In the recording studio, CIFIKA is in her element, surrounded by collaborators and building sonic architecture in real-time. "I'm in a song camp session with UK producers Harry and Alex and my band members Umaka and Jeongseosa, and I'm answering while making a song," she notes, perfectly capturing the perpetual motion that defines her artistic practice.

The roots of CIFIKA's musical journey trace back to an unexpectedly traditional source. "The first time I truly fell in love with music was when I stood on a church stage at six years old, singing gospel with a children's choir during a Christmas event," she recalls. "I was dressed as a Bible character and performed using sign language, something I barely understood at the time but somehow felt deeply moved by. That moment, surrounded by voices and harmony, did something to me. Even though I'm no longer religious, the emotional power of choral music stayed with me ever since."

Her evolution from those childhood choir performances to boundary-pushing electronic artist hasn't been a straight line, but rather a rich tapestry of influences and experiments. CIFIKA's first original composition, 'Race', emerged during her time in California - a period she remembers for its distinctly different creative atmosphere compared to her current base in Seoul.

"At the time, I was really into chill electronica with vocals layered on top, so my early work had a much lighter, more relaxed vibe compared to what I create now," she explains. The geographical shift from California to Seoul would prove transformative: "After moving to Seoul, my sound gradually became darker, more experimental, and more emotionally complex. The shift in cultural atmosphere, pace of life, and the people I met along the way have all played a role in shaping the way I create today."

This evolution is evident across her discography, from her 2016 breakout EP 'INTELLIGENTSIA' through to 2020's 'HANA' and the scientifically-themed 'ION'. Each release has shown an artist pushing against the boundaries of electronic music, and her latest album 'Bonfire' continues this trajectory while introducing warmer, more organic elements to her sound palette.

The integration of her Korean identity into her music reveals itself in subtle but profound ways. "While much of the music I make is rooted in Western musical frameworks - whether it's the digital tools I use, the structure of the songs, or the harmonies - I believe the emotional core of my work is deeply shaped by my Korean identity," she reflects. "There's a particular kind of emotional intensity and introspection that I carry, which I often describe as my version of Han. It's a uniquely Korean feeling - complex, unresolved and quietly powerful - and I think it lives in my voice and how I express emotion through sound."

When asked about the song that best encapsulates her artistic essence, CIFIKA points to a track that brings together her diverse influences. "I've always had a deep love for choral music, and I grew up listening to a lot of opera arias because of my mom, so naturally, I often find myself singing with an operatic tone," she explains. "'Grow' captures both the emotional and sonic palette I'm most drawn to. It's probably the most honest reflection of who I am as an artist."

The themes that drive her songwriting reveal an artist concerned with creating spaces for personal exploration. "I often find myself drawn to themes of emotional endurance, healing, and self-reflection," she shares. "Much of my songwriting stems from a need to create safe, spacious emotional environments - both for myself and for my listeners. I'm especially interested in the quieter, more intimate corners of the human experience: grief, growth, memory, and inner strength."

Recent years have seen CIFIKA expand beyond solo electronic production to incorporate live band elements, a shift that has profoundly impacted both her music and worldview. "Being in a band really taught me the power of harmony - not just musically, but emotionally and mentally too," she reflects. "Before working with others, I was used to doing everything alone, trusting only my own taste and instincts. But being in a group made me realise how beautiful it is when different voices come together to create one shared sound. It's not always easy - people have different ideas, moods and rhythms - but when it clicks, it's magical."

This collaborative spirit extends to her upcoming UK appearances, including showcases at The Great Escape. Her anticipation is palpable: "I have some fantasy about just being in the UK because all my favourite musicians are from the UK. I wanted to feel the vibe of the UK, and I'm loving it so far. I'm also looking forward to seeing new music and discovering new acts at TGE."

While her previous UK exposure has been limited - "The only UK related event/project I've done is with Romy from the XX, and I remixed her track called 'Lifetime'" - CIFIKA's vision of success reveals an artist more interested in creative freedom than commercial achievements. "International success is to me is that you can manage to have two-three month break, and maybe stay in a cabin or a studio place, deep in the forest, and just focus on your album with no disturb from the outside world."

Looking ahead, CIFIKA is returning to her roots while pushing into new territory. "I'm working on my new album, back to solo producing, and I'm experimenting with my vocal and lots of layers. It will be more like choir music with electronic music influence."

Between her multimedia installation work (like the immersive 'HYDROVOX'), her evolution as a live performer, and her continuing sonic experiments, CIFIKA's rise tells a story of artistic growth that remains rooted in authentic expression and emotional truth.