New Album ‘Behind the Clouds’ will be released in May 2023
Soyoung Park’s first album ‘Behind the Clouds’ has reflected her pure inspiration of her life and faith. Each of Park’s composition is a snapshot of her experience, thoughts, belief and imagination: her faith, her love of Chet Baker, the birth of her son, postpartum depression, her love of impressionism, a loss of a loved one.
As mentioned in the lyrics, 'Like a Rainbow' is her love song for her new born baby. This song was written during Park’s pregnancy as she was waiting for her baby, who came to her like a rainbow comes after the rain. Following the birth of her son, Park was faced with postpartum depression and the most difficult part was whether she can continue her music. As she fell deep into her thoughts, it worsened her depression. 'Behind the Clouds' is written with the inspiration that she should not keep looking at the problems but should look at the hope behind the problems. With the support of her family and friends and by looking at hope behind the clouds, this song can be released to the world.
The album ends with very intimate duo song, ‘Her Voice’. This song is about Park’s grandmother who raised her when she was young and who has been hospitalized for a long time. Whenever Park recalls the memories of her grandmother, she could see her face but it was difficult to remember her voice. 'Her Voice', sang in Korean, is about how Park misses her grandmother and her voice.
Some may consider Park’s first album to be overdue, but the wait has brought her more inspiration, creativity and good people to develop her compositions. Although Park usually plays the piano while singing, she brought in Monk Institute Graduate Yoonseung Cho, who deeply understands classical music and jazz, to help elevate Park’s music to the next level. Park and Cho’s interaction through out their improvisation brings intimacy and vulnerability.
Changmin Jun and Jongkuk Kim are both friends and colleagues, who played with Park for many years and supported Park and her music. Changmin Jun is a Berklee Global Institute graduate and one of the most coveted bassist in Korea. Jongkuk Kim, also known as JK Kim, played with Pat Matheny, Gerald Clayton, Miguel Zenon, and RM of BTS.