[Interview] Keeping Music Authentic and Fun, Artists Woolenciah, Oddjun and Willa Talk About Their Creative Process, Inspirations and What's Next

Maria T.

With an ever so expanding Korean hip-hop and R&B scene, soloists Woolenciah, Oddjun and Willa are just beginning to make their mark and their presence known. Fully self composed, written, and produced their authenticity and strive shines through as they break through globally as artists and performers. Bringing you three totally different vibes for you to enjoy individually, as well as making tracks together there is much to look forward to. The B.E.L.U Lineup had the opportunity to chat with all three artists to discuss their music style and what they aspire to do in the future. ​

Responses have been revised for clarity.

- How would you describe your musical style, and what sets it apart from other artists in the Korean rap genre?

Woolenciah: I definitely focus a lot on the lyrics, and where the lyrics come from. The way I take experiences and make it into music is what puts me into a different part of the spectrum.

- How would you define your vocal style?

Oddjun: Love. A lovely voice through love. I learn a lot through my experience with love so I want to describe my vocal style as love. 

- As a rapper, how would you describe your music style? 

Willa: My music style is fully in practice, and just fun. 

- As a contestant on Season 11 of “Show Me The Money”, how did that experience contribute to your growth as an artist?

Woolenciah: To be able to appear on “Show Me The Money” is definitely a big deal to Koreans and Korean artists. Through several rounds I was able to go through, I felt some confidence grow in me and believed I can do this too, I can make it somewhere too. 

- You often cover songs by artists like Keshi, Daniel Caesar, and The Weekend. Do you find inspiration from these singers?

Oddjun: All three artists are pretty famous, their style and vocals is what I really learn from . I’ve been able to successfully cover these artists so I definitely learn from their style of music and their lyrics. 

- What themes would you say you mainly focus on when writing your lyrics?

Willa: It’s not really a theme, but I always live in the moment. So I use those moments to make my lyrics and go with what I am feeling in that moment. 

- In your mini vlog from Asia Times Square in Texas, you emphasized connecting with the audience. Do you have a favorite memory from your recent visit to the U.S.?
​
Woolenciah: My favorite memory especially in that moment is the reaction that the audience gave me. Being a very brand new artist and performing for the first time in the U.S. for a crowd like that, the reactions, the fans gave me something that I will never forget. 

- After your recent performances in the U.S., what was your experience like being on stage?

Oddjun: I came very far from Korea to be able to perform and receive such energy from the audience. I was very thankful for that and I was able to experience another kind of love from the audience. 

- What has been the biggest change in your musical journey, from when you first started until now? 

Willa: The biggest change for me is just how much I’ve improved and how my mindset has improved from when I first started. The confidence I have is building and it will only go up from here. 

- Your music videos, especially for “Ethics” feature you walking on a treadmill in various locations. When conceptualizing a music video, what specific ideas do you focus on during the creative process? 

Woolenciah: So rather than focusing on the way he looked in the music video I wanted to show people that I was running towards a certain vision. The song is called Ethics so I wanted to show through my work ethic, music ethic, and me as a person running towards a certain dream, goal, and vision. 

- Many of your songs have an emotional depth paired with strong beats and vocals. Do you naturally gravitate towards these themes in your music? 

Oddjun: I’m originally a very emotional person, so I use my emotions a lot to make my music. 

- How does your creative process differ when writing a song alone compared to collaborating with another artist? 

Woolenciah: When I do music alone it's definitely a more deeper thought process to create lyrics and match the beat and vibe of the song. Compared to when I am with my friends there’s a much lighter feeling, it’s not so heavy on the mind, I can have fun with it and get inspiration from my friends as well. 

- You take a more hands-on approach to your work, from composing to writing lyrics. Why is it important for you to be involved in every aspect of your music? 

Oddjun: I think it’s really important to use emotions that I experience to make my music. From start to finish it’s a very deep thinking process. As an emotional person, to convey my emotions through my music and how I expect it to come out and to be conveyed is important. 

- What are your thoughts on the Korean hip-hop genre? Since it is ever so changing, how do you think it will evolve? 

Willa: It’s doing good. There’s so many collaborations now between Korean rappers and Western artists. It’s going to get bigger and flourish. 

- Are there any artists who inspire you?

Woolenciah: Kanye West and Drake.

Willa: Travis Scott and Ohno.

- What goals do you want to achieve as an artist/in your music career?

Woolenciah: I want to go to Billboard.

Oddjun: With me being Korean, in Korea I would love to become a known singer for my kind of music. Experiencing American and being in America I would love to become a well known singer here as well.

- What can fans expect and look forward to from your upcoming sound moving forward? 


Woolenciah: R&B, I am a rapper but I want to show more of a softer vibe, and my new album drops December 4th.

Oddjun: I’m releasing my new song on December 14th.
​