Shubostar, a cosmic force in the electronic music galaxy, lights up dance floors across the globe. Hailing from South Korea, she has been immersing herself in the ever-evolving underground scene. Her electric music taste spans various styles, but her music has a common theme of 'Cosmic,' often defined as Cosmic disco – a base of disco but with more techno elements, often referred to as Dark Disco.
Shubostar’s sound is a dynamic blend of genres, deeply rooted in her own biography. Influenced by the minimalistic charm of early computer games and the rich textures of Italo disco, her sets are characterized by impulsive tempo changes inviting audiences to cosmic journeys. The intertwining of retro synthesizers and modern electronic beats creates a unique soundscape that defines her performances at renowned clubs and festivals worldwide.
In 2018, she decided to launch her own label ‘uju Records’ with Korean painter Daryung Kim, inviting her favorite artists in the genre. Through uju Records, Shubostar has curated a diverse roster of artists, each contributing their own interpretation of the Cosmic aesthetic. From pulsating basslines to ethereal melodies, the label’s releases embody the spirit of exploration and innovation that defines Shubostar’s musical journey.
Recognized as one of DJ Mag’s “Artists to Watch in 2023,” Shubostar’s ascent in the electronic music realm is meteoric. Her talent has shone brightly on prestigious stages worldwide, including notable appearances at the iconic PanoramaBar, Circoloco, Nuit Sonores, KappaFutur Festival, Fusion Festival, Garbicz Festival, Robert Johnson, and Burning Man, among many others. Her debut at Juventus Stadium, performing in front of fans before a Europa League semi-final, illustrates the breadth of her reach beyond subculture.
Shubostar remains a beacon of innovation and connection, her music a bridge between individuality and community. Leading her label, uju Records, she explores new cosmic frontiers, maintaining a balance between artistic independence and collaborative creativity. Her unique sound resonates with the essence of electronic dance music – a solitary yet shared journey, where each beat connects listeners in their own universe of experience.
DISCOLYPSO QUESTIONNAIRE
What was the first record you can remember buying? Tell us about an important early musical experience.
My first record purchase happened last year in Amsterdam. I visited Bordello a Parigi because there was an event. My friend and I were digging records and that was almost the first time when I was digging records there were a lot of records I recognized. And that moment I found the “Automat” album by Romano Musumarra and Claudio Gizzi. My mind was whispering to me to buy it. So I bought the Automat album with the Hokus Pokus album by Salta & Roma. Those are the first records I bought in my life.
If you could have the audio stems to any track what would it be?
Kraftwerk – Radioactivity
What was your first musical composition, edit or remix?
Making computer game background music by using cakewalk 3 when I was 16 years old. I graduated Korean Animation High school majoring in computer game programming. When we built a computer game we realized that we need a sound team to make sound effects, background music. I used to play piano, guitar and bass so I took the bullet. That’s how my musical composition began.
What song do you put on when you wake up or need to get cracking on with the day?
I love to put classical music, especially live concerts on Youtube. Nowadays I’ve been listening to great pianists like Seoung-jin Cho or Evgeny Kissin.
What do you wish we had more of in the electronic music scene?
Open mind to newcomers.
Do you have an album or DJ set that you listen to repeatedly and would like to share with our clan?
Best mix set in my life – Nicolas Jaar 19-05-2012 BBC Radio One Essential Mix. I traveled a lot with this mix. You can travel into the movie scenes that also gives you the feeling of time travel.
What song do you put on when you want to relax?
Honestly if I want to relax I don’t listen to music. I have to listen to music every day to make music, to dig new music. So I want to be silent when I want to chil.
How did you decide that music was your calling? Is it your sole focus?
Yes it’s my sole focus. I only live for music, live from music. I learned how to play piano when I was 8 and in high school I learned how to play guitar then I started to compose computer game background music. But I entered the university majoring in chemistry. I’ve never imagined music will be my principal thing. However after a year I joined the classic guitar circle. 2 years I’ve been playing classical guitar almost every day and I’ve done some concerts and quit. Afterwards I met a friend who had all the equipment for DJing. After learning how to DJ, music became a bigger and bigger part of my life. I started to produce, I started to run my own label. So now I’m a producer and label owner for weekdays, DJ for weekends.
If money and death was not a factor - who would play at your wedding or birthday - both live acts and djs?
I would love to have my label party. It would be so cool to see every artist who I invited to make a remix at the same place and time. The mega line up will be Rigopolar, Doctr, James Rod, K-effect, Zombies in Miami.
Which musical acts do you feel have not been dealt their fair hand in the annals of time?
I used to think of the early electronic scene in Japan but Youtube solved it. I bet you already saw at least one of the videos from Susumu Yokota. More than 10 years ago the Yellow Magic Orchestra was still a hidden gem.
Are there any habits, processes or hacks you do to help yourself get yourself ready to make music?
Except I’m on tour, I try to make music everyday. Routine is stronger than inspiration I believe.
If you had the Discolypso time travel machine - where in history and the future would you go to?
I would love to visit the golden age of soviet science between the 1950s-1970s. Because I love sci-fi movies from Soviet Union in that generation. I will buy some stamps!
