[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] COOING on Growth, Music Evolution, and the Story Behind “Stars with the Pain”

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Get to know COOING and the story behind her powerful new track “Stars with the Pain” in this exclusive interview.

COOING is an artist whose emotive voice and deeply personal songwriting have made her stand out in music. Since making her solo debut on November 17, 2020, she has captivated listeners with her ability to blend heartfelt lyrics and compelling melodies into a fresh and timeless sound. Her debut self-titled EP, ‘COOING,’ immediately caught attention, and her 2022 follow-up EP, ‘Baby Flower,’ further cemented her place as an artist to watch. Each new release from COOING highlights her impressive versatility, seamlessly blending different genres while staying true to the raw emotions at the heart of her music.

With a growing catalog of singles, including fan favorites like “One Last Time” (2022) and “The Milky Way” (2023), COOING continues to push boundaries and explore new musical territories. Each song is a testament to her evolution as an artist, with tracks like “Sun Dance” (2022) and “Summer Kiss” (2024) showcasing her ability to capture the essence of both heartache and hope. Her latest release, “Stars with the Pain,” takes her sound to even greater heights, offering a deep and evocative reflection on life’s challenges.

In this exclusive interview, COOING opens up about the inspiration behind her latest track, how her music has evolved since its debut, and what inspires her. Join us as we get to know the amazingly talented singer-songwriter COOING below.

Hello COOING. For readers who may be discovering you for the first time, please introduce yourself and your music.

COOING: Hello! I’d like to introduce myself to the readers by saying, “Hello, this is COOING. I’m a singer-songwriter, and I hope you listen to my music. I’m confident that once you do, you’ll fall in love with the songs.” Thank you!

Congratulations on your latest single, “Stars with the Pain.”What inspired “Stars with the Pain,” and how did the idea for the song come to life?

COOING: I believe everyone experiences pain in their own way, and I also believe there’s a light within each person—a light that can guide them through the darkness, just like stars shining in the night sky.

So, if someone is feeling like they can’t endure the pain right now, I wanted to say, “Don’t be afraid of the pain. You will overcome it and become brighter than you are now!” This is something I wanted to remind myself of, too.

The title suggests a contrast between something beautiful and something sorrowful. What does this duality mean to you in the context of the song?

COOING: I believe that pain will eventually transform into the light of happiness, just like stars shining in the dark. I think that those who have suffered can find a chance to become brighter than before.

You are a star, I am a star, and we are all stars. When you don’t realize you’re a star and feel like giving up, I want you to not be afraid. Just keep moving forward toward your future in your own way. In the end, you will find happiness in your bright life. This is the message I wanted to convey in the song “Stars with the Pain.”

How do you hope your listeners feel or connect with “Stars with the Pain” when they hear it?

COOING: I hope that everyone who listens to this song feels confident and comforted in their life. The song was created with the intention of reminding people that even in pain, there is hope. I also hope that they can find warmth and peace in every moment with this song, just like the light from the stars in the dark.

Was there a particular moment during the creation of this song that felt especially significant or memorable to you?

COOING: I wrote this song in one sitting and was really satisfied with it, but at first, my producer didn’t show much interest, so I ended up putting it aside for a while. Then, during the album-making season, I found myself humming the song by his side. He suddenly asked, “What is this song? I love this melody!” And that’s how the song ended up being released. I’ll never forget that moment. It’s such an interesting story!

If this song had a color palette or visual aesthetic, what would it look like?

COOING: I imagine it would look like a single star shining in a dark sky. It’s similar to the image on my album, where someone (that’s me!) stands beneath a vast, starry sky. I also picture a large star with a band-aid on it, symbolizing the process of healing and resilience.

How does “Stars with the Pain” differ from your previous tracks regarding sound and emotional depth?

COOING: Although I usually release songs with a strong beat, I also have tracks with an acoustic vibe.

“Stars with the Pain” is one of them. I’ve aimed to achieve a perfect balance of sound, lyrics, and melody for my fans, regardless of genre. I’ll always strive to deliver high-quality music for my fans every day.

Your music has evolved since your debut in 2020. How do you think your sound has changed over the years, and how does “Stars with the Pain” fit into that journey?

COOING: I think I’ve become more thoughtful over the past four years. As a result, I’m trying to make my vocals and music more profound and more meaningful. “Stars with the Pain” carries a positive message for everyone, including myself, which makes it a perfect fit for my journey. I’ll continue to release many great songs in the future, and I hope you’re looking forward to them!

If “Stars with the Pain” could be the soundtrack to a movie or story, what kind of scene or moment do you think it would best accompany?

COOING: I think it would suit a scene where the main character suffers but refuses to give up. Despite the pain, they keep moving forward and continue to dream of a better future. This kind of story fits perfectly with “Stars with the Pain.”

If you could describe your music style as a season or time of day, what would it be and why?

COOING: I would say my music is like summer. Summer brings a mix of emotions like happiness, sadness, and longing. It’s a season where joy and melancholy coexist, creating a unique feeling. That’s why I have many songs about summer. I hope my songs can evoke those same feelings for my fans.

What’s your favorite part of the music-making process as a singer-songwriter — writing, composing, or performing?

COOING: My favorite part is writing! When the lyrics come together beautifully, I feel incredibly proud and happy. Composing gives me a similar sense of fulfillment, but there’s something extra special about writing that makes it my favorite.

What other passion or career would you pursue if you weren’t making music?

COOING: Honestly, it’s hard for me to even imagine that because music is my life! If I had to choose, though, maybe I’d pursue drawing something like perhaps character design.

Who or what inspires you the most in your everyday life, whether creatively or personally?

COOING: The feelings I experience throughout the day inspire me the most. I don’t always know when inspiration will come, but everything I see, hear, and feel seems to quietly build up in my mind without me realizing it. Then, suddenly, it all comes together. Inspiration often strikes unexpectedly, especially when I’m deeply immersed in my music.

Lastly, please leave a message to your fans reading this.

COOING: Thank you so much for taking the time to read about me. I’ll keep pouring my heart and soul into my music, and I truly hope you’ll continue to love and support it as much as I do. Your support means everything to me. Stay happy and healthy! See you again soon.