GSoul’s Golden Moments

The artist reflects on past singles, touring North America, being on The Voice of Korea, and more!

Photo credit: Instagram

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “GSoul is ___” or “GSoul’s music is ___”?
“[GSoul’s music is] soulful in all genres”: dance, house music, alternative rock, whatever.

How have your music tastes changed throughout your life and influenced your own music?
I listen[ed] to a lot of gospel music — The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond —  to study, really. [I’ve also been influenced by] ‘90s R&B for sure. Mariah Carey still plays this huge role as the greatest singer/songwriter. [And] Mary J. Blige, for her style, soulfulness, and rawness. [And] Brandy, as she’s called “The Vocal Bible.” I definitely studied her spontaneous and out-of-the box approach to her ad-libs and vocal arrangements. Right now, I love Jazmine Sullivan and Lucky Daye.

Please describe one of your latest singles, “Symphony.”
I started working on this song two to three years ago with the legendary composer Kim Hyung Suk. I did not know what to do with the song for a while, [then] it all just came together. I think I was just being me, like, “Nah, I’m already sad and always going through stuff. Maybe not this melancholy vibe.” But he really gave me time to grow into the song. Now it is one of my favorites, haha!

You have one of the longest trainee periods in Korean music history. How do you feel about that? Do you remember your trainee days differently now, compared to how you felt about them while they were happening?
I do think it was a blessing, because it gave me time to prepare for the things I didn’t even know [needed preparing for]. All I really remember is just long bus rides and listening to music endlessly. 

What advice would you give yourself if you could travel back to 2015?
Nothing. I really don’t believe in [giving] advice, because what might work for one person might not work for me. I just did what I did and found my own way to survive, and I’m more than grateful that I’m still working.

Can you talk about the time you spent as “Golden” and why you went back to “GSoul”?
I use both names now! I don’t think it matters what I want to be called. “GSoul” was given to me by J.Y. Park, who discovered me as a teenager. I gave myself the name “Golden” when I went to H1GHR [MUSIC]. I love both names for different reasons. I might come up with different names [again,] who knows!

I would love to hear about your time on The Voice of Korea!
OMG!

First of all, did anything surprise you about what it’s like to be on that show?
No, but it was a great [and] challenging experience. 

What was BoA like as a coach, and why did you join her team?
I always liked her, this mega pop icon. The pioneer of K-pop music. THE number one lady. I was truly honored, and she gave me nothing but great advice and grace.

What performance from your time on the show are you the most proud of?
The last [round’s cover of a song] by Yoo Jae-ha. I was relaxed and really felt like I made it my own.

What was going through your mind when you won?!
Umm… “WOW!”

What have you noticed are the biggest similarities and differences when performing in North America and South Korea?
[There’s] definitely a little bit [of a] different energy and vibe, but just all love. I love performing and seeing my fans having fun.

Will you tour North America again soon?
I can’t wait. Seriously.

What is/are the first song(s) that come to mind for each of these statements?

A song that changed a LOT from the original to the final version: “Love Me Again.”

A collaboration with someone who surprised you: “Broken Record” and “Hate Everything.”

A song that almost did not get released: “Surreal.”

A song that seems to be a fan favorite: “Tequila” and “Selfish.”

What is your biggest dream or career goal?
Going on tour with my band.

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
Hi everyone! This is GSoul / Golden. I have so much new music ready for you. I say this all the time, but thank you for your patience. Love you all. Miss you!

Check out one of GSoul’s latest singles, “Symphony,” here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.