Singer Song Ga-in has stepped up to revive the female trot singer scene. She has returned with her regular album, receiving support from senior singer Shim Soo-bong.
On the afternoon of the 11th, a showcase was held to celebrate the release of Song Ga-in's 4th regular album 'Ga-in; Moon' at the Sky Art Hall located in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The venue was bustling with reporters eager to see Song Ga-in.
This new album is her first release in about 2 years and 10 months since her third regular album 'Yeonga' was released in April 2022.
As the event began, Song Ga-in immediately took the stage and passionately performed the album's track 'Lifetime'. Afterward, she expressed her excitement about the new album, saying, "I am so nervous to release a new album. 'Lifetime' is a song made for my fans. It is a meaningful song that I believe will last a lifetime."
After the photo time, Song Ga-in explained about the album, saying, "It took a long time to receive songs for this album. Fortunately, many good songs came in. It took a while to choose the title track," explaining the reason for her hiatus.
The 4th regular album 'Ga-in; Moon' captures Song Ga-in's musical color, which is represented by traditional trot, while also including easy-to-sing popular songs in genres such as ballads, medium tempo, and modern songs, showcasing a broadened musical spectrum.
The title track 'Asadal' was inspired by the tragic tale of Asadal, the stone mason who built the Seokgatap at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. Song Ga-in's unique traditional vocal style leads the entire song, deeply capturing traditional emotions. The lyrical lyrics and poignant melody come together to present the essence of traditional trot.
Another title track, 'Tears Fall', is a song produced by the living legend of the music industry, Shim Soo-bong. The lyrics express the emotions of letting go of a loved one in a calm manner, harmonizing with Shim Soo-bong's unique melody, and it successfully charted on major music sites right after its pre-release, proving the strength of both legends.
Song Ga-in expressed her deep gratitude for collaborating with Shim Soo-bong. She said, "I went to see my senior without any hesitation. Fortunately, she had a song ready, and I thought it was fate. I am the first junior to receive a song from her. I can't express how grateful I am," and added, "She also gave me one-on-one lessons. I asked her to participate in the chorus, and she gladly agreed, for which I am really thankful. I feel blessed." Song Ga-in mentioned that the song was originally meant for singer Son Tae-jin but was deemed unsuitable, so it was left by Shim Soo-bong. She expressed satisfaction, saying, "I think I was the one who had the most courage to go and receive the song."
She also left a video message for Shim Soo-bong, saying, "You have been my role model since I was young, and I am so honored that you gave me a song. Thank you for passing down such a masterpiece, and I love you."
Additionally, Song Ga-in proudly shared her admiration for Shim Soo-bong. She revealed, "When I was recording, I tried a new vocal technique, and the teacher praised me as a 'genius'," showing her affection.
Last September, Song Ga-in announced a new beginning by establishing her own agency, Gain Dal Entertainment. At the same time, she signed a management contract with Jay Z Star.
Song Ga-in stated, "Since joining the new agency, I was able to participate directly in the album for the first time. Experiencing it firsthand made me realize how hard the company must have worked. I learned a lot and realized many things. We decided to try various compositions and included multiple genres."
Following this, Song Ga-in showcased the music video and live performance of the title track 'Asadal', earning applause from the reporters.
The current trot scene is overflowing with numerous talented male and female trot singers. In particular, the fandom for male singers is considered to be of a large scale. In response, Song Ga-in said, "While I can't keep up with the male trot singer fandom, I am trying hard to follow along. As someone from 'Miss Trot 1', I do feel some weight and pressure," and added, "I think I need to be a senior who leads the juniors, so I am working hard."
Coming from a pansori background, Song Ga-in stated that she aims to continue pursuing traditional trot. She said, "Since I have done pansori, I have a special affection for it. I believe that traditional trot is the genre where I can showcase my strengths better than semi-trot or other genres. I want to do what I can do well. I will not let go of traditional trot."
In conclusion, Song Ga-in said, "I am preparing a lot for YouTube as well as TV broadcasts. I want to communicate more closely with my fans. I hope to increase my subscribers significantly," leaving a friendly closing remark.
In addition to the double title tracks, this album includes 'Lifetime', for which Song Ga-in participated in the lyrics for her fans, the emotional traditional trot 'Farewell Song', 'Red Peony', which sings the poignant feelings of young lovers, 'Why Me', which expresses the sighs of parting in a Latin funky genre, 'Colorful Jeogori', a slow rock song that captures a mother's love from childhood, 'Father's Tears', a trot ballad depicting a father's love, and 'Passing By', a country foxtrot that sings of hope, totaling 9 tracks.
Song Ga-in's 4th regular album 'Ga-in; Moon' can be listened to on various music sites starting at 6 PM on the same day.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
