood?
Well… every compliment is welcome. On such days, I find myself dancing all the way home.
When reflecting upon your own persona, which traits or aspects resonate most positively with you?
While I may not always operate at a rapid pace, there’s a steadfast and unyielding resilience within me, akin to that of a tanker.
We all have vulnerabilities. Where do you feel your Achilles’ heel lies?
Perhaps my pace? I tend to move at my own rhythm, which might test ARMY’s patience at times. For instance, with my solo album – the wait was extensive. My initial intention was a release in December of the previous year; but the process was extended, leaving me with an enduring sense of apology.
In the crucible of life’s defining moments, do you predominantly lean on your intuition, or do you find someone to counsel in your circle?
I deeply trust my instincts, yet I remain open and absorbing the insights of those around me. Both are important to me.
With a life awash in the limelight, moments of magic are frequent. However, as sands shift, do you feel a diminished sense of wonder compared to the early days?
Insightful. Indeed, there have been instances when the stage felt less electrifying. To keep that sense of wonder and gratefulness alive, I should seek unveiled side of me and evolve. This drive to rediscover and redefine myself fueled the spirit of my latest album.
As you evolve and accumulate various experiences as an artist, if there’s one essence, within V or, shall we say, Kim Taehyung that remains steadfast, what would it be?
It’s the pursuit of joy, however fleeting or minor it is. Be it the camaraderie among members, the ambiance of a set, or even fleeting thoughts of a forthcoming day off or today’s meal – cherishing moments of happiness, no matter how small, is important to me.
With life unfurling, what aspirations are kindling within V at present?
Strikingly, I’m not one swayed by intense ambitions. I’ve been told my desires are tempered. There’s merit in ambition, of course, but my barometer often measures the day in degrees of happiness. That said, when it’s a photoshoot, that’s the moment I reveal ambition (laughs).
Given the perfect confluence of time, space, and opportunity, is there a dream stage you’ve envisioned, one you’d wish to breathe life into?
It’s about the ARMY, always. Being in their presence, feeling their energy – that’s paramount.
