EJAE, the singer-songwriter behind the record-breaking Netflix phenomenon "K-Pop Demon Hunters," revealed her collab wishlist, including BLACKPINK's Lisa, Doja Cat, Raye, and Maroon 5.
The soundtrack for "K-Pop Demon Hunters," for which EJAE serves as vocal producer, lyricist, and the singing voice of the film's heroine, Rumi, has shattered streaming records worldwide. Eight songs from the film's album have charted on iTunes Top Songs lists, and the project has held the No. 1 spot in 26 countries on Netflix, as well as securing top positions on multiple album charts. As Rumi's singing voice, EJAE has guided the character through explosive showdowns and moments of self-discovery, blending English and Korean lyrics to reflect Rumi's dual heritage.
EJAE attributed her rapid ascent to years of honing her craft in K-pop writing camps and remote production sessions. After training with SM Entertainment and penning hits for acts like Red Velvet, TWICE, and aespa, she shifted focus to "K-Pop Demon Hunters" in late 2020. The team of producers from THEBLACKLABEL and composer Ian Eisendrath provided story outlines and instrumental tracks, while EJAE and co-writer Mark Sonnenblick crafted melodies and lyrics that captured the film's balance of supernatural action and pop theatrics.
Asked about the process of writing blockbuster singles like "Golden," which claimed the top spot on the Billboard charts, EJAE recalled humming the melody on her way to a dentist appointment, then recording a near-final demo within minutes of receiving the instrumental. The immediacy of her creative spark exemplifies why industry veterans at events like the VMAs and the iHeartRadio Festival have clamored to meet her, often citing her as an inspirational figure for young songwriters.
Looking ahead, EJAE emphasized that collaboration fuels her growth as a writer and performer. "I'd love to keep writing, keep learning how to get better at writing, and work with writers that I always looked up to," she said.
By naming Maroon 5, Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye, EJAE suggested she has an ambition to bridge K-pop with Western pop, hip-hop, and R&B, potentially introducing her unique cinematic style to a broader global audience.
With "K-Pop Demon Hunters" continuing to dominate conversations and playlists, EJAE's openness to diverse musical partnerships suggests the next chapter of her career will further blur the boundaries between East and West, and deliver chart-topping anthems that appeal across fanbases.
