Q&A Zoe Ko Releases Latest Single “Rib Cage,” a Ballad on Being Homesick Without a Home
HOMESICK WITHOUT A PLACE TO CALL HOME — NYC-based singer-songwriter Zoe Ko details what that’s like in her latest single, “Rib Cage,” out today. The song details how homesickness feels to those without a specific location to call home. Specifically, Ko focuses on how that homesickness manifests in the people who feel like home. The single is the latest track in her EP rollout, set to drop this November. But Ko will release much more before then, including a music video for her latest ballad.
“Rib Cage” itself is a perfectly gut-wrenching song, from the electric strumming that builds into powerful drums to Ko’s painfully passionate voice, which effortlessly tells the story of her emotive lyrics. The song is a masterwork on what a ballad should be. Gentle at the start, it builds ever so thoughtfully to the bridge, in which Ko’s voice matches the energy of the beat to a flawless degree. There is no competition between the beat and Ko’s voice — they fit together perfectly in that moment.
“Rib Cage'' is an exquisite example of Ko’s strengths as an alt-pop singer. From songwriting to production, she manages to master every detail. Whether the song is moodier like “Rib Cage” or more upbeat like other songs in her discography, Ko manages to do it all.
Read more below to learn about what inspired “Rib Cage,” Ko’s upcoming music video, and debut EP.
Photo by Alex Brown
LUNA: First off, congrats on your new single, “Rib Cage”! I’m absolutely obsessed with the sound of this song. Incredibly emotional, the lyrics and melody are very powerful and are almost palpable. Can I ask what inspired you to write this song?
KO: I wrote “Rib Cage” about the feeling of homesickness finding itself in a person or partner rather than a physical house. I moved all the time as a kid, had divorced parents, and never truly felt settled. I’ve never had a “family home” to go home to so I’ve found the feeling of homesickness attaching itself to a person my whole life. I recently have been dating around and finally have a partner now, and already I can sense myself starting to know them inside and out, the way one would memorize every floorboard and paint chip in a family home.
LUNA: The lyrics in “Rib Cage” are extremely thoughtful and emotive. Can you tell me what your favorite lyric in the single is and why?
KO: “I’m searching through your ribcage like a closet / use your lungs as my pillow / I know you with my eyes closed / like something that I’d miss, you could be nostalgic” pins the feeling of experiencing someone becoming a home. I also adore the very first opening line, “I got a disease where I miss things that were never there”
LUNA: What was one of your favorite memories working on this song?
KO: I got to write it with one of my favorite artists, Catie Turner. I also really took my time with this song. It went through a few rounds and edits! We had Katie Henderson from The Aces add in some amazing guitar parts, too! I sang the song and got the final takes when I was incredibly tired and a little sick — I think it adds to the sadness (laughs).
LUNA: “Rib Cage” seems like it could be the kind of song that just pours out of you, or maybe it was one that you felt needed more time to be exactly what you wanted it to be? Can you tell me a little bit about your process creating “Rib Cage”?
KO: [I] definitely wanted the song to be just right! We were so specific and purposeful with each lyric and to get my final vocals to hit the right emotional chord.
Photo by Nikoli Partiyeli
LUNA: You are also releasing a music video for “Rib Cage” in two weeks. Can you tell me a little bit about the music video and what we can expect?
KO: So excited for this music video!! Playing off the themes of decorating a room and attaching feelings of homesickness to a person that could honestly disappear in your life, we will have me move into and decorate a room finally, as I never really got to before growing up. There will also be a human-sized skeleton that I will be dancing with, cuddling, [and] existing with in the room. A literal visual representation of attaching the feeling of homesickness to a person's rib cage or skeletal structure.
LUNA: The single you released last month, “Petri Dish,” was a little more upbeat and edgy than “Rib Cage,” which feels moodier. Are these songs an accurate representation of the EP you’re set to release in November?
KO: “Rib Cage” is definitely the ballad off the EP! So there's lots more that's coming on the project that’s a bit unexpected. In general, I’ve always written about authentic experiences and feelings, and the energy of the songs depend on what feeling I'm trying to express. That’s why I don’t tend to just [be] upbeat or slow.
LUNA: You have released multiple singles in the past but are now set to release your first EP — congrats! How are you feeling about the upcoming release?
KO: I feel ecstatic! It has been a massive dream and goal I have set for myself since I was a young teen. So to finally have arrived at the moment and feel so proud of the work is truly an irreplaceable feeling. I can’t wait to do it all over again!
LUNA: How did you know that you wanted to be a musician and pursue music for your career?
KO: I don’t think I ever even considered another option. I was one of those people who was born having an intense passion and direction. I’ve never felt confused with what I wanted to do with my life, or even really thought too hard about choosing to be a musician. It was just what I was going to be.
LUNA: What is your favorite part of being a musician?
KO: That no day is the same. I am my own boss. I get to connect with so many people by connecting deeper and emotionally with myself. Singing is so fun — it’s my favorite hobby. So why wouldn’t I adore it? Live performing, though [it] used to be one of my biggest fears, has become so fun and like hanging out with friends. I love touring!
LUNA: You have a busy year ahead, with a freshly released single and an upcoming EP. What are your plans for the rest of the year?
KO: Honestly, to make sure the world sees and hears it and to make a shit ton more music. If people are willing to listen, I’ll always keep writing. Also lots and lots of fun music videos and visual content!
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