On August 15th, South Korean singer-songwriter, composer, and producer SAAY delivered an electrifying performance in support of her latest single “DOMINO” under Universal Music Korea. The show, already described by many as a significant cultural moment, marks yet another milestone in SAAY’s evolving solo career.
SAAY, whose musical journey spans over a decade, has long been recognized as a versatile and pioneering force within the music industry. Her latest release, “DOMINO,” is a bold English single that embodies her unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul. This track highlights her ability not only to create music but to influence and redefine genres, blending Western and Korean influences seamlessly.
SAAY’s journey in the music industry began in 2012 as the leader of the five-member girl group EvoL. However, after the group disbanded in 2015, she embarked on a solo career that has allowed her to express her artistic vision more freely. Signing with Universal Music Korea was a turning point, providing her with the platform to transition from idol group fame to becoming a respected solo artist with complete creative control over her music.
Her sound, characterized by smooth, soulful melodies, intricate vocal arrangements, and deeply personal lyrics, has drawn comparisons to some of the biggest names in Western music. Yet, SAAY’s artistry goes beyond imitation; she infuses her music with a distinct authenticity that resonates on a global scale. Her previous collaborations with high-profile artists like Snoop Dogg and Crush further emphasize her versatility and international appeal.
“DOMINO” is more than just a song; it is a statement. It showcases SAAY’s evolution as an artist and her commitment to breaking barriers in the global music scene. During the performance, the energy was palpable as she seamlessly integrated elements of choreography, directing, and performance, proving once again that she is a multi-talented artist who is deeply involved in every aspect of her craft.
The “DOMINO” performance was a powerful reminder of SAAY’s impact on the music world. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a declaration of her artistic prowess and her vision for the future of Korean music. As she continues to break new ground, SAAY stands as a testament to the evolution of the global music landscape, where boundaries are blurred, and music becomes a universal language.
SAAY’s fans, old and new, left the concert with the understanding that they had witnessed something truly special. “DOMINO” is not just another single; it is the latest chapter in the story of an artist who is shaping the future of music, one note at a time.
In an exclusive interview with us before the concert, SAAY shared insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind “DOMINO.” Reflecting on her journey from the leader of the girl group EvoL to her solo career, she emphasized the importance of artistic freedom:
Your new single ‘DOMINO’ is out. Can you share the story or inspiration behind this song?
When I write a song or create art, I don’t like to hold back the feelings I have or express them prettily. I’m a musician who is faithful to all my emotions, stories, and experiences, and expresses them directly. This was also the case with this song. Every single verse, every little story of me and my inner little stories, which were hurt and painful, gathered together to complete the song as a story. Sometimes it’s difficult to forcefully take out these traumas and melt them into music, but on the contrary, it’s an advantage as an artist that I can be a better me by releasing my inner dark emotions into music.
DOMINO’ is an English single. What motivated you to release an English song, and how does it differ from your Korean releases?
I’m 100% Korean born in Korea, but I’ve lived abroad a lot since I was young. I’ve worked on this song in Korean, and I think the genre’s coolness is expressed better in English. My debut song “CIRCLE” was also fully in English. After trying to work on both Korean and English, I tend to write lyrics more directly in English with ease.
What can listeners expect in terms of the musical style and production of ‘DOMINO’? How does it showcase your evolution as an artist?
“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 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. and It’s a medium tempo R&B hip-hop song that combines classical and hip-hop. Starting with the a cappella 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.
Can you delve into the themes and messages of ‘DOMINO’? What do you hope listeners take away from it?
Our situation is similar everywhere, we have to act as a “pretty” in human relationships that flow so quickly and easily. The faster the world went by, the more I wanted to express the desertification of human relationships and emotions that were born and existing in it, and that’s the song I wrote about my actual experience of collapsing like dominoes. If anyone else has an experience similar to me, I would like to give them consensus and comfort with this song.
You started your career as the leader of EvoL and then transitioned to a solo artist. How did this shift impact your music and creative freedom?
It was a great experience. It was a time to learn what I was best at at the crossroads of group and solo, and during that time, I have developed and grown on my own without stopping. It was a short but good experience to study the balance that best suits me.
“Since going solo, you’ve been deeply involved in songwriting, producing, choreographing, and directing performances. How has wearing multiple hats influenced your artistic journey?”
I just didn’t know that I would have so many positions because I’ve been consistently doing what I’m good at. I just want to be confident in what I’m best at. Writing songs, producing songs, choreographing and directing performances accordingly, writing synopsis or scenarios for music videos, or working on album artwork are all good ways to express my feelings, so I never want to miss it. I want to do better. As I tried to convey and express my story better, my work built up for a long time, and now it’s a natural process and balance for me.
Your music blends R&B, hip-hop, and soul, drawing comparisons to Western artists. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I love and listen to all kinds of music genres. Growing up, I have experienced and learned Korean traditional music, rock, heavy metal, J-pop, R&B and hip-hop, and now I am an artist who can express all genres. Among them, the genres that I am pursuing in my album are pop, R&B, and hip-hop. The artists that I have admired the most while growing up are Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Prince, TLC and N SYNC, and Snoop Dogg and Timberland, D Angelo and Erykah Badu, and Pop R&B hip-hop artists who represented the 90s-2000s. It’s naturally expressed in my music now because the music of these great and respectful artists of all genres that I’ve been growing up and experiencing and learning exists in my DNA.
You’ve collaborated with artists like Snoop Dogg and Crush. How have these collaborations influenced your music, and what have you learned from working with such diverse artists?
Through a lot of collaborations, I’ve learned that if I really treat music with all my heart and create with all my heart, artists always understand each other’s artistic values first. The various collaborations with all artists were all memorable and happy moments, but among them, my work with Snoop Dogg was the most memorable. I literally grew up with his music history and spent my childhood, so I was really, really happy and honored when he was commissioned to feature on his album. I still can’t believe it, that my voice was on his album with his voice.
As highlighted in the Hypebae article, you’re part of a new wave of Korean music that breaks K-pop stereotypes. How do you see your role in this movement, and what impact do you hope to make?
I think I had the idea of breaking competition or something when I was young. Rather than doing that, now my goal is to focus on myself and do my music that I am good at for a long time. I try not to care too much about those eyes, saying that I want people to remember me, not someone else, just “SAAY” itself.
Your music has international appeal, blending different genres and languages. How do you approach creating music that resonates with a global audience?
I’m not just pretending to do that, but I incorporate my experiences into my music and experiment with them when I really listen to them and look up to the artists embedded in my DNA. Apart from the country, doesn’t everyone have an icon? Based on my best pop and R&B and hip-hop genres, I try to reach out to global fans easily and remain in their memories.
What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards in breaking away from the traditional K-pop mold and establishing your unique sound?
As I create and engage in all the processes myself, I think the center of achievement and satisfaction for myself is the most important and greater than money or business numbers.
Can you describe your typical songwriting process? How do you approach writing and composing your songs?
I think it’s most important to express my actual experiences and stories in my diary directly in the song, so most of my work process goes in the order of writing the lyrics first, then producing the melody and track. There are processes that are made in different forms and sequences depending on the situation, but this single “DOMINO” was like that.
You’re also involved in choreographing and directing your performances. How do you integrate these elements to create a cohesive artistic vision?
I don’t force the moment and the situation to be set. If I just live as it goes, and I think I want to write a song around me and in my soul, or I want to make an album, I proceed without delay. Every moment and people’s environment is my inspiration and energy. While writing songs, choreography together, performance directing, and song production, so the whole process of going back and forth is not focused on one, but all the inspiration is balanced harmoniously.
Your lyrics are known to be personal and introspective. How do you balance vulnerability and relatability in your songwriting?
I honestly melted my experiences mentioned above without lying or pretending. Since all of my songs actually begin with stories from my diary, this song was also born and created in that way. Since it is my actual experience and the process of telling my story directly is also incorporated into the composition process, it seems that the balance is naturally balanced knowing what I am best at.
Beyond ‘DOMINO,’ what other projects or collaborations are you excited about shortly?
I haven’t decided which of the many demos I’ve worked on yet, but I’ll be making a comeback with another concept and song later this year. Also, 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. 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!
What are your long-term goals for your music career? How do you see yourself evolving as an artist in the coming years?
I will continue to do music and art for “SAAY VIBE,” which I am best at. As long as my heart beats and my body moves, I will continue to write songs without stopping and continue my musical activities. Since I am planning for my third full-length album next year, I think the processes will be rebuilt and improved through many growth pains before that, and they will probably be included in my next album.
As someone who has navigated both the idol group and solo artist paths, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to carve their unique paths in the industry?
Don’t think too much, just do it. Failure is the mother of success. Pain and collapse as much as you can. Success can only be achieved by those who have failed.
Looking back on your decade-long career, what are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned, and how have they shaped you as an artist and individual?
The advice you just give to your young friends applies to the same answer here. Since I have all the experience, maybe that advice was not the most important learning.
As the interview concluded, it became clear that SAAY is not just an artist but a visionary—one who is determined to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene, one domino at a time. Don’t miss out—listen to “DOMINO” now and experience the next wave of Korean music.
The Hollywood Six 