NCT’s Mark Lee opens his debut solo album, The Firstfruit, with an evocative line from his new song “Toronto’s Window”: “I never thought I could dream in detail.” This introduction reflects not just artistic ambition but also Mark’s journey of self-discovery.
At just 25, Mark has evolved significantly since his debut with SM Entertainment’s NCT nearly nine years ago. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter from Seoul, he shared, “I really got to find myself while creating this album. Now that it’s done, it even sparked thoughts about my second chapter,” showcasing his continual creative exploration.
As a dynamic performer entrenched in the K-Pop scene – being part of NCT subgroups like 127 and Dream, along with the supergroup SuperM – Mark has embraced every challenge. In The Firstfruit, he unveils unprecedented levels of vulnerability. “Toronto’s Window” acts as an origin story, leading seamlessly into the title track “1999.”
Spanning 13 tracks, the album serves as a candid glimpse into the psyche of an artist who is both authentic and multifaceted. Mark sat down with THR to discuss the album’s creation, the impact of his father’s feedback, his personal growth throughout the process, and the decision to begin this musical journey in Toronto.
Creating The Firstfruit: A Transformative Journey
The process of bringing The Firstfruit to life spanned nearly a year. Mark reflects on a pivotal moment after the release of “200,” which spurred him to rethink and reshape his artistic direction. “Every part of the process was crucial,” he notes, “but it was a significant turning point that led to the creation of this album.” Starting over proved to be challenging, but it was vital for his artistic evolution.
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Personal Growth Through Music
Mark elaborates on how this album has shifted his perception of himself. “I think this album helped me find myself, and I hope my listeners can experience the same.” This sentiment captures the essence of his work, emphasizing connections through personal storytelling.
Exploring New Musical Territory with “1999”
Describing “1999” as an exciting departure from his usual sound, Mark explains, “The first time I heard it, I didn’t think, ‘This is the one,’ but it captured my attention more than anything else we explored.” His collaboration with producer Dress, particularly the use of his signature falsetto in the hook, led him to view the track as a defining piece for his artistic journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6PeWqj-moU
An Evolving Perspective on Performance and Creativity
Mark expresses that his experiences over the years have deepened his understanding of music and performance. “I feel like this album aged me by at least five years,” he reflects. He envisions himself as a more nuanced artist, employing various performance strategies, including using a handheld microphone for “1999” instead of the typical headset.
Favorite Tracks and Vulnerable Moments
When asked about his favorite track, Mark highlights “Mom’s Interlude” for its personal significance. “It’s so vulnerable; it’s just me talking with my mom.” The intimacy of this track demonstrates the depth he sought to achieve in The Firstfruit.
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Unique Visuals and Artistic Expression
Mark expresses enthusiasm for the unique cinematic elements, such as the video for “Toronto’s Window,” which adds a fresh layer to his musical storytelling. “This album feels like something completely new for me, and I believe it perfectly sets the mood,” he states.
Emotional Reactions from Loved Ones
Despite feeling vulnerable, Mark was eager to share his music with friends and family. A conversation with his father, who expressed pride in the honesty of the album, confirmed for him that he had made the right artistic choices.
A Request to Listeners
Finally, Mark shares a heartfelt plea: “I’m not asking for the world to love this album, but I hope listeners take a moment to experience it in its entirety. Doing so will allow them to understand me better.”