By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Singer Ahn Chi-hwan has a long history as a singer. Debuting in 1986 with only a guitar, the artist has made his way through rough times.
``Performances are like training sessions. We practice and rehearse, but it still feels like training. I've been singing for more than 20 years now, but it's the same every time,'' he said during an interview with The Korea Times.
The 42-year-old's music was dubbed ``resistance songs.'' As a university student during the politically turbulent 1980s, the musician and his work represented resistance, and this image stays with him to this day.
Ahn showed up several times at public venues including candlelit vigils. When asked why, he shrugged his shoulders and said that he just ``did what he thought was right.''
``It was strange to see all those young students walking along the streets. My generation is more used to radical or noisy demonstrations, but the candlelit rallies were more like a cultural event, a festival. They were demanding their rights, but in a peaceful and hopeful way,'' he said.
Ahn's concerts are sold out every time, and he is preparing yet another series of shows for fans, dubbed ``Songs I Sing Alone 2,'' from Aug. 22-31.
``There are times when I want to get rid of the fancy facade and perform alone. It feels like standing on stage naked, but it's the best chance to express yourself purely with music,'' Ahn said.
For these concerts no band or chorus will accompany him on stage ― it will be just him and his guitar.
Singing solo is not new for Ahn. It was the only way to perform in the early days of his career, when there was no fancy lighting, sets or other contraptions to ``distract'' the audience. It was not a way to attract more fans or try to look modest, but just the way music was done at the time.
``We just borrowed a small theater and worked up from there. There was nothing but our voices and guitars. It's hard to find this type of performance nowadays. It will be a mixture of today and yesterday,'' he added.
Working in the past and present has allowed Ahn to become what he's been striving to be ― ``an artist.'' There were times when his lyrics were considered ``too sensational for public consumption'' by the authorities resulting in a ban of some songs.
But with more singers, or entertainers as he put it, expressing themselves freely these days, Ahn stressed the importance of drawing the line between artistry and entertainment.
``Artists and entertainers are different. I don't create music by following trends. I don't do things fans want me to do. I decided my road as an artist a long time ago and I'm just following that path, making songs along the way,'' said Ahn.
Ahn is also well known for collaborating with poets when writing.
``The reason is simple. (Poems) are beautiful. Love is a timeless music theme and I want to bring love to the next level. I want my lyrics to be literary, graceful and artistic, not just pretty or bland,'' he said.
Is he happy? The singer was hesitant to answer this saying that it was such a difficult term to define or measure.
``I'm pretty much happy. I'm doing something I enjoy doing, people like my work. I also get paid for doing something I like. What more can I ask for?'' he said smiling.
Ahn's concerts will be held at the Cecil Theater Aug. 22-31. For more information visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 325-2561.