Tzuyu Shares Her Solo Album Journey and Advice for Aspiring K-Pop! Idols
T zuyu is the youngest member of an internationally celebrated K-pop group Twice, part of a new chapter in her career: solo. Recently, on a Zoom interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the 25-year-old star shared her journey and excitement about entering into solo work.
"I always thought, you know, what if I worked as a solo artist and created my own music and performed solo," Tzuyu explains. "That curiosity has turned into a deep passion for it." Since Twice's debut in 2015, the group has become something of a powerhouse in the music industry, consistently topping charts, selling out arenas and also stretching out into solo projects and subgroups.
Coming third on the line after older member and main leader of Twice, Nayeon, and leader, Jihyo, is Tzuyu. Her first solo is abouTZU - her opportunity to give fans a glimpse at a different side of her personality. "I had many tough moments since it is my first album," says the pretty vocalist. "But thanks to the help from my fellow members, combined with the encouragement from my label, we tried to show everyone many different aspects of me."
"Run Away" is the real deal, a synth-pop track that proves Tzuyu's developing performing skills. The video for this song is highly visually appealing and features the artist growing by doing a dance performance in it. "I want to be someone who naturally draws fans in, is endearing as a member of Twice and individually as an artist. I hope my music and performances have energy and give support to fans all over the world."
"Fly," "Lazy Baby," are among her favorite tracks on the album. "Fly" is a poignant ballad that Tzuyu has written herself. "This is the first time I wrote lyrics entirely on my own," she notes. "The song reflects my story and serves as an inspirational message."
During Twice's current world tour, Tzuyu was finally able to exhibit her solo talent with a ballad performance in Japan, where fans reacted positively. "The positive reactions gave me the courage and motivation to explore new things," she says.
"Lazy Baby" featuring pH-1 is very playful and goofy. Tzuyu will want to perform it, as she finds that it is different from the first single. "It's really different from 'Run Away' and really spoke to a lot of people."
Tzuyu lists among her influences some female solo artists, listens to pop music, and also derives sounds from Celine Dion as well as Korean singer Yerin Baek. She also loves the movie About Time for the romantic and reflective themes.
As Twice marks its ninth anniversary, Tzuyu takes a look back at her career and shares some advice with aspiring K-pop idols. "Even though preparing my solo album came with worries and fears, it has been my long-time dream," she says. "My advice to younger aspirants is to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Every experience, good or bad, is a learning opportunity."
