Photo Courtesy of SunnyKey
Today’s interview! We are incredibly excited to have the members of SUNNYKEY with us! SUNNYKEY (써니키) is a 5-member South Korean girl project band under AMAJOR Entertainment, featuring Bada, Yena, Yulim, Eunsol, and Joohyeon. Having debuted on March 12, 2025, with their first single, ‘Shadow Dance,’ SUNNYKEY is quickly capturing attention. We’re here to dive into each member’s unique journey, their aspirations for the band, and what makes SUNNYKEY a group to watch. Welcome, SUNNYKEY! Let’s begin!
SUNNYKEY was formed with the specific goal of creating music that evokes powerful emotions. How does this concept influence your songwriting and musical choices? Can you give examples of songs where this is particularly evident?
SUNNYKEY isn’t tied to a specific genre. It was formed naturally by members who have loved music since childhood, sharing their stories and connecting emotionally.
That’s why our songs don’t follow trends—we focus on expressing what we genuinely feel. A good example is “Shadow Dance.” Beneath its bright, rhythmic melody are layers of unspoken emotions. We hoped that listeners could connect with their own feelings through it. Rather than being just another track on a playlist, our goal is to create music that gently becomes part of someone’s day.
The “beyond the playlist” concept is intriguing. How do you translate this idea into your live performances? What makes your live shows unique?
“Beyond the Playlist” means going beyond just playing music—it’s about delivering the real, irreplaceable power of live music.There are emotions and energy that simply can’t be streamed, and we want to bring that to people in person. We believe that music has remained a part of live performance culture because of its raw authenticity and the lingering emotional impact that can’t be replicated.
SUNNYKEY is a band that thrives in live settings, and we’re confident that our performances reflect that. We don’t just play one song after another—our shows are designed to tell a story.
Each song connects to the next, creating a narrative flow that lets us share emotions, thoughts, and experiences with our audience. It’s this ability to communicate and resonate in real-time that makes our performances truly special.
Your band members each have specialized roles (leader, guitarist, bassist, etc.). How does this division of labor contribute to your overall musical output and collaborative process?
While each of us has a different personality and way of expressing ourselves, one thing we all share is the same attitude toward music: sincerity and passion. That common ground allows us to trust one another and communicate deeply, both in music and in everyday life.
Through this connection, we’ve developed a strong chemistry—one that goes beyond the technical. It’s through learning from each other, growing together, and sharing that journey, that our individual voices come together as one. That’s what makes the sound of SUNNYKEY feel so honest and alive.
Your debut was planned carefully. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the preparation period, and how did you overcome them?
Of course, preparing our music was important. But what we focused on even more was building something real—something with sincerity, trust, and the hope of growing together.
These aren’t things that can be shown in a short time, so we knew we had to be extra mindful in everything we did.
What made it possible was the genuine care each member brought—not just for the music, but for one another. That mutual heart and respect were what carried us through the debut process and laid the foundation for who we are as SUNNYKEY.
“Voice of Wishes” is your song. What makes this song stand out as a representation of your band’s overall musical vision?
We wouldn’t say “Voice of Wishes” alone defines SUNNYKEY. Each of our songs reflects a piece of who we are—our thoughts, our process, and the emotions we want to share. From writing in the practice room to performing on stage, every step we take together shapes our identity. We want our music to feel like a warm friend—something you can turn to in everyday life, like sunlight quietly wrapping around you.
“Voice of Wishes,” in particular, speaks to the very reason we came together as a band: listening to the voice within and having the courage to follow it. So instead of one defining track, it’s this consistent spirit across our music that represents SUNNYKEY’s vision.
How do you balance individual artistic expression with the group’s overall musical identity?
For us, balancing individuality and group identity isn’t about compromise—it’s about conversation. Each member brings their own taste, style, and musical instincts to the table. But we all share the same mindset when it comes to music: honesty, warmth, and intention.
We spend a lot of time discussing, listening to each other’s ideas, and trying new things together.
That process itself has become part of our identity—one where differences aren’t obstacles but a source of richness. We believe that SUNNYKEY’s sound comes not from blending into one, but from five unique voices resonating in harmony.
In this section of the interview, let’s get to know more about the band members by asking them individual questions that show their unique charms, wits, and character.
BADA (Leader and Keyboardist)Photo Courtesy of SunnyKey
As the leader of Sunnykey, what are your biggest challenges, and how do you balance your leadership responsibilities with your role as keyboardist?
Being the leader is still a big challenge for me. I’m always thinking about how I can better support the team, and I believe I’ll continue to reflect on that. I once heard that “a leader is not only someone who leads from the front but also someone who pushes from behind,” and that really resonated with me. I try to respect each member’s musical individuality and input, and I constantly think about how to harmonize those elements. Often, I take a step back and listen carefully, but when a brilliant idea emerges, I jump in and express it through the keyboard—leading from the front when needed. That’s how my role as a keyboardist and as a leader naturally blend together.
How does your experience as a keyboardist influence your approach to leading the band and shaping its musical direction?
I think the keyboard is an instrument that allows me to view the overall sound in a three-dimensional way, since it can mimic the roles of many other instruments.
Because I can play harmony and rhythm simultaneously, I naturally consider the guitar and bass lines, and it helps me coordinate the groove with the drums and vocals too. If the sound feels lacking, I can add layers with the keyboard or suggest ideas during the arrangement process—like “What if we try it this way?”—and my bandmates quickly pick it up. Once everyone’s colors are layered in, I blend my performance into it naturally, and that’s often how a song comes to life.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being the leader of SUNNYKEY?
There are days when our team just clicks perfectly. On those days, when I see every member fully immersed and genuinely enjoying the performance, I feel incredibly fulfilled. Especially when they trust and take my direction or feedback seriously—that trust makes me feel a greater sense of responsibility in what I say. In those moments, I’m reminded that we truly believe in each other and are building music together, and I feel deeply grateful.
What is your approach to playing the bass, and how do you contribute to the overall rhythm and groove of SUNNYKEY’s music?
SUNNYKEY’s songs often evoke a gentle, pastel-toned atmosphere, so I try to tailor my bass playing to fit that mood. When other instruments are playing in a light and bouncy way, I also follow with a lighter touch. But I also make sure to hold down the foundation with the rich, low-end tones that only the bass can provide.
What are some of your favorite basslines or bass players that have influenced your style?
I’ve been influenced by bassists like Richard Bona, Jaco Pastorius, and Pino Palladino. I listened to their playing repeatedly and tried to replicate their lines, and through that process, I think my own unique style naturally formed.
How do you balance your role as a bassist with the collaborative nature of Sunnykey’s creative process?
While theory and logic are important, I believe what matters most is simply what sounds good and feels comfortable to the ear. Sometimes the simplest or even slightly childish ideas shine the most during the arrangement process. I focus more on the overall flow and mood of the song to ensure that the final sound is easy and pleasant for listeners.
I’d love to create a song built around a fun, powerful bass riff—something challenging but exciting. A track like Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” that features a cool, iconic bass line would be a dream to craft within SUNNYKEY.
What is the most challenging aspect of playing bass in a band like SUNNYKEY?
Playing with the other members often reminds me of my own shortcomings. It pushes me to listen more closely to each instrument and work on being more flexible in adapting to the band’s sound. That process has helped me grow a lot as a bassist.
What are your favorite guitar techniques or styles, and how do you incorporate them into SUNNYKEY’s songs?
I tend to gravitate toward melodic guitar lines that are catchy and easy to listen to. I like to play lines that are not too complex but still have a funky, rhythmic feel—usually leaning toward a bright, major sound. Since SUNNYKEY’s music aligns with the genres I personally enjoy, I’ve been able to freely explore my preferred playing style, and that has really helped expand my range as a guitarist.
What are some of your biggest guitar influences, and how have they shaped your playing style?
My biggest influences include Larry Carlton, Guthrie Govan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mark Lettieri, Cory Wong, and Mateus Asato. Watching and listening to their unique energies and emotional expression through guitar playing has helped me appreciate the beauty of guitar across different genres. They’ve definitely been a major source of inspiration for me.
What are your goals for your musical development within Sunnykey, and what aspects of guitar playing are you most passionate about?
I want to keep improving so I can help elevate the overall quality of our band’s music. One of my goals is to become a bolder and more confident performer, especially when it comes to guitar solos.
I feel the most passionate when I’m working on guitar tones or songwriting late into the night, chasing the perfect sound. I tend to get completely absorbed once I’m focused, often working until sunrise without realizing how much time has passed.
I also enjoy coming up with melodic guitar lines and instrumental section ideas during the songwriting process.
What is the most rewarding aspect of playing guitar in SUNNYKEY?
I felt the most rewarded when I was told I’m the one who brings energy to the team. Even though I still have a lot to improve compared to the other members, the support and trust I receive from them and our producer motivates me to keep going. Thanks to that, I can enjoy every moment without feeling burdened.
What is your approach to drumming, and how do you ensure that your drumming complements the other instruments in SUNNYKEY?
When I play the drums, I prefer to support the music rather than stand out. Especially with SUNNYKEY’s songs, I try to use tasteful fills or licks where the drums should shine, but in other parts, I focus on laying down a solid rhythm that blends well with the vocals and other instruments. My goal is always to enhance the overall feel of the song without overpowering it.
What are some of your favorite drummers or drumming styles that have influenced your playing?
When I was preparing for entrance exams and focusing on solo performance practice, I was really into drummers like Lanell Lewis, Richard Spaven, and Brian Blade. Later, as I started preparing for SUNNYKEY activities, I found myself inspired by Korean drummers like Professor Jang Hyuk and drummer Jang Won-young, especially their performances in K-POP and Korean pop music. Their styles helped me understand how to approach drumming in a band setting with more musical sensitivity.
What is the most challenging aspect of playing drums in a band like SUNNYKEY?
One area I constantly want to improve is my ability to perform improvised solos. I often feel nervous or find it difficult to fully express what I want to say musically during unplanned solo sections. To overcome this, I’ve been focusing my individual practice on solo exercises and doing image training—visualizing myself performing confidently on big stages—to become more comfortable and expressive during live shows.
JOOHYEON (Vocalist)Photo Courtesy of SunnyKey
What are your biggest vocal influences, and how have they shaped your singing style?
I’ve been deeply inspired by performances from IU and Sunwoo Jung-A. I also really admire singer-songwriters like Jang Deul-Le, Jeon Jin-Hee, Lee Sang-Soon, and Lee Moon-Se—artists who have a strong musical identity. I aspire to be like them: honest and conversational in my lyrics, yet capable of delivering a deep and immersive emotional experience through my voice.
What are your goals for your musical development within Sunnykey, and what aspects of singing are you most passionate about?
As the main vocalist of SUNNYKEY, I want to become a singer who can express a wide range of emotions—someone who doesn’t just sing, but delivers stories like a narrator, moving people deeply. I’m also open to any kind of musical challenge. While I have basic skills in guitar and piano, I’ve never had a chance to play drums or bass, so I’ve always dreamed of one day trying those instruments too!
What is the most rewarding aspect of being the vocalist in SUNNYKEY?
There are moments during rehearsals or filming with the members when I become so immersed in the experience that I blink and can’t believe where I’m standing. In those moments, I feel true happiness—especially because that joy comes through music. It’s overwhelming in the best way, and I feel deeply moved and grateful every time it happens.
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