t024’s TRACE: An Echo of Emotions, Lingering Like Scent
Photo Courtesy of Reff Records
t024 released their first mini album, TRACE, on February 7. Consisting of eight tracks written and composed by Senji (singer-songwriter) and Nap!er (producer), this album revolves around the concept of ‘scent’— specifically, the lingering ‘after scent.’ Each scent embodies a different emotion, from excitement and emptiness to anxiety and restlessness, weaving an intimate sonic narrative.
Pronounced “totwentyfour,” the South Korean duo crafts music that resonates most deeply between 2 AM and 4 AM—a time of quiet reflection and raw emotion. Rooted in alternative pop R&B, t024 creates a smooth and immersive sound, blending influences from new wave, synth pop, and college rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Beyond their own work, both members have actively collaborated with other artists. Senji has contributed as a composer for NCT DREAM (“Teddy Bear”), LUCY (“Blue Voyage”), and OnlyOneOf (“night flight,” “mirage,” “nabi”). Nap!er has produced for OnlyOneOf (“seOul drift,” “skinz,” “savanna,” “dOra maar”), KB (“be free”), Xydo (“#OOTD (feat. Coogie)”), and Haeil (“Lil Time (feat. Audrey Nuna)”), further showcasing their influence in the contemporary music scene.
TRACE has been elevated by the contributions of world-class music professionals. Grammy-winning mixing engineers Ryan Giligan (Coldplay, The 1975) and Matt Huber (Tove Lo, Maren Morris) refined the album’s sound, while Sean Hutchinson (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey) and Sean Hurley (Gwen Stefani, Jason Mraz) enriched it with instrumentation. Chris Gehringer, the renowned mastering engineer behind MOTOMAMI and works by Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, added the final polish, further solidifying the album’s global appeal.
“Got my attention”
This track is smooth, effortless, and a little hypnotic. The deep house beats and stuttered synths create the perfect late-night vibe—chill yet intoxicating. Lyrically, it’s about that one person who makes everything else feel like a waste of time. It captures the thrill of newfound attraction, where past habits fade in the face of something, or someone, more meaningful—a sleek, easy listen that pulls you in.
“Make the vibe”
This one is all about spontaneity and late-night energy. With rich drums, deep bass, and a seamless blend of analog and synth sounds, it’s the kind of track that instantly sets the mood. Lyrically, it’s a flirty, in-the-moment rush—locking eyes, taking chances, and stretching the night as long as possible. A perfect soundtrack for escaping the ordinary.
“Why”
This track is a playful paradox—bright, groovy, yet deeply introspective. The catchy guitar riff and R&B-infused rhythm keep things light, while the lyrics paint a picture of escapism and self-doubt. It’s a song that makes you smile at the sound but linger on the meaning, effortlessly blending fun and reflection.
“It’s because”
A late-night confession wrapped in a smooth R&B groove. The dreamy chords and soft rhythm pull you into that hazy space between holding on and moving on. It’s nostalgic but not desperate—just the quiet realization that some feelings don’t fade, no matter how much you pretend they do. The song subtly transitions into the intro of “Cedarwood & Tangerine,” creating an emotional thread between the tracks.
Photo Courtesy of Reff Records
“Cedarwood & Tangerine”
This track is a sensory rush blending hazy memories with the lingering scent of a night that refuses to fade. The rough textures and pulsing beat create a contrast between fleeting moments and lasting impressions. Upbeat yet melancholic, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night that lingers, not in words or memories, but in scent.
The contrast between forgetting someone's name yet being haunted by their fragrance is both intimate and bittersweet. It’s a clever take on nostalgia—how certain things fade, while others, like the smell of cedarwood and tangerine, stay etched in the senses.
“Reflection of you”
A melodic and emotional acoustic pop track that captures the ache of loss and the inescapable presence of a loved one who is no longer there. The lyrics unfold like a conversation with the past, where memories leave deeper imprints rather than fading away.
The imagery—footprints in time, an unchanging presence within—creates a heartbreaking contrast between the inevitable passage of life and the way some losses remain frozen in the heart. The refrain, “Baby, everywhere I go, I can see the reflection of you,” beautifully conveys how absence can sometimes feel just as tangible as presence.
“Complete me”
A bold and immersive alt R&B track, “Complete Me” draws listeners in with its edgy string effects and atmospheric depth. Breaking away from conventional repetition, the melody flows freely, allowing raw emotions to surface through the vocal delivery. The song captures the weight of regret and longing, as the lyrics navigate the realization of past mistakes and the yearning to be whole again.
“Bridging time zones”
Closing the album with a sense of warmth and longing, this track feels like a late-night conversation with someone you miss—quiet, intimate, and filled with unspoken understanding. Led by warm organ sounds, the song carries a soft nostalgia, gradually growing into something bigger, like a wave of emotions swelling up.
It’s about distance, the moments in between, and the small ways we hold on. The lyrics remind us that no matter how far apart we are, we’re still under the same sky. As the final track, it closes the album like a gentle farewell—not an ending, but a promise to meet again.
Photo Courtesy of Reff Records
Stay tuned for our interview with t024, where we dive deeper into the stories behind TRACE and their creative journey.