Being isolated when composing, writing a record, or just being on a computer
in general is weird. What do you do to work through those mental challenges?

Actually I like being isolated when I make music. It is the most exciting time because I am free to do whatever I want. Sometimes it can be painful, but it is a pleasant pain. So being isolated and making music can be good for my mental health. When I need a break, I like to read Korean short stories on my couch, watch dumb tv shows, and sometimes walk outside.

What’s something you have done to make being a musician work for you?

I've always had another job. I gave up full-time jobs to be a musician in the past, but now when I look back, I'm not sure if the reason I quit was because I just didn't like the job. I was a nurse at a mental health clinic in Korea and ironically I had a mental health issue because of the job. Then, I worked as a disabled activity assistant for a long time, which I liked, and the schedule was quite flexible. After moving to the US, I’ve worked as a TA in a Korean language
program.

What are your financial goals in playing music? Are they different from when
you first started out?

I don't have any financial goals in playing music because I think there is no possibility that I can make money with my music. Compared my expectations when I first started this project however, it has turned out a little bit better.

Best tour moment you have ever had?

Our band only went on tour once, recently. When we got to this cute venue in Rock Island, IL, called Rozz-Tox, surprisingly, I found that they served Asian food like Chinese buckwheat noodles, Japanese curry, and Korean energy drinks. Moreover, Rozz-Tox provided dinner and cozy accommodations for touring bands. It felt like home, and I was so touched how well they treated musicians. It was one of the best venues that I’ve ever experienced in America.

What’s a tour memory that was bad in the moment, but you can laugh
about now?

When I was in Korea, my old band got a great chance to perform at Glastonbury. We reserved a tent in a camping zone at the festival and bought water bottles and food to stay there for a few days since we were too poor to buy expensive food at the festival. When we got there, our van wasn’t allowed to enter, so we had to walk half a day, first to find a camping zone, then to bring our gear and luggage to the camping zone. The place was huge, and the land was covered with mud, grass, and stones. We had all of our gear, food, and suitcases in our hands, and the wheels of our suitcases finally broke because they couldn’t endure the bumpy ground. When we arrived at the camping zone completely exhausted that night, it was freezing cold and rainy. But we were able to eat Korean instant ramen because I brought a burner in my suitcase, and it was the best ramen we’ve ever had in our lives.

How is being a musician in Korea vs. in the US different? What things are the same?

A big difference is that Korea is a small country, and the US is a huge country. Musicians in the US can tour a lot in different places but musicians in Korea have limited options, a maximum of 5 cities in South Korea. However, there are government funding programs for musicians in Korea, so if you apply them and get selected, you can receive funding for plane tickets and go on tour overseas. Although they do not pay for the full cost of a tour, it is a great help. Unfortunately, I heard that the current Korean government is reducing a lot of support programs for artists. Another different thing is that musicians in Korea don’t need to have a car since there are already drum kits and amps at venues. Most musicians use public transportation. Lastly, the US seems to be more accepting of diverse music and musicians’ characters, including gender and ages. I personally feel that there is more freedom as a female musician in the US so far.

A similarity between Korea and the US is that it is always difficult to attract audiences to performances.

I imagine it being challenging to move to a new country and try to find your footing in a music scene. How did you navigate that transition? What advice would you give to musicians moving to find their footing in a new city or country?

If you don't know any musicians in a new place, using online communities such as Craigslist can be a good start. When I came to the US, I found several bands from online communities and got a chance to play bass and guitar with them. We never had a show together, but you can get a sense of the local vibes and make musician friends. During the pandemic, I made Home in the Desert in my apartment and after finishing recording, I formed the band. When we felt ready for shows, I gathered Chicago venue information and emailed them with the record, so we were able to book shows. I think it would be good to have somewhat firm recordings before starting the band. That way people can listen to what you are actually doing as a new musician. This is just one example. If you are a more active person, going to see local bands that you are interested in and talking to them can be a good way to get started.

You mentioned at your most recent show that it would be your last as a Chicago local. What will you miss most about the Chicago scene in moving to Colorado?

I don't go out that often, so I feel that I just started to figure out the Chicago scene. There are so many musicians, bands and venues here that I haven't had the chance to check everything out yet, but I still want to know. It is sad.  Chicago musicians and audiences are open minded and have been warm to me. I think I was lucky to be able to live in Chicago.

What is your stance on streaming and the “future” of how people consume
music?

Streaming is convenient. I'm also using a streaming service everyday, but when I look at the numbers, it feels fake. In the future, when our earth is almost destroyed, I think streaming will be gone and musicians who cannot make music without electricity and technology like me will disappear. Only musicians who are skilled at playing acoustic instruments will survive, like in the TV series Station Eleven.

Favorite recording tools that you use?

I have only used two recording tools. When I started to record at home, GarageBand and Logic were already installed on my computer. I used GB first because it was easy and I moved to Logic later. There are still so many functions in Logic that I don’t know how to use, so I think I will keep using it for a while. I also used Line 6 GearBox in the beginning and I liked the software amps and pedals a lot, but GearBox is incompatible with newer computers, so unfortunately I can no longer use it.

Have you thought about quitting music? What prompted it and what ultimately
caused you to want to continue?

All the time. Since there is a ton of good music out there, I often think about why I need to make this. However, making music is one of ways that helps me move away from my cynical attitude toward the world. But if people connect with what I am trying to express through my songs, I will continue to make music.

What inspires you to create?

There is not specific thing that inspires me to create. It just comes to me randomly such as while I’m walking, taking a shower, or listening to music. When I feel inspired, I grab my guitar and play something, and that is where my songs come from.