Deep R&B sensibility... 'Big Bang' Taeyang rises alone

Male group Big Bang's Taeyang started shooting radiant rays of light like his name.

Out of the Big Bang members, Taeyang is the first to release a recent solo album <Hot> and begin his activities. While the group members actively participate in individual activities, Big Bang is revered as the most popular idol group presently and attracts a lot of attention.

Taeyang, maybe because he felt that solo activity was awkward, was puzzled about what to do. However, he could not conceal his excitement because he has wanted to show his unique music color for a long time. Taeyang said, "I still don't feel it's real. I've wanted to release a solo album but I thought I was going to release it a lot later. Even though the members don't say anything, I think they intentionally envy me. Especially Seungri (laughs)."

Big Bang received loved for their dance music with an electronica feel. Their hip-hop-ish groove dissolved in their songs <Lie> and <Last Farewell> and gathered attention. Taeyang's first album gives a maximized feel that Big Bang pursues in their music. On the other hand, Taeyang said that he made an effort to make his music different than Big Bang's.

Taeyang said, "My songs' tempos are slower than Big Bang's. Alternatively, it is deeply emotional. It has a more R&B scent. This is what I've really wanted to sing. The title song 'Look Only At Me' is a song that fits in today's trend. The melody progresses with an electronic tone made with a synthesizer. The R&B groove is expressed.

Taeyang still bears the Big Bang members' support. The members appeared as cameos in the <Look Only At Me> music video. Member G-Dragon composed and wrote the lyrics to the intro <Hot>. The lyrics of <Baby I'm Sorry> is also his production.

Taeyang also revealed his special friendship with G-Dragon, whom he lived with for 8 years now in the same entertainment company. He still bears the musical support he earned from the 6 years of training together. They hold the most conversations together within the team as well. The two people recently give each other ideas on Big Bang's next album.

"Because Jiyong (G-Dragon's birth name) has a lot of desire towards music, I talk about a lot of things with him. Although we look for different things in each other, we have a lot to learn from one another. Nowadays I hope that Jiyong becomes the best producer and gives me a lot of great songs.

1TYM's Teddy and Stony Skunk's Kush helped in this album in many ways. Alongside co-producing the album, they featured in <Prayer> and <Make Love>. Moreover, it is said that YG Entertainment (a.k.a YG) Yang Hyun Suk executive's silent aid made Taeyang's heart lighter.

"He has seen me since I was very young. (Taeyang entered YG as a trainee at age 12). Usually he seems like a big brother, but at work it is hard to even talk to him. He advised and helped me a lot while I prepared for this album. Even though he doesn't tell me directly, every time I hear that he is satisfied about me I feel good."