“I see musicians as storytellers”: Mozzy on Love, Language, and Listening

Mozzy describes the “power of a narrative” and her own forms of creative expression.

Photo credit: Instagram

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? 
I like to describe my music as a serialized collection of picture books. When I create, I always start by visualizing a specific scene. My goal is for listeners to see the same imagery, or at least feel the same palette and temperature that I envisioned during the creative process. Even though each “book” conveys a different message, a different ending, and a unique atmosphere, they are all drawn with the same signature brushstroke. 

How did you first develop a passion for music?  
I grew up with a deep love for musicals and pop music. What truly fascinated me was how music could be used as a powerful tool to express emotions. Since I loved listening to it so much, it was only natural that I started to enjoy singing as well. My passion really took off when I realized that the emotions I wanted to convey could actually be felt by those listening to me. During my childhood, when I struggled with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, music was the one thing that felt undeniably magnetic and healing. It was the most captivating way for me to find my voice.

What are the three biggest influences on your music?  
First and foremost, my music always comes back to love. Not just romantic love, but every form of love that exists in this world. As someone who often felt lonely and spent a lot of time lost in thought, the concept of deep love was something I constantly contemplated. 

It was books that truly inspired me to sing about love, because I believe a world without love simply wouldn't exist, [and] I see musicians as storytellers. As a book lover, I believe in the power of a narrative; I love how a story expands and takes on infinite interpretations once it reaches someone else. Perhaps that’s why my songs feel like stories painted in the mind. 

Lastly, The Beatles showed me how to express the direction I want to take in life through music. They are the biggest reason I feel driven to sing about love and peace. Their legacy continues to guide my musical journey.

Why did you choose to go by “Mozzy,” and did you have any concerns about going by the same name as an American rapper?  
To be honest, I chose the name simply because I loved how the letters looked together; it just felt visually right. I actually didn't find out there was a famous American rapper with the same name until after I had already released my first single! However, I am not too concerned about it. Our musical styles, backgrounds, and genders are completely different, so we each occupy very distinct spaces. He is obviously a huge star, but I hope to become the more well-known Mozzy here in Korea! I have even thought it would be such a fun project to collaborate one day. Imagine two very different artists sharing the same name on one track! 

Please describe your new EP, Opal, and the meaning behind the title.  
With Opal, I wanted to talk all about things that are growing. “'HONJA” captures the you who is growing, “What do we do next” contains the me who is growing, and “Unheard” reflects the world that is growing. The song “=Love” binds these three tracks together. The process of growing can be confusing and inevitably leaves scars, but things that grow are still undeniably beautiful - just like the gemstone opal, which shines with various colors from every angle. 

Why was “What do we do next” chosen as the pre-release single from Opal?  
I was confident that the core message of this EP lies within the title track. However, as I think many artists would agree, once songs are grouped into an album, the B-sides often receive less attention than the title track. Because of this, I really wanted to showcase the performance of “What do we do next,” a collaboration with CHOIYUDAM, as a standalone piece. I wanted to give this track its own moment to shine and be heard independently before the full EP's message was revealed through the title track.

Please talk about each of the songs on Opal:
Opal is essentially a journey of growth, and each track captures a different facet of that experience, ultimately weaving them all together through the theme of love. 

“HONJA” is built upon a bossa nova rhythm, but it carries a sense of internal turbulence. As I watched someone dear to me struggle with their own confusion, I found myself drawn into that same chaos, eventually retreating into a deep, melancholic loneliness. Yet, even in that sadness, there remains a lingering compassion for that person. 

“What do we do next” was inspired by a diary entry I read from a grandmother writing to her grandson. Her wish for him was simple: that he could grow up full of hope, free from worry and hesitation. That touched me deeply, and I wanted to write a song that reflects that same desire for all of us. I want everyone who feels held back by their perceived weaknesses or insecurities to embrace them - to be messy, get embarrassed, and live authentically. I want people to cry without caring about who is watching or gather the courage to reach out to someone they love even if it feels terrifying. 

“Unheard” reflects on an era where fewer people are willing to truly listen to one another. I believe that while expressing love is important, the truest form of love is to actually listen and look closely at the person in front of you. If we only focus on speaking about love without anyone to listen, our words have nowhere to land. They just drift away into thin air, meaningless. 

Finally, “=Love” serves as the anchor for the entire EP. It acts as the final piece that ties these stories together, reinforcing the message that no matter how we grow or what we face, love is the ultimate destination. 

Who do you look up to in the music industry, and why?  
My biggest inspiration in the industry is Masego. I still remember the first time I heard his track “Favorite Tings;” it was a complete revelation to me. I have always had a deep love of jazz, but Masego's ability to reinterpret and arrange it with such effortless style and coolness was honestly shocking. He completely changed my perspective on how jazz could evolve in the modern era. Since that moment, I have listened to his entire discography, and he has profoundly influenced the way I approach my own sound. He showed me that you can honor traditional roots while creating something entirely fresh, and that is a direction I truly aspire to follow in my own music.

Did you set any goals for 2026, and if so, have you accomplished them yet?  
To be honest, I used to set specific New Year's resolutions and strive to achieve them, but lately, I’ve shifted my perspective. I still give my best effort every day, but I’ve learned to embrace the natural flow of life rather than forcing things to happen. There are certain things I strive for consistently, like reading books, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but above all, my priority is to hold onto love throughout my life. 

If I were to name a concrete goal for this year, it would be to put on a live band performance featuring my own songs. It is a dream of mine to share my music in a live setting, supported by the energy of a full band. 

What are your long-term career goals?  
My ultimate long-term goal is to travel the world through my music. I want to create songs inspired by the places I discover on those journeys and experience more by collaborating with the new people I meet along the way. Experiencing as much of the world as possible is one of my biggest life goals, and as a musician, my greatest hope is for music to always be a constant presence within those experiences. I want my life and my career to be a process of traveling, working with new people, and creating music. 

Where can people follow you on social media to stay updated about your new music?  
Instagram is the best place to keep up with everything. I share updates on all my performances and new music releases there faster than anywhere else! It is also the space where I share glimpses of my daily life, so it is the perfect way to stay connected.

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?  
In this rapidly changing world, I feel like many people are losing touch with themselves, their own love, and even their sense of romance. My music comes from a place of deep care for the listener, and I hope that it can help anyone who listens recharge. I plan to keep singing about romance and love with all my heart. Please watch over me, listen to my music, and keep looking closely into the stories I share. Thank you!

Check out Opal here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.