With the launch of her DIY label, Permission, rising Korean-American sensation SOHMI demonstrates why she is currently commanding our attention. The first single, ‘Time,’ is a minimal tech cut that imagines a 90s Detroit techno-esque dreamscape with a modern sheen. You can stream and download it here.
Ethereal synths are backed by a weighty four-on-the-floor groove, wrapped in the gorgeous vocals of the multi-talented DJ, producer, and vocalist herself, and the track immediately draws us in with a warm and captivating juxtaposition of sounds. Sharp hi-hats propel the track to a crescendo of sunny claps, piano chords, and snares, which culminate in an enchanting final rhythm.
‘Time’ is my attempt to grapple with that sense of time slipping through my fingers, out loud. I ad-libbed vocals into the microphone in one take and chopped up the pieces that carried the most genuine emotion to my ears. And while it yearns to look forward to better days of time well spent (“I don’t want to waste my time…”), sonically, the track keeps one foot in the past with its nod to the sounds of 90’s Detroit techno – SOHMI
She talks about the new label.
SOHMI had no intention of launching a label so early in her career, but after sitting on ‘Time‘ for a while, she made the decision to give herself the platform and permission to release on her own terms.
I see time and time again, how the concept of permission has played such a significant role in impacting the choices I’ve made to get where I am today. The situations I’ve found myself in, as a woman in this industry, my parents, or other industries I’ve worked in, where permission to be myself was not always understood or respected. Those experiences affected me, broke me, and then allowed me to build myself back up again even stronger. – SOHMI
SOHMI hopes that the label will become a home for other artists and fans in the future:
a beautiful home for that at its core, teaches that nothing is more powerful or sexy than being the kind of person who knows, in life, the difference between when and when not to ask for permission.
My latest single ‘Time’ is out now everywhere! 🦋🌙 pic.twitter.com/nHI8UauBhA
— SOHMI (@SOHMI_) October 15, 2021
The artist.
SOHMI’s meteoric rise to the top is nothing short of remarkable, but it’s not surprising given that she’s been honing her musical skills since she was three years old, when she began playing classical piano and singing. Incorporating a blend of classical music and late 90’s/early 2000’s R&B inspiration into her tracks, the Los Angeles based artist creates a uniquely eclectic sound that has captivated the dance music scene since her debut mix uploaded to SoundCloud in 2018.
She is accelerating through the music world, with her most recent release, ‘Small Talk,’ garnering praise from underground music’s most respected DJs, including Oliver Heldens and Eelke Kleijn. She became the first Korean resident of LA’s renowned underground techno club, Sound, and was commended by BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard as an artist to know about.
‘Time,’ a tantalizing track, lives up to the high standards set by SOHMI’s previous releases. The woman of the hour (who has previously collaborated with Josh Butler and Booka Shade, as well as releases on Yotto’s Odd One Out, Astralwerks, and Danny Howard’s Nothing Else Matters) continues on her rapid ascent in the US house and techno scene, delivering undeniable new energy while blazing her own trail.
SOHMI will perform at Outside Lands in San Francisco and Seismic Dance Event in Austin through the end of 2021, as well as with Fisher, Bob Moses, and Michael Bibi, with more to be announced in 2022.
