The Hidden Story Behind Choa's "Yesterday": From Practice Room to Digital Single

During AOA's peak success with hits like "Miniskirt" and "Heart Attack," Choa made the unexpected decision to step away from the spotlight in 2017. "Yesterday" is the debut digital single by Choa that marks her triumphant return to music, released on April 9, 2022, following her five-year hiatus.

After her initial debut with AOA in 2012 under the song "Elvis," Park Cho-a (known professionally as Choa) has transformed her musical journey. Working with renowned German media artist Timo Helgert for the music video direction, she crafted a deeply personal narrative exploring themes of loneliness and post-breakup memories. This collaboration, announced by Great M Entertainment, represents not just a new song, but a new chapter in Choa's artistic evolution.

The Journey from AOA to Solo Artist

In June 2017, Choa stepped away from AOA, citing depression and insomnia as primary factors. Initially, she attempted to manage her struggles through medication, subsequently realizing a deeper need for personal healing.

Life after leaving AOA

After departing from the group, Choa focused on rebuilding her life away from the spotlight. She devoted time to essential self-care activities, specifically mentioning that she "slept well, ate well, and traveled around". Moreover, she explored new interests, including stock trading and personal projects.

Mental health recovery and musical growth

Throughout her recovery period, Choa's perspective on artistry evolved significantly. "When I was getting ready to make a comeback after a long break, I wanted to put aside 'the desire to be the best' which had taken a toll on me," she reflected. This shift in mindset allowed her to approach music with renewed purpose, focusing on creating songs that could meaningfully connect with listeners' daily lives.

Building towards the solo debut

In August 2020, Choa signed with Great M Entertainment, marking her official return to the industry. She began laying groundwork for her comeback through strategic steps:

Released OST tracks including "Here I Am" and "Thorn"
Participated in various entertainment programs
Developed her artistic vision for solo work

The journey culminated in her preparation for "Yesterday," representing not just a return to music, essentially marking a new chapter in her artistic evolution.

Inside the Making of Yesterday

The creation of "Yesterday" involved meticulous attention to sonic detail and innovative production techniques. The production team focused on crafting a distinctive musical identity through careful sound selection and arrangement.

Collaboration with The Aristocrats

The production partnership emphasized originality and uniqueness in every aspect of the track. The team prioritized creating independent sonic elements that would distinguish the song in the contemporary music landscape. Furthermore, they implemented a comprehensive approach to sound design, focusing on both individual elements and their collective impact.

Recording process and challenges

The recording process centered around six key areas of concentration:

Sound frequency selection and customization
Drum programming and arrangement
Mixing and sonic wall construction

The team particularly emphasized efficient drum programming, recognizing it as a foundational element of the track's structure. Additionally, they developed unique methods that maximized their production environment's capabilities.

Creating the signature sound

The signature sound of "Yesterday" emerged through deliberate choices in sound frequencies, which played the most significant role in establishing the track's mood. The production team focused on crafting custom drum sounds and maintaining steady arrangements that weren't overly complex.

The mixing process became instrumental in creating a unique sonic impression. Through careful sound design and customization, each instrument received individual attention to ensure it contributed to the track's distinctive character. Consequently, the team achieved a balanced mix where electronic and acoustic elements complemented each other, creating a harmonious blend that defined the song's signature sound.

Breaking Down the Musical Elements

The musical composition of "Yesterday" showcases a delicate balance between vocal prowess and instrumental finesse. Rather than following conventional pop structures, the song demonstrates sophisticated musical arrangements.

Vocal arrangement analysis

The vocal delivery maintains a balanced approach throughout the track. Although vocal intensity and power are common in modern pop, "Yesterday" takes a different route with its passive yet melodic vocals. The song's vocal arrangement primarily focuses on creating tuneful, crisp sections that build toward a climactic point near the end, where controlled note holds and belting occur.

Yesterday chordify breakdown

The song's chord progression follows a sophisticated pattern in A major at 88 BPM, incorporating:

Bm7 - Em7 - A - D progression
Balanced harmonic structure
Melodic foundation supporting vocal lines

Instrumental composition details

The instrumental arrangement serves as an enchanting foundation that aligns seamlessly with the vocals. Notably, the instrumental elements adapt their energy levels to match different song sections, creating a dynamic sonic landscape. The composition maintains a graceful serenity while providing adequate support for vocal passages, though it intentionally stays subtle rather than overwhelming. This approach allows the track to achieve its signature sound without compromising the emotional depth of the lyrics.

Visual Storytelling Through Art

German media artist Timo Helgert brought unique visual elements to Choa's "Yesterday" music video through his distinctive artistic approach. His involvement extended beyond typical direction, as he remained present throughout the entire filming process, offering creative input for each scene.

Working with Timo Helgert

The collaboration with Helgert proved significant, given his established reputation through the Korea Creative Content Agency's 'Gwanghwa Sidae' project. His dedication to the project manifested in his hands-on approach, staying from morning until the next day to perfect each shot.

Symbolism in the music video

The music video's central motif features daisies, which hold dual significance - they represent Choa's March birthday and stand as Helgert's favorite flowers. The visual narrative portrays Choa moving between reality and a virtual world after a breakup. These transitions serve as metaphors for remembering past love's beauty alongside the journey of moving forward.

Creative direction choices

The visual content emphasizes recognition and emotional connection through several key elements:

Delicate expressions that amplify the song's emotional depth
Seamless transitions between real and virtual spaces
Integration of spring-like imagery that complements the track's mood

In fact, Helgert's artistic vision aligned perfectly with the innocence of the daisies, creating a harmonious blend that enhanced the overall mood of the song. His approach to visual storytelling primarily focused on maximizing emotional impact through careful attention to detail and thoughtful creative direction.