Time moves differently in Busan. In South Korea's second city, where industrial rhythms meet crashing waves and neon-lit evenings stretch into endless possibilities, Say Sue Me have spent over a decade crafting songs. Their latest EP, 'Time Is Not Yours', arrives like a whispered secret, a collection that understands how moments can expand and contract like the tide their hometown knows so well.

Say Sue Me have carved out something precious: a space where indie-rock breathes with unhurried grace, where surf guitars tangle with introspection, and where time itself becomes something to be examined rather than simply endured. As they prepare for their first UK tour in six years, the quartet stand as living proof that sometimes the most meaningful movements happen in the quiet.

In the warm glow of their studio, where vintage amps hum with possibility and tomorrow's songs take shape, Say Sue Me's evolution feels like a natural, inevitable unfurling. Their story is one of patient evolution, of finding strength in stillness and of understanding that sometimes the most profound progress comes from taking a step back.

"When you're young, it feels like time is yours - fair and unlimited," reflects vocalist and guitarist Choi Sumi. "But at some point, it starts slipping through your fingers like sand, no matter how hard you try to hold onto it." This meditation on time forms the philosophical backbone of their latest EP. The collection emerged from a deliberate pause, a winter of reflection. "Still, I've come to believe that my heart is my own, and maybe time is, too - depending on how I choose to feel. This EP is a gentle reminder to myself not to be in such a rush."

The band's current lineup represents a perfect balance of talents and responsibilities. As Sumi explains, "I sing and play guitar. I also write most of the lyrics and handle social interactions, business emails, social media, and setlists." Her bandmates each bring their own essential elements to the mix: "Kim Byungkyu plays guitar, writes most of our songs, and handles recording and mixing. He also manages shipping for our merch since we store it in our studio, which he uses most often." The rhythm section proves equally vital to both music and operations: "Kim Jaeyoung plays bass - and he's the youngest, so he brings the energy! He also introduces the band during shows and takes care of merch production, planning, and inventory." Completing the quartet is drummer Lim Sungwan, whom Sumi describes as "our steady force. He's strong in both mind and body and often drives us to nearby cities when we tour."

Their roots in Busan's independent music community have shaped their approach to artistry and authenticity. Sumi is candid when asked about opportunities in their hometown: "The scene is quite small, but it's passionate. Bands keep emerging and stubbornly doing their own thing." It's fostered a tight-knit creative ecosystem. "These days, there are more artists embracing their unique styles, and we all support one another. The venue Ovantgarde is the heart of the scene, and bands like Hathaway, Seaweed Mustache, Yajasu, and Ilgyne are all active there."

The band's trajectory has been marked by steady growth rather than overnight success. Their breakthrough came with 2018 second album, 'Where We Were Together', as Sumi recalls: "That's when more people started listening to our music. We toured a lot, won some awards - it was the first time we felt like, 'Okay, maybe we can really keep doing this.'"

This gradual ascent has given them time to develop a philosophy that places human connection at the centre of their artistic practice. When asked how being in a band has changed their perspective, their answer is disarmingly simple: "The most important thing is people and relationships. Music always comes after that."

Their songwriting process remains intensely personal. "Most of my lyrics come from my diary - things I've been thinking about lately or reminders I want to give myself," Sumi shares. This authenticity extends to their approach to global audiences: "We just try not to force anything. We focus on doing what we can do well - and doing it sincerely."

The band's relationship with British music runs deep, manifesting subtly throughout their catalogue. "All of us love a lot of British bands, so we've definitely been influenced both directly and indirectly," Sumi acknowledges. "One example is our recent song 'Vacation' - the chromatic progression of the bass and guitar kind of reminds us of Blur's style."

Their excitement is palpable as they return to the UK for their first tour in six years. "We're so excited to be back in the UK [soon]," Sumi enthuses. "It'll be amazing to see people who came to our shows back then, and really special to meet anyone discovering our music for the first time on this tour!"

The band remain actively creative, even amid their touring schedule. "We're currently caught up in a whirlwind of preparations - working on a new album and getting ready for the tour," Sumi reveals. "Right now, we're spending a lot of time playing, recording, and shaping the sounds that are coming out of this creative period. We also wrote a song for a film recently - it should be released sometime this year."

Their message to new listeners encapsulates the gentle wisdom, warmth and sincerity that pervades their music: "Don't worry too much. Everything's going to be alright."

Say Sue Me play The Great Escape on Thursday 15th May (Jubilee Square, 12pm) and Friday 16th May (TGE Beach - The Jetty, 3.30pm; Komedia Studio, 10.15pm).