[Interview] How Itzel Crafts Music That Beams Like The Sun

Hello and welcome to HallyuTones — always focused on sound, stage and substance.

Full disclosure; this is my first time interviewing and straight off the bat, I hit the artist jackpot with the very talented Itzel!

Itzel debuted in 2022 with her single album ‘ZOOM!’ featuring the track ‘Average Girl’, this song reflects the feeling of sonder; every person you encounter has a life as vivid and complex as your own. The lyrics talk about individuality and finding the beauty in ordinary aspects of life. There are two other songs on the album, ‘Black Rose’, which deals with themes of self discovery and ‘NEW BIRTH’ which is about embracing new beginnings.

Since her debut, Itzel has released her fair share of music including ‘Dreaming Of The Days’, which is my personal favourite of hers and a great example of her soothing voice. In addition to this, she has release three collaborations and another single album with the title track ‘DIZZY’; which has a cool music video to go along with it, utilising minimalist elements and plain settings to compliment unique props and fun editing.

And that now leads us up to today, where Itzel has recently released another single. I’ll let her tell you about that one, she has a much better way with words than me.

All photos taken by: @bennett._ 

Please introduce yourself and your music! 

Hi, This is Itzel. I’m a singer-songwriter from South Korea. I don’t like to confine my music to a single genre. But I’ll try.

I grew up loving all kinds of music: POP, K-POP, R&B, Hip-hop, Jazz. They’ve all shaped who I am as an artist. What I create now is a blend of all those influences, something that feels uniquely mine. If I had to describe it simply, I sometimes say it’s KRNB or K-POP, but it’s really more about emotion, storytelling, and the energy that lives between genres.

How did you become interested in music?

I’ve loved music ever since I was a child. It was something I truly looked up to. I was the kind of elementary school kid who would check the Billboard charts on my way home from school. I was always a sensitive and overthinking child, but music was always there for me. It embraced the feelings I couldn’t explain and gave me comfort when nothing else could. I found healing and courage in songs that told honest stories from the artists themselves.

Even during my school days, I could feel the immense power of music growing inside me. In middle school, I made up my mind that I wanted to become someone who creates their own music and performs it too. Then I fell in love with dance, and ended up majoring in it at an arts high school. That brought me even closer to music throughout my teenage years.

Since then, I’ve moved forward with passion, urgency, and a love that never fades. There was never a Plan B for me. It’s always been music and art

Tell us about your new single album, ‘SUNBEAM’. 

My double single ‘SUNBEAM’ includes two tracks. Both songs feel like the sun is beaming. They are so warm that they almost feel sharp and intense.

‘Overrated’ is an R&B track with unstable synths, expressing the raw feelings of waiting for a love that may never come. I thought I could wait, but the song is about how the past version of me may have overrated who I’d be today.

‘Clementine’ is an upbeat Electronica/Pop track inspired by the character from ‘Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind’, capturing the thrill of someone who enters your life like a sudden ray of sun.

What is the music creation process like for you? 

When I get a track, I first think of the melody. Then I look for fitting themes, words, or phrases. I place great importance on visualizing the music. I imagine it visually and create a mind map. I start by jotting down sentences randomly and then pick out the best expressions. Once the song is finished, I collect artwork and photos that match its mood. I believe it’s just as important to express the music through sophisticated visuals. 

For me, working on an album isn’t just about completing songs. 

It’s a comprehensive package of art. (I want to give a shoutout to my friend Bennet. She’s an incredibly talented videographer who has worked with me on every one of my music videos.)

Why did you choose ‘Itzel’ as your stage name? 

The name is just my English name. I love this beautiful name.

You have covered songs by many artists, what is your favorite cover you’ve done? 

Definitely, Kehlani’s ‘Everything’. I’m a HUGE FAN of hers and I especially love this song. The lyrics are so beautiful, particularly the ones in Verse 2. It’s such a radiant song like a ‘silver lining’.

Who are your inspirations?

Many musicians and artists inspire me, but the greatest inspiration comes from myself. I’m always reflecting on and exploring who I am, my flaws. The emotions and thoughts I encounter during this process become my biggest source of inspiration. I also draw inspiration from observing the worlds of the people I love around me.

You studied practical dance at school, will your songs have choreography someday?

Absolutely, YES. I definitely want to work with dancers. Having choreography for my songs would be amazing. Expressing something through movement is such an exhilarating experience. I still love and respect dance and dancers deeply.

How do you feel you or your music has changed since your debut?

I think the biggest difference is that I’ve stripped down a lot more this time. 

In my debut album, I had so much I wanted to say and so many melodies I wanted to include every part felt packed. I was under a lot of pressure and had no room to breathe because I just wanted to do well and be perfect. But as I kept releasing albums, I’ve learned to take things away and simplify. My strength is making each day a better day than yesterday.

With ‘SUNBEAM’, I’ve found more space and included songs that are easier and more comfortable to listen to.

What are your goals as an artist?

I want to reach people farther, deeper, and closer.
I’m going to take my time sharing the stories I truly want to tell.
I hope to be an artist who can stay close to their lives.

I want to express myself in many different ways and release albums that feel like a full, multidisciplinary form of art.

I hope to connect with people more directly through performance one day.

I’ll keep moving forward with effort and courage.

I hope my love reaches far, far out someday.

A big thank you to Itzel for the insightful and articulate responses. I can’t wait to see what more Itzel has to offer and I hope you guys feel the same! 

If you’d like to follow Itzel and stream her music, check out the links below.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itcallzme?si=5QiMp7cXY5BBdW5l

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itcallzme?igsh=aTlxaDFhNGZ3ZXht

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itcallzme?_t=ZN-8y5QzvVfQes&_r=1

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2st3D0ujBWZdRUKJf5jE3O?si=Tghz28WnTcaDDrh7k5XDhA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/itzel/1612566155