min.a Grapples with the Cycle of Success in New Single “used to’s”
Photo by Nadine Zhan
New York based K-indie artist min.a has had quite a musical journey. From playing violin with grandfather as a child, to taking part in a South Korean singing competition, to now releasing her first single of 2025, min.a is always doing something new. Her latest release, “used to’s,” is about feeling as though your biggest achievements have come and gone, but continuing to move forward looking for new opportunities.
“used to’s” came about when min.a went to a concert of a friend from high school. Watching from the crowd she realized their roles had reversed from the time they were in high school. "I had been on national television and thought I had everything figured out, but now I was the one in the audience trying to get by as an indie artist while they were playing shows around the world. I couldn't help but feel left behind," she shared.
In the chorus of the song min.a dives into her struggles with being left behind singing, “I hope that you’re having a good time / While I’d die to be you, oh I’d die to be you / On the high that used to be mine / Carry the weight of used to’s / Carry the weight of used to’s.” The music that
accompanies the lyrics emphasizes the frustration that min.a is feeling. Electric guitars and drums lead into the second pre-chorus, and the instrumentation continues to build throughout the bridge.
If “used to’s” is a sign of what else is to come from min.a in 2025, it’s set to be another successful year for the rising K-indie star.