Summers conjure up feelings of warmth and excitement, while cakes are a sweet delight that no one can resist. Combine the two together and you have the musical stylings of SUMMER CAKE. Sweet, warm, and inviting, the Korean singer-songwriter creates a soundscape that feels like a memorable summer vacation filled with fun, laughter, and the occasional romance.
Rooted in an idea she describes as "fake loveism", SUMMER CAKE's collection of songs takes her listeners through the ups and downs of falling love, told against vividly bright pop melodies.
The 'Love Villain' act got her start in music after joining various music competitions including MIXNINE and The Voice of Korea. In 2021, she officially debuted as a soloist under TSC and started building her discography with one catchy bop after another.
Most recently, she dropped her latest single 'HELP' which sees the singer take on a darker and more sensual sound compared to her usual summer anthems. Bandwagon caught up with SUMMER CAKE to talk about her new single, her musical aspirations, and what's in store for the future.
Hi SUMMER CAKE! What have you been busy with lately?
I recently finished preparing for my new song 'HELP'!. Every day’s been pretty hectic preparing for another new song, event, and festival for the upcoming summer. But thinking about coming to you with another song soon, I'm so excited that I’m not even tired!
How did you first get interested in music and songwriting? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
It all came naturally because it was my dream to become a singer ever since I was in kindergarten. I prepared to become a singer by studying applied music and training as a trainee. And I wanted to make my own music, which led me to composing. My career started to build as I advanced to the final stage of JTBC's MIXNINE and Mnet's The Voice of Korea 2020.
What does ‘SUMMER CAKE’ signify?
I just put two words that I like: hot summer and sweet cake! I want to present hot and sweet music to everyone.
Your music is based around “Fake Loveism”, what does that exactly entail? What do you strive to achieve through your music?
There are various stories about the excitement of a man and a woman falling in love, misunderstandings caused by conflicts of opinion when they are in love, and wanting revenge after love breaks your heart. It depicts stories that anyone who has ever loved has experienced and imagined at least once. The keyword to my music is empathy.
Who are some artists that inspire you? Anyone we should be adding to our playlist?
I always talk about The Weeknd wherever I go. I've also been listening to a lot of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande lately.
Congratulations on your single album ‘HELP’. Could you share with us what the record means and what story it tells?
It is about a man who is not ready to love, and a woman who is attracted to him even though she knows he is a bad man. It's a song about confusing feelings caused by a man forcing a woman to love. Unlike the songs that I've released before, I think you'll be able to feel a deep and sexy mood!
Walk us through what your usual creative and songwriting process usually looks like.
I make my music by adding a little bit of fiction to stories I experienced and imagined, or stories I’ve heard from people around me. I talk a lot with my producers while writing my songs! It's so interesting when we exchange various episodes in this process.
Beyond singing and songwriting, what are some aspects of music you would like to explore in the future?
I want to become an artist who has a lot of stage experience, and one who communicates with her fans naturally. I hope the day when I can breathe with you all in the same place will come soon!
What are some goals and dreams you have for your music?
I want to be an artist who can sing live well. That's how confident I am in my skills. I want to have a solo concert with my name on it as soon as COVID-19 ends. See you soon!
Outside of music, what do you guys enjoy doing together?
In South Korea, there is a culture of drinking outside the terrace, Han River, and convenience stores! Since the weather has gotten a lot warmer, I like to drink soju at a ‘pocha’, which is a tent-style bar on the street.
What else do you have in store for the year?
First of all, I'm going to release a lot of songs. I hope a lot of people get to know what kind of music and story I want to share. Also, please look forward to my solo concert. Even if it's a concert hall where only a small number of people can gather, I really want to be with you! I hope to meet my international fans someday.
Listen to SUMMER CAKE's 'HELP' here!
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-