SAAY Reveals Her Vulnerable Side With New Single ‘DOMINO’

When SAAY speaks, people are bound to listen. Playing off of the word "say," the South Korean R&B singer's name is a reminder to everyone that, for her, music is a way to share her thoughts and emotions with the world. But being her authentic self is nothing new. After nearly a decade as a solo artist, she's developed a unique sound that blends R&B, hip-hop and soul but is also honest and raw. Her new single "DOMINO" is no different.

Layering ethereal vocals over a heavy trap beat, SAAY tells her story of yearning for success in the industry but being met with conflicting emotions such as anticipation and anxiety. Just one small misstep can cause everything to come crashing down like dominos. The song shows a shockingly honest side that goes along with SAAY's musical approach of unfiltered authenticity. Besides helping write the song, she also co-composed it and co-choreographed the music video so that every aspect of the song is infused with her unique flair. Ahead of the song's release, we caught up with SAAY to hear all about "DOMINO," working with other K-pop artists and her upcoming tour.

Sweety High: Congratulations on your new song, "DOMINO!" What drove you to release this track in English? 

SAAY: Although I am Korean-born and raised in Korea, I have grown up in numerous different English-speaking countries. Since speaking in English is as comfortable as speaking in Korean, when I actually wrote the lyrics, I was thinking about whether I could reach listeners well when the song was expressed in one language. But I wrote the lyrics only in English from beginning to end because I felt that the song was better when I sang and expressed it in English.

 

SH: Can you explain the meaning behind "DOMINO?"

SAAY: "DOMINO" represents the complicated feelings that have accumulated over the span of my life and career: anyone who yearns for success can experience conflicting emotions in the form of anticipation and anxiety. Working step by step towards perfection increases the excitement, but the fact that a single mistake can make everything crumble also increases apprehension, just like a domino. I felt I needed to express these emotions, for us; for me. It's a medium-tempo R&B hip-hop song that combines classical and hip-hop. Starting with the a capella from the intro, it's an interesting song that opens up all possibilities for the development of the second half of the song! It's not limited to a specific genre, but it's a song that embodies my unique musical position.

(Photo credit: Universal Music Korea)

 

SH: What was it like working with the renowned dance crew We Dem Boyz and the dancer Iban for the "DOMINO" music video? 

SAAY: Before I became a singer, I had worked as a street genre dancer for a long time, so I am always thirsty for the process of moving my music and expressing it with choreography and performance. I made the choreography and directed the performance for this song myself, and for my previous performance songs: OverZone, ENCORE, ZGZG, Talk To Me Nice and so on. It was thrilling to share the process of choreographing and melting the messages that this song expresses through performance directing with my talented and cool dancers. Each of them becomes an emotion, not a person, and they express their feelings in this song. I made it because they expressed it in the direction I imagined and wanted, but it's a work that I'm really satisfied with myself.

 

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SH: You have worked on songs for many high-profile artists in the K-Pop industry, such as TWICE, Aespa and EXO. How is the process different when making a song for yourself versus for a different artist? 

SAAY: The difference between these two positions used to be very different, but now I'm making it as if I'm making my own album and working on someone else's song. But I think the point of inspiration is slightly different depending on whether I'm the subject or the other person is the subject. When I work on other people's albums as a producer, I learn new things from their energy. I've been in many different positions in music for a long time, but it's always interesting. I'm really grateful that I can experience new energy from artists who make me feel like I can sing my songs in a different direction and feeling than I usually do.

(Photo credit: Universal Music Korea)

 

SH: What kind of artist do you want to be known as? 

SAAY: I want to be known as a musician who perfectly digests and expresses all kinds of genres and concepts. Perfect, not half-baked balance. And I want to prove my modifier, "All-round Performer and Producer."

 

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SH: What is your favorite thing about being a musician? 

SAAY: It helps me to express the message that I want to express honestly. My name starts with "SAY" which means "to speak," and adds the meaning of +A to SAAY, so it really helps me to be a musician who tells my story through art, just the limitations that I can't realize as a human being. Writing songs, choreographing, directing and leading all productions is a big deal, and it takes a lot of effort and energy, but maybe that's why I feel a lot happier and more proud when a satisfactory result comes out. I can improve my next steps and become a better artist. So, I think the biggest attraction is that I can tell my story through music.

(Photo credit: Universal Music Korea)

 

SH: What can fans expect next from you?

SAAY: I'm planning to have my solo tour and meet global fans in person again. Starting with this single, "DOMINO," I'm planning to do a lot of musical activities.

 

SH: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

SAAY: I haven't had the chance to meet global fans since I've been focusing on promoting in Korea for a while. But starting with this single "DOMINO," I'm excited to meet global fans in person again! Until we meet in person, always be healthy and happy. Please show a lot of interest and love for this single "DOMINO!" Thank you! See you soon! I love you!

 

Excited for more new music? Click HERE to read our interview with Florrie on her debut album, The Lost Ones.