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| Singer Shin Seung-hun poses in this photo provided by Dorothy Company, April 7. / Courtesy of Dorothy Company |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Ballad singer Shin Seung-hun has released a special album, "My Personas," to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut. The new album comes nearly four-and-a-half years after the release of "I am…& I am" in 2015.
The 54-year old debuted in 1990 with "Reflection of You in Your Smile," taking the music scene by storm and selling 1.4 million copies of his debut album. With accumulated album sales of 17 million, he still holds the record for most sold.
"When I think of my music career as a marathon, commemorating 30 years feels like a big turning point for me," Shin said during an online interview with The Korea Times, Tuesday.
"Instead of looking back on past glories and reflecting on the trophies, I'd like to focus on my next project and upcoming concert tour."
He confessed that his music goals have changed since the 1990s.
"In the 1990s, I wanted to be a star, I wanted to be popular. In the 2000s, I tried hard to be a musician/singer-songwriter. In the 2010s, I spent much time as a music producer. In the future, I want to be an artist."
On earning the nickname "king of ballad," Shin said he takes pride in gaining wide recognition in the genre.
"Of course, there were times when I wondered why people would label me king of ballad when I have experimented and fused various genres into my music, including R&B, jazz, mambo, disco, funk and bossa nova," he said.
"But overall, I take it as a compliment. I sort of have a love-hate relationship with ballad music."
The theme running through "My Personas" is bringing "consolation" to his listeners.
"My fans grew old with me. My fans, who were in their teens and 20s, have now become middle-aged, and they tell me about their hardships," he said.
The lead-off track "Like the First Goodbye" showcases a lot of smooth, easy-on-the-ears vocals and flowing strings. The song "Memories of You" expresses the smoldering blues after a breakup.
Another prominent track that Shin recommends is "To Me," which "provides comfort and healing to others."
"I'll probably sing To Me a lot in my concerts," he said. "I composed the song thinking that I wanted to comfort those who often repress their negative emotions and difficult thoughts. Love songs are great, but songs of hope and comfort deserve more attention."
Other tracks include "In November," "Been There, Done That," "Walking in the Rain," "Love Makes Me Grown Up" and "Lullaby."
Regarding changes in the music scene, Shin pointed out that people pay less attention to music now when they listen to it. Rather, it has become more like a background music.
"Things have definitely changed over the years. The music industry has grown so large compared to when I started singing. It's become more professional and systematic," he said.
"However, young artists seem hesitant to transcend genres. Instead, they stick to one genre that they excel in and develop it. That leaves us with the task of having to discover great artists."
Shin's concert tour "2020 The Shin Seung-hun Show" is scheduled to begin in June in Suwon followed by other major cities including Changwon, Gwangju and Busan.
