Love Notes and Empty Recipients: Jason Korn and his EP Letters From Afar
Graphic by Cate Lola-Banks
By Charlize Tungol
Emerson student Jason Korn released his first EP, Letters From Afar, on January 27, 2023. Korn wanted to put out this EP right before Valentine’s Day, as its tracklist illustrates the progression of a relationship that goes completely wrong and the feelings of grief and anxiety that result from it.
“Sometimes, things don’t go as expected, but you learn to appreciate it anyways,” says Korn.
The artist has been making music professionally for nearly three years, with his first single “Fairytales” released back in the summer of 2021. This EP is his first concept-based work and the only existing project that “truly feels like him.” Stepping away from his usual bedroom pop vibe, Korn incorporates more of a singer/songwriter genre in these tracks, demonstrating his ability to write and compose his own music with the sole company of his guitar or piano.
Many are familiar with the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, whether that being the books or the movies. The concept behind Letters From Afar is quite similar.
“You have something you want to say to someone, but you write it down for your mental health because actually saying it would be terrifying,” Korn explains, “But it’s ironic because now it’s public for the whole world to see.”
The intro track, “Over To Me,” is a 50s inspired pop song that Korn described as “releasing an inner scream for something you’re longing for.” It’s a practical start to the story, being the initial action that signals the inevitable downfall to this relationship.
“Sin,” the second track, mimics a conversation one has with themselves when confronted with heartbreak. It continues the story by representing the hurt and realization of nothing lasts forever.
“Gone” breaks down the possibility of losing someone, knowing that your head and your heart want two different things. The fourth track, “Decisions,” is an interlude that presents the brutal choice of “Do I stay or do I go?”
“Perfectly Imperfect” closes out the EP in, dare I say, a perfect way. As Korn’s favorite track on Letters From Afar, it’s an extremely personal, emotionally intrusive song that gave him a platform to say the words he didn’t have the chance to say when first prompted. This track was written and produced in less than 3 hours – an uninterrupted flow of raw emotions.
The EP developed after a tough breakup that Korn had experienced. “It was my first real relationship in college, and I felt some strong emotions after it hadn’t worked out,” Korn reveals. As opposed to a collection of angry breakup songs, he opens his heart and expresses how he wished it could’ve gone.
“I’ve always been a people pleaser, and this EP is kind of me yelling at myself to help me realize that I am in fact a people pleaser,” Korn confesses. Letters From Afar helped him cope, grow, and realize that what he wants in life isn’t going to come from putting others first.
Beyond his first EP, Korn has teased the release of a couple tracks coming this summer with a more carefree, beachy tone, showing inspiration from well-known artists such as Omar Apollo and Rex Orange County. Though Korn may have pulled a “Taylor Swift” with this collection of songs aimed at an ex, it is without a doubt that it’s the perfect melancholy mix to listen to with some ice cream and a box of tissues on February 14th.