SYA‘s first full-length album, ‘23:24’, is finally out, and we have an exclusive interview to dive into the behind-the-scenes of this new work. This release marks a particularly significant milestone for both SYA and the group. Having sat down with BLITZERS previously, and most recently during their promotions for Creeper with the sub-unit NPC, it has been a pleasure to witness their evolution first-hand. Now, SYA is stepping into the spotlight alone with a project that is a true creative tour de force.
Taking the lead as both writer and producer for all eight tracks, SYA offers an intimate and raw look into his artistry. The album title captures that delicate boundary between ages 23 and 24—a time of reflection, collapse, and recovery.
In this exclusive interview, SYA discusses the importance of expressing his “darker days” through music rather than words, the “emotional instability” that inspired the title track “STAY”, and what it was like directing his fellow member WOOJU in the studio. Join us as we dive into the mind of a young artist who is no longer just a performer, but a producer defining his own legacy.
Davide: Hi SYA! It is so good to see you again. We last spoke when you were promoting Creeper with the rest of NPC, and I’m so happy to be here today to celebrate such a huge milestone for you. Congratulations on your first solo full-length album, 23:24! Since this is your first solo interview with me, could you please introduce yourself to the readers and tell us how you’re feeling today?
SYA: Hi, my name is SYA from BLITZERS, and I’m so happy today!
Davide: You’ve taken on a massive role for this album by writing and composing all eight tracks. This is your “musical baby”! How does it feel to transition from the group dynamic of BLITZERS to being the sole creative director of your own full-length album?
SYA: First of all, I’m truly happy to be able to create this album, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make it possible.
Davide: The album’s title, 23:24, represents the boundary between being 23 and 24, as well as the moments just before a day ends. Why was it important for you to capture these “dark days” and the process of “collapse and recovery” in your music right now?
SYA: I felt that I absolutely needed to create an album that tells my own story. I thought that expressing my darker days and difficult times through music, rather than words, would be more convincing, which is why it was so important to me.
Davide: The title track is called “STAY.” Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song? What is the core message you want listeners to take away when they hear it for the first time?
SYA: From the very beginning of creating the song, I wanted to capture feelings of anxiety and emotional instability. I think listeners will be able to understand the message more easily if they listen to the song while reading its description.
Davide: I noticed that WOOJU joined you on the 6th track, “235803.” What was it like working with your fellow member in this new capacity as a solo artist? Did he give you any special encouragement during the recording process?
SYA: It was great because he listened carefully to my requests and delivered everything in one take. Early on, Wooju also gave me direction by suggesting that the rap part might sound better with a slightly more laid-back, less forceful tone.
Davide: Looking through the tracklist—”LANDFILL,” “BURN,” “Actually”—the titles feel very raw and honest. Which song was the most difficult for you to write emotionally, and which one was the most fun to produce in the studio?
SYA: The most difficult song for me was “LANDFILL,” and the one I had the most fun working on was “Actually.”
Davide: Your first solo single Bloom was released about seven months ago. How do you think your sound and your perspective on music have changed between Bloom and this full album 23:24?
SYA: Actually, my perspective on music hasn’t changed much. I just want to continue exploring and challenging myself with various genres in the future.
Davide: We’ve talked before about your journey with BLITZERS, but now that you are standing in the spotlight alone, what did you learn about yourself as an artist that you didn’t know before starting this solo project?
SYA: I think I learned what to consider and focus on when creating an album. Unlike a single, an album requires attention to so many different aspects, and through this process, I was able to think more deeply and learn about those elements.
Davide: Promoting a full album alone is a lot of hard work! How are you taking care of yourself during this comeback? Are there any new activities or ways you’ve been unwinding lately to keep your energy up?
SYA: I’m not doing anything special to manage myself, but I’ve been consistently keeping up with weight training.
Davide: What are your main goals for 23:24? When fans (BLEE) look back at this album years from now, what kind of “mark” do you hope it leaves on your career?
SYA: I hope this album becomes one that comes to mind when people think of me as an artist. I want it to be considered a great album both by fans and by the general public when they look back on it.
Davide: Thank you so much for your time, SYA! It’s always a pleasure to speak with you, and I am genuinely so proud of what you’ve achieved with this album. You’ve worked so hard, and it shows! 감사합니다 (Thank you!)
SYA: I’m also very grateful for the interview!
Make sure to stream SYA’s first full-length album ’23:24′ and the title track ‘Stay’ on all your platforms! Massive thanks to WUZO Entertainment and SYA for this amazing interview!
And don’t miss the documentary film available now on BLITZERS’ official YouTube channel!
DAVIDE K-POP 