J.Fla Talks Self-Produced EP, Her Voice And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By LPR Agency
J.Fla is a South Korean singer-songwriter, producer, and performer whose journey began with heartfelt YouTube covers that captivated a global audience. With over 17 million subscribers and billions of views, she became one of the platform’s most recognizable music creators. Her self-produced ‘Moon Eater’ EP is out now and she very kindly spoke to us:
What is your earliest musical memory?
When I was very little, after family meals out we always popped into karaoke. I remember singing whatever my parents picked, almost like a tiny jukebox.
When did you begin songwriting?
I began in my late teens as a topliner. Not long after, I entered a competition for a well known singer and, by good luck, a song I had written was chosen, which led me to start composing in earnest.
You have your new EP ‘Mooneater’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
My aim was to face my past properly. I tried to give each song a firm centre and to let the emotion speak clearly.
Where did you record the EP and who produced it?
I recorded mainly in my own workspace in Seoul, and I produced it myself with help from a small team.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
To get a round, muted tone, I tucked tissues under the guitar and bass strings. It looked a bit silly, but I loved the sound.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
For vocals I used an AEA A440 into a BAE 1073 and an LA 2A. My guitars were a Gibson SG and a Telecaster. The bass was a Squier Precision Bass. I also used a Mellotron for extra colour.
Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
a) ‘Moon Eater’ feels the bravest and the brightest. b) ‘Alien’ has a gritty energy. c) ‘Stellar Paradox’ holds those late night questions.
Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?
I worked with the person who had helped on my previous albums.
Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?
It means taking a rare chance and making it truly mine. The moon is borrowed light, so I wanted to absorb it and shine from within.
Was it a difficult EP to write?
The hardest part was trusting my instincts. Once I managed that, the songs began to flow naturally.
Who designed the EP artwork?
I did.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Seoul: lively, sleepless, layered, inventive, kind.
How do you look after your voice?
Warm ups, plenty of water, quiet mornings, and regular sleep.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
We are looking at 2026. I will share the dates as soon as they are confirmed.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
No regrets, and a lasting memory.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I have my own in-ear monitors. If I play more shows, I would love to get a Neumann microphone for the stage.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
‘Sophie’s World’. The letters would turn into lovely lyrics. I would begin with curiosity and lightness, then let the feeling grow bright and brave. I think a mood close to ‘Moon Eater’ would suit it.
One of the tracks is ‘Stellar Paradox’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?
It is about duality. Vintage warmth lives with a modern spark. It asks how light can feel far and close at the same time.
Do you have any visualisers to accompany the music?
Yes. I have made lyric videos and visualisers with ink wash textures and a blue moon motif. You can watch them on my YouTube channel.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I have been influenced by the honesty and tone of Amy Winehouse, the songs of Fleetwood Mac, and the mood of Portishead.
What makes J. Fla happy and what makes you unhappy?
I am happy when the ideas in my head come to life. I am unhappy when fear is louder than curiosity.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By LPR Agency
J.Fla’s new EP ‘Moon Eater’ is out now.
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Wz8EBTRLwMCpcxZIkroPp?si=ymglC-iTTiWphWqpPJPmfw&nd=1&dlsi=10676209c95c4d8b
