Six years into the music scene as a solo artist, Kang Daniel's drive to showcase his growth as both an artist and a performer on stage shines through in his latest single, "Mess," and his 'ACT' tour.
"Whether it's an album or a song, I've always participated in everything," said Kang Daniel in an exclusive interview with allkpop. "But every time I do it, I always have a lot of desire to get better at it."
Sung fully in English with lyrics co-written by him, "Mess" marks Kang Daniel's first release for 2025, which arrived ahead of his 'ACT' tour in Europe with stops in London, Paris, Hamburg, and Warsaw.
To commemorate the artist's new song and tour, allkpop had the opportunity to speak with Kang Daniel on his musical projects, his biggest achievement, and goals. Check out the exclusive interview below!
Full video interview:
allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your new single “Mess”! Describe to us what the first months of your 2025 looked like. How’s your 2025 been going so far?
Kang Daniel: I think I've been busy since January. It’s been really busy. And there are a lot of things I want to try musically, and I think it's even better that I can include those attempts in the upcoming album. More than anything, I think it's even more meaningful because I'm making precious memories with FLOWD in many cities all over the world while on the ‘ACT’ tour.
allkpop: What’s the message you want to convey with “Mess,” and why did you decide to release it as a standalone track?
Kang Daniel: For the song “Mess,” I simply wanted to try making a short film or a drama. I wanted to try making a drama expressed through a song, and I wanted it to flow like a story with no set owner, where various people interpret it. I think that's why many people found it interesting and really liked it, so I'm happy about that. And I think the reason I released it as a single is not because of the concept of the music itself, but because what I wanted to convey maybe went well with a single.
allkpop: You're credited as one of the track’s lyricists. Tell us how it’s like working on the track with the other songwriters. Are you satisfied with how it came out?
Kang Daniel: First of all, other than the song "Mess," since my solo debut, I've always participated in writing lyrics and such. Whether it's an album or a song, I've always participated in everything. But every time I do it, I always have a lot of desire to get better at it. When you’re working on it, you don't know, but once the album or the song is released, rather than using various musical and technical devices, I think I tend to think more about what if I had used a more subtle expression or what if I had used more of this word or what if I had taken away a little bit of that word.
allkpop: This year marks sixth anniversary as a solo artist. What has been your biggest takeaway or achievement throughout your industry journey?
Kang Daniel: I think the biggest achievement is that I have grown musically in my own way. To be honest, I feel proud of this achievement, which money can't buy. I can’t believe that it's already been six years since I debuted, but anyway, I think that thanks to the FLOWD fans who have always been so gentle with me, I think I'm having more fun making music and showing you more of what I want to show you.
allkpop: You just wrapped up your tour in Asia, then you’ll be heading to Europe next. Could you tell us the meaning behind the tour’s title, ‘ACT’?
Kang Daniel: 'ACT' is something that I can connect with both musically and artistically. I want to open another curtain and start another stage as a performer. So, that’s the name of the album and the name of the tour. When you watch the concert, I think you'll like it better if you notice that I intentionally directed the stage like a one-act, two-act, three-act play.
allkpop: Do you have any rituals or routines before taking the stage as a solo artist? Are there times when you still feel nervous going up on stage?
Kang Daniel: I think it's a bit natural to be nervous before going on stage. But now, I often doubt myself a little bit when I'm not nervous. But the routine is the same. I just loosen up my joints and relax my neck like this. And I don't think it'll change.
allkpop: Lastly, please leave a message for allkpop readers and share with us some of your goals for this year!
Kang Daniel: Hello, allkpop subscribers. My goal for this year is to show you that I have grown a lot musically. I want to be the kind of singer that even if you don't know my music or even if you've known me in the past but you don't know me now, you can listen to my music and you can relate to it or you can put it on your own playlist. Thank you!
Socials:
Instagram: @daniel.k.here / @daniel.k.official / @konnect_kangdaniel
X: @kd_officialx / @kd_staffx / konnect_danielk
YouTube: Konnect Entertainment Official
Facebook: 강다니엘 Kang Daniel
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