
Oykni
Oykni is an artist who delves into fundamental questions and musical experimentation through electronic music. His fascination with electronic music stems from its ability to convey narratives through pure sonic elements, moving beyond conventional structures like melody and harmony. This sound-centric approach allows him to integrate mixing engineering techniques into composition, offering both diversity and freedom, and revealing the unique storytelling potential of electronic music.
Central to his creative process is the use of modular synthesizers, which enable him to explore the physicality of electronic sound by designing and assembling its structure in real time. The tactile nature of modular synths transforms the process into one of both performing and constructing a piece simultaneously, playing a key role in shaping his distinctive sonic aesthetic.
His experiences abroad have deepened his reflections on Korean identity in music. While traditional collaborations often involve performing familiar songs with traditional instruments, Oykni seeks to reinterpret the actual sounds and rhythms of gugak through electronic music. His “Project Jangdan” explores new modes of expression for traditional Korean music, aiming to dissolve boundaries between electronic and traditional sounds.
Beyond album releases, he aims to build a 40–50-minute repertoire of original performances, with each piece composed with live performance in mind. All sounds, except those produced by live traditional instruments, are designed to be generated on the spot in real time. Collaborating with artists from various disciplines such as video, architecture, and photography, his performances offer a multi-layered, immersive experience that transcends music alone. These efforts strive to redefine Korean identity through a contemporary lens.