COOING’s Colorful Music

COOING talks about her new single, taking inspiration from folklore, and more.

For those who have never heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “COOING is ___” or “COOING’s music is ___”?

"COOING's music is a masterpiece." It's a bit embarrassing, but sometimes my fans [describe] my music as a masterpiece, and I love how [much] they enjoy my music. And I like to say that my songs are colorful; they go over many different genres. Once you have listened to [my music], you will keep [listening,] so if you have yet to try my songs, please play [them] once. You won't regret it for sure. 

Please describe your new single, “EVEN SO”!

The emotion inside the music might be deep and sad, but "EVEN SO" is the first overall light-mood music that I [have] released. Before, I only released heavy songs. This time, I wanted my fans to enjoy [a] relaxing moment. [Listeners] will see the inner side of me [through] the lyrics.

Do you remember when you first developed a passion for music? 

As a high schooler, I had a chance to be up on a stage with my friends. It was amusing to practice and sing in front of people. I felt so awesome after the stage that I decided to think of music as my future. Also, my sister is a singer and became a musician first. She was one of my great inspirations too. 

Why did you choose the stage name “COOING,” and did you consider any other stage names first?

My Korean name is So-Hyun, so I considered my stage name to be So-Ha at first. That was too simply made-up. Then my boss had several suggestions, [and] one of them stuck: “COOING.” I liked how it sounded, and also the meaning, related to speaking sounds. I love my stage name. Cheers for my boss!

What are the best and worst things about writing and producing your own music?

The good thing is that I can express and arrange my feelings in my own music. When I get to experience something, I can think about my feelings more deeply and seriously. However, the bad point [is] very similar. I must be absorbed into those emotions during the process. I swim and [move] over the endless ocean of my mind, making me emotionally exhausted so fast. 

I love your SoundCloud covers! How do you decide which songs to upload covers of, and do you have any particular favorites that you’ve uploaded?

I tend to dive into the lyrics and moods of songs. For some of the songs that I dive deeply into and keep listening to, the desire to sing [a] cover comes out. Some covers are from YouTube that I uploaded before my debut. However, my favorite cover [isn’t on that] list: AURORA’s “A Potion For Love.” I loved this song so badly, especially the lyrics. It was pretty satisfying [to cover]. One of my friends even asked me to [keep] my recorded file for her.

I would love to learn about the making of the music video for “The Milky Way,” because it is such a beautiful video! Where did the ideas for the video come from, and what was filming like? 

The song "The Milky Way" was inspired by the Korean folktale "The Herdsman and the Weaver." I wanted to deliver more of [an] original feature in the [music video scenario], and with [my] team, we made it into a more modern style. The lyrics are desperate and sorrowful, but the beats and melody are very vivid and tense. I guess that contradiction went well with the video. 

Besides “The Milky Way,” please share some interesting information about what it was like filming another one of your music videos!

I can't forget filming the music video for "ONE LAST TIME.” The character was the opposite of the real me. That was huge pressure, really. I worried so much before shooting, although right after the first scene, [people] gave me applause, and my team and director said they loved it. The character was so different from me, and I was glad that I could find a new side of myself [by playing it]. Such a fulfilling moment. 

Out of all of your songs, which have gotten the most positive feedback?

To be honest, I'm not really sure, though many of my fans like "Summer in Summer" and "ONE LAST TIME.”

What is one goal you set for 2023 that you have already accomplished, and what is one goal you are still working towards?

It was a bit before 2023, but I had this goal to have my own concert again. I couldn't face my fans on stage for a while, so the desire to have an actual [in-person] stage was tremendous. And guess what, I did! It was terrific. I hope I can also have a concert abroad in the near future. That would be wonderful. [In] 2023, my goal is to release more [songs] than last year. I just released "EVEN SO," though I'm already working on my next [song]. Not just to have many releases, [but] to get closer to as many people as I can. When my fans love my music and ask for more, I feel so thankful. I'm working hard for upcoming releases these days, [and] I hope they can reach people. 

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?

First, to myself: "Put your wheels on your own road, take passion and diligence, [and] toughen up for the rough sail." And to the people who love and those who will love my music: I hope all my gratefulness [reaches] you. 

Check out COOING’s new single here, and keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her YouTube channel and following her on Twitter and Instagram!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of BlueBridge.