Izykite’s Voice Is A Genre Of Its Own
Photo: Izykite Facebook Page
Rising singer-songwriter Izykite (이지카이트), who has one of the huskiest voices on the South Korean music scene, released her latest single “Reuben” on May 15, giving us the chance to savour the smoky texture of her singing style.
Maybe the title of the song triggered some culinary association. If it did, you’d be right; the song, along with all the promo material shared by Izykite on her social media, appears to be an ode to the Reuben sandwich, the infamous delicacy featuring corned beef and Swiss cheese, dripping in Russian dressing.
In the lyrics, in fact, we hear the rich, low, and slightly raspy voice of Izykite (born Lee Jiyeon, 이지연) conjuring a scene where she wakes up late one morning with a Reuben sandwich, “cheese melting like a chocolate/ Everything is perfect”. So much love for a tasty sandwich, right? But then it goes on like this: “I feel the love—your vibe soaking in with one bite/ You got that flavor I don’t wanna miss/ My mind is full of nothing but/ Melting into warmth/ You hold me close like melted cheese—It feels so right”. Any possible double entendre? We’re not sure, but here are some other verses for you to judge:
I want it more—we're making art
This is a recipe only we know
It comes to mind in every moment
I don’t want anything else
Russian dressing, bold and red
A smile slips out before I know it
On days like this, when I want to walk side by side
You keep running through my mind
We might not be completely sure about the meaning of the song, but what we do know is that the song has such a hooky, chill vibe—thanks in part to the fascinating voice of the singer—that it’s hard to get out of your head. Think of a cool evening drive, or those moments when you nod to the music without the need to dance; that’s the kind of atmosphere the song fits perfectly.
But who is this charming young lady? Let’s get to know her a bit better. Born in Daegu in 1997, she debuted as a solo artist on February 3, 2021, with the single album Belated Regret (느린 마음), then gaining attention through self-penned tracks like "Where is the happiness?”, “Whenever” (그럴 때마다), “Promises” (다짐), “Glimpse of summer” (여름밤). In January 2023, she signed an exclusive contract with Neuron Music, joining artists like Paul Kim and Peakboy. She released her first mini-album, I ZIP, in 2023, and other singles until “Not That Girl,” published last February.
Though her career is still in its early stages, Izykite has already made a lasting impression with the introspective themes of her self-composed music. But more than that, what truly sets her apart is the unique color and texture of her voice—low and husky, a quality rarely found among Korean singers. It has even been reported that Wooseok, the main rapper of the boy group Pentagon under Cube Entertainment, remarked that Izykite’s voice “feels like its own genre”.
Izykite has also established herself as an influencer with a significant following on Instagram, where she shares her daily life, including her taste in fashion, and has been approached by fashion brands, hip-hop musicians, and other media outlets.
Are you curious to listen to “Reuben”?
Edited by Sandy Ou