Live Review: Yaeji taaps OOHYUK for two new singles and visuals, 'Year to Year' & '29'

Today NYC-based producer and artist Yaeji, in collaboration with OHHYUK, founder of the Seoul based indie band HYUKOH, has released two new singles and music videos: '29' and 'Year to Year'. Written, recorded and produced by Yaeji and OHHYUK, the singles premiered overnight with two new music videos: 'Year to Year' directed by Seoul-based director, and frequent Yaeji and OHHYUK collaborator, DQM and '29' by dada.service creative Nam Eunuk. The release will also be availble to pre-order on vinyl, set to release on February 11.

The duo initially connected when Yaeji hosted a special visual episode of her monthly NTS radio show, which features OHHYUK. While it was their first public appearance together, the two had already begun working in the studio and a distinct creative relationship had been formed. As they grew creatively, they were inspired by their respective styles, to create a pair of singles that perfectly balcance each artist's distinctive sonic tones. On '29', OHHYUK's signature, indie drums and Bossa guitar match Yaeji's classic, trance-like style. On 'Year to Year', Yaeji and OHHYUK explore the boundaries of pop music, creating a cinematic affair with a massive drum and bass breakdown.

On working with OHHYUK, Yaeji stated, “When I was feeling a bit stuck and stagnant with music, Hyuk helped me find the joys of creating again, and this was my first time collaborating with someone so closely on music. We spent many days together in the studio in Seoul, sometimes not even making music but just chatting about how we grew up and sharing meals together, and our musical collaboration blossomed as our friendship grew.”

OHHYUK stated, “Yaeji and I first started to jam when Yaeji visited Seoul last summer. At that time, I was experiencing a kind of “musician’s block” and the jams with Yaeji acted as a catalyst for me and brought back the joy of working on music again. Through the jams we made many tracks, Yaeji soon began to plan the framework for 'Year to Year' and I did the same for '29'. For the videos, we worked with Directors DQM and Nam Eunuk, who are both close friends of ours. It was the love and support of many friends that made the music videos come to life. I would like to send my undivided appreciation to them.”

Words by PARRY TRITSINIOTIS

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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YAEJI EXPLORES A NEW DIRECTION ON NEW SINGLE, ‘WAKING UP DOWN’