NYLON Exclusive Interview with Colde

How Colde’s Soulful Blues Bind Him With Fans: A NYLON Manila Exclusive 

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Filipino fans felt shivers up their spine as Colde brought his icy yet heartfelt serenades to Manila.

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As many artists and bands have testified to over the decades, a Manila crowd is like no other. South Korean R&B star Colde is one of the latest music personalities to hit the Manila sound stage as he performed at the World Trade Center last October 12 alongside other Asian and Filipino artists for the two-day ASIYA: Asian Music Festival and Conference.

Colde at Asiya 2024 posing with the crowd

Colde, real name Kim Hee-soo, is a 30-year-old artist-songwriter signed under his own agency wavy and YG Entertainment’s sublabel HIGHGRND, where he debuted as a duo OFFONOFF with 0channel back in 2016. You may know him for his acclaimed songs which include the catchy road trip-worthy song “WA-R-R” from his 2019 album Love Part 1 and soulful original soundtrack “Star” for the K-drama show, “See You In My 19th Life.” 

Just last year, Colde also released a heartbroken debonair anthem with BTS member RM titled “Don’t Ever Say You Love Me,” released for the second rendition of his Love album, Love Part 2

Fresh from the North American stint of his Blueprint Tour, Colde performed in Manila for his second stop of the Southeast Asian leg of his tour. Before he proceeds to take the rest of the Southeast Asian crowd away with his charm, Colde sat down with NYLON Manila about his touring experience, and how his music has unified him with his fans despite barriers. Read on for the full interview:

How’s the experience of the Blueprint Tour so far? Has it been fulfilling getting to see and meet your fans from different parts of the world?

Colde at Asiya 2024 Philippines holding sunflowers

I’ve been waiting for this world tour for a very long time, even before COVID-19. Going around the world, meeting fans. It’s kind of surreal that this is happening. And I’m so glad that I’m going around like I imagined to. So even if we have different languages, different cultures, we’re able to meet on stage and sing together. We’re sharing the same energy, singing the same lyrics. I’m so thankful that I can feel that.

If you could dedicate one song of yours to your Filipino fans, what would it be and why? 

Colde performing at Asiya 2024 at the World Trade Center

The most recent single from YIN I’ve released is the song called “I Color You.” The reason why I chose that song is that song was made to share the message of unifying cultures. There’s different cultures, and we have different colors and skin for example and everything. And I want to unify that and just to make it one, make the world peaceful. As an Asian artist going to Western countries, I think we need to keep sending these messages in our voices.

What sparked the inspiration for the debut of the YIN album?

As the title says: Youth In Nostalgia. I got the inspiration from my brother’s time in his youth.  

Colde singing at ASIYA 2024

If you could introduce or talk about Colde yourself in the third person’s point of view to convince a new fan, what do you think is your charm that separates you from other K-R&B artists out there?

Colde at Asiya 2024 with the audience flashing lights

I would say I’m kinda sensitive and I care more about the visual part. And once the fans or the listeners mix it up well, with the visuals and the music, I hope they enjoy it to the fullest. 

Performing at ASIYA 2024 was K-Pop Star Colde

As of writing, the rising K-R&B star has nearly 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. From chill bops to kilig-inducing K-drama soundtracks, Colde is definitely on his way to carving his name onto the K-Pop hall of fame.

Colde continues the last stretch of his Blueprint Tour in Southeast Asia leading up to Australia in November. The singer’s next show will be happening in Taipei, Taiwan at the Zepp New Taipei music hall on October 22. 

Photos courtesy of Ber Garcia and Charles Villaruz for ASIYA Fest

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