Rising LA-based artist Zoe Ko dropped her steaming hot sophomore EP not ur girlfriend and we had the exciting opportunity to talk to her about it in an email interview.
The up and coming singer-songwriter Zoe Ko just brought us her latest EP not ur girlfriend and let me tell you, it is smash-hits only. The New York-raised, now LA-based artist Zoe Ko is a beacon of authentic empowerment, shedding light on the female experience through the lens of “New York alt-rock and clubby sound, with 2000’s pop girl energy.” Wrapped in this unique stylistic experience, she highlights what it is like to be a young woman today. In late 2023, she proudly introduced herself with her highly praised debut EP Baby Teeth. It presents Ko’s honest, funny and edgy side, beckoning listeners through her vibrant, yet introspective music to unleash their emotions and discover who they truly are.
Her latest EP not ur girlfriend is a powerful collection of female empowerment anthems, landing with clever writing and high-octane beats.
Track number 1, “not ur girlfriend” is a cheeky and seductive power anthem, toying with her admirer. In the song, she basks in a man’s futile attempts to charm her. She tells him to date- and entertain her, but she’ll never be his girlfriend because ‘no’ doesn’t mean maybe.
Song number 2, “lucky” makes clever use of sexual puns, putting Zoe Ko in control, breaking someone’s expectations of ‘getting lucky’ tonight. Ko explores the female experience, making a powerful statement that fights back against objectification and being underestimated. She clearly is the one in charge here bringing us an anthem of female empowerment.
Next up is track number 3, “drop the man.” Sonically not misplaced next to icons like Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” the song builds on the previous one’s message, but goes a step further. It tells women to acknowledge their self worth and not to settle for a partner that isn’t good for them. Ko tells them to drop the man and not to take anyone less than they deserve.
“DIRT” is a gritty and catchy love letter, paying homage to her hometown New York. In it she appears to compare New York to her new home Los Angeles, stating that these cleaner conditions are unbearable to her and that she’s missing some dirt. Furthermore, she emphasizes this notion saying that where she is from, people know how to have more fun.
Alongside “DIRT,” Ko released an upbeat music video that screams instant icon.
Watch the official music video to “DIRT” below
“furr” is a track that dives into the topic of confidence and self-worth through the lens of fashion. About the track Ko says,
“It perfectly encapsulates me and my relationship with clothing. Even though it’s silly and extra, it means a lot and came from a deep place. No matter how sad, how self-hating I felt, if I threw on a fur coat and some sunglasses I felt invincible… ‘furr’ to me is about the mindset, the confidence, and self-love you can get from having a fire outfit on.”
“Kiss My (Ah)” is a powerful statement highlighting the importance of staying true to yourself and not caring about what others think. In the song, Zoe Ko illustrates a scenario in which someone keeps telling lies about her and how ultimately she doesn’t care. She tells that person to “kiss my ah” if they don’t like her.
Alongside “Kiss My (Ah),” Ko released a highly infectious music video.
Watch the official music video to “Kiss My (Ah)” below
In “Manic Pixie Dream Girl,” Zoe Ko highlights the influence she has on her partners. She illustrates how she turns their world upside down and charms them. However, she emphasizes that she is untamable and that no one can make her stay, so she tells them to prepare to fall hard when she leaves.
We had the exciting opportunity to talk to Zoe Ko about her latest EP not ur girlfriend in an email interview. Read about our exchange below.
What are some albums in your life that have inspired your own musical journey as an artist?
Gwen Stefani – Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster
The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing
Any Winehouse – Back to Black
Peaches – The Teaches of Peaches
Marina (and the diamonds at the time) – Electra Heart
God all these albums are immaculate. I still reference them and are inspired by them everyday as an artist. They 100% shaped who I am today.
How big of a role does fashion in general play for you as an artist? Does it influence your music and if so, how?
Omg yes it absolutely influences my music! First off it influences my mood at the start of every day! If I can’t get a good outfit together it most likely will be a wack day. But if I’m slaying you know it’s gonna be a good one. I love camp, dramatic theatrics, being committed to the bit and fashion is at the heart of all of those to me.
Fashion and what someone wears represents them so much to me that there’s lyrics about the clothes I’m wearing or someone else in so many of my songs to paint the picture. furr is about my relationship to clothing and how I use it as an armor in life! I got very bullied in highschool and my love for fashion really came to life during that hard time because it was my way of fighting back and still feeling seen.
I’ve recently been designing and making a fashion line made out of New York inspired materials. For ex the trash bag dress and the thank you for shopping here bag dress I wore on my last two carpet appearances! I think I’m just now starting to dive into crazy fashion and pushing my fashion further out of the box! And that energy and fearless creativity informs my music everyday.
“not ur girlfriend” is one large collection of female empowerment anthems. What did the process behind creating the EP look like?
I started writing it when my life completely 180’d. I moved to LA, left my roster of situationships behind, left my bartending job, and signed a deal! I had so much to write about and say. The project just kinda poured out of me. And I was just working with two producers, Jonny Shorr & Carobae. We were writing Every week and quickly the EP and singles came together. My process usually starts with me coming to the studio with a clear concept, maybe verse and chorus idea. But sometimes we just have fun and improv on the spot! We would listen to a lot of our favorite songs and then start writing after the vibe had been set.
In “furr” you show us how one piece of fashion can be an incredible confidence booster. Are you in team real fur or synthetic fur and why?
Oh omg faux fur all the way!!! I LOVE animals and would never wear real fur unless it’s like hella vintage. But I don’t think I could handle wearing a full coat of real fur or something. It would make me so sad and uncomfortable. All my fur is fake! I even sing an adlib in the song at the end saying “don’t worry it’s fake.” There is absolutely no excuse or reason for real fur to be produced anymore. No animal should be losing their life for apparel. I worked / volunteered in dog foster care for like years and years in highschool into college and hopefully one day I can work in rescue again when my life gets less busy and crazy!
“Kiss My (Ah)” is a hit about confidence and not caring about people’s opinion about you. What do you want to tell your fans who struggle with self-worth and confidence?
New York taught me this lesson best! People mind their business, don’t judge, and just go on with their day no matter what someone’s doing or wearing on the street in nyc. It’s always deeply healing to experience that freedom in that city. I try to tell fans that their individuality and uniqueness is what makes them amazing and special. And that they shouldn’t let anybody bring them down. Love how you are uniquely you and focus on that and not anyone else’s thoughts or negative opinions on it! I love my fans, all of us are artistic or unique in some way. Also, in true New Yorker fashion, I say FUCK EM! haha
Would you say your own style when it comes to making music has changed since you started making music? If so, how?
I’ve gone through such a journey as an artist. But how I’ve been making it has stayed really consistent. In the beginning of releasing music I was writing a bit more myself on guitar but other than that it’s usually me riffing on concepts acapella and then bringing that in and producing it out and expanding on it! I’ve gotten a lot stronger and faster as a writer though!
Starting into 2025 strong, we are excited to follow along to see what else Zoe Ko has in store for us. Hungry for more? Don’t miss out on the ZOE KO TOUR in the US, as well as her upcoming appearance at Lollapalooza this summer.
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