Colde Marks a Reset with Single Album “YIN”
On August 1, South Korean singer-songwriter Colde returned with the single album YIN (Youth In Nostalgia), marking a reset for the artist. This release came after he stepped down from his CEO position at music label WAVY. When discussing his feelings on leaving the position after seven years, he said, “I was so happy that I could focus on just being Colde from now on.” As he mapped out his next steps in music, Colde reflected on previous life chapters and created something that would showcase his candid self.
While describing the new single album, Colde stated, “This feels like my first debut album,” and he further explained that YIN is a preview for his upcoming full-length album Blue Print. From referencing his favorite rock band Nirvana to revisiting offonoff music video filming sites, Colde included various callbacks to his youth in YIN. Through three English tracks, listeners explore themes of nostalgia, confidence, and love while being reintroduced to Colde.
Throwback To My Youth
In “Nirvana Blues,” Colde brings out his alter ego — Colde Cobain — as he restores the carefree energy he once had in his younger days. During his appearance on Dingo’s Bibim-Pop, Colde shared how he gained lots of inspiration from artists like Pharrell, The Neptunes, and Nirvana. He noted the latter’s hit song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as particularly impactful. After reminiscing further, Colde explained the inspiration for the hip-hop trap-inspired song, stating, “I’m living with the energy of Nirvana, and I wanted to make a song to praise that.”
As “Nirvana Blues” begins, Colde enters a state of self-rediscovery, “Oh who’s that in my mirror? / You look just like me / But you smell like teen spirit.” Continuing on, he expresses wistfulness as he sings in the chorus, “Oh, yeah, I got Nirvana Blues / I don’t need a cure / I need a throwback to my youth.” When the song enters its midpoint, Colde Cobain makes his appearance, demonstrating high levels of confidence through the lyrics, “Okay, my air guitar is out of tune, I’m lit / You can’t throw shade at me, I’d cool in it / No, I do not know how miss / Hit record, I got a hit.” The alternating conversation continues until the end when the contrasting egos become one, “You’re my best friend till the end / You’re the only voice I need inside my head.”
Love In Color
For his second track, Colde tells listeners to always let their true colors shine through because when the right person comes along, they will see you for all you are and more. Through an energetic melody and colorful visuals, “I Color You” presents a remedy for diffidence. In the music video, Colde walks the streets of London as he reminisces about an exhilarating encounter with a stranger. The instrumental, consisting of a snare drum and bass guitar, remains steady as he sings, “In a universe of black and white / I know you saw me across the room / A bright flash of blue.”
During the pre-chorus, Colde enters into a dim space, and a feeling of longing and curiosity is expressed, “But there’s more than meets the eye / I see your colors different / With my kaleidoscope vision.” The full extent of his yearning is felt as the once-dim room explodes with light and color and the instrumental gains intensity. From that moment forward, the artist is seen dancing freely around the city while he illustrates a deep appreciation for his newfound connection, “Let’s invent new shades of you and me / You’re my complementary color, baby / I’m bringing the best outta you.”
Speaking on the injurious side of intimacy can be complicated, but Colde opts for a refreshing approach with “Toxic Love.” Throughout the upbeat song, Colde speaks to someone who has previously endured a toxic relationship. He opens the song with lyrics, “I know it’s hard to be your man, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” which offers a sense of understanding. In the end, he provides encouragement by singing, “If you need, just take your time / Take all of mine (Put your trust in me).” During an interview with eyesmag, Colde stated, “If you listen with someone you want to share love with and ride the rhythm together, you will be immersed in the rhythm of love.”
What’s Next?
Before the release of YIN, Colde announced that he would be holding his first North American tour, “Blue Print.” Kicking off on August 15 in Minneapolis, Colde will bring his “Blue Print” tour to 20 cities across North America and end in Vancouver, Canada. Fellow WAVY labelmates basecamp, Milena, and Jiwoo will join as opening acts.
YIN is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! For more updates on Colde, follow his Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube!
Are you interested in more music? Check out our article breaking down SUHO’s third mini album “(점선면) 1 to 3” here!
