Gyubin is an artist who continues to shine on stage and bring life to the phrase “being a busy bee” – because since debut she has done nothing but released a successful amount of songs and collaborated with a remarkable number of veteran K-pop idol singers like Gaeko and Nell.
Debuting in January of this year under LIVEWORKS Company with “I Really Like You,” the proclaimed ‘super rookie’ Gyubin is a young and talented singer who tested the waters with her pre-debut releases called “Scribble” and “Start To Shine.” Now, Gyubin finds path to success with her new track “Satellite,” a calming but uplifting track accompanied by a gladden melody similar to Taeyeon’s “I” for example.
Gyubin’s performance on Dingo Music showcases just how brilliant her vocals are as she effortlessly sings her calming song that sweeps viewers into her “Satellite” space and continues to attract us as she empowers the chorus with her steady pitch increase. See the wonderful performance.
If Gyubin’s vocals alone were enough to captivate you, wait until you read our interview! Gyubin sat with ZAPZEE to share her rich history as a super rookie, successful collaborations within just six months of debut, and her role models like IU and Taylor Swift. Check out the exclusive interview and photo down below!
Q. GYUBIN is already well known as the ‘Super Rookie’ of K-Pop this year. Do you feel any pressure because of this title or believe it is accurate?
GYUBIN: “I always appreciate love and confirmation from many people as a teenage soloist who can perform in various ways such as playing instruments, singing, and dancing. However, I still feel a bit pressured with the ‘Super Rookie’ title because I know I have so much more to learn as I recently had many experiences and lessons through different activities. At the same time, the title provides great motivation and inspiration for me to work harder. I am determined to show my growth with every step of my journey to match the title of ‘Super Rookie’!”
Q. You’re well known for your talented vocals. What is one special way you maintain or train yourself to be a good singer?
GYUBIN: “I am in the process of learning as I still have many questions, but looking back, I was always in the practice room every day, no matter if I actually did practice or not. While I was physically there, I ended up singing at least a little, and I learned that doing something consistently for at least 10 minutes every day would lead to some results in the future.
As for the vocal skills, I did not miss a day in exercising scales, or warming up, which can be boring but is essential as a vocalist. The obvious answer for ultimately making singing a career you’re good at and you love is to listen to music a lot, sing a lot, and study a lot.”
The proof is in the stage performances after all – see Gyubin steal the show on Music Bank.
Q. You released two pre-debut singles – “낙서 (Scribble) feat. Wonstein” and “Start to Shine feat. Gaeko” – is there one you’re most fond of?
GYUBIN: “This is actually the hardest question I’ve ever received in my life!! ‘Scribble’ is my first released song ever so it holds a special meaning, but then I have about 0.1 point more affection for ‘Start to Shine’ because it was a moment when my long-time dream as a singer-songwriter came true. I was making music with great seniors. In addition, working with Gaeko inspired me to fall deeply into the R&B genre and extended my playlist spectrum, so it is especially memorable.”
Q. Is there someone you’re really looking forward to collaborating with now?
GYUBIN: “I have so many! Of course, Taylor Swift, IU, Sung Si-kyung… These days, I would love to meet So Soo Bin, an artist whom I got to know via the TV program Sing Again. I really liked his cover of Yoon Sang’s “넌 쉽게 말했지만 (Even Though You Said So Easily)” and I played that version on repeat for a while. His vocal color is great and I love his music style personally, so I would love to work with him one day!”
Q. Tell us about your last release “Special” – what was it like working with Kim Jong Wan of Nell?
GYUBIN: “This collaboration had a new and different vibe from my experiences with Wonstein and Gaeko. Kim Jong Wan is a very highly respected senior among musicians, and he had a very chic and cool image when I saw him online, so I stepped into the recording room with the maximum level of nervousness. I rarely get tired or take breaks during a recording because I remain as focused as possible in order to finish. However, with Kim Jong Wan, I focused so much on working with him and bringing out my best outcome that I realized we were recording for more than six hours straight with the occasional restroom breaks. I’ve never felt so fond of recording one song before.
This experience made me realize how serious he is with music, and I was very thankful to him for sincerely participating in the project from the composition to the overall direction. We just talked a lot about emotions and recorded while being immersed in that rich topic.”
Q. Can you explain the art style for the music video “Special” – why did you decide to not appear in the MV and use such charming drawings?
GYUBIN: “The little girl in the music video is Gyubin in her trainee life during middle school. During that time, I would ride on subways with many people, wearing headsets and carrying my guitar by myself. Those adolescent memories which don’t seem to be that old passed through my brain, provoking several emotions. I also thought that the subway, which most people would have used at least once, is the place where many would feel familiar to and relate to.
A little butterfly in the music video symbolizes comfort to all the listeners and the little girl. At the same time, I wanted to convey the song’s message in a fairy tale vibe, which led to the decision to create the animations for the video instead of my personal appearance.”
Q. Is there anything besides singing that has interested you lately? Would you want to return to more variety shows again?
GYUBIN: “After being on a radio program that was on my bucket list even before debut, I fell in love with the opportunity as I expected, motivating me to become a radio DJ in the future. I realized that a variety show is not easy after appearing on GreeGura and King of Mask Singer, but I want to try more at the same time.
Personally, I hear that I have great reactions, so I would like to showcase my new charms to more people by appearing on Kkokkomu which is also a show I enjoy watching. Also, I love to eat delicious food so much, so I want to be on a variety show that highlights mukbang one day.”
Q. Your last release “Special” and debut song “I Really Like You” both offer a soft and inviting sound. How will your newer releases be different? Is there a different style or something fans will recognize?
GYUBIN: “For now, ‘Satellite’ will still feature a vibrant energy on stage, but this song shows a little more mature and powerful vibe in terms of music and concept when compared to my previous activities.
“Satellite” is a very dynamic song with a clear narrative arc, providing freshness that is perfect for a summer night or long thoughtless drives. A grand band sound also reminds me of the soft atmosphere of a Japanese anime.”
Q. Can you explain the title behind ‘Satellite’ and being someone’s satellite as the lyrics portray? What thoughts went into making this song?
GYUBIN: “‘Satellite’ carries the message of ‘I’ll circle around you, just like a satellite, and brighten up your day while no one notices.’ If one replaces ‘you’ with ‘I,’ this song can be interpreted as a comforting message for oneself, so the song can provide various sentiments depending on how people take it.
So far I have listened to ‘Satellite’ hundreds and thousands of times, but I was able to feel differently depending on how I felt each time I listened to it. Therefore, I believe you’ll be able to feel even more various emotions with this in your mind if you listen more than once.”
Q. Will this new single include any special promotions or ways of interacting with your fans?
GYUBIN: “First of all, I’m scheduled to perform in Taiwan and Japan for the first time, and I’m planning to share my stage with a lot of people. I’ll also continue communicating with fans through radio and social media, in addition to being on various music content programs and, if the opportunities arise, variety show programs. I’ll work hard to make sure you can see Gyubin everywhere, so please look forward to it!”
Q. Any final message for your fans?
GYUBIN: “Hello my dear fans and listeners who have been waiting for me! ‘Satellite’ felt like a big challenge that required a lot of thought for me because it was a different genre and new style from my debut song ‘ I Really Like You,’ which was loved by many people. I put a lot of effort into preparing for this single, so I hope you all can enjoy a new sentiment with this song and give it a lot of love.
I hope “Satellite” helps you forget this summer’s intense heat and sends much comfort to everyone. I will become a singer whose music can be your ‘satellite’ and repay your love and support with good music that is not bound by any limits. Please look forward to my growth as an artist, and I ask for much love for my new single and future projects!”
Gyubin left us feeling warm and touched and she gingerly smiled while reflecting on her gratitude for her fans. While going down her, albeit short, memory lane, Gyubin revealed just how much more she plans to do and further engaged our anticipation for what is to come. The ‘Super Rookie’ is ready to do more and more for music and K-Pop!
If you loved our interview, don’t forget to follow ZAPZEE on social media for more exclusive interview content! Don’t forget to follow Gyubin on social media as well as YouTube and take a look at our wonderful exclusive photo just for fans down below!
