Cover American singer-songwrtier and vocal powerhouse Amy Lee, also known professionally as Ailee
American singer-songwrtier and vocal powerhouse Amy Lee, also known professionally as Ailee
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Tatler catches up with South Korea-based American singer-songwriter Ailee ahead of her first solo concert in Malaysia, ‘I Am: Here in Kuala Lumpur’
American singer-songwriter Amy Lee, otherwise known professionally by her stage name, Ailee, has charmed fans and pulled at their heartstrings with her songs since her debut in 2012. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, she moved to South Korea in 2010 after she received an opportunity to audition for a music label. At the audition, she was recruited by YMC Entertainment on the spot and started her trainee program under the agency.
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Ailee, now 34 years old, has four studio albums, six extended plays, and 21 singles–six of which charted within the top five of the Gaon Digital Chart—tucked under her belt. She has also won over 30 music awards, including four consecutive wins for Best Female Vocal Performance at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) from 2013 to 2016.
Next month, Ailee will embark on her first solo concert in Malaysia, I Am: Here in Kuala Lumpur, but ahead of her highly-anticipated show, Tatler caught up with the vocal powerhouse about all things life, her musical style, her secret backstage “rituals”, and more.
Above Ailee in the music video for ‘RA TA TA’, which was released in October 2023
Hi Ailee! Please tell us how you’ve been.
I've been busy preparing for my June concert in Malaysia and managing other schedules here in Korea. I’ve also been brainstorming a lot to make this a memorable year with my fans since it’s our 12th anniversary!
Your fans hold you in high regard, nicknaming you the “Beyonce of South Korea”. Do you think that applies pressure in and for all that you do?
Of course, it can be pressuring, but I’m happy and grateful to be compared to someone I admire so much. It’s a big name to live up to but also such a great motivation so I’m very grateful.
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Can you describe an ordinary day in Ailee’s life?
If I talk about my days when I don’t have a schedule, they are actually busier! I have to do house chores that I’ve procrastinated on, visit hospitals for my health, and spend a lot of time with my dogs. Usually, my day off is not really a day off.
What’s your favourite thing to do during your free time?
When I do get some time to spend on my own, I mostly spend my time with my dogs or play video games. As most of my fans know, I’m a huge gamer, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to play a lot of games lately due to my busy schedule.
Above American-born Ailee has charmed fans since her debut in 2012
Above Fans have nicknamed Ailee the “Beyonce of South Korea” due to her vocal prowess
American-born Ailee has charmed fans since her debut in 2012
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It’s been a while since you’ve released a full studio album. What are the plans in the pipeline that you can reveal or talk about?
I’m working hard because I want to meet my Aileeans soon with some great music. I’ve been experimenting in the studio with a lot of different types of sounds that I’ve been interested in these days. I’m not sure if I’ll be back with a full album yet, but I’m excited to let my fans know that, yes, I’m currently recording and counting down the days to share my music with them!
How do you think your musical style has changed over the years? Is there anything that you’d like to explore that you haven’t?
I don’t stick to one style. I like to try various music genres and concepts. As my fans may know, while preparing for my I’m Lovin and Amy albums, I reflected on what my true colours were. After preparing everything for that album, I realised that I’m an artist who’s capable of showing various colours. I feel like that’s my forte and that’s what makes me different.
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What’s the inspiration or back story behind the name of your concert series, I Am:?
The concert title I Am: started with the 2018 I Am: Ailee concert. I feel like the best place to show myself is on stage. So, I continued with the 2019 I Am: Re-born and 2023’s I Am: Colourful concerts to really try to show not only my performances but also what kind of artist I am, what kind of person I am, and what kind of thoughts are going through my mind while I’m preparing for the concerts.
Through the I Am: concerts, my intentions were to have my fans really get to know me. However, I’ve learned a lot through the years during my concerts. I’ve had the blessing of being able to really look back on myself and mature through my shows. While I was trying to help the audience and my fans to get to know me, it’s been a process for me to get to know myself as well.
Above Vocal powerhouse Ailee doesn't limit herself to just one musical style
Above Ailee is a big fan of Southeast Asian cuisine
Vocal powerhouse Ailee doesn't limit herself to just one musical style
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What are your go-to “rituals” or must-dos when you’re backstage preparing for a concert?
After all the preparations, I always take a moment to pray. I always pray that no one gets hurt and that the fans who come to watch the shows will go home feeling a little hopeful, happy, stress-free, and filled with new inspirations. Other than that, I always... always drink lots of water and play some games on my phone to get rid of my nerves.
It’s been a while since you’ve returned to this part of the world. What are some of your fondest memories of Southeast Asia?
I love Southeast Asian cuisine, like Vietnamese pho and Malaysian nasi goreng. Southeast Asia has so many delicious things that I love. But the best memory is seeing how warmly the Southeast Asian fans welcome me and I really miss my Southeast Asian fans singing along to my music in Korean. That’s something an artist will never forget. I think that’s why I’ve been really looking forward to my upcoming concert.
Ahead of your concerts, do you have a message for your Southeast Asian fans?
I’ve really missed you all so much! I’m working hard for the upcoming June concert in Malaysia, so please look forward to it and let’s have some fun.
Credits
Images: Ailee
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
