In this exclusive interview with ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM in Seoul, South Korea, Ailee, the American singer based in South Korea dubbed the “Korean Beyonce” and signed under YMC Entertainment in South Korea, Warner Music in Japan speaks on herself and willingness to perform in Nigeria.
Ailee grew up in New Jersey, United States, and began her singing career as a YouTuber. Before her K-pop debut, Ailee was signed under Muzo Entertainment in America. After moving to South Korea in 2010, she passed an audition and became an artiste for YMC Entertainment. After being recognised for her singing on Singer and Trainee, she also started acting in the KBS drama series Dream High 2 before her official debut. She has released three extended plays and one studio album.
She has received the Best New Artist Award at the MelOn Music Awards, Golden Disk Awards, Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards and the Seoul Music Awards. She has also received Best Newcomer and two Best Female Vocal Performance at the Mnet Asian Music Awards for “U&I” and “Singing Got Better”. For her work in Fated to Love You’s OST, “Goodbye My Love”, Ailee won Best Original Soundtrack at the 7th Korea Drama Awards.
When the pretty fine artiste with a huge fan base was asked what had been keeping her in South Korea, she said “Definitely the music. I love music that’s why I became a singer. The fact that music has the trend that changes. It makes me want to challenge myself to those changes and trends. And I think that’s what makes it interesting. And of course, I’m always thankful for the love all the fans are showing me. And it makes me want to work harder for them.” she said.
Born in Denver, Colorado on May 30, 1989, but grew up in New Jersey. She attended Palisades Park Junior/Senior High School before moving to Leonia. She graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, and went onto study communications at Pace University before dropping out to pursue a career in music. She got into singing by creating a YouTube channel called “mzamyx3” and later “aileemusic” because she wanted to garner more attention to her singing on the web. She moved to South Korea in 2010 after she landed an audition through her uncle’s connections. She sang Big Mama’s Resignation, and was recruited on the spot.
How was the starting off in the music industry for the pretty artiste? She explained: ‘I did music back in America, as an underground artiste. I started music then when I was like 14 or 15 years. I think that was when I started singing. I started uploading my videos on YouTube performing a lot at college and club venues. That was how I started off.” She revealed innocently.
Before her K-pop debut, Ailee was signed under Muzo Entertainment, an independent agency based out of New York and New Jersey, where she collaborated with several artistes, such as Johnnyphlo (who is also signed in Korea) and Philadelphia-based rapper, Decipher. During her trainee days under YMC Entertainment, she was featured in Wheesung’s “They Are Coming” song released on October 9, 2011. Ailee was also featured in Decipher’s song “Catch Me If You Can”, which also featured Jay Park. Ailee performed with Jay Park, Art of Movement, Johnnyphlo, Decipher, and Clara Cat “projectKorea III” at Rutgers University in 2010.
Talking about what has been her main challenge when she came into the music industry; she said ‘I guess was finding the right company to help do my music and help me grow. But I’m with a really good company now who cares about me and cares about what I really do and I’m very thankful for that.’ She explained.
Also on September 13, 2011, Ailee along with Wheesung, held a performance on the MBC’s Chuseok special episode of Singer and Trainee. Ailee’s stage presence was immediately felt by the audience, who were amazed that she was like a professional singer, even though she had not yet officially debuted. Following her solo performance of “Halo” by Beyoncé, singer BMK expressed, “Wherever she goes, she has the potential to be a big star. She definitely has the voice.” After the judges had graded everyone, Ailee won first place.
How does she manage her male fans as a good looking artiste, she explained that she makes sure she respect each and everybody that wants to know about her career. ‘You know when I’m doing shows, I get to interact with lots of fans but then if I’m not on stage I usually get to know them or communicate with them through SMS. Social networking is a huge marketing tool and a good way of communication” she added.
On June 30, Ailee released “Johnny” as her contribution to the Brave Brothers’ 10th anniversary project. On July 4th, Ailee held her first solo concert, titled Fatal Attraction, which was held at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul. Tickets sales broke records in an internet site proving her immense popularity. The concert was attended by over 4,500 people.
When she was asked if she would love to perform for her K-pop fans in Nigeria, she said it would be an honour to come and perform for her Nigerian fans. “Of course, I will love to when given the opportunity, perform for my Nigerian fans. I’m ever ready as long as I’m invited.” She revealed.
On September 20th, it was announced that Ailee will be having a comeback through YMC Entertainment’s official Twitter account. In addition, a video teaser of her title track entitled “Mind Your Own Business” was released on 1theK’s YouTube page on September 22. Ailee’s first full-length album, entitled VIVID, was released on the 30th of September 2015. She won her first trophy for this promotion on October 7, 2015 on Show Champion.
She has a message for young talents aspiring to be like her…’Don’t give up. There were many opportunities where I have been given no choice but to give up, I didn’t. I think perseverance is a huge key to being successful in anything.” She concluded.
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