There is something in Yoon San-ha that escapes any definition. A sweetness that is never weakness, a sensitivity wrapped in the enchantment, a voice that bends, adapts and remodels with the grace of those who have learned to dance in the invisible. It is no coincidence that his new mini album is titled Chameleon. Because he has always been like this: a chameleonic artist, in constant change, capable of crossing different sound landscapes without ever losing his light.
On July 15, Yoon San-ha-member of the Astro and one of the most delicate voices of his generation-returned with a highly anticipated solo project. The announcement had arrived on June 23, through a film film mood published on the official channels of Fantagio. From there a visual journey began between concept photo that were real soul splinters: Exhale, Inexorable, Excursion, Incehote. Not a simple style experiment, but an emotional diary that tells how much the artist has grown up – and how audacity today creates.
The album, Chameleoncontains five tracks: from the title track Extra Virgin to twilight 6pm (Nobody’s Business)passing through Bad Mosquito, AURA and the poignant beauty of Love you like fools. In each song, he sanction shows a different face, a new nuance. Yet, in every transformation, he remains unmistakably himself. There is a lightness in its interpretation, the silent security of those who know that true evolution does not need to be announced: it happens, and that’s it.
In the commentary on the album, released before launch, he said: «With Chameleon I want to show a completely different transformation than Dusk. Different styles coexist in this album. I want to meet everyone through new and never seen sides of myself ». And he succeeds. Because in Yoon San-ha it is something that knows of comfort. Like an unexpected caress. As a memory that comes back slowly, without warning.
Eleven months after his solo debut, he returns with a project that is a silent poster of freedom: the freedom to change, to explore, to risk. But above all, the freedom to remain faithful to oneself – even when everything else turns.
Panorama.it He spoke exclusively with him.
You could start by presenting you and telling us what this return with you means for you personally Chameleon?
This album reflects much more my ideas than my first solo project. I worked even more hard to show a wide range of genres and sides of myself, in line with the name “Chameleon”. Being my first Comeback after eleven months, it has a special meaning for me.
Did you debut as the youngest member of the Astro in 2016. How do you think you grew up, musically and personally, since then?
In the last ten years a lot has changed. Through solo activities I was able to express more than my skills in a natural way. Musically, I experienced styles that I had never tried when I promoted with the group, and I realized that my spectrum expanded.
What did the concept of your second mini album inspired Chameleon? Why just that transformation image?
More than from a specific inspiration, I chose the name “Chameleon” because the idea of changing color according to the environment adapted perfectly to the theme of transformation. I hope those who listen to the album think: “Yoon San-ha is constantly evolving, regardless of the genre or concept.”
The title track Extra Virgin It melts country and hip-hop, a truly unique mix. How was this combination born and what does the song represent for you?
With my first solo album, I felt I could not show enough from a performative point of view, so this time I wanted to include something more performance oriented. Extra Virgin He does it. The song captures the feeling of being between youth and adulthood, exactly where I am now, and I thought it was the perfect way to express it.
“Love You Like Fools” is a touching message for your fans. Can you tell us the emotions you felt while you recorded it?
Love you like fools It expresses the gratitude I feel for my fans. I recorded it sincerely, because I really wanted to communicate my most authentic feelings.
In Chameleoneach track seems to reflect a different mood and genre. It was a conscious choice to move away from your previous narrative style in Dusk?
It was not so much a consciously detaching from the past, as a strong desire to show more different sides of myself. This is why I chose to fill the album with songs that each had a completely different atmosphere.
How do you usually face the writing or interpretation of new songs? Do you have a specific process or ritual?
Usually I don’t sit with the intention of writing texts. I tend to mark notes when I try a strong emotion, and sometimes those ideas are naturally transformed into words for a song.
What part of you – on a vocal, emotional or creative level – do you think it emerges more in this album?
What stands out most is the trust I had in myself during the preparation of this album. I had many regrets for not being able to promote my first solo work enough, so this time I wanted to fill the tracklist of songs that I could really bring to the stage. I had confidence in my choices and I believe that this security reflects in the final result, of which I am very proud.
Let’s talk about Astro. Also as a soloist, how do experiences continue with the group to shape your artistic identity?
They had a huge influence on me. I often talk to the biggest members of our respective projects, so I continue to rely on them, both for acting and for music.
Has any member of the star gave you specific advice or encouragement for this solo howback?
I made the members listen to the songs before the exit and, at the beginning, their reactions were a little warm. This made me doubt a little about myself, but I continued with confidence by shooting the music video and taking photos for the cover. When I showed them the result, the reaction changed completely: they said it was very well and that it adapted perfectly to the summer. It was very important for me.
What is the time for the realization of Chameleon that you will never forget?
Honestly, every single moment was impressed on me. This time I had much more creative space and I discussed for a long time with the agency, so each phase of the process has a special meaning for me.
If I could describe Chameleon Using a single word, what would it be and why?
“Trust”. This album is the result of believing in myself from start to finish. This is why I think “trust” is the word that most suits him.
And finally, if I had to describe with a single word – not as an artist, but as a person – what would it be?
Maknae. I am the youngest both in my group and in my family. How long can it pass, I want to continue to keep this title. One day, I would like to hear someone say: “It grew well”, just like the perfect Maknae.
