Today, we have the incredibly talented CLAVE joining us, all the way from South Korea. Since her debut on March 2, 2023, with the album ‘Dear Anna,’ CLAVE has been captivating listeners with her unique indie sound. And guess what? She just released her new single, ‘Falling in You,’ TODAY! Plus, she’s gearing up for a concert later this month that you definitely won’t want to miss. CLAVE, welcome! We’re thrilled to have you.
Can you describe your musical journey and what inspired you to become an indie singer-songwriter?
During a very gloomy period in middle school, music became my way of coping with the sadness in my life. I was so moved by the music of bands like Oasis and Korea’s Jaurim that I suddenly had the thought, “I want to create and sing music like this, too.” That’s how I started my musical journey without any hesitation.
What was the creative process like for your debut album, ‘Dear Anna’?
Since ‘Dear Anna‘ was my debut single, it took an incredibly long time to release. After the first recording, I wasn’t happy with my vocals, so I scrapped everything and re-recorded it a year later.
That year was dedicated to refining my vocal skills, and I’m very proud that the vocal tone I developed has now become my signature style. To make ‘Dear Anna‘ sonically interesting, I also intentionally used a lot of ambient sounds. As a professional sound designer, I find it really fun to incorporate field recordings and sound effects into my music.
What are some of the themes and stories you explore in your music?
I try to capture the things I’ve felt and experienced throughout my life in my music. I aim for a dreamy, ethereal sound.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I’m inspired by a wide range of artists, but my main influences are Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Oasis, and Rihanna. Visually, I’m heavily inspired by Rihanna, while Oasis influences my musical spirit. For sound, I look to artists like Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and Billie Eilish. Since I’ve been a vocal major since I was young, I’m also influenced by Korean artist Lee So-ra, various international jazz artists, and pop stars like .
What challenges have you faced as an indie artist, and how have you overcome them?
My current goals are to release albums frequently and to perform at festivals. I also really want to perform in other countries, not just in Korea. (To all event organizers and concert promoters, please feel free to contact me for performance inquiries at tkd4120@gmail.com! Haha)
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope my music brings a sense of empathy, comfort, and hope to many people. Just as I was comforted by someone else’s music, I would be happy if my music could evoke an emotional response in others.
Can you share any memorable experiences from your debut or early performances?
My first solo concert after my debut is the most memorable. My fans sent delicious lunch boxes for me and the band members, and I was so grateful. What was even more special was that my photo was on the boxes, and it felt surreal, like I was a celebrity. Also, there was a French fan who came to see me at the solo performance last year, and it was the first time an overseas fan came to see my performance, so I was very happy and amazed.
What are your future plans and aspirations as an artist?
My goal is to release many albums, and to do it frequently. I have a lot of songs written, but the cost of releasing them is a burden, so I’m slowly releasing them as I save up money.
When I first started music in school, I wasn’t particularly good-looking and was tone-deaf and had no rhythm, so I was often looked down on. I was hurt a lot by people who would say things like, “What makes you, a normal person, think you can do music?” So, I hope that when people see me, they can feel hope and realize that “even an ordinary person can make music.”
As an indie artist, you likely wear many hats. How do you manage the various aspects of your career, from songwriting and performing to marketing and promotion?
Until last year, I did everything on my own—composing, performing, and marketing. I hit a limit doing everything alone, so this year I’ve been trying to collaborate with different people.
The digital age has transformed the music industry. How do you leverage online platforms and social media to reach new listeners and engage with your existing fan base?
I actually think I’m an artist who benefited from the digital age. I was a music streamer on Twitch for several years before my debut, which allowed me to build a fanbase not only in Korea but also overseas. I believe this is why my debut song, ‘Dear Anna,’ was able to succeed abroad. I still do live streams on Twitch and Chzzik every week, and I use platforms like TikTok, Reels, and YouTube to communicate with my fans and show them different sides of me. I’m basically trying out every social media platform I can! Haha.
What advice would you give to aspiring indie singer-songwriters who are just starting their musical journey?
I think it’s important to have a good mentor and be open to feedback. I was able to grow musically because of my great mentors.
In this part of the interview let’s talk about the heart behind my new single Falling in You’—a Plus, sneak peek alert! We’re deep into rehearsals for the upcoming concert, crafting a show that blends raw emotion with moments you’ll want to relive forever.
“Falling in You” is set to release on September 10, 2025. What inspired this single, and what message do you hope to convey through it?
I wrote this song with my high school friend and fellow composer, Lee Jae-hwan. The initial track title from the producer was ‘OST of Youth,’ and that inspired me to write lyrics and a melody that captured the excitement of youth and new love. I really tried to put the fluttering feeling of just falling in love into the music.
You have a concert scheduled for September 20, 2025. How are you preparing for this event, and what can attendees look forward to?
For this concert, I’ve combined a release showcase with a fan meeting. After the 60-minute showcase, there will be a fan signing event, and we’re planning a special polaroid photo event. True to the name ‘Falling in clover,’ this will be a concert that brings me one step closer to my fans.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or memorable moments from the making of “Falling in You?
We did the album jacket photoshoot outdoors, and it was the middle of summer in Korea, which is very hot. The temperature was around 35°C (95°F), and I almost fainted during the shoot, but it was still a fun experience.
How does “Falling in You” differ from your previous work, and what new elements have you incorporated into your music?
The main difference is that I didn’t write this song alone. Before, I handled both the composition and lyrics myself, but for this song, I collaborated like a K-pop production team—a track maker provided the beat, and I worked on the top line. Hiring musicians to record every instrument was also a new and refreshing experience.
What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how does “Falling in You” fit into your overall vision?
I have a bigger picture in mind for an EP or a full-length album. I really want to release one within the next year or two. I think “Falling in You” will likely be one of the tracks on that album.
What challenges did you face while creating this single, and how did you overcome them?
During the making of this single, I got to record a real drum track, and I realized how different the sound is before and after mixing. I was really worried before the mix, but I was so happy with how cool the final sound turned out.
Single ‘CLAVE – Falling in you’ OUT NOW !!
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CLAVE Release Commemorative Showcase: Falling in clover
Showtime: September 20th at 7:00 pm
Venue : Hongdae Club On Air
Ticket price: 44,000 won
Performance time: 100 minutes (60 minutes
performance + 40 minutes fan signing)
Where to purchase : Melon Ticket
https://kko.kakao.com/XSKHjXL5U0
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