Written during a time of personal stagnation, Phoebe Rings’ “January Blues (Korean Version)” explores how January, once a favorite, now feels disconnected—especially in Aotearoa’s summer heat. Inspired by the composer’s experience as a traveling music teacher and the quiet of students on holiday, the track blends nostalgic introspection with an upbeat, ’80s K-pop-inspired melody. Drawing influence from the 1980 Korean campus songwriter festival, “January Blues” captures the feeling of waiting for change with a timeless, cross-cultural appeal.
