snzae: From Plan B to Artistic Evolution

snzae Made his mark in 2019 under Amoeba Culture, but his journey began earlier when he stole the spotlight on “High School Rapper,” a popular South Korean reality rap competition in 2017. Transitioning from his debut EP “Poor Boy” to the soulful single “Tiny Hole (Feat. Gaeko),” he poured his personal growth into his music, ultimately rebranding himself as “snzae” for his album “wallflower” in 2020.

His talents weren’t confined to rap; he showcased his dancing prowess alongside his singing skills on JTBC’s “Super Band 2” in 2021, releasing the energetic single “Born To Be Cool.” In 2022, snzae’s artistic evolution continued with the release of three diverse singles: “Day,” “Sool,” and “Bind,” each reflecting different facets of his maturity and emotional depth. His creativity transcended music in 2023 when he clinched the Excellence Award for “Bubbles,” a collaboration with animation director Kang Soo-ah, recognized by the Korea Independent Animation Filmmakers Association.

Now, snzae is back with a new EP titled ‘Plan B’ and the title track “Reset”.

INTERVIEW With snzae

Please introduce yourself to HypnoticAsia Readers!

Hi!! My name is snzae and I’m a rapper, singer-songwriter from South Korea.

Congratulations on your upcoming EP release, “Plan B”! Can you share with us the inspiration behind the title and the overall concept of the EP?

I always prepare for a Plan B in every situation. When I feel a limit in rap, I feel a limit in singing. When I feel a limit in singing, I feel a limit in producing. I think I was afraid to face my limits. In this album, I gather all my Plan B situations and express them through the tracks. I’m not the best rapper, singer, or producer, but they’re all a part of who I am.

How does “Plan B” differ from your previous work, both musically and thematically?

In the past, I always ran and hid away from the world and all my problems. My songs from the past were songs that comforted me when I felt like I was stuck in a swamp. I had to survive in that swamp, and this EP is my guidebook to surviving the swamp.

Amoeba Culture is known for fostering unique and diverse talents. How has being a part of this label influenced your artistic growth and the direction of your music?

They taught me how to think for myself and trust my ideas. They believed in me when I felt lost and motivated me to keep going.

“Plan B” is often seen as a contingency or an alternative strategy. Can you tell us about any unexpected challenges you faced during the creation of this EP and how you overcame them?

Unexpected things happen every day, and nothing ever goes as planned. If you don’t do anything in the rain, it will rain tomorrow too. We need to keep moving!

Your music often explores different genres and styles. Can we expect any surprises or new elements in “Plan B” that listeners may not have heard from you before?

I mixed the various genres of music I like, interpreting them from my perspective. It may not be what people expect from me, but I will always try to experiment and show something new.

As an artist, how do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to the ever-changing trends in the music industry?

There were times when I didn’t follow the trend because I was trying to stay loyal to my artistic vision, and there were times when I rode the trend and disregarded my artistic vision. Both are important to me so they are a part of me to some extent. I’m just trying to be more honest moving forward and let all that melt into my music.

What do you hope listeners will take away from “Plan B” after experiencing it?

I incorporated a lot of different methods to stop judgment and have those controlling thoughts overcome my head. I hope people receive a sense of peace and tranquility in an empty state of mind.

With this EP being your first release of 2024, how do you envision this setting the tone for your musical journey throughout the rest of the year?

Since I released an EP this time, I want to release a double single for my next one.

Lastly, what message or feeling do you hope “Plan B” leaves with your audience, and what can fans expect from you in the near future?

I hope this album will be a message of motivation and an encouragement to keep on going as it has been for me 🙂 Let’s remember to take a deep breath from time to time!

Connect with snzae

Instagram | YouTube