South Korean native and London based K-Pop rapper ARTLOVER has unveiled her new single “Heart Of Stone”! The single tells a story about personal growth served as a hip hop banger with knocking drums and heavy bass. As always ARTLOVER puts her emotions up front, “In order to grow strong as a person you need the courage to step away from yourself and view your life and your actions from the outside, this song is about that process”.
The track was recorded in Los Angeles, CA and was produced and co-written by Swedish-songwriter Max Billion. Before ARTLOVER got into music, she had a successful career as a make up artist with clients such as Vogue and Elle. She released her debut single “Want U Back” in 2018 followed by her critically praised EP “Queen Of Retro” later the same year.
“Heart Of Stone” is the first single off her sophomore EP due out this fall. The song is coupled with a music video first single off her sophomore EP due out this fall.
Congrats on the release of your lead single, ‘Heart of Stone!’ How does this single compare to your first EP and single?
Thank you! Both are experimental but my first EP ‘Queen Of Retro’ was more inspired by 80’s dance style music and the new single ’Heart Of Stone’ is more of ballad hip hop style with big bass drums.
‘Heart of Stone’ has a deeper, sadder vibe compared to the tracks on Queen of Retro. Would you like to give a breakdown on the lyrics/meaning?
I wanted to give ‘Heart Of Stone’ a deeper meaning about a cold mind to being a strong mind. The lyrics are poetic and I want to use metaphors that are quite broad. I want listeners to make up their own minds and make their own interpretations.
Now about the music video itself, what scene was your favorite to film?
My favorite part was the water pool scene. I like to deliver an atmosphere that connect with nature.
What was the thought process for the music video theme and how it connects with the track itself?
I was using 70’s hippie style with animal patterns to symbolize freedom. We filmed scenes in the Walk of fame in LA surrounded by people to symbolize isolation. It’s all about trying to capture the zeitgeist of the moment just like the icons of the old era, such as Marilyn Monroe.
Without giving away too much, what should fans expect in your sophomore EP?
I guess ‘Queen Of Retro’ was quite innocent, the sophomore EP will be a bit more mature.
I’d like to thank ARTLOVER for taking the time to answer these questions. Was there something awesome or new that you found out in the interview and what do you hope to see ARTLOVER try out in her sophomore EP? Leave your comments down below!