Bang Yedam. Photos from Bang YedamThe life of a K-pop artist is often demanding, with a relentless schedule filled with music production, promotions on TV and online platforms, and tours to engage with fans. So it’s only natural for these stars to find solace in activities that lift their spirits.

For soloist Bang Yedam, positivity comes from simple daily rituals that bring joy into his hectic routine.

“Drinking cold water after waking up, taking walks, playing video games, listening to good music or watching movies -- these are all things I do in my daily life to feel good vibes,” Yedam said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

The topic of good vibes was bound to arise during our interview with Yedam, especially since it serves as the focal point of his most recent extended play (EP), “Good Vibes,” released in late August.

“The central theme is literally good vibes. I hope listeners can feel the same good vibes that I felt while I was working on this album,” he said.

Yedam’s music effortlessly conveys those good vibes, marked by catchy, easy-listening melodies. His latest EP, which contains six tracks, maintains that style while exploring genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul.

READ: Bang Yedam on growth as soloist, working with aespa’s Winter

“Good Vibes” is led by “O-HE,” a blend of hip-hop and pop “with refreshing and groovy vibes.”

“When I first heard the track, I found it to be very interesting and refreshing,” said Yedam, who is heavily involved in the production of his songs.

Yedam shared that he continually weighed the choice between “O-HE” and “Lovin' Ya,” a funkier track co-composed by Korean rapper Gray, when deciding on the EP’s single.

“In the end, I wanted more impact and power for this album, so I chose ‘O-HE’ as the title track,” he said.

For “O-HE,” Yedam collaborated with Swedish producers Niklas Jarelius Persson, William Segerdah, and Chris Collins, known for working with K-pop acts such as SEVENTEEN, NCT Dream, The Boyz and Le Sserafim.

“I believe that it was an opportunity for me to widen my perspective as a producer,” he said of working with the trio.

The rest of our interview with Yedam:

Q: You launched a series on your YouTube channel called “담캔두잇 / Dam Can Do It,” where you try out various activities. What inspired you to start this series? 

I wanted to challenge myself, not just as singer Bang Yedam, but as a person. Fans also enjoy seeing different sides of me beyond music and I enjoy it as well. In the future, I’d love to try something even more challenging, and so far, I've enjoyed everything I've done.

Q: Many Korean artists create their own reality content on YouTube. Do you feel any pressure to regularly produce content for your fans?

I don't feel any pressure at all. I also get to discover new sides of myself through different reality and variety shows, so I don’t feel burdened by it.

Q: Last June, you went to the Philippines for your fan meeting tour. What was most memorable about your visit to Manila? 

First of all, it was the beginning of my tour, so I was both excited and nervous at the same time. I remember it being extremely hot, but there was a shopping mall in front of the hotel where I walked around and ate delicious food, which is a great memory.

Q: Is there a message you want to share with your fans who have supported you throughout your journey and during your fan meeting tour?

I am so thankful to my fans for always being with me. For those who couldn't join me during the tour, I'll do my best to show you a good side of me shortly, so I hope we can meet soon!

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