On Stealing Hearts With Music: Rising Star Seori Talks About Her Craft and Anticipated Philippine Stage Debut

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If you aren't listening to Seori, why?

A new star of the night that should be on your radar. 

Three years into debuting in the music industry, Seori has already made a name for herself as a singer-songwriter who is not afraid to pursue beyond the boundaries of mainstream music. With her unique tone that sets her apart from her peers, Seori is an artist that we must be looking out for. 

SEORI

Filipino fans have expressed their immense support and enthusiasm toward the musician. That is why during her highly anticipated Philippine stage debut, she was greeted with so much Philippine-made love. 

From playlist staple bops to chart-topping collaborations, Seori has been doing it all. And with the announcement of Seori signing with entertainment company LABEL SAYU last October 30, we are looking forward to what new musical direction she will be pursuing. Surely enough, we are expecting great things from her by just looking at how much she’s been slaying the game right now. 

We recently got the chance to peek into what it’s like living the dream with a quick backstage chat with Seori herself at the ON Musical Festival. Scroll down as she reveals musical inspirations and aspirations, album making process, and more.

How does it feel to have the Manila crowd sing along to your songs?

First of all, I’d like to thank Nylon Manila for taking the time to interview me. I’m beyond thankful and honored that Filipino fans are able to sing along to my songs. Especially those Filipino fans when I was a guest for Wish Bus with the others, they were there too! There were so many fans waiting and cheering for me outside that I got a bit overwhelmed.

How was it to find out you were the first Korean female soloist to perform on the Grammy’s Global Spin series?

I still cannot believe that it happened to me. I’m extremely honored, and I genuinely appreciate that I was able to join the Grammy series as a singer. I think of this experience as an inspiration to pursue other opportunities that will come my way. 

SEORI

You mentioned before that you admire Avril lavigne. How did her style and genre inspire your music direction? 

I started listening to Avril Lavigne even before when I was still young. I’ve always thought of her as one of the best singer-songwriters of our generation so I hoped to be like her in Korea and hopefully, in other countries too. I learned a lot from her not just in terms of style, and I know that there will be more I can learn from her. 

Where do you draw inspiration from for your songwriting?

Actually, I tend to dream every day. I have a lot of dreams. Most of my lyrical inspirations are derived from dreams I have at night. 

How do you incorporate global influences especially now that your music is being celebrated outside of South Korea?

I know that I am still lacking because I just debuted three years ago. I still have a lot to learn and to do so I am wholeheartedly excited to pursue future projects and albums that overseas fans will hopefully like. I hope they’re excited for that as well!

How does music help you process or deal with your emotions?

It mostly depends on the mood or on the project because every time I am in the midst of creating an album, I tend to listen to sounds that I have never heard before. But when it comes to writing lyrics or when I am composing , I seek for instrumentals of songs without lyrics so I can get inspiration from that. 

SEORI

What is it like being a female musician who is helping push the music scene to greater heights?

Not just for female musicians, I want to say that everytime there is a given opportunity to learn, I would really want to learn so I can incorporate it into newer projects that I will have in the future.

You have made a name for yourself in the industry over time, do you have a message for other singers wishing to pursue the scene in the future or currently trying to?

Korea already has musicians performing globally and Korean music is also heard all over the world and internationally. What we can learn from overseas can be incorporated into our craft so global fans can resonate with our music as well. 

Any artists you would want to perform or collaborate with?

Actually, there’s a lot in mind but if I were to choose one, I’d pick Harry Styles. I even went to his concert and bought a ticket myself just so I could see him perform live. If there is an opportunity, I am really looking forward to collaborating with him.

Photos by Andre Cesar

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