There are some songs that can pull at all the right heartstrings. Songs, that dredge up forgotten memories, reimagining them in a sheen of nostalgia so rich that it has to be looked at — or rather, listened to — over, and over again to be relived. To any entry-level listener of Colde, this is the magnetism of his artistry.
If one is new to the artist, it’s been a long time coming for the 30-year-old South Korean singer-songwriter. With nearly a decade of music behind him, Colde’s discography maintains a surprising timelessness, as if it were created for the purpose of accompanying life’s pivotal occurrences. These backtracks to life’s events are apt, transcending both time and circumstance to be just as resonant to the listener, regardless of whether his lyricism can be understood or not.
This might be best explained in the melodies. Permeated with poignancy, it is in the soulful croon of his vocal tone and the slight texture in instrumentation where a transcendental effect — allusory to a familiar experience — occurs. Colde’s music is rich with the power of connection, and it shows in volume, literally. His 2019 Korean hit, “WAR-R-R”, for instance, was accompanied by a rapturous word-for-word sing-along during his recent visit to Singapore. But beyond the emotional pull of his songs, there is a transcendental ability to command an audience marked by its diversity. His Asia tour, “BLUEPRINT”, a first for the artist, offered the opportunity to put this to the test — to move a crowd of varied ages, backgrounds and life experiences, just by the universal language of sound. In conversation with Men’s Folio, Colde reflects on his journey to virality, his evolving identity as a performer, and what it feels like to finally tour Asia for the first time.
Hi Colde, welcome to Singapore!
It’s only my first time here, but I’ve already fallen in love with Singapore.
What’s one attraction you would love to visit?
Merlion Park!
The 2024 BLUEPRINT Tour marks your debut, sold-out, stage in Singapore. What kind of energy are you expecting from your Singaporean fans?
As an artist, meeting new fans in new places is such an exciting experience to be grateful for. I hope they will naturally embrace my music and share their energy with me!
You’re also touring many Asia stops this time around. How does it feel to be so well-received by the international community?
I think it feels like my belief and passion for making music are becoming more solid, and more clear.
If you run into a fan while exploring the city, how would you like to interact with them?
If they sing any part of one of my songs, I’ll respond by singing the next part.
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Do you have a favourite song to perform?
It’s “사랑해 (I fxxking love you).” There’s a moment I love when both the audience and I shout out how much we love each other.
As a singer-songwriter, what are five songs you’d love to recommend?
One for when you’re happy?
Pharrell Williams — Happy.
One for when you’re sad?
Damien Rice — The Blower’s Daughter.
A song for when you’re on the way to work?
Mild High Club — Kokopelli.
One for getting off work?
Mac DeMarco — Heart To Heart.
And a song for when you’re about to go to bed?
Mot — 날개.
Quite a number of your tracks have gone viral — ‘WAR-R-R’, ‘Your Dog Loves You’ and more recently, ‘Star’ are some examples. Do you think there is a reason for their popularity?
I think it’s because people use my music in different situations or scenes from their daily lives, and they also use it as background music for content. It’s amazing, and I’m so grateful for all the love.
Is going viral something you keep in mind while making music, especially since TikTok and Instagram Reels have now become platforms for broadcasting music?
While I focus on the message and energy I want to convey during the music-making process, once the song is finished, I do consider those aspects and discuss them with my team.
What’s inspiration to you?
It’s the small things. Even a path I walk every day can look different depending on the season or weather. I try to see the little things differently, and I hope my music makes someone’s day feel just a bit different, too.
You have two musical personas: Colde and as half of OFFONOFF. Are there musical differences?
Because OFFONOFF is me in a team with Jiho, the process is made to be more complex — from creation to decision-making. Those differences come together to form the unique colour of OFFONOFF. Colde, on the other hand, is just me. I feel free, and I enjoy trying different things and absorbing new ideas. In my own music, I always try things I haven’t done before and explore new combinations.
Are there genres you’ve yet to try, but would like to in the future?
There are so many! Blues, punk rock, and house are just a few I’d love to explore.
You just released the 3-track album, “YIN”, which, for the first time, sees all songs written and performed in English. What inspired this language switch?
It just happened naturally. Since I grew up listening to a lot of English songs, writing in English didn’t feel awkward. I wanted to share the stories I usually tell through music with even more friends through the English language.
“YIN” stands for “Youth In Nostalgia”. What are you most nostalgic about?
The dreams I had as a teenager. The dreams I have now and the moments I sing those dreams on tour will stay with me forever.
Since your album is called “YIN”, can we soon expect a “YANG” sequel?
You can look forward to it! It will probably be a deeper dive into my inner world.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our November 2024 issue.