All right. You've heard the singles, "Eat You Up" and "I Did It For Love" (with Sean Garrett). You saw the first music video, like, months and months ago. Now you can finally get your hands on the self-titled English-language debut album from South Korean pop star BoA is in stores today, March 17.
From what I've seen, BoA's very good at what she does. I haven't yet heard the whole album yet, so I can't tell you if it's any good, but based on the first two singles, I'm sure it's everything you'd expect -- whether you like that or not. Get it at the usually spots like Amazon.com
and iTunes
.As I mentioned the other day, BoA will be giving a free live performance this Saturday, March 21 at Universal City Plaza. I recently had the brief chance to interview BoA, where she talked a bit about her music, her career, and her crossover to the U.S. market. Here it is:
You've enjoyed enormous success in Asia, for a long time. What was your motivation for coming to America?
I always wanted to come to America and pursue a music career here. I think it is very healthy for everyone to set new challenges for themselves. Hopefully, my American fans will enjoy my new album!
What has the most difficult thing for you, both personally and as a performer, about making the transition to the United States?
Learning English was really difficult when I first came over, but it's getting easier and I've learned a lot. As far as performing, my choreography has never been so crazy, but I love it.
Who are some of your creative influences? What music or other artists inspire you?
Michael Jackson! I've been following his career since I was so young and he's definitely someone that I really respect. Anyone that can put on a great show for their audience is very inspirational to me.
Though you're extremely well-known in Korea, the majority of western audiences are just starting to hear about you. How would you like to be known? What kind of pop image would you like to project?
I want people to enjoy my stage performances. I've been working with some amazing choreographers who have similar dancing styles as me, so I'd like people to focus on my dance and choreography.
How would you describe your debut English-language album -- both in attitude and sound?
Fresh and upbeat! We have some new sounds and great songs that would work sound great at the clubs! Personally, I think my album will be great for people who want to blast their music in the car or at home.
In the last few years, there have been a few unsuccessful attempts by other Asian artists to cross over -- why do you think it's such a difficult hurdle?
I'm not really sure, but there could be a lot of different reasons like cultural differences or just the industry itself.
Why do you think there are so few Asian or Asian American artists in mainstream American music?
In the past, there were never many Asian faces in American entertainment or media, but I am slowly starting to see a lot more Asian celebrities in the American media, which is a great step.
How would you describe your general strategy for breaking into the United States?
Haha, you'd have to speak with my management about that one. In my opinion, strategy is all really based on the situation you're given.
How has your experience been performing for U.S. audiences thus far? I know you've performed in New York and Los Angeles. Did you enjoy performing at Kollaboration?
Yessss, I had so much fun, I didn't know there were going to be so many people at these events! I just want to say thanks to all my fans here in the US and all the support that they have been giving me. I feel really blessed!
What makes you angry?
I think angry is a strong word but one thing I am pretty big on is keeping time. I don't like being late or behind schedule.