WBUR Names Berklee Alums Song as State Favorite for NPRs Tiny Desk Contest The song Me, by HEESU, stood out to the panel due to its emotional resonance, R&B groove, and deft blend of Korean and English lyrics.
By
Bryan Parys
November 18, 2021
Image by OJ Slaughter, courtesy of WBUR
Two years ago, songwriter Heesu Yu B.M. '21 watched the band SsingSsing perform on NPRs acclaimed live-music series Tiny Desk Concerts, and something clicked. Seeing a band from her native Korea performing on the show gave her a jolt of creative confidence. Hearing Korean folk music on NPR reminded me that nothing is impossible and success can be achieved internationally, she said.
Now in 2021, Yu-who performs under the name HEESU-is finding her own place in the Tiny Desk universe. For this years Tiny Desk Contest, HEESUs song Me was selected by Bostons local NPR station WBUR as their favorite contest entry from Massachusetts.
Watch Berklee Alumni Perform on NPRs Tiny Desk
With genres ranging from jazz to indie rock, Berklee artists have a strong presence in the NPR series.
This song is about wanting to focus on yourself after being in a long-term relationship, HEESU said. Connecting to herself, in this instance, also meant exploring her Korean roots alongside her experiences in the U.S., resulting in an emotionally powerful combination of lyrics in both Korean and English. I wrote the hook in Korean because the melody flowed better with Korean words, and I wanted to show my Korean side, she said. The English verses are self-explanatory, so the listeners can still enjoy the song without knowing the Korean lyrics and vice versa.
As part of being selected as the state favorite, HEESU was featured in a full-length profile on WBURs website and will be highlighted on All Things Considered and Morning Edition. She will also get the chance to perform at WBURs CitySpace on January 28, 2022. HEESU, who studied songwriting while at Berklee, reflected that As a Korean artist...Im genuinely honored to be selected among talented musicians worldwide. It makes me think that there is no barrier in music.
Watch HEESUs Tiny Desk Contest entry, Me:
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WBUR Names Berklee Alums Song as State Favorite for NPRs Tiny Desk Contest The song Me, by HEESU, stood out to the panel due to its emotional resonance, R&B groove, and deft blend of Korean and English lyrics.
