The Opener: ilykimchi of Working on Dying wants the dancefloor to feel free
From her beats for Skrillex and Ken Carson to her upcoming solo album I LOVE KIMCHI, ilykimchi makes music to move you.
Cyber / via the artist
The Opener is The FADER’s mini-interview series with exciting new artists we think you should know.
ilykimchi cut her teeth as a trap producer alongside Philly collective Working on Dying, but lately it’s her brash, hyperfemme electropop that fans can’t get enough of. Kimchi's production credits include work for Ken Carson, TiaCorine, The Scythe, and Skrillex, but she's been making her own songs on and off since the late 2010s.
Initially, her solo music was more of a lark than a real goal: at Rolling Loud, she said her first song was about her half-poodle, half-chihuahua companion Ted. But the San Jose native’s previous solo output, including 2023 full length agony and this spring’s PRENUP EP, was clearly more focused on the DIY rave culture of her youth than the festival moshpits her beats typically soundtrack. Her forthcoming album I LOVE YOU KIMCHI ups the ante, a blitz of technicolor strobe lights that oozes carefree confidence. "This new album, it's very danceable and twerkable," Kimchi told us back in May. "It's some real sexy shit for the girls."
Executive produced by MGNA Crrrta collaborator brightviolet, I LOVE YOU KIMCHI widens the scope of Kimchi’s sleaze-inflected hyperpop without falling victim to trendhopping or EDM cliche. These songs are tailormade for dancefloors and club nights, and while the BPM occasionally sinks into moodier territory, these are primarily tunes for bumping, grinding, and shaking some ass. As we enter peak summer, it’s hard to say you’d want anything else from an electronic album right now.
The FADER caught up with ilykimchi over email to chat about how she got her name, misunderstood lyrics from her recent single “Poser,” and the videogames she’s been playing recently.
Cyber / via the artist
What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
ilykimchi: I’m from San Jose. I lived there until I was eighteen, and we’d go hiking and go to raves and stuff. There’s a ton of warehouse raves there. And there’s a place called Curry Pizza House, and they’ll put butter chicken on the pizza. They also have really good wings.
Tell us about the first album you bought and why.
Brand New Eyes by Paramore. I was probably like six or seven and had to use my dad’s iTunes to buy it. I just remember listening to it over and over again and falling in love with all the songs.
What was the last movie you watched?
Apex. I watched it on Netflix. I love psychological thrillers, and Charlize Theron was in it and she’s always serving face. I’d give it an 8 out of 10.
Show us the last meme you saved to your phone:
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
I love shopping. Not even buying stuff, just window shopping. I play a lot of video games. I love Baldur’s Gate 3, and I’ve been playing High On Life 2 recently. I also love photography and videography. I have two dogs and love spending time with them too.
What’s a song you’d want to remix?
“Amygdala” by Ecco2k and Bladee
What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
Always follow your heart
Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
In “Poser” when I say “you wouldn’t expect me to understand,” I’m not talking to the people who are listening — I’m talking about a guy that acts really pretentious and thinks he’s so cool and niche but in reality he’s into the most basic shit.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
FL Studio Fruity Edition
What’s your favorite tattoo?
I have a tattoo that says “I love you”. I got it because I like when people tell me I love you. It’s my favorite thing to hear, which is also why I named myself ilykimchi.
What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
Being famous enough within your niche where you have a solid level of people that love you, but not so famous that everyone knows you and it gets hard to live a normal life.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
Tell us about the best concert you’ve attended.
I went to Outside Lands in San Francisco in 2012 and saw Skrillex DJ in a fighter jet and it was insane.
Best advice you’ve gotten
To start a manifestation vision board. Someone told me to do it, and I felt like as soon as I did I started achieving my goals.
Worst advice you’ve gotten
Be more relatable
Describe your perfect afternoon.
I’d get a lobster roll at Malibu Seafood. Ideally I’d have all my girlfriends with me, and we’d all go to the beach and tan. And then we’d go shopping for clothes afterwards.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I can’t wait for people to hear the new album!
Cyber / via the artist