Crush reveals backstory of new song 'Seesaw' featuring IU and cites Stevie Wonder as primary musical influence

Singer Crush has revealed the behind-the-scenes stories regarding his musical roots and his new song. Appearing on the KBS Kpop content 'Lee Mujin Service', Crush engaged in an in-depth conversation about the production process of his new song 'Seesaw' (Feat. IU) and his musical direction.

The birth of 'Seesaw' as "tracks from the freezer" that IU liked

Crush revealed that his recently released song 'Seesaw' (Feat. IU) was a project prepared with IU over a long period. He explained that the song is a cute and melodic track capturing the "creaky" or unstable narrative between a man and a woman. He added that he intended to evoke musical nostalgia, similar to songs by Clazziquai or S#arp.

Regarding the reason for the collaboration with IU, he recalled that she suggested it, asking when it would be time for them to sing together. Mentioning tracks he had kept tucked away in his "freezer" for a long time, Crush said, "IU liked this track. I felt that if we went in that direction, we could unravel/express it interestingly." It is also an interesting point that the English title of the song was 'Seesaw,' which he explained reflects the keyword of a relationship between a man and a woman being as unstable as a seesaw.

Aiming to be a producer rather than a vocalist: A musical journey starting in middle school

The conversation continued with stories about when he started music and the origin of his stage name. Crush stated he has been doing music since his first year of middle school, and his stage name 'Crush' originated from a nickname. Having the nickname 'Siseop' during middle school, he chose the name 'Crush' at a friend's suggestion while translating it into English. He noted, "Crush has both the meaning of 'to crush' and 'to be infatuated,' and I have performed using the latter meaning."

There was also a twist regarding his early career path. Crush did not dream of being a singer from the beginning. Seeing his older sister, who is good at music, he judged himself to have no talent for singing and began working with MIDI during his high school years to become a producer who makes songs. He recalled, "I made demo songs because I wanted to be a producer who gives songs to idols." However, he confessed that in 2012, he experienced an awakening as a 'player' (singer) after meeting those who recognized his music, leading him to change his career path.

Musical foundation is 'Stevie Wonder'... Persistence toward R&B soul

The source of Crush's musical color was his father and the legendary musician Stevie Wonder. He explained that because his father loved music so much, his own R&B and soul tastes also originated from his father. Regarding Stevie Wonder in particular, he expressed deep respect, emphasizing, "He is like a textbook to me. 7 to 8 tenths of my music came from Stevie Wonder."

During the appearance, Crush performed a live cover of IU's 'Such an Ending' as a sign of respect. He continued the musical connection by mentioning Stevie Wonder's 'As'. He suggested that he has a persistent personality that must see a project through to the end once started, implying that he prepared this live stage with all his heart.

Source: KBS Kpop (YouTube)