Crystal Tea: Busan dreamer to pop-rock darling

Written by Jamie Finn (@jamiefinn2209)

Busan-born Crystal Tea has transformed her seaside hometown experiences into a sweetly melodic blend of rock that shows the singer’s influences while maintaining her own theatrical flair. Now, with approximately 30,000 monthly listeners from around the world, Crystal Tea is preparing for her third annual Crystal Tea Party event, which promises to be the most fun one yet.

Crystal Tea's upcoming concert series, aptly named "Crystal Tea Party," represents the culmination of three years of creative evolution. "I have been holding a solo concert called Crystal Tea Party every summer for three years now," she shares with evident enthusiasm. "The name is a combination of my name and the word 'tea party,' and as the name suggests, I aim to create a fun and festive atmosphere for the concert."

This year's iteration will be particularly special, with the artist embracing a "sports day" theme that feels perfectly suited to the summer heat. "I think you will be able to enjoy the music with even more excitement thanks to the concept that matches the heat of the summer," she notes. The choice to maintain a standing concert format reflects her commitment to creating an energetic, communal experience rather than a traditional seated performance.

Adding to the excitement, Crystal Tea has enlisted the help of a group called Tomatomat as special guests. "They will be very cute and surprising," she teases, hinting at the playful collaborations that fans can expect.

Crystal Tea's journey from Busan to becoming an indie darling wasn't without its challenges. Growing up in Korea's second-largest city, she found herself caught between the beauty of her coastal hometown and the musical limitations it presented. "I thought the story of leaving my hometown to become a rock star in a big city was meant for me," she reflects. "So, even though I was from Busan, a city far from Seoul with a view of the sea, I didn't dislike it."

However, the musical landscape of Busan was not the right fit for her. "Especially since Busan wasn't a very musically active city at the time, I always felt lonely as a listener and as an amateur musician," she admits. "I think those aspects are clearly reflected in my early music." This sense of isolation can be found in her work, creating an emotional depth that resonates with listeners who've experienced similar feelings of artistic solitude.

One cannot discuss Crystal Tea's artistic development without acknowledging the profound influence of Japanese artist Shiina Ringo. The comparison isn't lost on Crystal Tea, who openly embraces this musical kinship. "Shiina Ringo is an artist who has inspired me not only musically but also as a human being and as a woman," she explains. "When I was 14, her talent and her approach to the world set my standards for what is 'cool,' so I think she had a huge influence on me."

The connection runs deeper than mere musical appreciation. "Although I was deeply immersed in Western music, as a girl who looked like me, I found it hard not to be captivated by Shiina Ringo," she reveals, highlighting the importance of representation in artistic inspiration.

Musically, Crystal Tea has absorbed Shiina Ringo's most theatrical elements. "The aspect of Shiina Ringo that influenced me the most is the idea that everything—songs, albums, performances—must be made dramatic," she explains. "It seems to be a perspective that views music as theatre."

Crystal Tea's lyrics often explore what she terms the consciousness of the "immature woman," though she's quick to clarify that this confusion is universal. "I use the term 'immature woman,' but I think all the confusion that happens inside is necessary and natural for everyone," she notes. 

Her approach to songwriting feels refreshingly personal. "I think it's more of a personal form of expression, but in the end, I try to convey my personal thoughts to the audience in the most sophisticated and literary way possible," she explains. This balance between intimacy and artistry creates lyrics that feel like diary entries whilst maintaining poetic sophistication.

Crystal Tea enjoys maintaining a certain level of control over her visual presentation, from album covers to social media style. "As an indie artist, I naturally oversee the artwork myself," she explains. "I dig up good artists, contact them, and communicate the feel I want." For her, visual elements aren't merely decorative but essential tools for storytelling. "I think the visual aspect is a great tool for maximising the music, so I don't think it should be neglected."

This comprehensive approach extends to her music videos and overall presentation. "As I mentioned earlier, I want to show my music through storytelling, so I always have an abundance of ideas," she shares, highlighting her commitment to creating cohesive artistic experiences.

Tracks like If I Were a Cat and Boyfriend Express showcase Crystal Tea's playful approach, something she considers crucial to her artistic identity. "Listening to music is an experience," she tells us. "For that experience to be vivid, it has to be both impressive and fun. I always want people to find that kind of enjoyment in my music, so I think a lot about how to make the stories I want to tell feel fresh."

Her 2020 EP Pink Movie exemplifies this approach, particularly the standout track Roman Porno. "I think it was a proper celebration of love," she describes. "Love that seems corrupt but is actually so commonplace and mundane that it brings meaning to everyday life. It's chaotic and messy but beautiful."

With a growing number of international fans across Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, and Tokyo, Crystal Tea's influence is spreading beyond Korea's borders. Though she hasn't had extensive direct communication with overseas fans yet, she's eager for international opportunities. "If the opportunity arises, I'd like to gain more overseas experience," she notes.

As she prepares for this year's Crystal Tea Party, balancing the demands of independent artistry remains challenging. "It's always difficult, and I don't think I always do a good job," she admits with honesty. "The most important value in all of this is 'artistic integrity.'"

For Crystal Tea, that integrity means creating music that's both deeply personal and universally relatable, theatrical yet intimate, playful yet profound. As summer approaches and the sports day theme beckons, fans can expect another unforgettable Crystal Tea Party that perfectly embodies these contradictions.

Tickets for Crystal Tea Party are available at Melon Tickets.

For more information on Crystal Tea, follow her on Instagram at @crystal.tea.