Meet WOOXI!

The underrated EDM artist talks about her work ethic, teaming up with TANAKA, and current aspirations.

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “WOOXI IS __”. Or “WOOXI’s music is __”?

“WOOXI’s music is powerful.” Even when I do live sets, there are a lot of hard tracks, and I mostly play strong music.

Do you remember who or what inspired you to become a musician? How long has this been a dream of yours?

I think [I have] had a dream of doing music and performing [since] kindergarten. My mother has played pop songs since I was young, so I naturally [formed] that dream. The overseas [artist who inspired me was] DJ Yellow Claw. I follow and comment on their music and performances a lot. The DJs [from Korea who inspired me] are the duo Garenz. I remember they were so cool up close that I couldn’t dance and just stared blankly.

Please describe your new collaboration with TANAKA, “GIONGO.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make it easier for the public to access EDM. I made it thinking of TANAKA’s unique voice and [the] actions that can be imagined just by listening to the song.

Can you share a “TMI’ story from making “GIONGO” or other interesting facts about working with TANAKA?

I’ve always filmed YouTube content with TANAKA, so it was similar to usual. We both like Japan, and since I live in Japan, we often talk about music. I think the most difficult thing about making this song was [figuring out] how to make the characters “TANAKA” and “Yuca” come alive. I wrote [the] rap, and I think I was obsessed with [making the song] addictive.

What was your experience like making “Classic” for He’s album, SAY MY NAME? Would you consider working with He’s again in the future?

“Classic” was the first song that He’s said, “Oh, let’s do it together!” when I sketched and played for [him]. It wasn’t long after I learned how to produce, so I remember being really happy when I heard that! If I have a chance in the future, I want to work with him [again].

Who would you love to collaborate with that you haven’t yet, and why?

There are so many people. I really want to sing with Japanese rapper CHANMINA. The lyrics she writes are always so fresh, and the [stages] look like dramas, so I’ve watched a lot of [her] live videos. I think she is one of the rappers who connects Korea and Japan.

Do you have any dream venues or countries you want to perform in someday?

I want to be a DJ who can perform in front of many people in various countries, regardless of location.

What is next for you? Are you working on any projects currently that you can give hints about?

I’m trying to make a song where I can say, “This song is WOOXI!” I’m still very inexperienced, so I need to study more, and I really want to collaborate with rappers in Korea by next year.

What are your long-term goals?

I want to be a DJ representing Asia who can think about music and performances without worrying.

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

I hypnotize [myself] every day, telling [myself] to not give up, believe in myself, and keep running. I tell myself to be diligent and work harder every day.

Check out “GIONGO” here, and follow WOOXI on Instagram here!

Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of SHAKIT.