Choi Cello talks her favourite artists, releases, creating music and more in the latest exclusive interview

Since appearing on the co ed survival show that aired in both Korea and in Japan known as Stars Awakening and Youru Star where 108 contestants would take place within numerous categories (idol, singer songwriter and vocal). Choi Cello (최첼로) would finally make her solo debut as a singer songwriter on February 21st 2020 with the digital single and popular fan favourite, ‘Night without you’. 

Choi Cello is currently signed to INPLANET Music who has been supporting and promoting numerous artists since 2008, these artists often specialize and feature numerous genres like r&b, soul and hip hop. To fans, her popular fan favourite tracks include: Fall, Domino, Dream, BLUE, Thirsty, Coloring and Hide and Seek and Before Sunset.  The artist has also been featured on Wilcox’s 2022 release, ‘Blue & Lemonade’. 

To her fans, not only is Choi Cello known for her kindness and positivity but she is also known for showing off her talents through Instagram Reels or Official Live Clips that show off her talents and on going improvements for live vocals and guitar. 

Choi Cello released her single [ I need (Zzz…) ] on February 14th 2024 and would be the first single release of the year since releasing the single [ Why ] back in 2023. 

I held an interview with Choi Cello to talk about her love for music, her start as a artist, her dreams and more. Take a look below! 

1. First of all, thank you for taking the time for this interview. To start with the basics can you tell our readers a short introduction? “Hello, I’m Choi Cello who writes and sings. Nice to meet you.” 

2. For every music release, there is always a process of composing, producing and arranging the included songs that are acceptable for release. Can you tell your fans a little bit about your process and how you choose the songs you release?

” It usually starts with an acoustic version. You create and develop melodies and lyrics by playing the guitar. A lot of people are wondering whether the lyrics come first or the melody comes first, but I don’t think I work in just one style. Sometimes I write down thoughts that pass by in a memo pad and write them as materials for songs, and sometimes I get inspiration from something else. 

All songs are a mixture of many things. It’s always the lyrics that I think about until the end. I wonder what lyrics can project more. After that, I have an arrangement for the arrangement, and sometimes we work together from scratch. Most songs were born in this way.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by 최첼로 Cello Choi (@choi_cello)

Artist above: Choi Cello. 

3. Your music presentation is easy to sing along to, ‘Fall’, ‘Blue’ and the recently released ‘10000’ are my personal favourites. If you had to pick a favourite song, is there a song that stands out to you or a song you would like to perform in a concert hall someday? Or do you have other dreams in mind for your song?

“My favourite song always depends on how you feel. One day, I like “Thirsty,” one day, “Dream,” and “Blue and Lemonade” by Wilcox, which features features songs by Dream, and it’s different every time. Anyway, I think that’s inevitable because it’s all about my thoughts and ideas. What’s interesting is that a lot of people think that my songs are love songs, but they’re not. 

Of course, there’s always love in them. But I write lyrics that express the emotions that people have in their own way, so I think it’d be nice if listeners could melt my songs into their own situations. Like putting on clothes. In the case of Fall, I actually borrowed the desire to leave after fall from the perspective of fallen leaves and put it on the song. Like that, I hope that the feelings, feelings, and thoughts of those who listen to any song are put on.Just imagining singing along to the same song but not everyone having the same thoughts makes me happy.” 

4. Most of your releases seem to incorporate R&B and indie influences, is that your personal favourite genre of music? Can you list your favourite artists?

“Needless to say, I like both genres, and in fact, I listen to almost every genre. The genre changes ridiculously depending on the mood of the day. It also goes from jazz to heavy metal. It also goes to Korean traditional folk songs.

My favorite artists are Korean artists Jang Ki-ha and Ahn Shin-ae. I love their witty lyrics and their soul. And recently, I have developed a habit of carefully reading the lyrics when I listen to pop songs. Since English is not my native language, I think it’s a completely different song when I listen carefully to the lyrics. In particular, India Arie, I liked it originally, but I liked it even more. I like to express my thoughts directly and metaphorically.” 

5. Looking back at where you started compared to now, are there any changes you noticed in the way you approach marketing or music? Or is there anything you would like to say to yourself?

“Fortunately, I was able to join the company and release a new album. On second thought, I think it’s a wonderful and amazing relationship. Before I joined the company, I didn’t really know what kind of music I was pursuing or what kind of artist I wanted to be. But now I can do that, and I just want to tell myself that I’m doing well in the past. Whatever I say, Choi Cello from the past will not listen to Choi Cello from the future has to say.” 

6. Is there anyone in the art world that would give you courage or strength during your own difficult times? Is this someone you would want to work with in the future? “All the artists I respect.    Yes if I get the chance.” 

7. Lastly, thank you again for your time and consideration for this interview! Can you tell us about your last release as well as a final message for Kpopmap Readers? 

“A lot of songs are being refined. I have to pass me first to get into the world, but it’s not easy. ????, I always think that I will be an artist who can share my heart with you. Thank you for loving and caring about my music. If you haven’t, please go listen to it quickly! Bye!”

Kpopmap readers can check out Choi Cello on their favourite Social Media and streaming platforms, don’t forget to stop by Choi Cello’s latest releases and leave a comment of their favourite below!