"You will feel that this is not the Jeon So-mi you have known until now."
"Producer Teddy is the person who helps me find a voice I didn't know I had."
Having debuted as a center member of the project group I.O.I in May 2016, Jeon So-mi has already spent nearly 10 years as a singer. Now in her mid-20s, she still has much to show as an artist.
On the 11th, Jeon So-mi released her second EP album 'Chaotic & Confused' and shared her personal struggles while preparing for the new release with Maeil Business Star Today.
"I thought I had been making music for a long time, but I couldn't immediately answer the question, 'What is the music style I do best?' On the contrary, I felt that I could embrace a diverse and limitless range of music."
Thus, this album was born. Introducing her new work as "a reflection of my chaotic period," Jeon So-mi stated, "Each song has a different genre. After working on various music that I wanted to do well and could achieve, it felt strange to gather them all. However, I believe there has never been a more authentic result than this."
The new album includes a total of 5 tracks, including the title song 'Closer,' which attempts a new genre called stutter house, and 'Extra,' which was pre-released as a digital single last month.
Jeon So-mi felt a burden about her 10th anniversary debut. She said, "I feel the pressure to show a new and fresh side every day. I was caught in a dilemma about how far I could show myself," but she also positively reflected, "I think I have grown well as a person, Jeon So-mi, beyond just being a singer. It is my task to express this well through music."
She mentioned that she is also diligently studying songwriting and composing. Although she hasn't credited herself for the lyrics and composition of 'Closer,' she participated in the production of the tracks 'Escapade' and 'Delu,' showcasing her abilities. "I think I am in a stage of growth while studying songwriting and composing. Through this, I have gradually felt like I am becoming a true adult as an artist."
While 'Closer' is the only English song, the rest mix Korean and English. When asked if this was aimed at a global audience through the English song, she explained, "Not really. I felt that the overall feeling of the music, including the melody, could be well expressed in English, so I created it."
Throughout the interview, she emphasized that listeners would see a changed 'Jeon So-mi' through this album. "I don't have a clear goal I want to achieve with these songs," she said, "I just hope it becomes an album for me, an album to find myself."
She added, "I hope that the public, beyond just my fans, will see me as a matured Jeon So-mi, quite different from before. I believe that from there, I will gain ideas on what direction I can take as a singer."
In this way, the person who helped Jeon So-mi transform from a member of an idol group to a true solo artist was none other than producer Teddy, the head of her agency, The Black Label.
"Teddy and the producers at the company have greatly boosted my confidence. They helped me shift my mindset to be able to write my own songs, and I have developed a lot compared to before."
Within that, Teddy was the decisive figure who made Jeon So-mi 'growth-oriented.' Jeon So-mi remarked, "Since we are very close, we work together without holding back. He tends to direct very detail-oriented," and added, "He helps me find a voice I didn't know I had. So after recording together once, my singing skills improve."
When asked about the rising popularity of her agency's junior group All Day Project and Miyao, and whether it was a burden or hindrance to her activities, she replied, "There are no burdens or hindrances to my work. I'm really happy to see them doing well, and I hope our company continues to thrive with this momentum," she said with a smile.
Since debuting as a solo artist in June 2019, Jeon So-mi has been actively working, but she has rarely held solo concerts. She has only communicated with fans through event performances with multiple artists, such as festivals. "I consider myself to be someone who can objectively assess situations," Jeon So-mi began, "I want to hold a solo concert, but I don't think I'm at the level of an artist who can do that yet," she candidly admitted. However, she has ambitions.
"Even if it takes a long time, I will gradually introduce my music and will definitely hold a concert someday. It's a dream for every singer. It may take a while, but I will definitely do it."
What are her future activity goals? Jeon So-mi stated, "I will compete with the quality of my songs. I believe there is a musical feeling that only I can express. As I grow in various ways, I will become an artist who can provide enjoyment in listening and watching," she expressed her strong desire.
Along with this, her final resolute determination made her shine even more.
"I am really looking forward to what lies ahead. It's been 6 years since my solo debut, and there have been times I had to endure and get through, and I think I have done well. I hope you look forward to how I will change."
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
