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| ▲ This photo of singer-songwriter Kwon Soon-kwan, also a member of the band No Reply, is provided by MPMG in promotion of his new solo mini-album "Traveler." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) -- “I tried to keep up with the trend of fast-paced music, but it just didn’t suit me. In the end, I realized that I want to make something uniquely mine—like a well-simmered artisan’s stew.”
Singer-songwriter Kwon Soon-kwan, also a member of the band No Reply, recently released his solo mini-album "Traveler" on July 15. In contrast to today’s fast-consumed short-form content, the album unfolds slowly and thoughtfully.
The title track, over six minutes long, reads like poetry. Other tracks also progress at a relaxed pace, inviting listeners into a reflective space.
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| ▲ This photo of singer-songwriter Kwon Soon-kwan, also a member of the band No Reply, is provided by MPMG in promotion of his new solo mini-album "Traveler." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
In an interview held Wednesday in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kwon said, “This album is for people to listen to while taking a break from the fast-paced, high-pressure world. Whether doing something else or lost in thought, I hope they enjoy it comfortably.”
"Traveler," his first solo album in five years since 2020, was inspired by a month-long journey in 2022. Struggling with a creative slump during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found inspiration in Tel Aviv, Israel.
“Watching the sunset over the Mediterranean for an hour, I felt a beauty I’d never experienced before,” he said. “For the first time, I wasn’t thinking about music. It made me realize it was okay to stop running and just be.”
The experience helped Kwon reconnect with a sense of peace, which he then channeled into music. He chose not to shorten the title track, preferring to let it flow naturally.
“Just like how detours and delays are part of a journey, I wanted the song to unfold gently. Normally, I would have trimmed it down, but this time, I let the flow guide me,” he said.
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| ▲ This photo of singer-songwriter Kwon Soon-kwan, also a member of the band No Reply, is provided by MPMG in promotion of his new solo mini-album "Traveler." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Known for crafting music that evokes vivid imagery, Kwon also paid special attention to his lyrics. Songs like "Eiffel Tower," inspired by emotions felt in Paris, and "Fleeting Fate," which reflects on broken connections, offer powerful metaphors and cinematic storytelling.
“I hope listeners feel like they’re watching a short film,” he said. “Even if this style doesn’t match current trends, there are still people who appreciate good lyrics and depth.”
Debuting with No Reply in 2008, Kwon continues to pursue both solo and group projects. He added, “In a world flooded with sensational content, I believe people are increasingly craving meaningful words. That’s what I aim to provide.”
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| ▲ This photo of singer-songwriter Kwon Soon-kwan, also a member of the band No Reply, is provided by MPMG in promotion of his new solo mini-album "Traveler." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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