Meet music artist from Seoul, Electric Planet Five.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I go by the name Electric Planet Five, and I’m based in Seoul. I write and perform music, mainly electronica music and piano songs. Recently, I wrote music for Jaime Hayon’s exhibition in Daelim Museum in Seoul.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Seoul evolves quickly, almost as its pretty clouds. It also never sleeps. Because Seoul is so dynamic and lively, there are immense opportunities and thus, competition is fierce. Like many other people in Seoul, I feel both fortunate and overwhelmed living here.

 

I write and perform music, mainly electronica music and piano songs.

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing about living in Seoul is convenience.

The worst thing is that pop culture lacks diversity.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Challenging. Exciting. Anxious.

 

How did you start your career in art?

I started learning to play the piano when I was six. I’ve always loved music and playing the piano since I was little. Also, my father is an avid lover of music, so I grew up listening to various genres of music including pop and classical music. We also listened to the radio often. But it was in high school when I decided to pursue music as a career. It was when I saw a band perform at a talent show. I can’t quite remember what made me determined, it may have been the lights or the passion. So I studied to become a music student, and I began writing my own songs. Studying jazz helped a lot. Growing up listening to diverse music influenced my art in many ways. For example, since I began writing original pieces, I don’t pick one specific genre when I write music. I love incorporating different genres.

 

Growing up listening to diverse music influenced my art in many ways.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

I’ve always loved music, but it was in high school when I decided to pursue music. It was when I saw a band perform at a talent show. I can’t quite describe what made me determined. It may have been the lights or the passion of the band. The night I saw the band perform at the talent show, I told my mother that I’m going to be a musician. I remember preparing for exams for music college from the next day. I think my parents never even imagined that I would pursue a career in music. I’m so grateful they supported me from day one. They still do and love my music. So do my friends.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I’m taking my time on my next new album, which I plan to release next year. Apart from that, I’d like to travel the world in 2020.

 

I’m taking my time on my next new album, which I plan to release next year. Apart from that, I’d like to travel the world in 2020.

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Film director Michel Gondry.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Dreamers who are faithful, passionate, and lovers of nature, animals, and themselves.

 

Dreamers who are faithful, passionate, and lovers of nature, animals, and themselves.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

I looked up to my piano teacher who taught me when I was little. She was strict at times, but if not for her, I wouldn’t have become so keen with the piano.

 

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

There are many challenges, but an example would be when introducing female musicians, they’re always introduced as ‘female’ musicians, while male musicians rarely are. Many people presumed I was male because my early work featured strong electronic music.

I don’t see a person based on their gender. Everyone is an individual human being with different forte. Although I’ve never worked outside the music industry, I’m aware that women face diverse discriminations at work in various fields. No woman should be disadvantaged only because of her gender. It needs to stop, and I believe it will.

 

Free your mind, express, share them with good people and strengthen each other.

 

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Free your mind, express, share them with good people and strengthen each other.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Electric Planet Five.