Kim Nana — Warm Comfort Painted in Pastel-Toned Emotions

Singer-songwriter Kim Nana from Dept Music is drawing attention with a musical spectrum that spans indie, R&B, and jazz. Particularly recognized for her live capabilities through appearances on Nonol, she demonstrates delicate emotional expression through original songs like 'Pastel,' 'Spring,' 'Close Your Eyes,' and 'Feather.'

Story

Defining Kim Nana's music in a single word is difficult. The warmth of acoustic folk is topped with the sophistication of jazz, and sometimes the groove of R&B flows subtly underneath. Her musical identity is closer to 'emotion' than to any genre.

In a recent interview with Newspim, she revealed her musical style:

'I pursue a soft, fluffy musical style. I want to make music that melts the hearts of listeners and makes them feel comfortable.' — Newspim interview

Her signature works all deal with universal emotions like love, breakups, and the changing seasons. But her approach is unique. In 'Close Your Eyes,' she wrote the breakup song from the perspective of the one who left, not the one left behind, and in 'Feather,' she completed the song by immersing herself in the emotions of Bongseok, the protagonist of the drama 'Moving.'

Kim Nana's specialness goes beyond simply singing well. Each song has a clear concept and story, and her ability to realize them musically is exceptional.

In Newspim's 'Hidden Stage,' she also shared this philosophy:

'I found comfort listening to Kim Gwangjin's songs. I want to become that kind of artist.' — Newspim interview

Music

Meet Nonol on Nonol

Meet their music live at the Singing Playground.

🎵 "Pastel"

'Wow, you sing really well, great' — the most-liked comment. But this song's true worth goes beyond simple 'skill.' The lyrics impressively compare complex emotions felt within a love relationship to pastel-toned colors. Affection and preciousness, sometimes hatred and anxiety — it captures all the light and shadow of relationships.

In terms of vocal technique, the deliberate restraint for emotional delivery is noteworthy. Even in the upper register, she chose a smooth mix voice instead of powerful belting. Though the arrangement over acoustic guitar is simple, subtly varying strumming patterns in each verse support the song's narrative.

27,000 people stopped before this pastel-hued confession.

🎵 "Spring"

This song was written in the spring of 2023, filled with Kim Nana's love for her favorite season. The difference starts from the intro — guitar arpeggios flow in 3/4 time creating the leisure of a waltz. This is a distinctly different approach from typical 4/4 time ballads.

The lyric structure follows the change of seasons directly. The flow of time starting with 'the wind blows' in verse 1, 'the blue sky' in verse 2, and concluding with 'like a wound with new skin growing' in the final verse runs through the entire song. This narrative construction evokes IU's seasonal songs or Rose's seasonal ballads.

32,000 people entrusted their hearts to this warm spring breeze.

🎵 "Close Your Eyes"

The moment the first harmony sounds, you know something is different. This song approaches breakups from the exact opposite perspective of typical farewell songs. Written 'from the perspective of the one who left, not those left behind,' this is Kim Nana's definitive work showcasing her lyric-writing ability.

Musically, she placed 7th chords strategically over minor progressions to maximize the wistfulness. The way the vocal line descends at 'cutting all these ties that surround me' to express despair is particularly delicate. This sonic rendering of emotion connects to the farewell songs of Hyukoh or the lyricism of The Black Skirts.

36,000 people found comfort in this breakup song told from an inverted perspective.

🎵 "Feather"

Without an original version to compare against, Kim Nana presents a version fully immersed in the emotions of Bongseok, the protagonist of the drama 'Moving.' The highlight is the lyric development. The structure starting with 'something seems strange' and concluding with 'my steps were heavy, but now' precisely matches the psychological transformation of the drama's character.

Notable in the arrangement is the transition in the bridge section. At the line 'in this inexplicable feeling, in this emotion I'm experiencing for the first time,' the melody ascends, musically embodying the thrill of a boy discovering superpowers. This narrative arrangement ability is reminiscent of IU's or Lee Juck's storytelling ballads.

40,000 people were captivated by this dramatic confession.

🎵 "Sisters with Short Hair Singing About Pain (Joint Stage)"

A stage of comfort for those feeling lonely or melancholic. In this special stage with Hwaa, Kang Jina, and Seul, Kim Nana participated with 'Close Your Eyes.' Her part starting at 9 minutes and 5 seconds once again proves the comforting power of this song.

As four artists each sing about their own pain, Kim Nana's 'Close Your Eyes' resonates like a final answer. It's the paradox that a breakup song sung from the perspective of the one who left becomes even greater comfort.

24,000 people felt warmth from the comfort of these short-haired sisters.

🎵 "Kim Nana Full Ver."

What to note in this song's intro is the opening comment that reveals Kim Nana's musical philosophy. Her words 'I like warm, cozy emotions and feelings' precisely preview the 13-minute musical journey that follows.

The composition of four consecutive live songs is meticulous. The flow from Pastel (spectrum of emotions) to Spring (cycle of seasons) to Close Your Eyes (reinterpretation of farewell) to Feather (dramatic romance) creates one complete narrative. The natural moments between songs — guitar tuning, vocal checks — are also part of the charm unique to live performance.

In terms of vocal technique, her 13-minute endurance stands out. She maintains consistent tone without any wavering in pitch or breathing through the final 'Feather.' This is built on substantial live experience and fundamental skill.

67,000 people were completely captivated by this full-version live.

What Fans Say About Nonol

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Listening to her music, you genuinely feel comforted. Without grand messages or complex philosophy, it simply feels like someone sitting quietly beside you, keeping you company.