In this interview Dailog, the producer behind hits for Twice and Red Velvet, discusses his new solo EP, Basecamp, and his unique creative process.
Dailog, a South Korean singer-songwriter and producer, has long been a creative force behind some of K-pop’s biggest hits and beloved K-drama soundtracks. Now, with the release of his solo EP, Basecamp, he is stepping into the spotlight with his own unique sound. The EP is a deeply personal journey, with Dailog creating a mix of indie rock, surf rock, and dream pop that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. He uses love as his guide, creating songs that feel like a safe haven – a place to rest and find the courage to start again.
Mama’s Geeky had the opportunity to sit down with Dailog to discuss his creative process, his experiences working with top artists like Red Velvet’s Joy and SEVENTEEN’s DK, and the personal stories behind the tracks on Basecamp.
Dailog opened up about the challenges of being both a producer and a solo artist, the value of staying true to his own voice, and what fans can look forward to next. Read on to discover the man behind the music and the philosophy that drives his art.
Dailog On Working as a Producer vs. a Solo Artist
Mama’s Geeky: How does your approach differ when you are writing a song for another artist versus when you’re writing for yourself?
Dailog: When I write for other artists, I focus on their story and color. For dramas with these, I need to capture the emotions of the scene, and for K-pop, it’s all about polish and mass appeal. But when it’s my own music, it’s 100% my story. I keep asking myself what sound I want to make and what words I want to say. That process feels closer to the pure joy of making music.
Mama’s Geeky: You’ve worked on a lot of K-drama soundtracks. What is the process like for creating a song that has to fit a specific scene or mood?
Dailog: The key in drama music is capturing the flow of emotions in a scene. It has to reflect the character’s feeling and situation while still having a strong melody. If the music is too strong in color, it won’t match the video. So I try to keep originality at a balanced level. Sometimes, I even watch a favorite drama muted and compose along with it.
Dailog On Collaborations and Musical Influences
Mama’s Geeky: Can you share a story behind one of your most memorable collaborations with a K-pop artist?
Dailog: Working with SEVENTEEN’s DK, the Korean name is Dokyeom, was unforgettable. He’s always known as an amazing vocalist, but watching him refine even the smallest breath showed me his sincerity. It inspired me to treat my own music with the same care and honesty.
Mama’s Geeky: How do you maintain a balance between current trends in the K-pop industry and then keeping your own distinct musical style?
Dailog: Writing for K-pop means creating melodies that feel familiar and easy to connect with. At the same time, the artist’s unique color has to shine through. I always aim for what I call “familiar freshness.” In my solo work, I give myself more freedom to experiment while still using the precision I learned from OSTs and K-pop.
Mama’s Geeky: What would you say is the most challenging part of the production process for you?
Dailog: The hardest part is being responsible for everything from writing lyrics and melodies to the final engineering. Sometimes I need to be creative and experimental, other times logical and precise. It feels like having two sides of myself working at once and always pushing for the best result can be tough.
Dailog On the Basecamp EP
Mama’s Geeky: Your EP is titled Basecamp, which I got to hear a little snippet of it. It sounds amazing. What is the meaning behind that title and how does it represent the themes of the album?
Dailog: For me, love was more than just happiness. It was a shelter that gave me strength in life’s journey. That’s why I chose the word “base camp.” The album follows a day from morning to night at base camp, carrying the message that love is both a place to rest and the courage to start again.
Mama’s Geeky: How has your experience as a behind-the-scenes producer influenced your work as a solo artist?
Dailog: As a producer, I’m always balancing between market appeal and originality. Music is both personal art and a part of popular culture. That same tug-of-war shaped my solo work too. I thought a lot about how to keep my own voice while still making music that people can enjoy.
Mama’s Geeky: Which track on Basecamp would you say is the most personal for you to write and why?
Dailog: The most personal song is the final track, “Campfire.” It reflects my wish to keep love alive, like glowing embers, even after the fiery phase. In reality, that fire went out, but I hope to carry that feeling into future love.
Mama’s Geeky: Which would you say was the most challenging for you?
Dailog: The hardest track was track number two, “Boy Scout.” I wanted it to feel simple but powerful, so it took endless tries and revisions. It was the only song where I got help from other musicians to bring it to life, like a drummer or guitarist and a mastering engineer.
Looking to the Future
Mama’s Geeky: How would you describe your style of music to someone who’s just getting to know you?
Dailog: I describe my music as vintage yet fresh. It blends indie rock, surf rock, and dream pop – a sound that can feel both warm and dreamy. I take retro influences from the past and reinterpret them with my own sensibility.
Mama’s Geeky: What advice would you give to an aspiring singer-songwriter or producer in the Korean music industry?
Dailog: I think the most important thing is finding your own color. The K-pop market is very competitive and changes quickly, but the music that lasts is the one that truly reflects the artist. Study the trends, but never forget to show your own voice. The tougher the competition, the more you need to lean into your uniqueness.
Mama’s Geeky: Who would you say are some of your biggest musical influences?
Dailog: I grew up listening to everything from punk rock to hip hop, so many artists come to mind. But if I had to choose one, I’d say Pharrell Williams. I love him. He managed to stay trendy for decades without losing his own color, and he’s loved by so many people. That’s the kind of musician I want to be too.
Mama’s Geeky: What is one goal that you still hope to achieve in your career?
Dailog: My biggest goal isn’t about numbers or achievements. It’s to keep making music consistently like Pharrell Williams. If my songs can close someone’s day and bring them comfort, that’s success to me. In the long run, I’d love to keep building conversations with the global music scene.
Mama’s Geeky: What can fans expect to see from you next? Are there any new projects you’re working on or maybe a style that you’re excited to explore?
Dailog: I plan to keep working on drama OSTs while still releasing new solo music. Lately, I’ve been drawn to free pop for its freedom and accessibility, and I want to bring that into my songs. I also hope to connect more with the global music scene and eventually meet fans face to face on my different stages.
Mama’s Geeky: Go on tour! Come to the US!
Dailog: I hope so.
Mama’s Geeky: Where would you like to visit for a tour?
Dailog: I’d really like to go to LA.
Mama’s Geeky: Perfect. That’s where I am. So come here and do a show and I’ll go and I’ll write about it and it’ll be perfect.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.