BIGBANG’s Taeyang Shares the “Essence” on His 20th Debut Anniversary… Releases 4th Studio Album “Quintessence” in 9 Years

Taeyang of the group BIGBANG has returned with a solo studio album that captures the musical “essence” he has refined, in a momentous year as he marks his 20th debut anniversary. On the afternoon of the 18th, in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Taeyang held a music listening event to celebrate the release of his 4th studio album, “Quintessence” (QUINTESSENCE), and took time to personally introduce the new release. Since the album release date was also his birthday, Taeyang said, “I’m happy to think I can give fans a good present,” adding, “I feel light and free, yet many emotions cross my mind as I think the album I prepared intensely over the past year is finally coming out into the world.”

■ “Quintessence,” a studio album in 9 years… Capturing the “essence” of the 20th debut anniversary

Released at 6 p.m. that day to the world, “Quintessence” is Taeyang’s long-awaited solo studio album in nine years. Now celebrating his 20th debut anniversary this year, he has been keeping an intense schedule—preparing to take the stage at “Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival,” the biggest music festival in the U.S., alongside other BIGBANG members, while also working on finishing touches for this solo album. Taeyang said he’s been so busy that he barely had a day to rest even after Coachella, emphasizing that the new album is the result of deeply focusing on “what’s most authentically me, while also something new.”

The album title, “Quintessence,” is a word meaning the “essence” or “the purest essence” of things or ideas. Taeyang said he drew deep inspiration from that word, researching the process of finding his musical roots and essence, and then poured it all into 10 tracks. Because he poured as much care into every included song as he would for a title track, it’s said that the staff put in unprecedented effort and deliberation during the final selection of the title track.

■ Title track “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW”… “My own tempo in the fastest song”

The final pick for the title track, “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW,” is a song that conveys respect and resolve for the time Taeyang has lived with intensity—maintaining his own center and pace within a modern society that changes quickly and constantly. Taeyang introduced the track as the fastest-tempo music he has released so far as a solo artist, explaining that it started from an intuitive decision that during his solo tour two years ago, he needed a fun song he could share his breath with the fans on stage. He also showed strong confidence, saying that as he prepared for the activities, he became certain that this song best represents him as he is today.

Beyond the title track, this album also features a total of 10 songs, including “BAD,” “MOVIE,” and “YES.” Taeyang took part in writing the lyrics for 9 of the 10 tracks himself to add authenticity, and elevated the album’s completeness with a dazzling global featuring lineup. In addition to Australia’s pop star The Kid LAROI, Tablo of Epik High contributed with lyrics and features on three songs. There were also the rookie hip-hop crew Old Day Project’s Tajzan and Woochan, and Taeyang revealed in the behind-the-scenes comments that he felt the fresh early-BIGBANG spirit in their raps and therefore proposed the collaboration directly.

■ Taeyang: “The questions I asked myself like the title… Starting today, in fans’ hands”

When asked about the key points listeners should focus on for his new album, Taeyang emphasized communication and sharing through music. He said that throughout the process of making the album, he looked back on himself and asked himself many questions, and he expressed the hope that everyone would enjoy listening because, from today onward, this music will leave his hands and be held by the public and his fans. He added that he wants this to become a time to share the various questions and thoughts he had during the creative process together through music.

■ Reflections on his 20th debut anniversary… “The driving force behind lasting activities is only thanks to fans”

When speaking about his reflections on reaching his 20th debut anniversary, Taeyang replaced any hesitation with straightforward gratitude toward his fans. He said that over the long period during which even the landscape changes twice, the only reason he could keep bursting with energy on stage was thanks solely to fan support. In particular, he mentioned the love he felt from global fans at the recent Coachella stage, confessing that it would have been impossible without fans’ support and that every situation and environment he is in right now feels like a miracle.

Lastly, Taeyang wrapped up his remarks by adding hints of major upcoming activities. He said he’s been busy—up to today as well—finishing the new album and preparing for promotions, and that things are likely to get even busier from here on out. Starting with his 4th solo studio album activities, he plans to come back in a variety of ways together with the other BIGBANG members, so he asked fans to look forward to it and wait.