Hyolyn unveils intense LA recording process for new single 'ChecK'

Singer Hyolyn engaged in intense deliberation in Los Angeles to perfect her new single, 'ChecK.' Rather than simply performing the vocals, she took an active role in every stage of production, from chord progressions and vocal tones to minute volume adjustments during the mixing process.

Finding an identity between 'Wait' and 'SHOTTY'

The new single 'ChecK' was meticulously planned to serve as a bridge between Hyolyn's previous works. She revealed that her goal for this track was to find a middle ground between the bright energy of 'Wait' and the weightiness of 'SHOTTY.' While she had previously saved her high notes during the recording of 'Wait' to preserve her unique vocal color, she wanted 'ChecK' to be a composition that fully showcases her vocal range.

In defining the song's direction, Hyolyn proposed specific visual and sonic concepts to the production team. To match the intense beat of the intro, she envisioned a visual style that was "not just unconditionally smiling and refreshing, but cool and stylish." She worked closely with producers The Stereotypes, 9am, and Eddie, even requesting chord changes to refine the song's framework.

"Confidence! Confidence!"... Endless re-recordings in pursuit of perfection

The studio sessions were repeated until a satisfying result was achieved. Hyolyn struggled to find the optimal vocal style to match the song's atmosphere. For the intro, she experimented with a "half-air, half-sound" technique to tone down an overly energetic feel. During the second Verse, she underwent multiple re-recordings to decide between a high or low tone, eventually finding the voice that best suited the song's flow.

There were moments when her confidence wavered due to difficult pronunciations or unexpected tones. Hyolyn demonstrated her professionalism by steadying herself, shouting "Confidence! Confidence!" to herself, and continuing until she was satisfied. After the recording sessions, she visited the mixing studio to personally oversee fine details, such as adjusting the volume of specific words or refining the decay of certain notes.

Vocal director-level immersion in every detail

Hyolyn's meticulous nature peaked during the mixing stage. She personally inspected every detail that determines the song's texture, from requesting volume increases in specific sections to asking to cut out messy sounds in lingering notes. The sessions, which lasted until nearly 12 midnight, highlight Hyolyn's deep commitment to achieving perfection.