BOL4 Talks Music, Collaborations, and Embracing a New Perspecitve

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

BOL4, also known as Bolbbalgan4, has captivated K-pop fans since 2016 with ethereal vocals and heartfelt storytelling. Though, in recent years, founding member Ahn Ji-young has successfully transitioned into a liberating new era, developing her own sound that blends whimsical melodies with personal lyrics to create introspective ballads and feel-good pop anthems.

As of 2024, her music continues to resonate with listeners, reaffirming that she’s synonymous with infectious pop magic deserving of attention. In fact, BOL4’s single "Bloom" has showcased her evolving artistry and ability to connect with listeners, taking them on a journey filled with unwavering optimism. Additionally, her 2024 collaboration with Giselle of aespa marked another exciting new chapter for the singer-songwriter, having cultivated her powerful summertime charm in a vibrant playlist staple.

Now, as she gears up for more content releases leading to her highly anticipated album, fans are eagerly awaiting the fresh, innovative music she consistently delivers.

BOL4 (2024)

Congratulations on your recent single in collaboration with Giselle of aespa! How did this collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like working with her? 

BOL4: Thank you! While working on “Lips”, I really wanted to collaborate with another female artist who could add a vibrant, fresh touch to this song. I thought someone who shared a similar vibe with me would be a perfect fit for this song, and Giselle came into my mind. I reached out to her, and not only did she gladly agree to participate, but also worked on this track with such amazing enthusiasm. She wrote her own lyrics and even sent a demo guide recorded on her phone despite her busy schedule. Every part of her rap was incredible, but I especially adore her opening line — which starts with her ad-lib of “umm~ma”, which she came up with herself. It feels like it truly captured the beauty and essence of this song! 

You also just dropped “Bloom,” which I’m very much addicted to because it contains striking lyrics and a beat that evokes a sense of hope! What were some of the main feelings or emotions that you hoped to convey through the track? 

BOL4: I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed “Bloom”! This was actually my first time experimenting with the electronic genre. The surrounding theme of this song was ‘encouragement’, and the lyrics were inspired by the stories shared by my fans. I wanted to write about what it meant to support someone—as much as I've been comforted and supported by others. The song is about how those little acts of encouragement can accumulate, and blossom beautifully. To quote from the song, ‘Flourish brilliantly, and let your voice be heard once again. I’ll be here, cheering you on.’

Throughout your career, your music has always been known for its whimsical melodies and heartfelt lyrics. How do you continue to develop new sides of your artistry while staying true to the recognizable sound you’ve created? 

BOL4: As a singer-songwriter, I think my music naturally reflects the things I love. Singing about what I enjoy feels like the key to maintaining authenticity. Maybe it's the way I stay determined to write about things I love, and brings me hope, perhaps? [Laughs] I also enjoy taking familiar concepts and ideas, and interpreting them in my own way! This habit of absorbing and expressing concepts differently has shaped a unique style that I believe has solidified into BOL4’s signature sound over time.

The Korean music scene has seen tremendous growth and international recognition throughout your career. As an artist who has managed to leave quite an impact – what do you believe that BOL4 contributes to this evolving industry? 

BOL4: If I’ve contributed anything to the Korean music scene, I think it’s ‘diversity.’ I think BOL4 has introduced a distinctive style in the indie scene that didn’t conform to its conventional norms or 'indie grammars', so to speak. And thanks to all the support and love I've received while staying true to myself, I believe this has naturally evolved into a distinct and unique style of its own. 

Your inspiring storytelling through music deeply resonates with your audience. What personal experiences or stories have influenced or shaped your upcoming tracks? 

BOL4: There's a track called “To My Youth,” which I believe many of my listeners are familiar with by now. It's a track that reflects the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety I experienced during my younger years, and my blind determination to overcome them. This was a song I originally wrote for myself as a form of self-encouragement. But seeing how many people have found comfort and connection through it has amplified the meaning of the song to me. 

I’ve always had such respect for your music, with a few favorites being “Dancing Cartoon,” and your cover of “Atlantis Princess.” Is there a specific song in your discography that you have a special attachment to? 

BOL4: Thank you so much! For me, it would have to be “Bloom.” Having been in the music industry for eight years, I feel like this song represents a pivotal moment of my growth. Entering my 30s feels like a new chapter, and “Bloom” reflects that change. It’s a song that steps away from the themes of youth I’ve often sung about in the past, and expands into new themes, new genres, and new people — it's a brighter, more powerful song of encouragement into this uncertain chapter of our lives. From the very beginning, I poured my heart into creating it, so I think it will always hold a special place in my heart. 

In closing, can you tell us more about the inspiration and themes behind your upcoming album? What can fans expect from these new releases? 

BOL4: While it’s still in the early stages, I’m exploring new styles that differ from my past work. My goal is to study and refine these styles so that they eventually feel like a natural extension of the BOL4 genre. Hearing individual stories from my fans often inspires my songwriting, so I’d love for them to share their experiences with me as I work on this album! Let’s create something meaningful together, and I hope they look forward to what’s coming! Thank you so much, Mr. Aedan for such an amazing interview!

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