EXCLUSIVE [INTERVIEW] ROCKY on his 2nd mini-album 'BLANK': "I hope this will be an album that listeners can fill in with their own colors"

Debuting as a member of ASTRO in 2016, ROCKY ventured into his solo career after announcing his departure from the band. Instead of signing with another label, ROCKY opted to establish a company of his own, ONE FINE DAY Entertainment — a place where he can find creative freedom in everything he puts out to the world. However, with freedom comes responsibility, and ROCKY recognizes that aspect.

The artist debuted as a solo artist last year with the six-track record ‘ROCKYST.’ Seven months later, ROCKY dropped his second mini-album titled ‘BLANK.’ It boasts four captivating tracks “We still love you,” “Jealousy,” the title song, “Masterpiece,” and “Read you.”

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“I don’t want no half of you / It’s all or nothing / It’s gonna be the death of me / This jealousy,” he sings in the chorus of “Jealousy.”

To celebrate the release of ‘BLANK,’ allkpop caught up with ROCKY to talk about his first solo comeback and goals as an artist. Check out the full exclusive interview below!

Check out the shout-out from ROCKY to allkpop readers below:

allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your new solo album! How does it feel to be making your first solo comeback? How has your life been juggling everything, from being a CEO to being an idol?

ROCKY: I’m happy to be able to show up and come back again with a good album for Hamo (Rocky’s fandom name). I’m now better and more used to it than when I first started, but there’s one thing that’s the same: I still feel like I don’t have enough time [to prepare for an album].

allkpop: Has establishing your own company been your dream since you started? When did that idea come to your mind?

ROCKY: It wasn’t a dream. It was just something I wanted to do for my fans who were supporting me after I suddenly found myself alone. I realized I should put out an album, so I started a company and made my solo debut.

allkpop: How does it feel that you now have freedom of expression? How good does that feel? 

ROCKY: The great thing about having the freedom is that it gives me the opportunity to realize a myriad of creativity, but the hard thing is that I have to take full responsibility for all of it.

allkpop: In your first album ‘ROCKYST,’ you took charge of the production and choreography. How about for ‘BLANK’? Are you also the one who’s in charge of those aspects, and what was the experience like working on this album?

ROCKY: I also produced this album, and it will remain the same in the future. The album production process of ‘BLANK’ was also not easy. It took a lot of courage and time because it’s another challenge to try and implement something new. It was another challenge.

allkpop: Since the album title is “blank,” what’s something you think you still need to work on?

ROCKY: I want to continue to challenge myself and develop my creativity for my new performances.

allkpop: How different is ‘BLANK’ to ‘ROCKYST’? What’s something new and unique you were able to showcase in your 2nd mini-album?

ROCKY: If ‘ROCKYST’ was an album like a rainbow filled with colorful things, ‘BLANK’ is an album like an empty drawing paper that creates space for the listener’s free interpretation and imagination. I hope this will be an album that listeners can fill in with their own colors.

allkpop: How has your journey of finding your own individuality, sound, and color been?

ROCKY: There were a lot of bumps and bruises along the way. But I’m happy because I feel like I’m walking through a moment that will last a lifetime.

allkpop: You embarked on your first solo Asia tour ‘Find Me’ earlier this year — congratulations! You used to be in a group but you now perform on the stage as solo. How new did it feel the first time you did it, and how different does it feel now?

ROCKY: Unlike in the beginning when I was very nervous and had a strong desire and pressure to do well, now I feel like I’ve finally found my charm. I think I’m in a more relaxed state of mind mixed with a little bit of tension than before.

allkpop: I feel like you’ve achieved a lot already, but what are some big things you are working towards achieving right now?

ROCKY: As a singer, I’m looking forward to my future performances with the mind of wanting to become a one-of-a-kind artist who is unique and powerful.

allkpop: Lastly, please leave a message for allkpop readers and your fans!

ROCKY: First of all, thank you for taking the time to read my long interview! My music and stage will continue to move forward and I will continue to take on new challenges and attempts.

Thank you for your interest and love!

Socials:

Instagram: @p_rocky
X (Twitter): @p_rockyent
TikTok: @rocky_onefineday
SoundCloud: rockycl0ud
YouTube: ROCKY