For an independent artist, there tends to be a fair number of added hardships to consider while trying to make a name for yourself in an unpredictable industry. For example, there’s the daunting production process, songwriting, conceptualizing, and of course, marketing oneself, which is really just the tip of the iceberg for an autonomous artist.

However, when a self-made artist can overcome these obstacles and release something that finally feels complete in their own eyes, there’s also an extra sense of fulfillment that comes with the terrain. And for the independent artist Blish (with ambitious titles including singer-songwriter and producer), he’s both excited and prepared to experience it all.

Here’s what the talented artist (who’s worked alongside names like DAVII and Clavita) had to say about his liberating trek into the music industry.

When it comes to your full-length debut album Wanderland, what were some of the core ideas or themes you hoped to convey through this body of work?

Blish: After much contemplation and wandering, I envision an ideal land beyond. I wanted to share the difficult emotions and experiences that everyone inevitably goes through, and I wished to offer comfort and encouragement to those going through tough times by showing a narrator who gradually approaches their own ideal land — Wanderland.

How have collaborations with artists like 4BOUT, eAeon, DAVII, Clavita, and Shelhiel shaped the overall vibe of Wanderland?

Blish: The artists I collaborated with exceeded my expectations in capturing the gloomy atmosphere of the first half of the album and the hopeful atmosphere of the latter half, along with the messages suited to those moods. They significantly influenced and contributed to the narrative of the album.

In what ways do you think your background or upbringing has influenced the music you create as a singer-songwriter and producer?

Blish: I was always close to music thanks to my parents, who loved music, and especially my father, who loved playing the guitar frequently. Most decisively, my experience studying abroad in the Philippines exposed me to various international music, which greatly influenced my current music creation.

You’ve divulged that your music aims to blend various genres and styles. How do you approach this fusion of different musical elements to create a cohesive sound?

Blish: I focus on the atmosphere and intention I want to convey. For example, when I want to create a song with a calm and moody sound, I blend elements of calm folk music and ballad music to match the atmosphere and intention I aim to express.

Considering you don’t stick to one specific genre — could you take us through your creative process when producing a new track? How do you decide which elements to incorporate into a song?

Blish: When I create music, I think of it as painting a picture. I consider the various colors of paint as different music genres, and as I paint, I bring out and use the paints I want to express at the moment, which is similar to incorporating elements of various music genres into my music.

Taking your experience as an indie artist into consideration, what are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve overcome in the music industry, and how have these experiences shaped your journey so far?

Blish: As an indie artist, the biggest obstacle I faced in the music industry was the lack of knowledge and experience in marketing and promotion. When I first released my songs, I had no idea how to effectively reach more people with my music. However, by continuing to release songs, exploring various methods, and seeking advice from my peers, I began to get a sense of it. These experiences, although challenging, have been very helpful in self-branding, and I believe that even if I join a company later, I will have a lot of stories to tell and won’t be idle.

As a producer and self-made artist, what role do you believe technology plays in the production and distribution of music today — especially for independent artists like yourself?

Blish: Technology has been incredibly helpful. With advancements in technology, we no longer need as much to produce music as we did before. Now, it is possible to release an album with just a laptop and a few instruments at home. I, too, produced and released my full-length album this way. For distribution, even just asking ChatGPT about how to release music, market it effectively, and promote it provides detailed and extensive information. Thus, especially nowadays, independent artists can operate more easily than before.

How do you see your sound evolving in the future? Are there any specific genres or artists you are interested in exploring through your music?

Blish: I think I will continue to incorporate and fuse various genres and styles to create my own unique sound. However, whereas I previously aimed for a more maximal sound, I plan to try a style of music that leaves only truly impactful sounds and leaves some space. The specific genre I want to explore is Korean traditional music, and the artist I am interested in is Jacob Collier.

Finally, what message do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what do you aspire to achieve through your musical career moving forward?

Blish: I hope that through my music, people will feel more positive emotions about life rather than negative ones. Additionally, I hope my music helps people solidify their own values and preferences. My goals for my future music career are simply for more people to listen to my music and to see their lives change positively because of it. I also aim to continue creating environments and situations where my peers and I can happily make music.