EXCLUSIVE
[INTERVIEW] Singer-songwriter DAVII talks about his mini-album 'Today,' hints at a new collaboration, and more!

AKP STAFF

Choi Kyu-wan, who goes by the stage name DAVII, is the true definition of a "musician," from singing and rapping to songwriting, composing, and producing, DAVII shows he is more than just being a singer, as he has been taking part in so much of his releases for nearly seven years. Debuting in 2014 with his digital single "Want You Back," DAVII still has a lot to offer for his fans and listeners. The singer-songwriter, who is also a producer under his own agency, ALLWAYS, has just returned with his new album '?=2: Today,' consisting of five tracks: "Nightmare," "Good Morning," "Good Night," "Flying with you (Feat. YOUHA)," and "OUTRO."

Known for his collaborations with artists in the music industry, such as Heize, who's he has been working with for years already, DAVII is proven to be one of the gems in the industry. Coming back in just three months after he released his second mini-album '?=1: RE:new' in December, which is also a part of his album series '?=,' the singer-songwriter has lived his life sharing his timeless, one-of-a-kind music with the world.

DAVII sat down with allkpop to share everything about his newly released third mini-album, '?=2: Today,' upcoming collaboration with a foreign artist, hoping to go to the States, and more! Keep reading to know more about singer-songwriter DAVII!

[DAVII spoke entirely in English. This interview has been edited for clarity.]

allkpop: First, congratulations on the release of your mini-album, '?=2 Today'! How do you feel after finally releasing your album? You will also be having your offline concert soon! How do you feel about all these things?

DAVII: I feel really good!

allkpop: Can you tell us more about your newly released album, '?=2: Today'? What do you want to convey in your album?

DAVII: Well, actually, I put everything in the last track ("Flying with you" feat. YOUHA). There are much more and lots of things to talk about [the album]. I want to convey [something from] the tracks "Good Morning" and "Good Night."

allkpop: '?=2 Today' is a part of your '?=' series; the first part is '?=1 Re:New,' your second mini-album released last December of 2021. Is there any hidden meaning behind the album series?

DAVII: The question mark and the equal sign mean the question to an answer. Like I have a question to an answer.

allkpop: If you could describe this album in three words, which words would you choose?

DAVII: "Good," "morning," and "night."

allkpop: How did you feel while preparing for your third mini-album? You had a new collaboration track titled "Flying with you," which features YOUHA! What was the process like? Is there any challenge you have faced while recording the songs?

DAVII: We found the artist (YOUHA) just before the album is complete, like a few days ago. The process was a little in a hurry for my staff, but not for me. It was a little hard for my staff, but I was okay!

allkpop: Is there something new that you tried in making this album?

DAVII: [In] the last track ("OUTRO"), I put the introduction in the track, [It] was [me] playing the piano. The introduction was supposed to be really short, but while I was playing the piano, it got long, so the outro was about six minutes, but I tried.

allkpop: The album talks about the "today" that will not be coming back. If you could offer your past self a piece of advice, what would it be?

DAVII: Do not worry about any of your future or your past.

allkpop: You have spent seven years and counting in the industry. How do you work toward perfection or something you want to achieve? What have you done to improve yourself as a musician over the past years?

DAVII: First of all, in the past, I [was] challenged on an audition program called 'SuperBand 2,' and we've been making albums [for us] to play. Moving to a new audition program and making albums. And, I met a lot of people and knowing [what's] behind their stories. And actually, I [have] nothing [I want] to achieve. I want nothing. [Smiles]

allkpop: You have been involved in so much of your work - including songwriting, composing, and arranging - all of which we know you put a lot of time and effort into. How do you feel about being able to participate in the creative side of being more than just a singer?

DAVII: Well, I feel the most happiness when I am creating something. And, I always imagine myself as a singer on the stage while I'm creating songs. It makes me happy.

allkpop: Has there been a time since your debut when you have felt down or discouraged? If so, how did you overcome it?

DAVII: I'm a Christian, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

allkpop: Do you have any advice for your fans who have been experiencing difficulties in this time of pandemic?

DAVII: Listen to my new album!

allkpop: If there is one thing you would like to be remembered for, what would it be?

DAVII: DAVII was a good singer.