After years spent writing and producing songs for other artists and OSTs, Dailog is sharing his own story with “basecamp”, his debut EP. We chatted with him recently about everything from this first solo effort to his experiences as both a songwriter and an independent artist… and a goat may have wandered into the conversation, too.
Q. You’ve written and produced over 100 songs for K-pop and indie artists, including SEVENTEEN’s DK and Red Velvet’s Joy. How has working behind the scenes shaped the sound and storytelling of your debut EP, basecamp?
Dailog: Writing for others—whether for OSTs or artist albums—always meant translating someone else’s story into music. Through that process I learned the importance of sincerity and paying attention to every detail. With basecamp, I carried those lessons into my own story, aiming to express my emotions honestly while still keeping a high level of craftsmanship. Those years of experience became the foundation for the album’s warmth and its storytelling arc.
Q. Your stage name “Dailog” comes from “daily log.” How does that idea of journaling influence your music?
Dailog: I see music less as grand events and more like a diary of small, everyday moments. The feelings I have in the morning, fleeting thoughts while walking, or the subtle emotions within love naturally become songs. I hope those songs can flow into someone else’s daily life and enrich their emotions in a natural way.
Q. basecamp blends surf rock, folk, and dream pop with a warm vintage touch. What inspired you to combine these sounds, and how do they connect with the story of the album?
Dailog: These are simply the genres I love, brought together naturally. The warmth of folk, the dreamy textures of dream pop, and the rough, exotic energy of surf rock—which I explored deeply for the first time—combine to reflect my identity. Since I wanted to portray love as a day-long journey, these genres gave me different textures to express each part of that flow.
Q: Each track on basecamp feels like a different chapter—from the brightness of “morning twist” to the intimacy of “campfire.” Which song feels most personal to you, and why?
Dailog: The final track, “campfire,” is the most personal. It carries the message that even when love ends, its warmth remains. The song came directly from my own experience, which makes it especially meaningful. It’s about holding onto a love you don’t want to lose.
Q: You describe basecamp as a love story about finding refuge. Was there a specific moment or relationship that inspired this theme?
Dailog: Yes, it came from love I experienced myself. For me, love wasn’t just about happiness—it felt like a shelter, a place to rest in the middle of life’s journey, and the strength to face tomorrow. That became the theme running through the whole album: the idea that simply being with someone you love can make even doing nothing together feel like happiness.
Q: This is a fully self-produced and independent release. What were the biggest challenges–and the most rewarding parts–of making the album on your own?
Dailog: The hardest part was being responsible for everything: writing, recording, mixing, mastering, visuals, and even promotion. At times it was overwhelming, but the reward was being able to capture my sound fully, without compromise. Now I’m genuinely curious and excited to see how listeners will interpret and connect with it.
Q: Your album cover (with the goat!) is so charming and whimsical. What’s the story behind that concept, and how does it tie into basecamp?
Dailog: The photos were taken at a farm in Chuncheon, a place filled with my own memories. Standing with the goat felt funny and playful, but also natural and unpolished. That everyday simplicity fit perfectly with the theme of basecamp—not a grand castle, but a small and humble shelter. That’s the feeling I wanted to convey.
Q: Most of the EP is in English. Why did you choose to write in English, and how do you hope international listeners will connect with the songs?
Dailog: Part of it was considering global listeners, but more importantly, many melodies and emotions flowed more naturally in English. For some songs I mixed in Korean lyrics, because that language feels the most honest for certain emotions. My hope is that beyond language, the feelings themselves will connect with listeners everywhere.
Q: You’ve collaborated with many K-pop artists. Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet but would like to?
Dailog: I’d love to collaborate with international artists like Clairo or Men I Trust. Their music feels vintage yet modern, and it constantly inspires me.
Q: What do you hope listeners feel when they finish basecamp with the closing track “campfire”? What lasting message would you like to leave them with?
Dailog: I don’t think my music offers big answers, but I hope it feels like a small tent where someone can take a break. Even if love ends, I want listeners to feel that its warmth can remain. My wish is that by the end of the album, people walk away with a little more warmth in their hearts and the courage to keep going.
With “basecamp“, Dailog has built more than just an EP — he’s created a sanctuary of sound, a place where love feels like shelter and small moments shine with extraordinary detail. His debut is proof that independence can be as rewarding as it is challenging. As listeners gather around the gentle glow of “campfire,” they’re invited to rest, reflect, and carry a little warmth forward into their own journeys — exactly as Dailog intended.
Follow Dailog:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailog
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailogMusic
Stream basecamp
0 Comments