K-indie pop artist naar. on his new single 'weirdo' + embracing chaos and the awkwardness of the unknown

naar.'s new track 'weirdo' is officially 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 indie pop artist naar.

(Photo credit: A MASS CULTURE)

While naar. only debuted earlier this year, the K-indie pop artist is already creating a lot of intrigue and mystery when it comes to his musical persona.

After all, in photos and music videos, his face is almost always covered or blurred. This allows naar. to let his music and lyrics do all the talking instead.

“I think it’s cute visually like a game character and plus, it’s fun to have a mysterious sense of anonymity,” naar. recently told Bunni Pop.

“It gives room for audience to think however they want.”

In April, naar. debuted with the downtempo and moody “PARTY MONSTER”, in which the music video finds the artist wearing a mask as he walks up and down the streets of Seoul and standing alone at a party.

naar. follows the theme of standing out in the crowd in his new single “weirdo”, which came out May 31st.

He chatted with Bunni Pop about the new track, his music influences and the importance of embracing chaos and the awkwardness of the unknown.

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Hello naar.! For those getting to know who you are and your music, please introduce yourself and how you would best describe your sound. 

Hello, it’s naar. I am basically doing alternative pop and I make music based on how I feel and want during the time.

Tell me the story behind your track, "weirdo." 

I made “weirdo” watching a movie about ghosts. I wanted to make a song that is somewhat easy to listen to and I made it with my producer friend EOM. I especially like the kitsch vibe shown in the chorus.

This is a bit of a departure from your debut track "PARTY MONSTER" which is moodier and darker in tone. Can you tell me about that track and the story you tell there?

“PARTY MONSTER” is a song that captures the awkwardness and the unknown, but good feelings I get when entering a new place. The breakcore transition at the end was an impromptu decision, but I think it was a good attempt. I also think it goes well with the title.

What is it like to show these two different sides of yourself through these songs?

 In a way, because it is diverse, it can be both good and chaotic, but I want to continue showing different sides of me. I think I am somewhat of a hectic person. I try to concentrate on what I feel at that moment.  

Your sound is also quite reminiscent of a lot of indie rock/pop punk artists from the 2000s and early 2000s. Who would you say are some of your biggest musical influences when making music? 

 There is a large variety, but I especially like artists such as The Strokes, Nirvana, and indie artists like Mac DeMarco. I also like post-punk genre artists. I think I listen to a lot of electro genre artists and old 8-bit game music.

Your music videos are shot in the style of home videos, which feels very intimate. Why do you enjoy this style of filmmaking?

 I personally like DIY vibes and things that are  kitsch — the kind of weird, trivial, and cute things that spread in the internet culture. That’s like the weirdo vibe. I’m not even good at skating lol

What are your short and long term goals as an artist? 

In the short term, I want to continue getting my name known and get less awkward. In the long run, I hope to become [part of] the big wave with what I do within my generation.

“PARTY MONSTER" and "weirdo" are words people would normally describe those who stick out from the crowd. What do you say to those who feel different from those around them? 

I used to be overwhelmed with negative emotions when thinking I am different or lacking compared to others. However, in the larger scheme of things like space, we are all the same little dust. I think it is best to act based on what you feel right. Thank you.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Follow naar. on Instagram!

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