Singer, rapper, dancer, and songwriter DOHANSE is an innovative and creative artist unafraid to step outside the box and switch up his sound. DOHANSE entered the spotlight in 2016, debuting as one-seventh of the K-Pop group VICTON. As DOHANSE developed as an artist over the years, he experimented with many music genres and styles. In 2021, he commemorated his birthday with the release of his first solo EP, BLAZE, a packed project that displayed his versatility. This EP has songs spanning various genres, including hip-hop, pop-rock, and electronic dance music, with “Public Enemy” and “TAKE OVER” being the title tracks. BLAZE’s most popular song, “TAKE OVER,” shook the world of K-Pop after its release. DOHANSE received praise for the song’s catchy electronic dance sound and the music video’s eclectic fashion, inclusion of drag queens, and visual effects.
After seven years with the group, DOHANSE opted not to re-sign with their company and has since strictly delved into his solo work. Leaning back into his solo career with a few singles, some including “Gummy Bear” and “Scent of Skin,” he gave fans, whom he calls REMI, songs reflective of the rock-influenced direction of his latest project. DOHANSE is in his rockstar era, especially with his latest EP, BLUESSOM. In its short runtime, BLUESSOM exhibits the complexity of rock music. It has four songs, including two title tracks, the powerful rock ballad “Blue Night” and a lively pop-punk track, “Milky Way.” DOHANSE contributed greatly to every aspect of this project, sharing complex stories through lyrics he wrote in every song.
In an insightful exclusive interview with Kpopconcerts.com, DOHANSE shared the origin and inspiration behind BLUESSOM, stories from the recording and songwriting process, and how past experiences have impacted his current approach to creating music.
KPC: Congratulations on releasing your second EP, BLUESSOM! The title is very intriguing and creative. What inspired its name and how does it reflect the stories you shared through the project?
DOHANSE: I wanted to talk about youth in this album. For me, the word that comes to mind with youth is blue. I hope that the youth, including myself, who are struggling and tired will eventually bloom like flowers. That’s why I named the album BLUESSOM, a combination of Blue and Blossom. The album contains a total of four songs, and while each song has slightly different themes, the discussion of youth remains consistent. It’s an album in an omnibus format, where the songs don’t necessarily connect with each other.
KPC: Many people were introduced to you as the main rapper in VICTON. Have any lessons or experiences from your time with the group influenced your solo career?
DOHANSE: It would be a lie to say that it hasn’t influenced me at all. However, since my time with the idol group, I have been producing my own albums, and my colors have become clearer over time. I feel that the solo artist version of me is a completely different person from the version of me when I was in an idol group.
KPC: You have been songwriting for years and wrote on every song on BLUESSOM. What went into the songwriting process for this project?
DOHANSE: The working period took longer than I expected. Originally, I was planning for more than four songs to be in the album. But due to various circumstances, it ended up being released as an album with four songs, and I’m satisfied that the album is neat and tidy.
KPC: Your music has evolved significantly over the years. You gave fans a taste of your pop-rock side with “Public Enemy” from BLAZE, and have embraced pop-rock and alternative rock with your newer releases. Was shifting from the hip-hop-heavy sound to pop-rock and alternative rock a change you always wanted to make or a recent discovery?
DOHANSE: I have liked both hip-hop and rock since I was young. However, over time, my passion for the rock genre has grown more. I think my long-time fans are aware of this. When I was making the album BLAZE, I was passionate about the rock genre to the extent that I wanted to select “Public Enemy” as the main title track. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do hip-hop songs in the future. I want to become an artist who can pull off all of the genres that I love, so I will just do the music I enjoy.
KPC: Your title track, “Blue Night,” has deep lyrics about pain and escapism. How do you hope its transparent message will help listeners?
DOHANSE: The lyrics of “Blue Night” are not just about pain and escapism. It’s a song about the realizations that come after parting with a loved one. If even a few people can resonate with this song, I will be satisfied.
KPC: “Eyes Deep As The Ocean” has sad yet optimistic lyrics about growth and encouraging someone through hardships. The first few lines in the chorus, “I see those eyes that resemble the sea / My once-blue heart is now turning red,” are especially beautiful. Can you elaborate on these lyrics and the song’s overall meaning?
DOHANSE: I believe there are relationships where you can understand each other by just looking each other in the eyes, without needing words. I wanted to create a song that could provide comfort when you want to express your struggles to those around you but can’t. This song is actually also a way for me to comfort myself.
KPC: The first feature on BLUESSOM is with singer 123 on the self-reflective breakup track “Asurai.” Why did you want to add a slower-tempo song like this to the EP? Why was the feature essential to conveying the song’s message and mood?
DOHANSE: I wanted to show the diversity of the rock genre. I also like modern rock with a slower tempo. Since my singing voice is on the higher side, I thought having 123’s vocals on this song would create a great balance, so I personally asked him to feature on it.
KPC: You worked with rapper Skinny Brown in 2021 on the hip-hop song “Diamonds.” He is also featured on “Milky Way.” Can you talk about your experiences working with him?
DOHANSE: Ever since I started creating “Milky Way,” I thought it would be great if Skinny Brown featured on it. When I suggested the feature and played him the song, he happily accepted, and I remember being grateful for the amazing verse he gave me.
KPC: Recently, you performed a few shows for fans at your 2024 DOHANSE 1st JAPAN FANCONCERT [BLUE MOMENT]. How were those concerts and is there anything you can reveal about plans for more live performances?
DOHANSE: It was a really fun experience. I want to do many more performances overseas in the future. If there are any concert organizers reading this interview, please reach out to my email for booking inquiries: ehgkstp97@naver.com.
KPC: Do you have any messages you want to share with fans?
DOHANSE: Thank you and I love you always. I will become a better artist. Bye!
Thank you to DOHANSE and Quarter Music for the interview opportunity. Thank you to Nahri L. for the translation assistance.