Bang Ye Dam shares what fans can expect at his fan meet in KL

K-pop is full of excellent performers and singers but when it comes to idols who also have a gift for songwriting and producing, the number becomes much lower. Since rising to fame as the runner-up in K-pop Star 2, Bang Ye Dam has steadily cemented himself as one of the music industry’s rising stars. With his youthful charms, buttery vocals and skills in writing and producing catchy earworms, Bang has garnered millions of fans around the world for his diverse talents.

After being a part of YG Entertainment’s boy group Treasure from 2020 to 2022, the 22-year-old artist decided to embark on his solo career by stepping away from the idol limelight and signing with a different record label. After debuting with his solo EP, Only One, in 2023, Bang has fully embraced his new path as a solo artist and will be showcasing his talents in his fan meetings around Asia this year.

Ahead of his fan meet in KL later this month, we spoke to Bang about what Malaysian fans can expect, how he gets inspiration (it’s surprising!) and more.

 

We’re excited for your upcoming fan-meeting! Can you share any spoilers that fans can look forward to?

Yes, the fan meeting is happening in August and I’m so excited too! This will be my first time in Malaysia and meeting my Malaysian fans, so I really want to make good memories with them. As for spoilers, what I can say for now is that I will be performing a short snippet of a Malaysian song.

 

Many fans have followed you since your time in a K-pop boy group but you embarked on a solo career in 2023. How has this evolved you as an artist both creatively and musically?

As a solo artist, I think that I’m able to show my fans all the things that I can do well. I’m also able to explore more of my creativity and express myself in different ways. Now that I’m solo, my fans can listen to music that I want to show them.

 

Whether you’re writing for yourself or others, it’s clear that you have a real knack for it. We’re curious how or where you get your inspiration!

Thank you! I don’t have a special place or method when it comes to creating my music. It just happens when it happens. For example, when I’m alone in my house, I dance by myself sometimes and a tune just comes into my head! [laughs] If I think it’s good, I’ll work on it.

Also, thoughts can come to me randomly like when I’m in the shower or outside. When inspiration strikes, I just take my phone out and record it before I forget.

 

 

What do you hope to convey to listeners through your music?

Rather than a specific message or theme, I want to convey feelings with my music. If a song can send a sense of calmness, excitement or positivity, then that’s all that matters. I just want them to feel.

 

Who or what are your inspirations for your music?

These days, I’m into R&B and Frank Ocean, especially. I’m trying to incorporate the types of music I listen to into my own work now. As for direct inspiration, it’s the people around me. They always inspire me and influence me a lot in my music.

 

We’re also enjoying your latest song, Officially Cool, featuring Aespa’s Winter! Can you share more about this collaboration?

Before starting this project, I was so excited to work with Winter as I’m also a fan of her work. We had a great time collaborating on this and I think we used the positive energy we had to create a great song. I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s a fun song so I hope everyone gives it a listen! 

 

Lastly, please share some words with your Malaysian fans who will be meeting you soon!

To my fans that I’ll be meeting for the first time in Malaysia, thank you so much for waiting for me. I’m working hard to create a great experience for all of you and I hope you all can come with fun in mind. We’ll have great memories together. See you soon!

To purchase tickets to see Bang Ye Dam live, visit LOL Asia.

 

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