KIM TAE WOO : A energetic and fresh showcase.

On July 3rd, KIM TAE WOO came back with his 6th album entitled “T-WITH“.

During the press showcase, we were able to learn more about this new album and the singer.

KIM TAE WOO made his debut in 1999 within the group GOD, with a first album, “Chapter 1“. But, it was only in 2006 that he debuted solo, with his first album “Solo special“.

For 10 years, the artist has been going on solo, releasing several albums :

– “하고 싶은 말” – Oct. 26, 2006
– “T-VIRUS” – Sept. 3, 2009
– “T-SCHOOL” – Mar. 29, 2011
– “T-LOVE” – Feb. 20, 2013
– “T-ROAD” – June 18, 2015.

For this 6th album, KIM TAE WOO wanted to do things differently. And as we can see on the tracklist, all the songs are collaborations with Korean singers of all genre. From Madclown and Kixs, to Punchi and to 2PM‘s Jun.K and Taecyeon.

As a manner of fact, the key point illustrating these collaborations is indeed the album cover, on which we can see 2 hands forming a “W”, meaning being together.

The singer tells us:

“I wanted to release this new album last year, as I was celebrating my 10th anniversary as a solo singer. But, I really wanted it to be perfect, so it took more time than scheduled”.

“For the song “니가 고파”, I worked with Madclown, who wrote the lyrics and recorded the raps, and also with Son Hoyoung. His voice is so powerful that, when I heard it, I rushed to contact him and asked if he wanted to work with me. The very next day, he was there, in the studio.”

For one of the song, KIM TAE WOO collaborated with singer Punchi, who records a lot of soundtracks for dramas:

“For the song “Sunrise”, I came to love Punchi‘s voice so much, that it was only her who could do it. I actually understand why each of her soundtracks is a success.”

The first track of the album, “Director’s cut“, is a collaboration with Kixs. While talking about it, KIM TAE WOO recalls a little story :

“When Kixs was writing the lyrics, he remembered the time when we first met. He chose this title, “Director’s cut“, because he looks at me as a musical mentor. In the text, he wrote “I believe in the soul” because it represents our music’s motto. We relay real things.”

Before moving on to something else, the artist announces this new album has 2 main tracks: “따라 가” et “니가 고파” :

“”따라 가” is a song in which I try to comfort the people. Because, nowadays, people are feeling more and more lonely. However, there are others around them. The title, which means “Follow this“, invites you to follow your heart without feeling sorry or depressed, because there will always be people around you who will want to comfort you and support you. So follow the light of hope.”

To illustrate his song “따라 가”, the singer has released a music video. This one tells the story of a man and a woman who meet each other, follow each other and then live an adventure, in a moment of time. The video was shot in the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii.

At the end of this new album’s presentation, KIM TAE WOO evokes the fact that he could not choose one song over another in this album, because the work that has been accomplished for each one is superb and deserves to be recognized.

Before the end of the showcase, he answers a few questions from the journalists present. We are able to learn, for example, that Jun.K of 2PM was the most difficult person to contact, because of his planning, but also his character. The young man being a true perfectionist, he wanted to do everything, but KIM TAE WOO intervened (laughing a bit).

The artist then reveals that what makes his longevity in music (he has made very short breaks between his different albums), is his passion for music and that, even when it becomes difficult to compose and write all night long, he takes quick breaks to play a bit of basketball or bike, to release the pressure, before getting back to work.

Kstation TV also took the opportunity to ask him a question:

“Your new album consists of collaborations with Korean artists. If you could do the same with international artists, who would you want to work with?”

To this question, first KIM TAE WOO says it is really hard to answer as there are many artists he admires and would like to collaborate with. But, then, he tells us he would be honored to work with Stevie Wonder, a man of talent he respects very much.
Being in a Jazz and Blues period, he also sees himself recording something with Michael Bubblé.
Otherwise, Tori Kelly, because her powerful and energetic voice will totally fit his musical style.
But above all, as he has been one of his models for 10 years, a song with R.Kelly would be the icing on the cake. He reveals that when he went for a drink with some of his singing friends (duo Vibe), they told him they had received a track from R.Kelly. A little jealous he asked them if they had seen him, but no, they had just received the sound track.

To end this showcase, KIM TAE WOO wishes to express the fact that, during his career, there were ups and downs, and that everyone tries good or bad experiences, but with all what he managed to come accross, it has made him grow, mature and become what he is today. And for all of that, he is very grateful.