소리 Soli
photos by @bennett
Itzel Talks SUNBEAM, Clementine, and Creating Through Summer Emotions
Your new project SUNBEAM feels warm and dreamy, and the production is soo good a mix of electronic pop. What was it like putting it together this year? What kind of feeling or story were you trying to create with these songs?
The double single SUNBEAM includes two tracks, introduced as:
“A ray of sunshine that blazes warmly
this very moment, eternal sunlight.”
This release captures the scent and light of summer.
‘Clementine’ is actually a song I wrote last year, inspired by character from the film <Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind>.
At first, I had no plans to release it, but as summer approached, I felt its mood fit the season perfectly. So I decided to share it.
This year also brought me new emotions.
As I was slowly letting go of a love that would never quite be mine, I wrote ‘Overrated’.
It became a way to preserve a beautiful feeling before it faded.
Both tracks were produced with Dasoi, a beatmaker.
He’ve recently been deeply interested in electronic sound.
He delivered his unique textures and clean electronic sound.
I wanted to share the small but meaningful emotions that someone out there might have felt too.
Just like how the <SUNBEAM> once shone gently down on me,
I hope it shines just as warmly on the listeners.
I’ve noticed in songs like Clementine and Dizzy, you mix Korean and English in a really natural, beautiful way. Is that something you do intentionally? What does using both languages help you express in your music? I think it’s a really powerful choice and it probably helps listeners who don’t speak Korean connect with you, too.
I was born and raised in Korea, but I’ve always loved the softness and texture of the English language. Especially how it flows with melody.
Since I grew up listening to music by English-speaking artists, writing lyrics in English felt pretty natural to me. Many of my favorite artists sang in English, so it just came naturally.
At the same time, as a Korean, I’ve always loved the beauty and poetic quality that the Korean language offers. I think that’s why the two languages began to blend together in my music. Not intentionally, but organically.
Interestingly, most of my audience has been international, and it’s honestly still surprising to see how far my songs have reached. I’m just so grateful to have listeners all over the world who support me and connect with my music across borders. I really feel their love!
Who/What inspires you when it comes to making music?
The music of the artists I admire inspires the desire to write songs,
And the emotions I feel in my life and relationships that truly move me to create.
What do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
I hope that people feel a sense of closeness with me and my music. Like I’m right there beside them. Whatever they’re going through, I want to be with them in that moment. We all live different lives, go through different things, and no one can fully understand another person’s experience. But even so, I hope my music can be the kind of companion that softens the weight of solitude.
What do you like to do outside of music? Are there other ways you express yourself creatively?
I love writing and having conversations.
I enjoy spending time with people I care about, sharing recent experiences and reflecting on how we’ve been feeling.
When I’m alone, I like to explore certain topics more deeply and later share those thoughts with friends.
I also majored in dance and have a big respect for art that’s expressed through the body.
Even though I haven’t been dancing as often since graduating, I still carry a strong love and admiration for it.
Where’s your favorite place to hang out or feel inspired in Seoul?
I’d go with Hannam-dong. It’s where stylish people and trendsetters gather, and the fashion and shops always offer something inspiring.
Sometimes I enjoy working from a nearby cafe when it’s quiet.
Check out Itzel’s latest project, SUNBEAM, streaming now on all platforms.
Itzel ‘CLEMENTINE’ Official MV
Follow her on Instagram @youritzel and stay tuned for more releases.