Q&A: Yves Finds Her Voice on “I DID: Bloom (Deluxe)” EP and Brings It to the World Stage
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY KIMBERLY KAPELA ☆
Photography Credit: PAIX PER MIL
IT’S BEEN A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY FOR YVES – Revered South Korean singer-songwriter Yves, formerly of the iconic K-pop girl group LOONA, is ushering in a new chapter with the release of I DID: Bloom (Deluxe) EP. Expanding on her acclaimed original I DID EP, the deluxe edition features two previously unreleased tracks—“See you in hell” and “BIRD”—showcasing Yves’ knack for melding introspection with sonic innovation.
But this EP isn’t just about adding to her catalog—it’s about digging deeper. Renowned for her fearless forays into experimental genres like house and hyperpop, Yves uses I DID: Bloom (Deluxe) as a canvas to push artistic boundaries further than ever before. The expanded EP sees Yves diving deeper into themes of self-discovery and balance, grappling with the chaotic emotional tides that define the human experience. With richly layered production and emotionally charged lyrics, Yves paints a vivid portrait of transformation and reclamation.
The deluxe edition is more than just a musical add-on. It’s a declaration of intent, featuring two previously unreleased tracks, “See You in Hell” and “BIRD,” that feel less like bonuses and more like vital pieces of Yves’ evolving story. On “See You in Hell,” she confronts the ghosts of her past with blistering defiance, her voice cutting through an electrifying mix of industrial beats and hyperpop energy. In stark contrast, “BIRD” soars with a bittersweet softness, a quiet anthem of yearning and resilience that captures the vulnerability at the heart of Yves’ artistry.
Following the success of her Apple Cinnamon Crunch tour in Europe and the UK, Yves recently embarked on its North American leg, kicking off with a stunning performance at Montreal’s MTELUS. Fans across the continent are now experiencing her ability to bring her music to life, blending electrifying performances with intimate storytelling.
This new chapter isn’t just about Yves recharging; it’s about her rebirth. The release of I DID: Bloom (Deluxe) feels like a mirror of her personal and creative journey—a blooming from the shadows into the light. Where her earlier work hinted at the edges of self-expression, this project tears the veil away completely. It’s raw, it’s dynamic, and it’s unmistakably Yves.
Catch Yves on tour, and don’t miss the chance to experience I DID: Bloom (Deluxe)—a celebration of growth, artistry and freedom.
Photography Credit: PAIX PER MIL
LUNA: Thank you for talking to Luna. Our readers would love to get to know you and your music more. For any readers who aren’t familiar with you yet, what inspires your artistic style and sound?
YVES: I find inspiration in many things and have a strong desire to take on new challenges, though my moods can be unpredictable. Rather than keeping my process hidden, I enjoy sharing it openly, which naturally reflects in both my music and visuals. Everyday life is a huge source of inspiration for me—I often write blogs and capture moments with a film camera. These artistic expressions feel deeply connected to my music, constantly shaping and evolving my tastes. Because of this, I find it difficult to define 'Yves' as just one thing.
LUNA: What inspires you to push boundaries within your sound? Are there any specific experiences, artists, or moments that have encouraged you to explore new musical territories?
YVES: I think my drive to push boundaries comes from my natural curiosity and courage to explore the unknown. I spend a lot of time immersing myself in different sounds—digging into music, experimenting, and recording alone until dawn—which has been instrumental in shaping my artistry. Lately, producers MILLIC and IOAH have had a significant influence on me. Since I work closely with them in the studio, they help guide my vocal direction and encourage me to confidently explore new sounds I haven’t tried before. I’m really grateful for that support.
LUNA: You just released the Bloom deluxe version of your I DID EP and huge congratulations is in order! What inspired you to revisit and expand I DID with the deluxe edition? How do “See You in Hell” and “BIRD” contribute to the story of the EP?
YVES: Thank you so much! Revisiting I DID with the Bloom deluxe edition felt like a natural step in my artistic journey. Up until now, my company has been deeply involved in shaping my music, and during the last recording process, they saw new potential in my vocals. As a result, they encouraged me to explore a rock-influenced sound, which was a departure from my previous work. I’m really grateful for that opportunity to expand my musical range.
The new songs, See you in hell and BIRD, add another layer to the I DID narrative. They capture the emotions faced in the pursuit of inner peace—navigating the turbulence of disordered emotions and searching for balance. In that sense, this deluxe edition not only deepens the themes of the original EP but also hints at my continued evolution and willingness to explore new genres.
LUNA: I would love to talk more about the creative process behind I DID: Bloom (Deluxe). Can you walk us through a typical writing and recording session for the EP?
YVES: For I DID: Bloom (Deluxe), the recording process was quite detailed, especially since the new songs are entirely in English. A lot of time was spent recording multiple takes to ensure the right emotion and pronunciation were captured. It was an intensive process, but it allowed me to experiment with my vocal delivery and refine the sound in a way that felt authentic.
Beyond just recording, the creative process involved a lot of exploration—whether it was discussing the direction of the songs with producers or revisiting lyrics to make sure they truly resonated. Each session felt like a deep dive into refining the emotions behind the music, making this deluxe edition an even more personal extension of I DID.
LUNA: You’ve explored genres like house and hyperpop on this EP. What draws you to these styles, and how do they reflect your artistic vision?
YVES: Rather than being drawn to specific genres from the start, I’ve always been more interested in stepping outside my comfort zone and experimenting with sounds I wouldn’t have expected myself to try. For the last two EPs, I embraced that challenge and explored new territories like house and hyperpop, which brought out different sides of my artistry.
Moving forward, I want to continue pushing boundaries and surprising people with my sound. But beyond just the music, my vision extends to a multi-sensory experience—where fashion, visuals, and sound all come together to create something immersive. I see my songs as more than just something to listen to; they’re meant to be felt and experienced in different forms.
LUNA: What is your favorite song from I DID: Bloom (Deluxe) and why do you love this song? Is there a certain element, lyric or message that you gravitate towards the most?
YVES: It’s really hard to choose because both songs have their own unique charm. BIRD reflects the sense of ‘peace’ that Head Producer MILLIC pursues, but within that tranquility, there’s also a deep intensity in the lyrics and emotions. The way it balances calmness with passion resonates with me, and when I sing it, I feel completely overwhelmed in the best way.
On the other hand, See You in Hell is a song that allows me to express emotions in a raw, almost theatrical way. It starts as if I’m speaking directly to someone, but as the song builds, it feels like I’m shouting at an imaginary lover—fully letting out everything I’m feeling. That intensity makes it even more immersive when I perform it on stage, allowing me to show a different side of myself. I love that contrast between the two songs.
LUNA: Congratulations on wrapping the European and UK leg of the Apple Cinnamon Crunch Tour! How has performing these songs live influenced your connection to them?
YVES: Thank you! Since the album was released at the start of the North American tour, I initially felt pressured to bring these songs to life on stage before people had fully processed them as just music. Rather than relying on the recordings alone, I had to shape their impact through live performance.
But as the tour went on, something changed. Interacting with fans and immersing myself in the energy of each show allowed BIRD and See You in Hell to take on a life of their own. Performing them live deepened my connection to the emotions behind them, and I felt like their colors and meanings became even more defined with every show. In the end, debuting them on tour felt like the perfect way to introduce them.
LUNA: What has the energy been like from fans on this tour, and how has it differed from previous performances during your time with LOONA?
YVES: It’s hard to put into words, but I’ve always felt that my fans and I share similar tendencies—maybe because of my INFJ personality, I wasn’t sure how much outward energy to expect from the audience. But from the very first show of the European tour, I was overwhelmed by how passionate and supportive everyone was. Their energy gave me even more strength to enjoy each performance to the fullest.
Performing solo has been a completely different experience from my time with LOONA. Back then, the focus was on creating harmony with the other members, building synergy as a group. Now, I have to command the stage on my own, which requires a different kind of energy and stamina. It’s been a challenge, but also an incredibly fulfilling one—I’m learning more about myself as an artist with every show.
LUNA: Are there any specific moments or cities from the tour so far that stand out as particularly memorable or meaningful?
YVES: One of the most memorable moments happened in Tacoma, the final city of the North American tour. As I was about to perform the last song, DIM, I casually expressed that I didn’t want the tour to end—it was an honest feeling at the moment. But then, I noticed fans on the second floor suddenly bursting into tears, which was really heartbreaking.
I realized that for those who were far away, it might have felt like an even bigger goodbye, and that really stayed with me. I didn’t want them to feel too sad, so I promised that I would always support them and visit often. Moments like that remind me just how deeply connected we are, and it makes every performance even more meaningful.
LUNA: How are you feeling in this current era of your career and what does the upcoming year look like that you would like to share with Luna?
YVES: Since I’ve just begun my journey as a solo artist, it’s difficult to assess myself objectively. However, one thing I do know is that I’m proud of the bold choices I’ve made and the courage it’s taken to step into this new chapter. My goal is to keep moving forward with that same passion, without hesitation.
Looking ahead, I have exciting plans to release more music—albums filled with even greater songs. And who knows? Maybe some will be ones I’ve written and composed myself. I also hope to finally hold a concert in Korea, something I know many fans have been anticipating. There’s so much on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.
