One of the more interesting interviews I did late in 2019 was with Eyedi. On the surface, she might seem like a delicate girl. A shy young lady who makes romantic music for the more “idol”-based pop industry. However, when one gets to know her, Eyedi is an incredibly intuitive artist. Concerned about the state of the world. She took some time before Christmas to answer some questions for us.
Eyedi: A Woman of Many Colors
Could you introduce yourself to the HiphopKR readers?
Hello! I’m Eyedi. I am a retro-based R&B musician, and it feels great saying hello to everyone.
Throughout your career, you’ve made music in multiple genres. “Mix B” has a variety of colors to it. There’s pop, some R&B, and ballads. Is there a genre that you really want to focus on? Or do you prefer to make music from multiple genres?
“Mix B” means “Multiple of Brands Mixed.” It means that every single song listed is a single brand. I wanted to let people hear variety of songs on my first regular album. But the basic base of my debut song “Sign,” “Caffeine,” and recently released “& New” is retro, so I will continue to make songs in this genre.
When you write lyrics, are you more focused on your own life? Or do you like to create stories?
It depends on the vibe of the song. The lyrics of “Sign” and “Tomorrowland” is more about my experience, but I made stories to fit the vibe for some other ones.
Great Experiences
How was your experience at MU:CON?
As MU:CON is a global music market, many people from the overseas music industry participated. I feel honored to share my music on such an event. It is also very special to me, as I’ve been selected as a K-pop Vocalist for three years in a row.
You’ve worked with Loopy a few times. How did you two meet? What has your experience been like working with him?
I got to know Loopy on YouTube before his debut in Korea. He wasn’t that known yet. Before his debut, I was so impressed with a few of his videos, and I contacted him because I wanted to work with him, and he willingly joined.
He is very kind, but he is a very professional and meticulous musician. I think that’s why my debut song “Sign” came out great.
There is an acoustic version of “Sign,” and I recommend you to listen to that one as Loopy re-recorded his rap on that one.
For the English version of “CHAPTER 21,” you worked with Mario Winans. How did that come about?
I often get inspiration from the music of the past rather than the trendy ones. I still like to listen to TLC or Babyface, etc.
So I always wanted to work with legendary pop musicians I got inspiration from or I liked to listen to. Then I happened to make a song that required a male vocal. While looking for a vocal that suits the vibe, Mario Winans popped into my head.
I sent him a love call with the explanation of the song, and apparently he was interested in K-pop. That’s how I got to work with him, and I plan to work with more legendary pop musicians in the future.
MIXNINE & Other Realities
Can you talk about your experience competing on “MIXNINE”? What was the most important thing you learned from competing on that show?
On casting, the production crews of “MIXNINE” did not explain it was an idol audition program. They told me it is a program that introduces various musicians of Korea.
But I don’t regret it. It was a stage I can never experience in a normal life.
After the show, CEO Yang Hyunsuk offered me a debut as a member of YG Girl Group; I think it was a good experience as I got recognized by that much.
Do you think survival shows like “MIXNINE” are helpful for artists?
I think survival show would be a great help for those who want to introduce themselves to the audience. But if the musician has a solid identity, I don’t think it will be a great help.
You were on the music dating show “Studio Vibes.” How did you happen to get on that show?
I received an offer from the producer; the concept of many musicians staying together for a month was very fresh, and I decided to be on it thinking that a pure group of musicians staying together would have a lot to learn from each other. And until the shooting day, all members of the group did not know who would be on that group.
What was the experience being on a dating show?
Producers told me that we will be doing various music works while staying together, But in reality, I couldn’t do music. (laugh) Because men and women were staying together, the shooting atmosphere couldn’t be helped but to be about dating.
I couldn’t do proper music works, but I was able to befriend musicians I’ve never met before, so just by that it is a happy memory.
Eyedi Faces the Pressures of the Public
As someone who has been in front of the world (on both “MIXNINE” and “Studio Vibes”) it can be hard trying to please a big audience. Do you feel pressure to try to be appealing to many people? If so, how do you deal with that pressure?
Hmm… Not that big pressure. Although it’s a broadcast, I try to show my honest, usual self. Even the company makes me feel easy about being on the show by saying “have fun.”
Do you think that there are different pressures/expectations for female artists? If so, why do you think that is and how do you feel about it?
I think the environment for the female artists is getting better and better. Even if there is an unfair side, If I do my work at my position perfectly, I think the environment will gradually change, so I don’t think much about it.
You mention that people often compare you to IU because of your look. I know you wish more people would focus on your music. Do you think there’s too much emphasis on looks rather than art? How do you personally want to get people to focus on your music rather than your looks?
The first thing I always wanted to say to my overseas fans is that I and my company never mentioned IU for marketing. But Yang Hyunsuk, the CEO of YG Ent., kept mentioning that I look like IU on every show and article I’ve been on. IU is definitely one of the musicians I respect and adore. But if people keep comparing me and IU for the appearance, I think I am doing wrong to her. I will do my best to be called as the second IU for my music, rather than the appearance.
Eyedi and Her Dreams
In an interview with OH! Press you mentioned you have interest in acting. What kind of shows or movies would you like to try? Are there any projects that you might be doing in the future?
I recently finished shooting independent movie and web drama. The web drama is currently revealed on YouTube, and I play as Nam, Yujin, my actual name. And I will be saying hello to you on other movies as well. I do have a project being planned right now, but I will let you know when things are set.
Do you still have dreams of going into fashion design?
Of course. Aside from music, my biggest interest is on fashion. If I have an opportunity, I will do fashion-related job.
Eyedi Envisions a Better Tomorrow
You mentioned that “Tomorrowland” was part of a suicide prevention campaign. Can you tell us more about that?
On internet, I have seen the some people’s posts made right before they committed suicide. It’s normal to think they have left a lot in that posts, right? But in fact, the posts were very simple and flat. If someone was there by them, they would have been a great help to them; it’s sad that there was no one.
So the album I made to be the strength for those is “Tomorrowland.”
With the passing of many young artists in the past few years, the topics of mental health, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention are coming up more often. Why do you think suicide rates are so high?
I don’t think the world is healthy. This is a world where we are fast and easily exposed to the bad influences like virus. We are living in such an inevitable world, but I don’t think of it negatively.
What do you think needs to happen in order to lower the suicide rate?
I think I am where I am because of many people’s support and love. Families are like that too. So go and love some people. I still exist today for those whom I love and those who love me.
Have you ever dealt with cyberbullying? If so, how do you handle it, and is there any advice you can give those dealing with it?
That’s not an easy talk. As a person who is known to the public, I actually appreciate those who make malicious comments rather than being completely ignored.
Sometimes I see the comments who fights for me against those malicious comments, and some people cheers me up. Like I said earlier, we are living in a world where cyberbullying is inevitable. But I hope everyone to be mentally healthy. Don’t try to fight with them.
Eventually everyone will feel like nothing ever happened.
Inspirations & Role Models
You mentioned that you love R&B and Soul music (Remy Shand, Raphael Saadiq, PJ Morton, etc.). How did you get interested in artists like these? What about R&B and Soul do you connect to?
I really like acoustic sound. That’s why I enjoy listening to Soul music, and I enjoy listening R&B of ’90s rather than trendy future sound ones.
In your interview with Deer Zone, you mentioned that you don’t want to think of one person or artist as a “role model” (for fear of trying to sound like them). Do you think it’s hard to be a fan of someone and not try to emulate their style? How do you separate yourself from artists you admire?
Firstly it’s hard for me to pick a person as a role model. I grew up listening to many musicians, and it may change depending on the environment I’m living at.
Easily put, I think it is difference on the love and like. I’d like to like and enjoy more musicians rather than fall in love with someone, and that’s why I said “I don’t have a role model.”
What the Future Brings for Eyedi
What’s a genre that you’ve never tried before but you’d really like to try in the future?
I want to do some music in the times of Motown, and I want to make my own band to make unplugged album. I am actually planning to make a band right now.
What can fans expect from you in the future?
On December 8, I announced a song in collaboration with Kevin Wild (a.k.a. Bad Royale) who is an American EDM musician. He is a famous producer who has worked with Steve Aoki, Mazor Lazer, and others. I think it was a good experience trying out electronic genre which I don’t usually try.
Any final thoughts?
I will do my best to see you on overseas stage as well. Please give me a lot of support, and I will say hi again with EP album in February 2020 and on a new movie.
Eyedi certainly is a surprising artist. While vocally she has a softer tone, she has the heart of a tiger. She has an incredibly positive vision for the future. Such fearlessness and positive energy bodes well for her 2020. Be on the lookout for Eyedi. She’s destined for something great next year!
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