Commanding the Stage (and Cities) with HEESU

Seoul/New York City–based artist, HEESU, is constantly on the pursuit for a sound that transcends the former. With her single, “GREEN JUICE” released back in July 2023, we can expect future tracks to fill up a nearby dance atmosphere, even if it’s locked in with sentimental themes as seen in an oldie, “Reminder.” Regardless, HEESU’s discography presents to us as a constant reminder that there is ALWAYS room to be dancing! No matter the circumstance!

Contributing writer, Alyanna Moralda, had the wonderful opportunity to chat with HEESU about her motivations as a musician through media and community, DJ endeavors, and astrological signs (off-interview).

Photo courtesy of nooj (@noojnet)

Alyanna Moralda: Hi HEESU! Thank you so much for joining me today! How is 2024 going so far for you?

HEESU: Thanks for having me today! I'm currently working on my EP and very excited! I'm turning 26 this year, and I wanted to make songs about the feelings, and moments I felt in my early 20s. Also, I just finished this collaboration song with my bestie from LA, and we’re probably going to drop this around May/June/July! Hopefully, we’ll have a show/release party too!

AM: I wanted to first say that I saw you perform live back in September at the venue, Heaven Can Wait, and absolutely loved your set! I remember you introducing your recent track, “GREEN JUICE,” while also talking about how it was inspired by ATLA’s Sokka drinking cactus juice! While we’re on the topic of animated shows, have there been any forms of entertainment recently that have manifested as inspiration for your music too?

H: That's a good question, because I've been watching lots of good films, especially from A24! I just finished Beef, and I believe a lot of people can relate to the show. The crazy incident happens because of anger. Anger is such a powerful emotion that could lead to dramatic consequences. Watching how people navigate tricky situations and put on a bit of a show to deal with it all really got me thinking. That’s a very good topic to write a song about. So, Beef has been an inspiration for me lately

AM:  In another interview (with beatsbygirlz), you mentioned that your song  “CHEONGSAN” (chong-san) was released with the foundations of “embracing your culture and sharing the beauty of your heritage.” In regards to social media, you had also documented your trip back to Korea a few months ago! During that time, have there been any occurrences or even interactions with people that have transformed your song-writing process?

H: This time I visited Korea to get medical surgery done to address my health problems, and to visit my family! I feel like my mom's always been a great inspiration to work hard at anything I do. She’s such an independent woman, and always keeps busy. Now that she’s retired, she can live her life. Even then, she continues to study, and learn new things. Although we are young, in our 20s, sometimes we aren’t inspired and just want to rot in bed. After being with my mom for two months back home, I see her wake up at 6am every morning, going to the gym, and hiking. It’s something I want to try, and follow!

AM: Exploring “CHEONGSAN” further, you also explained to your listeners that you had “made this song during the height of the pandemic as a response to the racism and hate crimes targeting Asian people in the US.” Nearly a year and a half has passed from this drop; how have your experiences collaborating with Asian musicians, or those in the industry, assisted you in magnifying the issues our community is facing? What are some things you’ve learned from these peers vital to how you live your life as a performer?

H: So, with “CHEONGSAN”, I really wanted to amplify the voices of Asian and POC artists, especially during a time when the Asian community faced heightened racism and hate crimes in the US. Tapping into our roots and heritage was my way of responding to the racism and hate Asian people were dealing with in the US. I wanted to spread positive energy. 

Working on this was a special ride from the get-go because I teamed up with independent artists who were on the same page. It became this safe space where we all poured our roots and heritage into the mix. Through this collaboration, I picked up a bunch. Being an indie artist, I learned how crucial it is to back each other up. I learned to give back the love I got from my collaborators and turn it into a real community thing. It's not just about the music; it's about us having each other's backs. We shared stories, talked about the challenges our community faces, and celebrated our cultures. This collaboration didn't just impact my music style; it made me want to keep building this community vibe, making our creative space even more kickass and united.

AM: Your second and third singles, “Tied To Your Love” and “Reminder” were released in 2020, with themes circulating ex-partners and as self-explanatory as it is, being reminded of them in the midst of moving on. Living in New York City, surrounded by the excess notions of love or hookup culture, has engaging with romance here in the Big Apple motivate your songwriting process or just hinder it? 

H: I think it motivates me! I met my boyfriend in New York randomly even though we went to the same school, which is insane! He was a full time musician, and he’s also played with me at the DNA show, as the bassist and playback engineer! He always pushes me harder whenever I’m wondering if I can or can’t do something! “You got this! You got this! You gotta fall in love with the process” is something he says.

AM: Recently, you posted a video on Instagram of your first DJ mix consisting of Alexander O’ Neal and Cherrelle’s (sha-relle) “Saturday Love” and Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.” I have to know; what kind of songs would you want to fuse together?

H: I love 80s music! I live and breathe it! Old songs are just so golden! I also love city pop, like “Plastic Love” by Mariya Takeuchi. If I do a set, it’ll definitely be 80s themed! One of my goals this year is to practice more, and maybe I can seamlessly mix my songs too!

AM: Performing at Heaven Can Wait, BrookLAN, PIANOS, REAL LOVE NYC (Sultan Room) , etc., what venues have had the best crowds, and what do you look for in one when stepping on stage? Do you feel like your stage presence blossoms when a crowd is interactive with you, or do you feel like only YOU can command the stage?

H: This is hard! REAL LOVE had a crazy crowd, but DNA NYC was also one of my favorites! Can I say both? REAL LOVE was at the Sultan Room, which was a 300-400 persons capacity and it was packed! I had a full band so it was more live music with electronic elements. DNA NYC was definitely more my style; electronic and dancey, with some house remixes in the set!

In terms of what I look for, I love performing in front of big crowds. The audience gives so much energy, it’s a give and take, and I feed off the energy. Although, I think it doesn’t matter if 5 or 5000 people show up, or if it’s a crowd who has never heard my music, I’ll still be good with engagement! I’m very confident on stage. Even if everyone is standing still at the beginning of the set, by the end they won’t be! (wink wink) 

AM: Back in 2021, you had submitted a video for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. You had mentioned that the song you performed, “Me,” is “very jazz-fusion with a hint of R&B, pop, and neo-soul.” What were more of your influences for putting “Me” together, and what other genres would you have pulled from if you were to ever make some adjustments or tweaks? 

H: I wanted the song to sound fun. The message of the song is that I want to get to know myself better and nothing is more important than self care. It’s an uplifting song and I wanted to make a more energetic version because the band version was jazzy and floaty. After I moved to NYC, my friend and I co-produced the electronic version, which is how everything came together. 

The electronic version was inspired by Aluna, an electronic dance artist from the UK, and by incorporating Korean flute Daegeum and Korean drums Janggu, I wanted to express my roots and background as a Korean artist. The band version influences were definitely Lianne La Havas and Jill Scott! Neo-soul queens! My friend, Lorenzo Bellini, a jazz pianist, helped me arrange the Neo-soul (band) version of “Me.” I would say he’s also another person that I look up to in the making of this song.

I would also say stutter house is a genre I would pull from! It's getting more recognition in 2024! For my upcoming EP, I even want to experiment with stutter house and UK garage. I don’t want to limit myself!

AM: The year has only just begun for you, and will only continue to progress from here, but is there anything you can hint more of your future collaborations for us?

H: Yes! I mentioned before that I collaborated with this artist from LA! I produced this track, and we hope to release it as a single! We’re also going to release a sped up version as well! The song is called “You’re My Party.” 

There are times when you go to parties, and get bored, or don’t really vibe with anyone there regardless of the environment. But when you are with someone who makes you comfortable and happy, you will always feel like it’s a party. With this song, we wanted to tell the audience that if you have this one true bestie, they will turn anything into a good time. Your genuine person is all you need because they’re your party!

I will also have an upcoming show at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 1) in New York City on April 23, 9 PM! Come through!

AM: Where else can Periphery readers support you and your endeavors?

H: It would be great if Periphery readers can follow me on Spotify and Instagram! Those are the most important platforms for me! Another goal for this year is to expand my following! 

HEESU’s social media and streaming platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heesu_yu/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6aOJ5oj9RaJ0V5JPabca61?si=qIdQhndZSxCHYcRwaiv86A 

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/heesu/1564213762 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8otUbV8umnvWhkVwK-1gg 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heesu_yu 

Website: https://www.heesu.biz/