moua dimension

Hi Moua! Could you please introduce yourself by sharing one of your songs with the YEOJA readers/listeners?
Hello YEOJA magazine and listeners! It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Moua, a singer-songwriter and jazz vocalist from South Korea. I’d love to share my EP Daydream, which was released last summer. I hope you enjoy it! ♡

In South Korea, you received formal training as a jazz vocalist. What was this education like and how do you let it inform your art now? It must have been transformative.
I think that this time, during which I delved deeply, explored relentlessly, and immersed myself fully, helped me to build a solid foundation. I was fortunate to have guidance from professors I deeply respect, and I am grateful to have had the chance to encounter such meaningful opportunities. I haven’t consciously thought about how much of my formal training appears in my songwriting or production, but I do often receive feedback about my “unexpected melodies,” which I think reflects the time I’ve spent exploring melody in-depth.

What helps you find these unexpected melodies?
If I had to name a specific approach, it would be my focus on improvisation. Most of the tracks released under moua dimension were created through improvisation. Instead of planning out melodies or messages, I sang freely, letting the music flow naturally from my heart. Sometimes I recorded an entire track in one take, and I also included improvised solos for each song. This process has allowed me to meet parts of myself I hadn’t recognised before and to clarify the direction I want to go. It’s been a way to connect with myself and my own creative potential.

In what kind of dimension do you imagine your music resides? Could you describe the place and time your songs inhabit, and how you create these worlds?
My first single, cardcapture moua, was about finding and caring for my inner child. Growing up, I was often called a weirdo, which as a child, is quite sad. I spent a lot of time trying to fit into others’ expectations–or being forced to. Now, I want to reach out to that peculiar inner child and to the dear friends who held my hand during those days, shouting, “Let’s just be a 괴물! (monster)”—a playful rebellion to stay true to ourselves.

My second single, Before Sunrise, is for all those who endure the night—myself included. I’ve had countless nights where I barely made it through, but during those moments, there was a person who was always there to hold my hand and say, “You’re almost there.” She is my best friend, soulmate, and vocal teacher, who often reminded me that my emotions, like sunlight, needed to be aired out and gently dried. I also think of a line from one of my favourite movies, Macadam Stories: “The greatest light comes after the darkest darkness.” That thought kept me going. I wanted to weave together all the things that kept me grounded, creating a song to comfort others who might feel lost, much like how my teacher held my hand in my own dark moments. 

Looking at my work from various angles, I’d say my music embodies comfort. The dimension of my music feels like an island for lost toys, indigo children, and for those with fiery hearts—much like the scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower where Sam says to Charlie, “Welcome to the island of misfit toys.”

If jazz music was found within your astrological chart, what would be your big three?
My sun would be Bill Evans, my moon Billie Holiday, and my rising Chet Baker. It might sound predictable, but these artists continue to move me the most. I haven’t found anyone who stirs my heart the way they do. 

You also make music together with your brother. Can you give us a glimpse into this collaboration? Do you think making music runs in the family?
Before starting moua dimension, my brother and I used to make music together as a duo called ALOH. He’s an incredible musician and the leader of the band evenif. He’s a big source of inspiration and influence for me. Although we don’t get the chance to work together often—since he lives in Seoul and I’m in Berlin—we recently reunited in Seoul to record a new single. I’m so excited about it! I was focused solely on writing the song during my flight here. He always brings such inspiring energy and impresses me the most. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our new song turns out!

I never really thought of music as something that runs in our family, but both of us love reading and writing. We also both keep journals. Maybe that’s why we both write songs—like a diary. That thought just occurred to me! (haha…)

This week you are guiding a workshop for YEOJA’s Pass It On series. What are you planning for the workshop, and are there any special techniques or methods you want to pass on to your students?
I’m incredibly grateful that YEOJA invited me, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks. In this workshop, I’ll be introducing the beautiful jazz standard, “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” by Frank Loesser (1950), and I’ll invite participants to sing it together. We’ll also explore the unique and beautiful sounds that emerge from each of us through improvisation. I’m already so excited and happy just thinking about it!

Whilst planning the workshop, you joined YEOJA as a member. We are so happy about this! What motivated you to join the team, and what makes intersectional feminist work important for you personally?
It’s an honour to be part of this new journey with YEOJA. I’ve come to realise how important it is to speak out against gender discrimination and the intersectional struggles we face based on race and cultural background. Growing up, I often felt like my identity was overlooked or misunderstood, and through my work with YEOJA, I hope to amplify the voices of those who share similar experiences.

Intersectional feminism is important to me because it recognises the complexities of these issues and seeks to create a more inclusive world. By being part of this platform, I want to contribute to breaking down barriers and advocating for equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, or background.

To wrap this interview up, I would like to ask you: what are your dreams for moua dimension?
My dream is simple: to keep looking at the world with wonder. I want to keep learning, striving, and moving forward. I want to explore, dive in, and journey with curiosity. I want to be true to myself and others, filling every day sincerely.

Thank you Moua ♡

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To keep up with moua dimension, click here. To read more interviews with Berlin-based artists, click here.