IU's 'Unknown Planet' Recording Session: Increasing Perfection by Deliberating Between Lyric Delivery and Melodic Flow

In the 'Unknown Planet' recording behind-the-scenes video released on IU's official YouTube channel 'Lee Ji-geum', IU's working process of coordinating the feeling of the lyrics and the flow of the melody to increase the perfection of the song was revealed.

The coordination process between lyric delivery and melodic flow

In the video, while proceeding with the recording of 'Unknown Planet', IU showed herself contemplating in detail how to handle the emotional line of the song. In the video, discussions took place regarding the process of connecting the overwhelming feeling of the first verse with the subsequent flow. IU discussed the composition of the song, expressing the opinion that since the first verse came out overwhelmingly, it did not seem right to diminish the flow here. Accordingly, she attempted re-recording several times while deliberating between a method that directly delivers the meaning of the lyrics and a method that follows the flow of the melody.

In particular, discussions were also held regarding the energy control of the chorus. In the video, it was mentioned that if the first and second lines of the chorus come out with energy like a refrain, it might feel a bit tacky. IU suggested a direction where it might feel more poignant by slightly reducing the energy instead. In a subsequent take, she showed the process of capturing the feeling of the song along with reactions that it was "clean."

Mention of recording environment and equipment

During the recording process, IU also mentioned the impact that the microphone equipment being used has on the sound. IU revealed that she is using this microphone for the first time in this recording, and said that this microphone definitely helps to open up the sound and find a certain resonance. It was also mentioned that the environment of the recording studio affects warming up the throat and opening the ears.

Song composition and intro work

The video also included discussions regarding the composition of the song's intro. While discussing how to bring out the charm of the intro, the weight and composition method of the intro were adjusted to maximize the overall charm of the song. IU set the order of work by suggesting that they should finish organizing everything from the chorus first for the perfection of the song, and completed the final feeling of the song through repetitive attempts.