ID: Earth’s Visionary Work

ID: Earth explains her unique way of viewing the Earth and the ways she finds meaning and music in the world around her

For those who are unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence, “ID: Earth is ___” or “ID: Earth’s music is ___”?

ID: Earth is a philosophical musician. ID: Earth’s music is an inspiration.

When did you first start dreaming of becoming a musician?

It’s a little strange for me to [think about dreaming of] becoming a musician, because I have felt that my soul is in music since I was young. When I was four years old, I started learning and playing instruments, and around ten years old, there was an orchestral song that only I could hear. It was fascinating that the song continued as I [came up with] it. Since then, I [have been] interested in composing and walking steadily [down a] musical path.

When did you officially decide to make the theme of your work the Earth and human civilization?

I’ve always longed [to understand] the reason why I was born with music [in my spirit]. One of the reasons is that I dream every day, and many dreams actually happen. I write about my dreams in songs, and lyrics with words from different countries come out. That's how I have become interested in other cultures. 

[An] electric sound from [an] outlet was so annoying that I [felt] the frequency as if I was possessed by something. The sound gradually [fit into] the puzzle related to the Earth [in my mind]. Then, the stage name “ID: Earth” came to mind. Subjects like the philosophy of civilization naturally flowed [from] that. I became convinced of what [my] soul wanted: to [incorporate] the Earth's identity into the language of music. I wanted to [preserve] the Earth with music.

Please describe the message of your newest album, PANORAMA, and how it relates to the stories in your previous releases.

PANORAMA is an album about human society, as you can guess from the jacket image. [My] previous albums [are] THE SEED and CAVE. CAVE refers to nature and the unconscious world. THE SEED is [about the] parallelism in which the world is divided. When I close my eyes, I move into the unconscious world, and when I open my eyes, I move into the real world. [My albums are] a representative story of human experiences in social life and philosophy.

Since you have described all of your releases as being a part of the same big puzzle, will the puzzle ever be fully solved? In other words, will the puzzle continue to just get bigger and bigger, or will the last piece eventually be found, and a new puzzle will start to be made?

The puzzle is like the Earth: you can feel it, but it's invisible. Each puzzle is implied and becomes a universe of life that will continue. [As long as] the human imagination can evolve, [the puzzle] will become even bigger. My last puzzle piece will be right before the end of my universe. I'm just the “ID: Earth” of this generation.

The puzzle is becoming more like the Earth. The puzzle changes when the Earth does, and the puzzle is harmed when the future of the Earth is. 

Can you share a hint for viewers and listeners who want help figuring out how your different releases are all related? What details should they focus on to understand the connections?

I often give hints in the jacket images. I [share] subjects through objects, colors, moods, and videos.

How long does it usually take to film your music videos, and where does the inspiration for them come from?

It takes about two days to shoot a music video, but we start planning three months to a year before the album is released. The inspiration for the music videos [comes from exchanging] notes and pictures from the time when [a] song was written, and new inspiration comes [from the] reinterpretations.

Are you involved in choosing the outfits, hair, and makeup for your music videos? What kinds of things do you try to keep in mind when picking what to wear in your videos?

Yes, I imagine the [scenes] one by one. For example, if I’m a fish, I think of a material like vinyl or a [fish-like] pattern. To express the inner side of the universe, [I] think about what kind of atmosphere [I] can express [with] color.

How is the process different depending on if you are making a film score or an OST?

The difference between [making a] score and [an] OST is whether it [becomes] background music or a [full] song, but if a score is made according to a specific scene or a specific atmosphere, I think [it can convey] the overall mood and theme of a work [as well as an OST]. With film, [I] get immersed in emotions and experiences that [I] don't have, and new music comes out of that.

What is something people might be surprised to know about being a composer?

You shouldn't just stock up on music [to become a good composer]. Social skills are also needed.

What are the most important traits or skills to have to become a good songwriter?

Originality, trendiness, and senses. 

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about your music?

I want to visit [fans of my work]. Please love my music a lot. If you have any cultural stories, please share them through email!

ID: Earth is constantly looking for new stories and creative partnerships, so feel free to contact her here: idearthcompany@gmail.com  

Check out ID: Earth’s new single here!

Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.