Written by Holly Craig

The rising artist talks identity, creative control and turning emotion into something unforgettable. In an industry over saturated with fast trends and disposable releases, Julywantsmore moves differently. There’s intention behind every visual, every lyric, every drop – a scene that isn’t just music it’s a story.

For The Chord Chat, we sat down with the artist to talk about creative identity, the meaning behind their work, and what it really takes to stay authentic while everything around you moves at speed.

Julywantsmore are a five-piece indie pop / alternative rock band based in Seoul, South Korea. Writing in primarily English, their music explores the feeling of growing up between places – returning home whilst still feeling like an outsider. Their most recent project, Journey To My Hometown, was inspired by July’s return to Korea after years of living abroad. The songs reflect on Seoul through a personal lens – it’s nightlife, fleeting connections, and the quiet pressure of adulthood and financial reality. Across the project, fear and anger emerge as unlikely sources of momentum, capturing the tension of coming home only to realise it no longer feels entirely like home.

TCC : For readers discovering you for the first time, how would you describe julywantsmore in your own words ?

Julywantsmore is a band that documents the lives of people in their twenties who are trying to act like adults but still feel completely lost. Our music sits somewhere between indie-pop and alternative rock, but more than anything it’s about capturing real moments – the awkward, honest, and sometimes contradictory feelings of growing up in a city like Seoul.

TCC : What originally drew you into making music, and when did you realise you wanted to pursue it seriously ?

I don’t remember a moment where I chose music – it always felt like the only way I could make sense of what I was feeling. I started taking it seriously when I realised I couldn’t stop, even when it was difficult or uncertain. That’s when it stopped being a hobby and became something I had to do.

TCC : When you start a new track, what usually comes first – the lyrics, melody, or production ?

It usually starts from stress. Every emotion gives me some kind of pressure, and when I feel that, I try to translate it into sound first through production. Then I write rough lyrics about what’s causing that feeling, and shape the melody and words together until it feels right.

TCC : Are there any artists or genres that have heavily influenced your sound ?

Artists like The 1975, Mk.gee, Oasis, and Justin Bieber have influenced our sound in different ways. But more than specific artists, I think we’re shaped by the feeling of modern life – especially the tension and emotional noise that comes from living in a city like Seoul.

TCC : Tell us about your latest release – what’s the story behind it ?

“You Live Forever” is about a relationship that has come to an end. If this song reminds you of someone, then that person is your “you”. Every word and feeling in the song was real, but it’s about someone you couldn’t stay with. In a way, it’s the last thing you say to them – that they will live forever within you.

TCC : Do you have a favourite track that you’ve released so far, and why does it stand out to you ?

“A Gun and a Kid” stands out to me the most. It represents two core emotions – anger and fear – that drive me forward. The “gun” is anger, and the “kid” is fear. It’s about how those two things can push you, but also destroy you at the same time.

TCC : What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an independent/emerging artist ?

Probably the uncertainty, but also the workload.

As an independent artist, i’m not just making music – i’m also managing our social media, scheduling, editing videos, organising releases, and handling pretty much everything around the project.

It can get overwhelming because you have to switch between being creative and being practical all the time. But at the same time, it forces you to understand your own work more deeply.

TCC : What does “success” look like to you right now ?

Right now, success means having people genuinely connect with the music – even if it’s just a small number. If someone understands what I’m trying to say, that already feels like success.

TCC : What can fans expect next from Julywantsmore ?

We’re going to keep releasing our story, as it is. The next track is called “No Matter How”. I don’t know how it will sound to you, but to me, it’s a confession of love towards something I can’t let go of.

TCC : One word to describe your current era ?

Becoming.

TCC : Studio or stage ?

Stage

TCC : Your go-to late-night inspiration ?

Seoul at night – and the stress that comes with it

TCC : What’s one thing you always want more of ?

Time

Julwantsmore isn’t here to follow a formula – they’re here to create something lasting. In a time where attention spans are short and output is constannt, their approach feels deliberate, almost refreshing.

There’s no rush. No noise for the sake of it. Just a clear vision, built piece by piece.

And if this conversation is anything to go by, Julywantsmore is only just getting started.

For The Chord Chat

Words by Holly Craig and Julywantsmore

If Julywantsmore is on your radar now, this is only the beginning. Stay locked in with The Chord Chat for more exclusive interviews, emerging artists, and the stories shaping what’s next in music.