Purposeful Hopping of Languages and Codes in Yaeji’s ‘One More’

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Kathy Yaeji Lee, better known as Yaeji, is a Korean-American multihyphenate who transcends genres as effortlessly as she infuses them with new life. She is a DJ, producer, singer, and rapper, whose musical outlook has been shaped by her experiences growing up in Queens, Atlanta, Seoul, and Pittsburgh. Despite being based in New York City, Yaeji’s artistry is informed by her cultural diversity and her ability to navigate seamlessly between different worlds while staying true to herself.

Her latest release, “One More,” is a club track that combines thumping beats with hypnotic synths to create a soundscape that is both soothing and invigorating. The song reflects Yaeji’s struggle to find her place in a world that is constantly changing, asking the question: Who are you when everything around you is in flux?

Yaeji’s music is characterized by repetition, a technique she uses to build tension and create a sense of anticipation. Her tracks are often constructed from just a few simple elements, which she embellishes with whispered vocals and auto-tuned effects. This minimalist approach is reflected in the video for “One More,” directed by Alex Gvojic, which features psychedelic visuals that loop and pulse without ever feeling overwhelming.

For Yaeji, the language of her music is not a barrier but a bridge between cultures. She regularly switches between Korean and English, often within the same sentence, to convey her emotions in a way that transcends linguistic barriers. In doing so, she seeks to universalize the themes of her music, which are often rooted in personal experiences but resonate on a broader level.

Yaeji’s artistry is a journey of self-illumination and endurance. As she explains, “One More” is about enduring pain and coming to terms with it, so that she can forgive and move on. This is reflected in the lyrics of the song, which speak to the importance of digging deeper and excavating the wreckage of experience to emerge stronger and more resilient.

In conclusion, Yaeji is a rising star in the world of electronic music whose multicultural perspective and minimalist aesthetic set her apart from her peers. With “One More,” she has created a track that is both introspective and uplifting, reflecting her ongoing journey towards spiritual enlightenment.