YELO Talks Fashion, Music, and Vlogging

YELO shares her newest single’s meaning, her green screen experiences, her advice for making YouTube content, and lots more!

For those who have never heard your music before, how would you describe it to  them? How would you finish the sentence, “YELO is ___” or “YELO’s music is ___”? 

I want to fill in the blank with "YELO is a chameleon." My music is based on R&B, but if you listen to [the songs] one by one, you can feel different attractions in each song. I write most of my songs, and through them, I want to show my various aspects and sensitivities. “My Yellow'” is an acoustic R&B song with a guitar sound and a warm and bright vibe. I also tried to rap in “Airplane Mode” and “Ringwanderung.” I want to show my multiple colors and prove that I can make it in the future.  

What is your newest single, “Bite & Chew,” about, and can you please explain the music video? Is there hidden meaning to any of the objects or colors in the “Bite & Chew” video? 

“Bite & Chew” is a bouncy and upbeat song, and the straightforward and bold lyrics are very attractive, like “I like Chanel, Gucci and Prada, but I love a vintage shirt too,” or “Everyone is being nice with a smile in front, but actually they backbite later on.” “I don't care at all and I'll live my life” is the key message from “Bite & Chew.” I [filmed the music video] in front of [a] green screen, so I didn't know what would be the outcome. I think the music video director wanted to show the song's freshness and energy through many colors and objects. 

I love your outfits in the “Bite & Chew” music video! Where do you find fashion  inspiration, and how would you describe your fashion preferences?

I usually wear clothing depending on my mood and wear many different styles, so it's hard to tell what my fashion preference is, but I can tell I don't like boring clothes. The color of the outfit is the element that I care the most [about] when I dress up. Not too many colors, maximum three. It's my small rule.  

Do you have any fun “TMI” stories from making the “Bite & Chew” music video or  from recording the song? 

While shooting the “Bite & Chew” music video, I had a scene watching a big cat behind my back, but I was at a studio with nothing but a green screen, so I had to imagine there was a big cat and act like I was surprised. Although the scene was deleted, it was a very fun memory. 

How much time goes into your vlogs, and why did you decide to start making them? 

Actually, I don't [keep track of] time while making my vlogs, “YELOG!” I don't want to have pressure making them. I started making “YELOG!” because I wanted to show my daily life to  my fans. Some of my fans asked me to make them, and at that time I wanted to do something different as well. 

I love your covers! What are some of your favorite covers you have uploaded to  YouTube?

My favorite cover song video is “Juice” by Lizzo. I like the lyrics, and the song is exciting. Whenever I sing that song, it makes me dance. I like the vibe of that video.  

How do you handle time management, being busy as both a musician and a YouTuber? 

Actually, it's very difficult to manage, because I'm doing YouTube without other editors. I'm trying to distribute my time fairly enough for both [being] a musician and a YouTuber. 

What are your tips for having a successful YouTube channel? 

Honestly, I think luck is a very important factor in all areas. A lot of people watched my “Billie Eilish - bad guy” cover video and thankfully loved it, but if I didn't upload [videos consistently, my fame] wouldn't have happened. If you are consistent with something you love, I believe good things will come to you eventually. 

What is your favorite NCT song?

It's very difficult to choose one, but I started to like NCT because of NCT 127’s “Baby Don't Like It.” The rap and melody lines are so great, I couldn't help falling in love. And Mark's rapping in that song is fantastic! 

Besides NCT, what other artists are you a big fan of? 

There are so many, but my role model is BoA. I dreamed of being a singer listening to her songs and watching her performances. I really love her! I want to collaborate with her, even if it’s just one line in a song. 

What is next for you? Are there any upcoming releases you can give a teaser about? 

I'm not sure what will be my next [release], but I'm making new songs now, so please look forward to them! 

What are your biggest career-related goals and dreams? 

To have a concert! It is my oldest and biggest dream, and I believe dreams come true. 

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans or anything else you want to say about your music? 

It was great to have an interview with 17 Carat K-Pop. Thank you! And my fans, Kkuma, thank you for all of your support, and I yellow you guys!! Please look forward to my next songs and stay safe!

Check out YELO’s newest single here, subscribe to her YouTube channel here, and follow her on Instagram here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.