When I went to South Korea in 2023 I had no idea that the impressions I gathered there would fill my songwriting, recording and releasing schedule for almost two years straight. Normally I dwell on songs for a long time. Often I hold onto songs for more than a decade before I start the production process – which is why I have a considerable backlog of fully written songs. To take brand new inspiration and run with it has been different and a lot of fun. Two EPs and a tour later, my mind and heart still wander off to Korea from time to time. With every new visit, the list of songs is bound to grow.
My 2025 South Korean tour was titled Letters From Dragonfly Garden. I am still writing letters, and one day I hope to gather all these musical letters on a full album with that very name. But right now it feels appropriate to change the pace of my Korea themed project ever so slightly. That way, I can also attend to those decade-old songs that have been waiting patiently for their final arrangements.
My studio time going forward will be mostly dedicated to another music project (that I will talk more about some other time!). However, I will also continue to work on writing and sharing songs about Korea. Normally I keep my unreleased music to myself until the compositions have found their official form, but I figured that letters are better sent shortly after writing. I have decided that in-between other music work, I will aim to make some simple acoustic recordings of my new Letters From Dragonfly Garden songs and upload them to YouTube.
These videos will not be well rehearsed or polished. You might say I am sending you the new letters written on plain notepad paper, instead of on the ornate stationary paper of my two latest EPs. Rather than carefully planning and drawing each letter with fine ink, I am scribbling with a pencil and no eraser.
The unofficial letters might not be as pleasant to the eye and ear, but I hope my ideas and the rhythm of my words still make for a meaningful piece of communication.
The Rose Chafer 