All Photo Cr. Cheyenne Chong-Hoover
Soloist, U_Chae shines brightly in both voice and personality on the Anime Weekend Atlanta Main Stage. Singing songs from her album ‘AWAKE’ and even surprising guests with a collaboration stage, 9nine member, Uki Satake joins her to show off their most recent single ‘Morning Call.’ U_Chae was all smiles and the songbird took moments between songs to chat with fans, read signs, and speak about other opportunities to meet her throughout the convention weekend.
U_Chae has begun her journey pursuing a softer image and finding more ways to meet with her fans. This has resulted in multiple convention visits in the U.S. and more amazing music and opportunities coming soon. KpopWise was able to sit down with the sparkling pop princess to talk about her recent album, collaborations, and more.
You’ve had such a busy 2024, and especially this month of December. Your third digital single is a collaboration with another AWA guest, Japanese group 9nine member Uki Satake, called “Morning Call.” What was it like combining yours and Uki’s styles and the process of this collaboration?
U_CHAE: I first met Uki at Otakon in Washington and we got along right away. When we were writing the song ‘Morning Call’ my team and I thought Uki would be perfect for it. I like cutesy songs so it was perfect to do together.
‘Morning Call’ isn’t your first collab of the year. You also released ‘U&I’ a collaboration you did with fans and your team at Otakon. That is such a fun and unique way to create, do you see yourself doing more experimental or workshop-based creations in the future?
U_CHAE: This time, for Anime Weekend Atlanta, we did a choreography workshop. And in the future, if the fans want it, I will absolutely do more song-creation/artist workshops again.
We can’t forget to talk about your album, AWAKE. Similar to the collabs we just talked about, the title track uses EDM-style beats and melodies that make listeners want to dance. But you also balance this entire album by having songs across multiple genres. Do you have a favorite genre to perform?
U_CHAE: The title track also uses a lot of rock inspiration and I like performing that style. But I also like including music like the B-sides that are for easy-listening. I want to continue both styles but definitely easy-listening. The main genre I will continue to pursue will be pop-rock!
What is your favorite song on the AWAKE album and why?
U_CHAE: Oh, it changes entirely with whatever mood I am in. But I am currently excited to meet my fans so the favorite song at the moment is “Wait For You.”
“You Are My Christmas” is a beautiful song with loving lyrics and kind of a sad undertone. Was there a particular inspiration for this seasonal single?
U_CHAE: When I first heard it, I agree, I thought the lyrics were a bit sad so I wanted to brighten it a bit and made it a bit more romantic. So the song itself was kind of the inspiration to the adjustments that were made for the final version.
Is there something you are most looking forward to on this journey as a solo artist?
U_CHAE: During my time with PIXY, our image was a bit dark/strong, so as a soloist, I want to show a more bright and cutesy image. And spend more time with my fans.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you want to share?
U_CHAE: One that I can confirm for next year is a Japanese album and fanmeetings alongside those promotions! Please look forward to it.
On a lighter note, what song [of yours or anyone else’s] have you listened to the most in 2024?
U_CHAE: “It’s You” by MAX Ft. Keshi — it fits that easy-listening vibe I mentioned earlier.
And last but not least, is there an anime you have watched recently or want to watch that you want to recommend to any of our readers/your fans?
U_CHAE: Because I am so busy, I have an ever-growing watchlist and a lot of them (anime in general) are lengthy and when I start something I don’t like to just stop and not finish it. So once I am less busy, I hope to watch more anime. But the one I saw most recently was ‘Suzume.’
With an already incredible discography as a former member of PIXY and now a soloist building her brand, U_Chae has a bright, artistic future ahead. Listen to her current work here, and see more from her show at AWA 2024 in our photo gallery below!
Photo Gallery
