Not everyone has life figured out. For some, it can feel like you’re circling around like a satellite in the sky, always searching for answers. Often these reflective thoughts can loop in our minds during the quiet and stillness of night. For me, that usually happens at around 2am. In my late night playlist I had the pleasure of listening to a song that perfectly describes that continual search that many of us go through to find meaning and happiness. Located across the Pacific Ocean and over 5,000+ miles away from me, I found LMST.
LMST recently released “Satellite”, a soothing and relaxed song with relatable lyrics that perfectly suit a summer’s night walk or drive. Teaming up with “vyd” who produced PLAVE’s ‘Our Movie’, the song carries the message of encouraging everyone orbiting in their daily lives to find their own answers.
Office worker by day and K-R&B artist by night, LMST graciously made time to answer some questions about his new single.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions LMST! I've found that my favorite time of night is 2am when everything is quiet. Your soothing and relatable single, Satellite, is a perfect fit for my nighttime playlist!
LMST: Naomi! It’s an honor to know that my song can accompany your peaceful nights! I’ll also take some time during a “peaceful night” to answer your questions.
Q: We can find ourselves floating through life trying to find the answers to big questions like what our purpose is, however what's a small happiness you come across in your daily orbit that gives you the strength to continue searching?
LMST: The routines I strictly follow in my daily life seem to be a great source of strength. Another thing that helps is enjoying my soul food—fried chicken and sundae soup—without any worries, filling myself up and feeling satisfied.
Humans are simpler than we think, and I’ve found that eating delicious food, moving your body, resting well, and going out to meet new people to check in on your social life can naturally build up quite a bit of positive energy.
And as these “small successes” in maintaining my daily routine accumulate, I’ve naturally developed the belief that I can successfully handle the uncertainty that lies beyond any changes. And I believe these things are a great driving force that helps me find the right answers.
Q: What was one change in your life that required you to have courage, and how did you overcome any fear that stood in your way?
LMST: This seems like the right moment to talk about the changes and fears I’m currently facing. I love the work I do during my day job, but my passion for music is growing stronger in my heart. That’s why I’m planning to focus more on music based on the success of “Satellite” and the new EP “Mystery Box” coming out at the end of the year, and the possibilities I discover from that.
I often look back on the time when I released my first single album, “NO FANTASY.” The sleepless nights filled with anxiety, thinking that no one would ever listen to my music. But then I overcame that and took my first step as LMST, which led to many positive changes. I’ve become happier, more confident, and more ambitious.
In the past, I never really imagined in detail what it would be like if LMST became successful. But lately, I’ve been trying to visualize it more concretely. I imagine people all over the world listening to my music, and I see myself meeting them directly through concerts, traveling around the world. And I am confident that this vision will become a reality in the near future.
Q: In 3 different words, what does music truly mean to you?
LMST: “Dream,” “Hope,” “The Real Me”
Music has been something I’ve dreamed of for a long time, and for some reason, I’ve never disliked it. When I share my music with people who are difficult to communicate with, it makes communication much easier. I believe music has the magical power to provide comfort and restore hope when I’m sad or going through tough times, and to double the joy when I’m happy.
I didn’t have the courage to pursue music full-time, so I continued working while using my weekends to steadily work on music. Some might say that I lacked the desperation to go all in, but I believe that because I balanced work and music, I was able to grow my passion for music as an escape from daily life and as a tool for self-realization. However, these days, I feel a bit happier when I’m making music than when I’m working. Sometimes I even wonder if the “real me” is the one who makes music.
Q: Do you prefer a peaceful walk or a peaceful drive?
LMST: I really love driving, and I’m very fond of my 5-year-old car. However, I prefer peaceful walks over peaceful drives. I think it’s because during a walk, I can take in and experience more for a longer time. I also like that I can stop anywhere to reflect and think without being tied to a specific place. Plus, as a bonus, it’s a form of exercise too, haha.
I especially enjoy the feel and scent of the air when I’m walking. Even in the same season, those things can feel different day by day, and I find that very charming.
(Oh, and “Satellite” is great to listen to both while walking and driving! :-))
Q: Satellite shows a different side of you than what we've seen in your previous songs. Did this present any unexpected challenges in creating it? Or did you learn anything about yourself while writing the lyrics?
LMST: This song was a completely new attempt for me. I tried to sing as calmly and comfortably as possible, away from the way I’ve been singing, and the process was very unfamiliar and not easy. There were moments when I wanted to give up, and there were times when I thought this song didn’t suit me.
However, as I wrote the lyrics, I think my affection for this song has been added. I am the one who can accurately convey the meaning of these lyrics. I thought, “I’m the one who can make this song live.” I practiced and practiced.
I also appreciated the fact that, while writing the lyrics, I was able to honestly face my current self. Instead of avoiding the anxiety that confronted me, I was able to examine it closely. And choosing to fully accept it and willingly coexist with it was something I hadn’t been able to do before.
I really like the line, “What should I do now? Just circle till I find.” This line isn’t about the helplessness of being stuck in a cycle, but rather about faithfully continuing with everyday life while waiting for new hope to appear. It’s about not forgetting what I need to do and where I need to go, and continuing to move forward. At the very least, this process gave me the confidence that I can become that kind of person.
In our lives we often come to a point where we need to choose which way we turn and what path to go down. Regardless of where we end up going, listening to “Satellite” can make our orbit just a bit more peaceful.
Watch "Satellite" on YouTube:
Listen on Spotify:
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmst_thing/
Portfolio Page: https://lmst.notion.site/Hi-I-m-LMST-3134e41682ad4132b59e23c7a9d1b2a8?pvs=4
[Credits]
Lyrics by LMST
Composed by LMST, vyd, COKEONSOBER
Arranged by vyd
Mix & Mastered by Quesa Dilla
Piano by viewhorese, yeol
Guitar by DOHY
Bass by DOHY
Drum by viewhorse, yeol
Chorus by LMST
MV by Cactus Studio (Jung Yoo-seok)
