38 PEGGY GOU
From: South Korea
After taking a pandemic-induced break from touring, Peggy Gou poured her energy into her label Gudu Records, as well as her clothing and accessories brand PEGGY GOODS. But it turns out she also had a secret in the works; the release of two singles for the first time in two years.
In June 2021, Peggy dropped ‘Nabi’ ft. OHHYUK on Gudu Records, a slow-burning number inspired by Peggy’s love for ’90s dance anthems, followed by the glimmering ‘I Go’ in July. “The lyrics are inspired by a note I wrote on my phone in 2019, staring at myself in the mirror of an airport toilet – I looked so exhausted but there was no way I wasn’t going to keep going!” Peggy wrote in the track’s press release. ‘Nabi’ is about Peggy motivating herself and “finding courage and returning to a feeling of innocence” and she hopes that “people feel the same sense of positivity when they hear it”.
As well as planting seeds for future projects, Peggy also foregrounded her personal wellbeing and growth: “Additionally, I spent a lot of time taking care of myself physically and mentally. I worked out, cooked healthy recipes and read a lot of great books.”
How was your first gig back after lockdown?
“It was an amazing experience. After many cancellations and back and forths, my first big gig after lockdown was in Basel, Switzerland and the feeling of being together again in one room, celebrating, dancing and enjoying ourselves gave me goosebumps – I could have played all night.”
How have the last 18 months changed how you view your work/life balance?
“I was so overworked and physically strained from touring and being en-route in 2019, that my body and my mind were happy I was forced to slow down. It was a good learning experience — I really connected with myself in a new way, found more time for hobbies, for my family and my friends.”
What further steps should the industry take to combat climate change?
“The industry won’t change unless the people involved do! We need to re-direct our thinking of living, exchanging, consuming and interacting. All of us – and when there is a collective shift in thinking among all contributors, the industry will hopefully automatically amend to that.”
What’s the best bit of tech you’ve added to your studio or DJ set-up this year?
“[Korg] PolySix synthesizer.”
What’s the best album you’ve heard this year?
“Joy Orbison ‘Still Slipping Vol.1’.”