Dept on Understanding the World Through Music
The musician and founder of Dept Music talks about his new songs, unique outlook on life, and desire to find purpose in dreams.
For those who have never heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “Dept is ___” or “Dept’s music is ___”?
“Dept is [a] creator.” “Dept’s music is communication.”
Dept Music’s motto is “We Make a New Culture.” Can you explain what that phrase means to you? How does that phrase define Dept Music?
I dream of becoming an interactive artist [who] fits the new era. I dream of becoming an artist who grows and communicates comfortably with the public. It's not easy, but I'm still trying to be like that and create a new culture.
Please describe the songs on your new EP, Dreamers!
Dreamers is an album made with the themes of dreams and frustrations. People suffer great losses because of what they can't have and will never have. They dream and suffer from frustrations [by not] knowing why they have [those dreams]. I'm in a similar situation, [so] I wanted to talk about this kind of situation in this album.
What is something people would be surprised to know about the making of Dreamers?
I like the hook of the song "Loser" quite a bit. A lot of people don't seem to know [that]!
How is Dreamers similar to your previous releases, and how is it different?
The Dreamers album is similar to the indie style I used to do often, but you can feel the differences in the lyrics. As I said, this is a story about our dreams and hopes. I'd appreciate it if you could think deeply about the lyrics.
What inspires your music and keeps it sounding so varied?
The countless songs and [other media] content that are released and people's daily lives make my heart pound. To me, life is sometimes similar to the media. I look at it in detail, and there's always an answer in it.
Who designs your cover artworks? Do you plan to keep the same aesthetic for cover art in the future?
Painter Lee Eun. I'm going to work with this painter for a while.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Is there anything you wish you had known before pursuing music?
There's nothing I want to say to them. I want to show [them] through action. As much as [I] love music, [it] can hurt [my] heart a lot.
What is the best advice that you have gotten from a fellow musician?
My friends [advise] me to pay attention to my clothes, so I've been shopping [a lot] these days. Even musicians have to be good at styling.
What are your career goals for 2024 and beyond?
[Have a] tour, make great music videos and live clips, and constantly inspire people.
Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
I will continue to make new styles of music and release better-quality music and videos. I'm really curious about your reactions. Please look forward to my future moves.
Check out Dreamers here, and keep up with Dept by following him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!
Note: This interview was conducted prior to the release of Pieces of Mind, another new EP from Dept that also deserves attention!
Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Photo credit: Instagram.