Electronic pop singer BÉBE YANA talks new track '64, and drawing inspiration from the '90s and early 2000s
BÉBÉ YANA’s new single ‘64 is out now!
Welcome to Bunni Pop extras! From time to time, I will post updates here with new music and profiles of up-and-coming artists. This week, I’m very excited to introduce readers to electronic pop queen BÉBE YANA!
(Photo credit: A MASS CULTURE)
Electronic pop has been making its way into K-pop in recent years, and rising artist BÉBE YANA is part of that movement.
The singer recently released her dreamy and ethereal new single ‘64, which aims to encourage listeners to trust the universe and rid themselves of negative thoughts.
BÉBE YANA, whose real name is Yoon Hayana, first debuted in 2012 as part of the K-pop group EvoL. While the group gained attention with its debut EP Let Me Explode!, it eventually disbanded in 2015. Since then, BÉBE YANA has gone independent and is now signed to the label A MASS CULTURE.
As a solo artist, she is now taking on a more futuristic sound that can be compared to artists like Grimes, FKA Twigs and Lexie Liu. Last year, BÉBE YANA released her EP Space Mulan, which she says is about finding and exploring your own goals, spirit, and character.
BÉBE YANA recently chatted with Bunni Pop about her new single ‘64, how fashion influences her music and why she found inspiration from Mulan for her latest EP.
Hi BÉBE YANA! Congratulations on your new single '64! For those who are not familiar with your music before, how would you introduce yourself?
Thank you! Hi everyone, this is BÉBE YANA. I’m an artist from Seoul, South Korea and I make music based off of electronic style pop and enjoy creating underground style K-pop.
Tell me about the story behind your new track '64?
[‘64] is about getting away from toxic situations and returning to a place where you are stable and trust yourself.
Sonically, I wanted to show a different perspective. Let me give you an example. You know there are certain art pieces where it's one art piece, but it looks different when you focus on different points? I think this song is just like that.
Where did the number 64 come from?
[64] came from the famous ‘64 Chevy Impala. It is known for its prestigious and classy look, and I thought it represented originality and classy well in this song. Riding in the ’64, means moving towards a high quality of life, trusting yourself, and sticking to your values. I also like the meaning of 64 as an angel number.
The artwork for this track also references the classic 64 Chevy Impala. What kind of music do you like to listen to when you're going on a road trip?
First, I like to listen to music that’s fun and upbeat. Then I go over some of my recent demos. This is my usual road trip routine. When you listen to your demos in the car, it sounds and feels completely different. Sometimes this leads me to new ideas.
You got to work with producers Ludwig Wandinger and KHYO. The latter has worked with some of the biggest names in K-pop including Crush, WAYV and Woo. Can you tell me how this collaboration came about, and what it was like working with the two of them?
This project started off with me reuniting with my old friend KHYO. We talked about a bunch of ideas we would like to work on together and I sent him some drafts. He developed it with Ludwig while he was on a trip to Berlin. While they were away in Berlin, KHYO would send me videos from the studio and I knew it was going to be good. Then BOOM the song came out! Big shout out to the two amazing producers KHYO and Ludwig for helping make this happen.
This is your first comeback since your EP Space Mulan. Mulan is known as this historically strong and fierce character. Why do you identify with her?
Not only the character itself but rather the power of the word ‘Mulan’. It represents so many meanings such as being strong, independent, achieving goals, and pursuing your passion. So when I was making my first EP, the sounds and the message that I was creating at that time felt very ‘Mulan’ to me. The whole album [SPACE MULAN] implies finding and exploring your own goals, spirit, and character.
You first debuted as part of the K-pop group EvoL before turning to solo activities. What did you take from that experience into your own work as a solo artist?
I’ve learned so much about the basics and understanding the music industry in many ways. When it comes to basics, the idol training system is tougher than you might think. The whole process I went through still helps me a lot to this day.
Your sound can be described as futuristic. And your musical style takes from new wave pop, Jersey Club. What draws you to this genre of music?
I love listening to music that makes me move and that idea continues on in the process of making my music. I think that’s why I’m more intrigued by those types of music genres.
Who are your biggest musical influences when you are writing music?
I get a lot of influence from artists from the 90’s and early 2000’s. I guess my own musical taste is rooted in that era since I’m a 90’s baby.
You also have a great sense of fashion and I love that you play with different outfits in your music video "Strawberry Kisses." What role does fashion play in your music?
Fashion is definitely part of the music I make. When I’m in the studio, I like to connect my ideas with visual references. I think it is an important process in being a creative. Fashion definitely connects me with the character that I’m trying to build through my music, so it means a lot to me.
What are your goals for 2023?
My goal is to make another EP and perform on bigger stages!
And to have a bit of fun…What is one interesting fact about yourself that your fans do not know about you yet?
I’m a CUCUMBER HATER. It’s the only food I cannot even smell properly. Sorry to a lot of people out there but it’s just not for me.
BÉBE YANA’s ‘64 is out now! Follow her on Instagram and Youtube!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Accountability is important to me, so please address corrections and concerns by sending me an email at bunnipopnewsletter@gmail.com. Continue the conversation by following Bunni Pop on Instagram and Twitter.