A chic, nostalgic 90s rom-com. The blurring complexity of Frank Ocean. Mike Birbiglia’s storytelling comedy. These are the inspirations that Yueku’s Christian Koo draws from to create his bittersweet, breezy sound, like a trip down memory lane. Formerly the vocalist of the band “The True Blue” that drifted apart in 2020, Detroit-based Yueku traveled to New York for writing sessions with musical group Midnight Kids. After collaborating with Midnight Kids on the track “Out of Time,” he released singles leading up to his debut EP, Catch Me If You Can. The EP features co-writes with Jake LeMond of Michigander, and is co-produced and mixed by Nick Matzkows.
Catch Me If You Can is a travel log of Yueku’s bedroom pop, transporting listeners to road trips with the windows rolled down, summer nights sticky with fruit punch, and hushed rooftop conversations. Yueku’s honest lyricism and clean production craft an airy yet intimate feel, capturing the ephemeral, grounded moments of just being human.
Introduce yourself!
Hey, I’m Yueku. I’m a pop artist from Detroit, Michigan. This is a new project for me and I’m ecstatic to be putting out music.
How did you start your music career? What initially sparked your interest in music?
I started playing in bands when I was in middle school and always have until this project. I grew up listening to a lot of boy bands. When I was in 2nd grade, I heard New Found Glory, and thought to myself, “ I want to do that.”
You collaborated with the duo Midnight Kids for the track “Out of Time.” How did you guys discover each other and collaborate? Where did the inspiration for “Out of Time” come from? Do you plan to continue collaborating with Midnight Kids?
Their team reached out to me and asked if I was interested in writing a track with Kyle. Originally, we were unsure if I’d be singing on the tune but we decided my voice felt really right on the song. Midnight Kids’ music and artwork feels super cinematic, and I wanted to write a song that felt fitting in that universe. It was a super fun and easy process, and I’d absolutely love to work with Midnight Kids again.
How do you think your new music as a solo artist has changed from The True Blue’s music? How have you developed your personal style, and where do you see your music continuing to grow in terms of genre and style?
I feel like I’ve approached songwriting so differently with this project, especially after working with my good friend, Jake LeMond, on these songs. Sonically, it’s still familiar territory for the most part, maybe a little more emphasis on acoustic guitars. I just want to keep writing as much music as I can and am excited to see where the songs take themselves. I like to be intentional with songwriting, but I’m also learning to not be too precious with a vision where I get in my own way.
Your EP “Catch Me If You Can” is set to come out on July 30. Would you be able to give us the scoop about the EP - your inspirations, the themes, the title’s meaning, etc.?
I spend a lot of my time driving in a car. I listen to a lot of music while I’m driving and have a lot of time and thoughts set to the soundtrack of whatever I’m listening to. I guess transportation and travel are big overall themes that I really wanted the songs to “feel” like, whatever that means to you. The title comes from one of the tracks under the same name.
“I like to be intentional with songwriting, but I’m also learning to not be too precious with a vision where I get in my own way.”
You recently released your second solo single, “Mindreader.” What was the inspiration behind the track?
When Jake (LeMond) and I were writing the tune, we wanted to tackle writing a song with a somewhat strict lyrical theme. It was a practice neither of us we’re really well versed in, and we thought that “magic” and “fortune telling” would be a super visual theme we could roll with. We attached that imagery to a song about the frustration of being in a one sided relationship.
Could you tell us about the music video for “Mindreader”? What was the inspiration behind the visuals, and how do you think the videography encompasses and represents the song?
The director, Mathew Pimental, and I felt the song sounded super dreamy, and were looking to make a video that really accentuated that aspect with its visuals. We didn’t think the song needed a narrative to accompany it and just wanted to showcase images we felt went with the feel of the tune. I think it compliments the song really wonderfully.
Your bio says that you are currently inspired by 90s rom-coms, Frank Ocean, and Mike Birbiglia. Where did these diverse inspirations spark from, and how do you incorporate these influences into your music?
Life. We consume a lot of media nowadays, which can be a blessing and a curse. There’s a lot of cool people doing great things out there and those are just some that came to mind. Anything we consume or experience, be it movies, music or a social interaction, affects how and why we make art. I find I don’t need to necessarily consciously “tap in” to my influences. If they’re somewhat in my day to day consumption over a period of time when I’m creating something, those influences come out naturally.
“Anything we consume or experience, be it movies, music or a social interaction, affects how and why we make art.”
Both your current music and your past band music can be described as intimate, honest, and vulnerable, among other words. How do you produce your songs and write your lyrics to encompass the essence of those feelings?
Those are kind words. I write songs for the same reason many artists do: to express what might be more difficult for me to express in conversation, or to share an emotion or feeling I feel is worth writing about. Nothing wild. If my music can do for someone what my favorite songs and artists have done for me when I needed them, I'll be happy. Sometimes it feels good to sort of scare yourself with how vulnerable you choose to be with your music. It can take the power away from whatever is troubling you.
“Sometimes it feels good to sort of scare yourself with how vulnerable you choose to be with your music.”
What do you want your audience to feel while listening to your music?
I hope as a listener, they feel that whatever I’m saying is coming from a genuine place. It is. I also hope they can feel understood. Aside from that, it’s not in my control what my audience feels. If they’re feeling anything at all, I think that means I’m maybe doing something right.
What’s next for you?
I’m excited for my EP to come out July 30th. It was so fun to make and a lot of hard work between me and my team. It’s a really accurate representation of where I’m at and who I am right now. I’m looking forward to writing more music with friends and the return of live shows. Wherever the wind takes me!
