Sohyang Talks All Things Blessings

Sohyang talks about finding inspiration in Mozart, faith, and iconic artists.

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “Sohyang is __” or “Sohyang’s music is __”?

Like my fans always say, “Sohyang is a dreamer,” [and] “Sohyang’s music is grace.” I would like to say that you can feel grace in my music. I love to challenge [myself to do] various kinds of music. “BLESSING” is hip-hop, [a] quite unexpected challenge for me, but [still infused with] grace.

Do you remember much from your debut days? Do you ever reflect on how much your perspective or sound has evolved since then? 

Oh my gosh, when I think about my debut, I feel so embarrassed. I was just a kid who didn’t know anything about music. I was naive and unknown. Of course, I really love music, but I didn’t know how to [incorporate] it into my voice and my life. Fortunately, I encountered lots of artists through listening to many songs [by] Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Kendrick Lamar, and [I] learned many things from them. I got enormous ideas and insights from their songs, album concepts, vocal skills... As a musician, I realized that a song has to communicate its message, life, and soul [through] the melody [and] lyrics. 

What are some of the most influential life experiences that have shaped your music?

The first was encountering Mariah Carey's music. I still get inspiration from her. She is [one of] the best-selling female artists in the pop market. Her Christmas song is still number one, and her vocal skills are incomparable. Her range and riffs are a gift from God. It’s undeniable. I listened to her music repeatedly and mimicked her techniques. Through this tedious process, I finally built up my own skills. But it's not just Mariah; I've learned from many other artists, too.

The second experience was when I battled pneumonia. For three years, I had to deal with that horrible illness. As a singer, that sickness felt like a death sentence; I thought my world was ending. I couldn’t control my voice [like] I had always done. On the stage, I had [a] fear of losing control, but because of that experience, I spread more messages through my songs than ever before. From the bottom of my heart, I started expressing despair, hope, and love. In a way, I feel fortunate for that incident.

Please describe your latest single, “BLESSING,” and what your experience was like making it!

[In] the movie Amadeus, there's a very beautiful scene of [him] making the Requiem. On his bed, Mozart composes that song before he dies. The first melody of Requiem inspired me, and I used it as the beginning of the song “BLESSING.” My composing team, C.P.K, developed the track, and one of the top rappers and actors in Korea, YDG, featured [on it]. The concept of this song is the journey from death to life, from darkness to the light, [and] from despair to hope. The director of the music video described and captured the essence of the song brilliantly. 

What is something people would be surprised to know about the making of the “BLESSING” music video?

The concept, [in which] a wounded little girl recovers through the bleeding of the guy who is nailed by his hands, [came] from the director. He [told] us that the word “blessing” derives from the word “bleeding” during a meeting for the music video. We agreed with that idea, because we all are in our own prisons of pain and endless problems from sins. We need blessings to get out. Through YDG’s acting and PRIME KINGZ’s dancing in the music video, we expressed the story in three minutes. It was amazing work. 

I think the most amazing accomplishment is that we made [“BLESSING”] together. I didn’t plan it or imagine that all the pieces would [form] one perfect picture. That was art and a miracle to me.

Your faith is very important to you, but your music seems to reach people from a variety of religious backgrounds. Is that something you intentionally tried to do, or did that happen naturally?

Thank you for asking. I think it’s both intentional and natural. Christianity is my life; Jesus is my pride, and [that] will never change. I want all people to know about the goodness and love in Him. 

Have you noticed differences between fans of your books and fans of your music, or do they seem to resonate with people for similar reasons?

I haven't noticed yet. I think my fans are so kind to me; they try to understand all of my ideas. My books and music are connected, [and] I think my fans like and understand [that]. I’m so lucky and thankful to have them.

What are your long-term and short-term career goals?

[A] Billboard [achievement, a] Grammy, and a movie! 

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

Just have dreams and love boldly. I am not perfect, but at least I can share my life story with you guys through music. This is what I live for. Love you all! 

Check out Sohyang’s latest single, “BLESSING,” here!

Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of Entertainment Arkhe.