New EP "DREAM" Marks the End of 15 Years Together
"Though the Farewell Is Sad, We Want to Say Goodbye Beautifully"
Go Youngbae to Continue as a One-Man Band After January Concert
"I believe that a breakup is not the end, but another beginning. Just as our fans have loved our music, we will continue to love music as well." (Go Youngbae)
The band Soran has returned with their final album as a three-member group. The new EP, "DREAM," marks the 15th anniversary of Soran's formation and captures both the band's present and their farewell as each member prepares to embark on their own path.
At a showcase held at the MPMG headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 16th, Soran stated, "We wanted to wrap things up in a way that has never been done before," adding, "We agreed to create the album together and bring our activities to a stylish conclusion." Go Youngbae said, "It's our first showcase since our debut, so I'm very nervous, but it means a lot as it allows us to reflect on our journey so far. They say there is no such thing as a beautiful farewell, so my feelings are sad, but I still want to say goodbye to our fans in a wonderful way."
"DREAM" is an album that delivers the message, "The dreams we had as a band continue on as individual dreams." It is their first new release in two years and features five tracks, including the title track "There Is No Guilt in Loving," as well as "I Had a Dream," "Night Poem," and "Dawn Star."
"There Is No Guilt in Loving" is one of the rare Soran songs created through a songwriting camp with an outside composer. Go Youngbae co-composed the song with Park Woosang (LOGOS) and wrote the lyrics himself. He explained, "I've seen many people blame themselves or feel guilty just because they've gone through a breakup," and added, "I wanted to convey the message that we should love ourselves instead." He continued, "This is an unusual breakup song for us and also the song with the highest vocal range among all our releases," he said with a smile.
Go Youngbae said, "When I was making the song, I was in good condition and got carried away by the mood, so I ended up raising the vocal range. Singers who have taken on the challenge told me this is truly a 'challenge song.'" Seo Myeonho commented, "When I listened to the demo, I thought it should be completed with a sound that emphasizes the lower register compared to our previous work. I wanted to create a new atmosphere with a modern and deep texture."
Soran will conclude their activities as a three-member group after this album and their concert at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul on January 17-18 next year. Afterward, Seo Myeonho and Lee Taewook will continue their own musical careers, while Go Youngbae will maintain the name "Soran" as a one-man band. He said, "Since spring, we've been discussing our contracts and future, and we decided that now is the most natural time for each of us to go our own way. Parting is sad, but we're preparing a farewell that will be as beautiful and as little sad as possible."
Seo Myeonho, who is leaving the group, said, "I was concerned that our fans might worry, but I want to express my gratitude through this album and concert." Lee Taewook added, "I want to create beautiful memories during the remaining time." Go Youngbae said, "Rather than being sad, I want to create a stage for a happy farewell. It will be a concert that anyone can enjoy."
Go Youngbae also stated that he has no plans to recruit new members in the future. He said, "I will continue under the name Soran, but the refreshing and warm musical color we built together as members will remain unchanged. Although we are moving on to a new chapter, the essence of Soran will not change." He also shared, "My original dream was to become a 'grandfather band.' I want to continue making music and grow older together with our fans."
Debuting in 2010 with the mini album "Why Didn't I Know Back Then," Soran has consistently been loved for their witty and warm band sound, with songs such as "Ricotta Cheese Salad," "Studying You," "It's Okay," and "Autumn Neck." Their performances at festivals have been especially notable.
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