Inside the Melodies of Ji Chanel: A Journey Through ‘LOCKED UP’ and Ambitions Ahead
By. Alicia Zamora
A Conversation with Ji Chanel
In an exclusive interview conducted by Alicia's Studio, I had the privilege of talking with the incredibly talented and up-and-coming artist, Ji Chanel. Our in-depth conversation provided a fascinating glimpse into Ji's musical journey, exploring the profound connections he feels with his craft and the underlying motivations that drive his creativity. From discussing his early influences to the pivotal moments that shaped his artistry, Ji offered a compelling narrative of his path with music, showcasing a depth of passion and dedication that is truly inspiring.
During our interview, Ji Chanel opened up about the deeply personal inspiration behind his recent single, ‘LOCKED UP’. He shared intimate insights into the creative process, shedding light on the emotions and experiences that fueled the song's poignant lyrics and captivating melodies. In addition to delving into the thematic elements of the single, Ji provided a sneak peek into his future projects, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the exciting musical ventures that lie ahead. Every word he spoke resonated with a genuine love for music and an unwavering commitment to channeling his experiences into evocative, meaningful art.
As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that Ji Chanel is not only a remarkable artist but also an individual of remarkable depth and authenticity. His passion for music is palpable, and his dedication to his craft shines through in every aspect of his work. Through our interview, it became evident that Ji's artistry is not just about creating music—it's about crafting genuine connections, sharing compelling narratives, and leaving a lasting impact on his audience. With each revelation, the anticipation for Ji Chanel's future projects grew, promising an artistic journey filled with creativity, emotion, and authentic storytelling.
Diving In
Alicia: Starting the Interview off, please introduce yourself and what you do! After that, we can dive into the questions!
Ji Chanel: Hi, I'm Ji Chanel, a musician from the Republic of Korea. Thanks for inviting me to this interview! :)
Alicia: How did you get started in music? What or who inspired you to begin your musical journey?
Ji Chanel: I used to go to karaoke with my friends every day when I was a kid, and that's when I realized I loved music. Then, in high school, my best friend asked if I wanted to join a hip-hop crew with him, so I joined my first crew and started doing music as a hobby.
Alicia: What drives you to create music, and how do you stay motivated during challenging times?
Ji Chanel: Music is my friend and an essential part of my life, and creating music is like breathing for me. It’s something I just naturally keep doing.
Alicia: Can you walk us through your songwriting or composing process? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or another element?
Ji Chanel: When I’m composing, I usually decide on a theme that fits the music and then write the lyrics. I tend to start by humming the melody.
Alicia: Going into your most recent release, what's the story or inspiration behind that single?
Ji Chanel: The song I just released, "LOCKED UP," was inspired by unrequited love. When you have a crush, you often find yourself lost in your own imagination, wondering if the other person likes you or not, right? So, this song is about saying, "Get me out of being trapped in my own delusions!"
Alicia: How do you approach the arrangement and production of your music? What role does each play in the final product?
Ji Chanel: I usually finish most of the song first and then start planning. After that, I list and connect elements related to the song, like a mind map—things like mood, concept, and the direction of the arrangement. These elements give the music wings and help it soar.
Alicia: Are there any particular rituals or routines you follow when working on new music?
Ji Chanel: I don't have any special rituals or routines, haha. I just turn on my DAW.
Alicia: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about yourself through your music career?
Ji Chanel: When I read the question, a phrase immediately comes to mind. "JUST DO IT"
Alicia: Can you discuss a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding your career or artistic direction?
Ji Chanel: Hmm, I believe artists are always contemplating and making decisions about their artistic direction. I've been thinking a lot about my own direction as well, and recently, I've decided to just go where my heart leads me.
Alicia: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in your musical career so far?
Ji Chanel: My greatest achievement is that my musical abilities keep improving. When I occasionally compare my past self to who I am now, it's always refreshing to see the progress.
Alicia: What are your goals or aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally?
Ji Chanel: My ultimate goal is to hit number one on the Billboard charts. I'm making steady progress toward that goal, step by step.
Alicia: What’s a musical idea or concept that you’ve always wanted to explore but haven’t had the chance to yet?
Ji Chanel: I want to form a band and create a song together.
Alicia: How do you use music to express emotions or experiences that are difficult to put into words?
Ji Chanel: Since music often needs to convey meaning more implicitly than words, I tend to use memorable words or express ideas through metaphors, comparing them to objects or things.
Alicia: What are your goals for the future, both short-term and long-term, as a musician?
Ji Chanel: My short-term goal is to make the name Ji Chanel well-known in Korea.
My long-term goal is to expand beyond Korea and reach international audiences!
Alicia: Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next few years?
Ji Chanel: I believe I’ll be more grown both internally and externally, and I often imagine my songs continuously playing on the streets.
Alicia: As an artist, what would you like people to think when they hear the name “Ji Chanel”?
Ji Chanel: I hope people think of me as a unique artist who stands out from anyone else.
Alicia: Can you share a story about a moment when you felt completely outside of your comfort zone in your music career?
Ji Chanel: When I was a child and didn’t have any equipment, there was a time when my friend and I would sneak into a friend's music academy and spend the night writing lyrics and recording them on my phone. Although it wasn’t the most convenient setup for working, it remains a cherished memory for me.
Alicia: What’s a dream project or collaboration that you would love to see happen in your career?
Ji Chanel: I want to collaborate with artists I admire, and among them, I’d love to release another song with Heize.
Alicia: What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and how do you achieve that in your work?
Ji Chanel: I hope people feel an eargasm when they listen to my music. I’ll always strive to create the best songs with great beats, melodies, and lyrics.
Alicia: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about?
Ji Chanel: I have another song coming out soon, so please look forward to it!
Alicia: Out of all your released tracks which would you say best describes you as an artist?
Ji Chanel: It’s not in any of my released tracks, but it’s in one of my unreleased songs that will come out someday. :)
Alicia: What's the best advice you can give someone trying to go down the path of being an artist?
Ji Chanel: Opportunities will definitely come, so don’t give up. Until then, keep honing your skills.
Alicia: Ending the interview off I wanted to say thank you so much and congratulations you did such an amazing job with this new single “LOCKED UP” ! Is there any message you want to say to your listeners?
Ji Chanel: Thank you for having me !!
Ji Chanel: Listen to and show lots of love for my new release, “Locked Up.” I’m starting fresh now, so if you keep an eye on me from this point on, you’ll get to see my growth from the very beginning, and it’s going to be a lot of fun!