motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re based in South Korea. How would you describe the current music scene there? Do you have any favorite local venues and artists?

GWAC: Aside from big music industry like K-pop, indie scenes are pretty sad. Not a lot of variety in the genre, and even if some new artists start their career with new and unique style, it’s difficult for them to sustain since there are not many listeners who actually dig these minor genres. I’m trying and promoting abroad for that very reason.

There are small venues in Seoul, where you can perform with audience of 20 – 50 people. I’ve been performing in some of them, and so far my favorite was Gongsangondo (@gongsangondo),
a charming café-bar and bookstore that occasionally hosts exhibitions. It has a really unique vibe and is perfect for small-scale performances.

Another fantastic venue is Jebidabang (@jebidabang), which is dedicated entirely to indie music. The only catch is that it’s so popular among indie artists that booking a slot there usually requires a three-month wait.

MOTEL VOID: I haven’t found much information about you on the internet to be honest… Are you originally from South Korea? I’ve read that your “background spans multiple countries and cultures”

GWAC: Yes, I’m born and raised in South Korea. I was in China for a short period of time living with my dad. Then I studied in the States for a while. That’s when I met all different types of people from other countries. As someone who was quite introverted at the time, I initially struggled with the idea of constantly moving to new places and making new friends. But looking back, I realize that those experiences—interacting with people from different cultures—shaped who I am today.

For me as a songwriter, understanding the culture behind the language is essential. You can learn a language and converse with people, but it’s only when you understand their culture that you can truly connect with them. I lived through different culture and I believe that I can write songs that could resonate with people not only from my country, but also with people from all over the world.
and also, after meeting all kinds of people, I’m more open minded about the world in general.

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your new single “In My House”. Will it be part of your new record?

GWAC: Yes, “In My House” is part of a full-length album I’m currently preparing. I’m excited to announce that my next single, “In Your Eyes,” will be released in couple of months
I’m planning to release a couple more singles before the album drops next fall.

This will be my first full album, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share it with everyone. It feels like a big milestone for me as an artist.

MOTEL VOID: Could you describe your writing and recording process? What kind of DAW do you use?

GWAC: I write songs only through my experience. It’s usually sad ones. However like I describe in my last EP, Sadness has a lot of dimension for me. Some of the saddest memories are sometimes the most beautiful things I know.

So I try not to run away from them. By diving deeper, you learn a new side about yourself and eventually let those memories stay in you without hurting yourself every time you think about it. And at the end you write a song about it.

My creative process usually begins with sketching out a rough narrative. Once I have a clear idea of the story I want to tell, I start working on the song itself. I almost always begin with my acoustic guitar, laying down the basic chords and rhythm. From there, I work on the melody and lyrics simultaneously. Once I have the basic structure, I record a demo using Logic Pro. Then I layer in additional instruments like keys, drums, and bass.

Depending on the mood I’m going for, I’ll incorporate other instruments that suit the vibe.
That’s about it for my creating process. After that is just revision after revision

MOTEL VOID: Who or what is your biggest inspiration right now?

GWAC: Right now, I’m most inspired by Radiohead, The Smile, and Hana Stretton. What draws me to their music is the simplicity and rawness of their sound. Thom Yorke’s music, particularly with The Smile, has a minimalistic approach that really resonates with me—it’s both haunting and beautiful in its simplicity. I admire the way

Hana Stretton’s music feels so natural and unforced. There’s an effortless quality to it that I aspire to achieve in my own work. Both of them inspire me and focus on the pure, emotional essence of music.