INTERVIEW: snzae
South Korean alternative hip-hop rising sensation snzae is taking the music scene by storm with his latest EP, Plan B. Known for his breakout on the reality rap competition ‘School Rapper’ in 2017, snzae has evolved significantly as both an artist and an individual. With this new EP, he invites listeners into a world of alternative hip-hop tracks and poignant narratives, exploring his unconventional approach to life and the resilience he's found in embracing Plan B when faced with adversity. Through tracks like "SoomChoomMove," "Stinky," and "Lost," snzae delves into themes of introspection, frustration, and resilience, offering listeners a glimpse into his personal journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. We caught up with snzae to learn more about his artistry, new release and aspirations.
Your journey as an artist has been quite remarkable, from your early days on 'School Rapper' to signing with Amoeba Culture and now releasing your latest EP, Plan B. How has your experience on the show influenced your growth as both a person and an artist?
To be honest, I had never shared my music with anyone before "School Rapper." Being on "School Rapper" gave me a lot of confidence and a chance to expand my world. Meeting many artists gave me positive influences and that was the beginning of my music career.
Could you share with us the inspiration behind the title Plan B for your latest EP? What does “Plan B” represent to you personally and artistically?
I've always liked running away. I'd always run to "Plan B." Looking back in hindsight, those decisions were never wrong. My "Plan B" has always changed me, and it always worked out.
What's your favorite song from the EP and why?
“Head Down.” This album has many different colors and textures infused with various emotions but I think I lean towards songs that give good vibes. “Head Down” has various meanings. You can keep your head down as a sign of humility and you can also look down and appear arrogant. You can also put yourself in a dangerous position if you don’t keep your head down and secure when you're in a fight. I have observed all the moments when I kept my "Head Down", and I have come to see the world from many different perspectives.
Your singles from previous years, like “Day,” “Sool,” or “Bind,” each seem to offer a different facet of your artistic journey. How do you feel your music has evolved since your debut EP, Poor Boy, in 2019 to now Plan B?
I think I've made progress as ordinary human “snzae.” Of course, I still have a long way to go. I gave it my all and did my best on all my previous works when I was younger and facing different periods of my life. They’re different from this album, but all of my albums contain beautiful and precious moments.
As an artist, you've been compared to the likes of Kanye West, Twenty One Pilots, & Bon Iver. How do you feel about these comparisons and who are some of your biggest musical influences?
They’re artists I enjoy listening to! I especially like songs from Kanye’s albums. It's hard to pick an artist who influenced me the most because I like artists from various genres, but If I had to choose I’d say Radiohead, James Blake, & Daft Punk.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from snzae in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?
I'm constantly making new songs. I will continue to let my voice be heard by the fans who are waiting for me. As I took charge of producing the album, I became more interested in producing, so I am continuously studying, experimenting, and working hard!
WHERE TO FIND SNZAE
TikTok | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music