[Interview] Dailog Sets Up ‘basecamp’ For His Debut EP!

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

The ‘Hallyu Wave’ refers to the surge of popularity associated with South Korean culture – K-Pop, K-Drama, Korean movies, and even beauty products. However, none of these elements exist in isolation.

With the global popularity of Korean movies like Parasite, the smash-hit Netflix film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, TV series like ‘Squid Game‘ or classics like ‘Crash Landing on You‘, Korean film and television production is an ever-growing market. However, behind every key plot point, and book-ending each K-Drama episode are the iconic OSTs (Original Soundtracks). These not only capture and accentuate the emotions of a scene, but many are just as iconic as the shows that they accompany.

Today’s interview is with someone who knows K-Drama OSTs like no-one else. Dailog is a highly experience K-Drama OST producer, working with the biggest K-Pop stars on songs for some of Korea’s biggest TV hits. In addition to this, Dailog is embarking on a new path as a solo artist. Read on to find out more about Dailog’s work, his debut EP ‘basecamp’ and the meanings behind the tracks.

Interview:

Q1. Please introduce yourself and your music!

Hello, my name is Dailog, and I am a songwriter and singer-songwriter from South Korea. (Editor’s Note: ‘Dailog‘ is a pormanteau of the words ‘daily‘ and ‘log‘) .

I have been working for a long time on drama OSTs and artist albums, and now I have started my journey as a solo artist to share my own voice and stories through music. My sound blends warm, vintage tones of indie rock, surf rock, and dream pop.

Q2. As a producer and songwriter, could you tell us more about the songs you have worked on?

I have worked on more than 100 OSTs and artist songs. Among them, the OSTs for tvN Hospital Playlist and ENA Yumi’s Cells are especially memorable. I’ve also collaborated with artists such as Red Velvet’s Joy, Wendy, and Seventeen’s DK.

Q3. Many of the songs you produced have featured in K-Dramas. What is the typical process for submitting a song as a K-Drama OST?

Usually, the music director requests songs that fit certain drama scenes, and I either compose a new song or suggest something I’ve already prepared. The vocal artist is often selected by the director or production team. Sometimes, when I record the guide vocal, my own voice ends up being used in the final release.

Q4. What drew you to pusue a career in music production, songwriting and recording music?

Since childhood, I loved playing the guitar and singing, and expressing my emotions through music felt very natural. I had many interests, but I discovered that when I was making music, I could immerse myself the most and feel truly happy. Naturally, producing and songwriting became not only my career but also my way of life, and I have continued this journey with the desire to create songs that can touch people’s hearts.

Q5. Your debut EP released on September 1st – could you tell us more about what to expect and your sound and style?

My first EP basecamp, releasing on September 1st, captures love as a day-long journey. From the excitement of the morning to the intimacy of the night, the six tracks flow together with the brightness of surf rock, the dreamy soundscapes of dream pop, and the vintage colors of indie rock.

Q6. What is your typical song production process, and what inspires the lyrics of your songs?

I usually begin with a guitar riff or a melody, and then I build the sound layers on top. For lyrics, I often draw inspiration from emotions I feel in everyday life or from very small, fleeting moments.

Q7. You have worked with many artists, from Red Velvet’s Joy, to Seventeen’s DK. What do you enjoy the most about collaborating with artists?

Each artist has a unique vocal tone and interpretation style, so every collaboration brings a new musical color. Especially K-pop artists, who always work hard to meet their high standards, have shown me incredible dedication, and that has inspired me a lot as well.

Q8. In contrast to the typical production of many K-Pop releases, what do you like about being able to independently produce and release your own music?

When working within the K-pop system, there are great advantages in teamwork and structure. But producing and releasing my own music independently gives me the joy of expressing my voice and sound exactly as they are, without compromise.

Q9. What advice would you give for someone looking to get into music production?

You don’t need perfect equipment or an ideal environment from the beginning. What matters is writing consistently, listening to diverse references, and finding your own unique color. There is also so much to learn through collaboration.

Q10. Who is your favourite Korean artist and why?

I like The Black Skirts. Their original sound, honest lyrics, and the energy they bring on stage have been a big inspiration to me.

Q11. What are your goals for yourself as a soloist and independent artist?

I want to continue producing OSTs and artist projects while also expanding my presence in the global indie scene through my own music. My goal is for more people to get to know who Dailog is as a musician.

Q12. Lastly, do you have any messages for your fans or any new listeners?

Thank you always for listening to my music. I hope my EP basecamp becomes a small shelter in your day. I will keep sharing my stories through music in the future.

Thank you so much to Dailog for taking the time to answer our questions. To have the opportunity to talk to someone behind many iconic OSTs, and to showcase another artist’s journey into releasing their own music is always so exciting!

Keep reading below for a deep dive into the EP, including a brief overview of the 6 tracks (Credits to Dailog for track summaries):

‘basecamp’ is a 6-track EP with a vintage charm. Every track has a unique emotional tone but the album is made cohesive by Dailog’s vocals. The overall theme of the album is ‘love’, particularly focusing on how love remains a safe space when life becomes difficult. Journeying through a typical day, the EP begins with ‘morning twist‘, and ends in the middle of the night with ‘campfire‘. Musical genres covered include dream pop, folk, and surf rock.

Track 1, ‘morning twist‘, is a dance track that brings the vibes of a refreshing morning surrounded by loved ones, prepared to dance through the day’s challenges.

The second track, ‘boyscout‘ is a guitar heavy rock track that reminds the listener that they are never alone as long as they have their loved ones.

Track 3, ‘basecamp‘ is the heart of the album, a rest stop with chilled and groovy vibes.

Continuing this theme, track 4, ‘doodle‘ retains the relaxed, lo-fi vibes and acts like a reminder, evoking the feeling of a reminder that you are always loved.

‘Pajama Party‘ is a breezy and uplifting track, a safe haven of sound that is there to welcome the listener.

Finally, ‘campfire‘, fitting to it’s night-time setting, is calm and warm. As you gather round the fire, the warmth reminds you that the effects of love will always linger.

In addition to this, the lyrics videos for the first two tracks are already live on Dailog’s YouTube channel – check them out at the links below. He plans to continue to release new lyrics videos over the next few weeks for the remaining tracks. Please check them out and immerse yourself further into the ‘basecamp’ EP!

Please follow Dailog on his socials below:

YouTube: Dailog – YouTube

Instagram: Dailog – Instagram

Spotify: Dailog – Spotify

Apple Music: ‎Dailog – Apple Music