Singer-songwriter EJAE, known for the hit song "Golden" from the Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters, recently spoke about her anxiety during her first live performance of the track. She also shared details about her health challenges leading up to the major television appearance and her journey in the music industry.
Key Takeaways
- EJAE performed "Golden" live for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
- She battled a cold and significant nervousness during the performance.
- The experience mirrored her character Rumi's struggles in KPop Demon Hunters.
- EJAE composed "Golden" and other hits for artists like Red Velvet and aespa.
- "Golden" has topped both U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and UK Official Top Singles charts.
First Live Performance on US Television
EJAE made her debut live performance of "Golden" on October 7th. She appeared on the popular U.S. NBC talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She shared the stage with Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, who also contribute vocals to the virtual girl group HUNTR/X in KPop Demon Hunters.
Online viewers praised EJAE's vocal stability. She successfully managed both low and high notes, including the song's chorus. This performance marked a significant milestone for the artist, who also voices the character Rumi in the Netflix animated series.
Performance Details
- Date: October 7th
- Show: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Collaborators: Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
- Song: "Golden"
Overcoming Health and Nerves
On October 13th, EJAE appeared on KBS Cool FM’s Lee Eun-ji’s Music Plaza. She revealed that she was battling a cold during her performance on The Jimmy Fallon Show. This health challenge added to her already high anxiety levels.
"I was extremely nervous and, just like Rumi in the movie, I lost my voice," EJAE stated during the radio show. "During rehearsals for The Jimmy Fallon Show, I hit a wrong note and, like in the movie, I stepped out saying, 'I’ll take a five-minute break.'"
This experience closely mirrored the plot of KPop Demon Hunters, where her character Rumi faces similar vocal struggles. EJAE emphasized the pressure she felt to perform well after the initial setback.
Manager's Advice and Finding Strength
EJAE shared that her manager offered crucial advice during her nervous moments. The advice shifted her focus from technical perfection to emotional connection with the song.
"My manager told me not to focus on hitting the high notes but to focus on the lyrics," she explained. "When I concentrated on how this song gave me strength during tough times, I felt at ease."
This mental shift allowed her to deliver a strong performance despite her physical condition and nervousness. It highlights the importance of connecting with the artistic message.
About KPop Demon Hunters
KPop Demon Hunters is a Netflix animated series. It features a virtual girl group called HUNTR/X. EJAE provides the actual vocals for the character Rumi within this group. The show combines K-pop music with fantasy elements.
Composing "Golden" and Personal Growth
EJAE composed "Golden" herself. She explained that the song was specifically crafted to fit Rumi's journey in the animation. This required intentional choices in its musical structure.
"To express Rumi’s desperation in the animation, there had to be parts intentionally raised in pitch," EJAE noted. "If I had made this song for an actual singer, I would have composed it differently."
This creative process helped EJAE gain confidence in her own voice. She revealed that her voice was once a source of insecurity for her. Participating in the project transformed her perspective.
EJAE's Composing Career
- Red Velvet’s "Psycho"
- aespa’s "Drama"
- aespa’s "Armageddon"
- LE SSERAFIM’s "So Cynical"
A History of Hit Compositions
Before the success of "Golden," EJAE had already established herself as a notable songwriter. She has composed tracks for several prominent K-pop groups. These include Red Velvet, aespa, and LE SSERAFIM.
She particularly favors Red Velvet’s "Psycho." She shared the personal story behind its creation. "It was a song I made during an SM song camp. At the time, I had a fight with my boyfriend. We were in a long-distance relationship, and it was tough, so I created the song."
This personal anecdote offers insight into her creative process and how her life experiences influence her music.
From Trainee to Chart-Topper
EJAE, a Korean-American artist, trained at SM Entertainment for 12 years. Her training period lasted from 2003 to 2015. After this extensive training, she shifted her focus to composing music.
The song "Golden" has achieved significant international success. It has spent eight non-consecutive weeks at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the top spot on the UK Official Top Singles Chart. This success has brought increased attention to EJAE as both a vocalist and a songwriter.
Chart Success of "Golden"
- U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 8 non-consecutive weeks at #1
- UK Official Top Singles Chart: #1
Future Plans and Aspirations
EJAE has begun her domestic activities in South Korea. She is scheduled to record for tvN’s You Quiz on the Block. This appearance will further raise her profile among Korean audiences.
She also plans to release her debut solo single, In Another World, on October 24th. This marks her official entry as a solo artist, expanding her career beyond composing and animated soundtracks.
EJAE expressed her admiration for Rosé, stating, "I really admire Rosé. She sings and composes well." She also shared her ambition to collaborate with the globally recognized group BTS, indicating her high aspirations within the music industry.
Upcoming Solo Release
EJAE's debut solo single, In Another World, is set for release on October 24th. This will be her first official solo venture.