Q&A: hyejin Makes Waves With Latest Release “DAVID LEE”
DAVID LEE IS YOUR TYPICAL CALIFORNIA ASIAN-AMERICAN — he goes to parties on Friday nights, attends Sunday church with his mother, and is the muse of R&B songwriter hyejin’s latest single, “DAVID LEE,” released on May 19.
After her successful debut EP, WHAT A SHAME!, garnered over 2 million streams on Spotify, reaching number 39 on Spotify’s viral song chart in the Philippines and number 81 in Thailand, hyejin’s latest release is a refreshing departure and collaboration with artist Hevel.
At its core, “DAVID LEE” revolves around the yearning to fall back into a toxic relationship, with sharp, biting lyrics balanced with lush, orchestral melodies. The single’s title references a Korean American version of the “Kevin Nguyen” cultural phenomena, referencing a young, seemingly well-behaved Korean American man.
For hyejin, “DAVID LEE” was an exploration and expansion of her artistry. “It was one of the first times I’ve used auto-tune like this,” the singer said. “[This] is definitely a sound I’ve never ventured into before.”
Her past releases have amassed acclaim for their sharp, jutting lyrics and delicate tunes, and “DAVID LEE” takes it just a step further. The fresh, hip-hop–inspired sonics and sweet melodies pay homage to the singer’s signature soundscape, taking on an universally relatable experience with witty lyrics and a sense of humor.
Read on below to dive into the making of “DAVID LEE,” hyejin’s artistic journey, and where she’s headed next.
LUNA: For those who don't know, could you explain what "Kevin Nguyen" and “David Lee” mean? Where did your inspiration come from?
HYEJIN: A “Kevin Nguyen” is your typical California Asian. It’s been a meme going around for a while, but we thought it would be funny to add onto the joke by referencing a very common name given to Korean American boys. And just a disclaimer, we aren’t dissing or referring to a specific individual in this song — we just found David Lee to be the most commonly found name within the Korean American community
LUNA: What's the message behind “DAVID LEE”?
HYEJIN: “DAVID LEE” is my most unserious song, and we had a lot of fun writing it. It was one of the first times I’ve used auto-tune like this, and my melodies are very rhythmic and sing-rappy, which is definitely a sound I’ve never ventured into before.
LUNA: In what ways would you consider “DAVID LEE” to be a departure from the music you’ve produced in the past?
HYEJIN: Like I stated previously, we wanted to write a song about getting your heart broken by a “David Lee,” who is your typical “holy Christian boy” [who] also happens to be a fuckboy. A lot of the lines in this song are honestly extremely out of pocket and bitter, but the core of this song is wanting to give in to lust and go back to a toxic relationship.
LUNA: You're known for the contrast between the angsty themes you explore in your music and the dreamy tracks you use. How did you find this balance? Do you find yourself facing any challenges?
HYEJIN: I think the balance came very naturally. When I started writing songs, I would be drawn to very beautiful and elegant production, but when it got down to writing the lyrics I would have nothing positive or “beautiful” to say. I think my music reflects my personality in real life as well. I’m quite soft-spoken, but I’m also very honest and say what needs to be said (but obviously in a “friendly” way). I try to view my music as that friendly but mean girl next door.
-
weekly tunes playlist has been updated! new tracks from @furtradeband, @pecqband, @garryfool & more! check it out! https://t.co/ToFU0R6YGo
