A lingering trace of scent can transport you back in time—to a moment, a feeling, or even a person. For t024, a scent is more than just a fragrance; it’s a story, an emotion, a melody waiting to unfold. 

Somewhere between 2 AM and 4 AM, when the world quiets down and emotions hit the hardest, t024’s music finds its truest form. It’s in these late-night hours—where thoughts unravel and nostalgia lingers—that TRACE was born. More than just an album, it’s a collection of after-images and after-scents, each track capturing a distinct emotion, a lingering memory. 

With TRACE, the duo crafts an intimate sonic experience that captures these fleeting moments, blending alternative pop and R&B with echoes of nostalgia and longing. But how do they bring these emotions to life? 

To dive deeper into the world of TRACE, we sat down with t024 to unravel the emotions, inspirations, and creative choices behind the album.

Q: Please introduce yourself to HALSUG readers.

Nap!er: Hello, we’re t024. We’re based in Seoul, creating music by blending our own ideas into familiar genres.

Q: TRACE explores the idea of lingering ‘after-scents’—a unique way of capturing memory and emotion. If each track had a signature fragrance, what would they smell like, and why?

Senji: “Cedarwood &Tangerine” was made with the scents of cedarwood and tangerine in mind—just like its title. Another example is “Make the vibe,” where we pictured sandalwood and musk.

Q: The music video plays a key role in shaping how listeners experience “Make the vibe.” Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments or personal highlights from filming?

Nap!er: We filmed on a small scale, much like when we first started making music, and that laid-back approach really helped spark our ideas and set the vibe. We shot everything in one fun-filled day.

Q: In the song “Reflection of you,” the imagery of footprints, riversides, and streets create a strong sense of place. Is there a real-life location that holds a special meaning for you in relation to this song?

Senji: We used a neighborhood in Yongsan, Seoul, where my family lives. Since I’ve actually spent a lot of time there, it helped us bring out more specific details.

 Q: In the song “Why,” the line "can someone tell me if it's wrong?" feels like an open-ended plea. What’s the deeper question being asked here? Is it about how we live, escape, or define what’s ‘real’? 

Nap!er: It’s a situation where someone basically knows the answer yet still asks, so there’s a bit of a “childish sulk”—being discontent without actually taking action.

Photo Courtesy of Reff Records

Q: In the song “Got my attention,” the lyrics suggest a shift in perspective—going from a carefree Don Juan lifestyle to suddenly being captivated by one person. Do you think this moment of realization is about the person themselves, or does it reveal something deeper about the one who’s falling?

Senji: Honestly, it’s both. You realize something about the other person, reflect on yourself, and notice how you’ve changed without even knowing it. We’ll leave the final interpretation up to you.

Q: If you could perform this album anywhere in the world, where do you think it would feel the most powerful? Is there a dream venue or a place that would perfectly capture the emotions woven into these songs?

Nap!er: A cool, breezy night, an outdoor stage, and a crowd that can relax and get into the mood—that’s what I imagine. But the most important thing is everyone already knows our music and genuinely enjoys it, which is when our dream venue truly comes to life.

Q: What was the most challenging or cathartic part of recording this album?

Senji: While working on “Make the vibe,” we got to collaborate with an engineer we’ve always admired. Hearing that first mix and monitoring it together was a big moment because I felt like we were finally nearing the end of the album. I also became certain we could perfect the mix for the title track.

Q: Imagine you’re curating the perfect ‘TRACE-inspired’ experience for fans—what would it include? (For example, a scent-based concert, themed visuals, etc.)

Nap!er: A few days ago, we hosted a listening party with our fans. We played our songs, shared behind-the-scenes stories and work processes, and even let them hear some demo versions. It felt like an event that really matched our style.

Photo Courtesy of Reff Records

Q: What’s next for you?

Senji: I believe consistently bringing good songs to people is the most important role of an artist. Of course, we also want to show more sides of ourselves and share various charms beyond just the music.

Q: Any last message for HALSUG readers?

Nap!er: To all the readers of HALSUG, thank you so much for sticking with us until the end of this interview. Please keep showing your love for t024 and HALSUG in the future!

Have you listened to TRACE yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on Instagram and X.

TO STAY UPDATED ON T024: 
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Artist Facts - Senji

Name/Stage Name: Senji

Birthday: May 2, 1998

Nationality: South Korea

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

MBTI: INTP

Fave Foods: Hamburger

Fave Drinks: Coffee

Fave Movies: Monsters Inc

Day or Night?: Night

First Concert You Attended: Can’t remember

Song you’re most proud of: “Make the vibe”

Artist Facts - Nap!er

Name/Stage Name: Nap!er

Birthday: March 18, 1996

Nationality: South Korea

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

MBTI: INFJ

Fave Foods: K-BBQ (Samgyeopsal)

Fave Drinks: Ice Americano

Fave Movies: Fight Club

Day or Night?: Night

First Concert You Attended: Can’t remember

Song you’re most proud of: “Make the vibe”

Edited by Martina Yee