IT’S Makes Music on Her Own Terms

The artist IT’S explains why she chose that stage name, the sense of freedom making solo music brings her, and the feelings she has towards different songs from her past.

For those who have never heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? 

Rather than expressing a grand philosophical meaning or a profound story, I want to include topics or messages that anyone [can] easily sympathize with in music. Can't my music be someone's inner thoughts or someone's energy?

How did you choose your stage name?

The word "It's” is [one of] the most commonly used words in English."IT’S" means that I want my songs to be known [by] many people. In addition, I chose it as my stage name because the Korean expression of "IT’S" is easy to pronounce.

Do you remember how and when you were first inspired to become a singer?

It wasn't my dream to be a singer from the beginning. When I was a student, people around me told me that my voice was good, and I naturally had many opportunities to sing. As a result, I think I have been doing musical activities continuously. It's already been ten years. I'm still lacking a lot, but my biggest goal is to work harder and let many people hear my music.

Please describe your new single, “Ticket”!

It's not my choice to be born, but how I live my life depends on my choices. Nevertheless, we live with dreams that are forced [upon us] by parents and [other] people around us. I wanted to express that dream [to make my own choices] by [using] the word "ticket." We live in different environments, but I made this song with the hope that we can [all] escape from the formal dreams imposed by others and live our lives at the speeds and directions we want.

Please describe your newest album, Narcissus, and why you chose that album title.

It's a name borrowed from the flower of Narcissus. Like the story [from] Greek mythology, I wanted to deliver [the] message that I want to be a person who loves myself.

Please share some information about each of these songs:

“What’re You Doing Tonight?”: It's my debut song, and it's been loved by many people. It's not a song that I personally cherish, but it's a song that I'm grateful for, for allowing me to continue my current music career.

“Don’t be shy”: “Don't be shy” is a song that I really liked when I first received the demo guide version. I wanted to sing it in my own color, but my company wanted me to sing it with a sexy concept, so it became a completely different atmosphere from the early demo song. So it's a good song, but on the other hand, it's a disappointing song.

“childhood of the sea”: This song is intended to comfort people who live hard without a break. Even if we become adults, we are still immature humans who are as [clear-eyed] and young as children. I thought that consolation was needed for the times that [force people] to take on excessive responsibilities and roles.

How is your solo music similar and different from BAMSOOSUNG’s music? 

When I was doing BAMSOOSUNG’s music, I had to follow a music color pursued by the team member who was a producer. Solo, I can do the music only I want to do. Therefore, BAMSOOSUNG’s music is mainly calm, but [my solo music is] mainly rock/metal-like music. 

What is next for you? Can you give any hints about upcoming projects?

I'm planning an EP [for] this fall. I'm making an album that'll be strong and memorable for a long time, so please look forward to it. In addition, I have been working hard on music with the goal of not only producing albums, but also performing overseas next year. I'm busy, but it's not hard at all, because I'm doing what I like.

Your official debut was almost ten years ago. Congratulations! Looking back, how has your music, or your feelings about being a musician overall, changed over time?

Thank you. Time seems to have gone by really fast. When I first debuted, I had to do music that my company pursued. But now, it is good that I can actively do music that I want to do. I didn't want to do it in the past, but I had to, so I don't think the music was that good. But now I'm happy to be free to [explore] whatever I want to express [and] what I want to be seen.

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

Music is a means of expressing myself. I am a person who is honest, so I put my feelings into music. I think the atmosphere of music can also change depending on the emotions I [feel] at the time. I think people can feel the changes in my emotions in the album that will be released this fall. I hope people continue to support me in the future, and thank you to everyone who listens to and loves my music.

This interview was a very precious [thing] for me. I will do my best to show you good performances. Thank you. Thank you [to] my fan club, “That’s,” too.

Check out IT’S’s newest single here, and keep up with her by following her on Instagram!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photo credit: Instagram.