- Words Notion Staff
- Photography Bella Rose Porter
Korean-American artist NoSo states the case for bringing back ponchos, chats about their debut album, and why their mum is their style icon.
Ready for your new musical obsession? For fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Slowdive, non-binary Korean-American guitarist NoSo (real name Baek Hwong) is an LA-based artist crafting deeply personal, dreamy tracks that you’re sure to fall in love with.
Opening with a sweeping synth, NoSo’s latest single, “Parasites”, is a moving number, written when NoSo was recovering from top surgery in 2020. A letter to a younger version of themselves, the song serves as a message of newfound physical and emotional freedom.
“Parasites” is another piece of NoSo’s upcoming debut album, ‘Stay Proud of Me’, set for release on 8th July. A coming-of-age story, the record explores identity and the Asian-American experience, serving as a formal introduction to NoSo’s expansive musical universe.
We caught up with NoSo to hear about their nostalgic love for ponchos, grandma’s incredible cooking, and what they would change about the music industry.
The biggest misconception about being a musician?
That it’s full of highs all of the time – I am always crying! I love playing music, but my life is heavily comprised of long walks with a stuffy nose and weepy eyes.
If you could revive one fashion trend, which would it be?
PONCHOS! They were huge for a minute in my childhood then the trend disappeared immediately. I want them back!
One thing you want to change about the music industry?
Payment for musicians.
Three things that inspire you outside of music?
Drawing, writing screenplays/short stories for fun, and watching my friends play live shows.
Finish the sentence: I feel happiest when…
Drinking matcha and reading next to my dog.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My grandma makes her own doen jang (fermented soy bean paste) and kimchi that’s better than any restaurant – I would say her doen jang chigae with a side of rice and kimchi. There’s so much love and hard work put into everything she makes
Biggest goal for 2022?
For people to hear my debut record and share with friends and family!! Whether that’s in a live setting or listening to the album on their own.
Never have I ever…
Been to Korea. I’ve been learning Korean on my own for years, but it’s my goal to live there at some point to immerse myself and properly learn the language.
Who’s your style icon?
My mom! All of my best clothing pieces are hand-me-downs she picked out for my dad (then gave to me) and things she’s found on eBay. She has a great eye for aesthetics and weeding out what’s high-quality in fabric – I always ask her for opinions on visual artwork too.
Biggest irrational fear?
The ocean and any huge underwater creature, but it equally fascinates me too. I spend a lot of time watching videos about it and most of my anxiety-inducing or euphoric dreams are underwater.