Every artist has a unique voice, and SAAY has crafted hers straight from her name. For her, “SAAY” embodies the essence of literally speaking her truth and expressing herself authentically through her music.
Meet SAAY, a Korean RnB/Pop singer who resonates deeply with listeners through her powerful lyrics, vibrant energy, and commanding presence. As she embarked on her U.S. ‘tour,’ with stops in New York and Los Angeles, The Knockturnal caught up with her at the Moroccan Theatre in LA to discuss her latest adventures and her new English track, “DOMINO” and musical journey.
“DOMINO” is a captivating mix of thrilling beats and spine-rushing vocals. Every SAAY track is a blend of slow R&B vibes that evolve with each song – always delivering meaningful, punchy, and sing-along-worthy melodies.
SAAY’s journey as an artist has been long and dynamic, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Her evolution is evident in her latest album, S: INEMA, a collection of 21 diverse tracks that reflect her current sound and artistic growth.
Having spent time in both the U.S. and Korea—living in Brooklyn for a few years as a child—SAAY returned to New York to perform before heading to Los Angeles, where we had the pleasure of meeting her.
In a dimly lit room, we talked about her tour, which holds a special place in her heart. The excitement in her eyes was unmistakable as she described the surreal feeling of performing on American stages and meeting her fans, expressing sentiments like “dreaming forever” and how everything feels “crazy and unreal.
Her passion and energy translated seamlessly on stage, with performances of tracks like “IM OKAY” and “OVERZONE” that had the audience dancing and singing along. SAAY herself danced on stage, showcasing her multifaceted talent and capturing the hearts of many.
SAAY shared that while she’s visited LA before, this time felt different—more beautiful and meaningful—especially with new experiences like performing and visiting iconic landmarks like Griffith Observatory and indulging in the classic In-N-Out.
There’s no pause in sight for SAAY’s performances. After releasing “DOMINO” in the spring, the idea of touring quickly became a reality by summer. She also hinted at more shows in Korea and around the world soon—so keep an eye out! SAAY can’t wait to connect with her fans in person!
SAAY describes her artistry as her genre—something truly unique. She draws inspiration from 90s and 2000s pop and R&B legends like Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and Earth, Wind & Fire, yet she’s cultivated a sound that’s entirely her own.
“My music just explains who I am! There are no references right now.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates SAAY’s approach to music. While she used to start with a track sketch, and then add melodies and lyrics, she now begins with her life experiences, crafting stories that shape the melodies and tracks. This reverse process sets her apart, making her lyrical storytelling resonate with diverse audiences.
You can find SAAY’s music on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and more—and hopefully catch her live shortly!
With her edgy visuals, sweet tone, and electrifying performances, SAAY continues to bring something fresh yet consistent to the table. We can’t wait to see where her musical journey takes her next.
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