Embellishing the bridge between mainstream K-Pop and the underground club scene, emerging soloist BÉBE YANA keeps dropping back-to-back retro-futuristic jams derived from a fascinating combination of genres that one could have only imagined.

Following the release of her futuristic downtempo track “64,” Korean-Australian singer-songwriter and producer BÉBE YANA returned with a hyper-pop banger titled “CHEMISTRY” this June. We are pumped to bring our readers an exclusive interview with the singer herself. Let’s talk more about this sterling artist and her music.

Formerly under the stage name Hayana (real name Yoon Hayana (윤하야나)), BÉBE YANA was a member of the all-rounded K-Pop girl group EvoL under the same label as Block B—Stardom Entertainment. EvoL received roaring praise from their audience for their rebel concept and powerful stage presence. Idols like Ashley Choi from LADIES' CODE also used to be fans of their music. Unfortunately, the label's merger in 2015 caused EvoL’s disbandment after just three years of debut. 

In 2017, BÉBE YANA returned to the music scene and released her first digital single, “Wish,” which was followed by two more singles, “Desperado” and “Galaxy.” After these releases, the artist felt like taking a step back from this industry and completing her studies, making another comeback in 2021 with her hit track “Strawberry Kisses (딸기키스)” after joining A MASS CULTURE.

Her latest single, “CHEMISTRY,” is a summer-vibe club track that is a blend of Jersey kicks and hyper-pop-sonic textures. “This song really gives a sweet taste,” comments the artist, describing the theme of the song. The lyrics narrate, “You can’t resist my seduction,” to the person you fancy. BÉBE YANA also discussed the making of the track and the team behind it:

“It started off with a draft I had, then a bunch of my friends joined in to make this project together. It was fun to reunite with chilloud whom I have worked with before. He helped with spicing up the hyperpop textures. And with AUS10, who produced “CHEMISTRY,” they were super chill to work with. We live in the same area, so it was really cute to come to the studio, work hard, and go back home together after work. It was so much fun; it felt like I was back in university.”

BÉBE YANA loves playing around with characters and personas throughout her work. In “SPACE MULAN,” her character is a mixture of Sci-Fi and Disney. In “Fairy's On Her Highway,” she transforms into a gorgeous fairy. For “CHEMISTRY,” she has dedicated a visualizer— “This time it’s more about the human side of me. So, for “CHEMISTRY”, the persona would be Yana herself living her life,” she adds.

Rave listeners love retro-futuristic fusions. Fans go crazy over how well the artist pulls off unique blends of various genres, including Jersey club, new wave pop, hyper-pop, drum & bass, UK and Korean garage, K-Pop, and even 90s pop. One can see how BÉBE YANA is on her way to becoming an icon that bridges genres together to produce perfectly catchy new-age EDM music.

On being asked if this is how she envisions herself as an artist, the 29-year-old singer comments: “The concept of blending the genres is a mixture of outcomes that come out of what I have been influenced by throughout my life. And I believe that naturally creates my texture and personality as a musician.”

As someone who has been a part of the world of music ever since she was a little kid, BÉBE YANA has learned a lot on her way up, and her experience adds up to the musician she is today. “Believe in yourself!” states the artist, which is the best piece of advice she has ever received. As a former idol, she started off her whole career dancing. In the music video for “SPACE MULAN,” we get to witness some of her stunning dance skills. The artist wishes to show more of her performance side to the fans in the future.

Our club girl is also a beach girl! When we asked which activity brings her enormous joy, she couldn’t help talking about her love for the beaches:

“Whenever I get some free time or need to refresh, I need to go to the beach with good music and sunlight. If I had a chance to travel more, I would go to beautiful beach sides around the world and enjoy that moment for sure.”

BÉBE YANA shares that she goes by the motto “Do what you love, enjoy, and be grateful about life”, which perfectly suits the positive and free-spirited energy that one can feel through her music.

BÉBE YANA likes her work to have a cheerful and fun vibe and hopes to keep bringing such bops to the listeners. “I’m working on new tracks now. So, I’ve been listening and monitoring a lot of my stuff these days,” reveals the singer, leaving us extremely excited and curious about what she has been cooking. Concluding the interview, she left a special message for her fans and our readers:

“Hope you guys are all enjoying listening to my music. New music is on the way. There are few release plans left for the rest of the year. So please stay tuned, and hope to meet you guys very soon! Thank you so much for all the love and support always. LOVE YOU ALL!!!”

Be sure to check out “CHEMISTRY” and more of BÉBE YANA’s releases on all the streaming platforms, and don’t forget to let us know in the comments which song you liked the most. Also, be sure to let us know on Instagram which artist you would like HALSUG to interview next.

TO STAY UPDATED ON BÉBE YANA:

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Artist Facts

Stage Name: BÉBE YANA

Birthday: October 11th

Nationality: South Korea

Zodiac Sign: Libra 

MBTI: ENFP

Favorite Foods: Dumplings

Favorite Drinks: Mango juice

Favorite Movies: Sci-fi

Day or Night?: Depends. Mostly night 

Song she's most proud of: “SPACE MULAN”

Edited by Zoe Selesi