Thank you for the opportunity to talk about Lemiti U and this very personal project. Below are the responses to your interview questions:
1. Can you introduce Lemiti U & the story behind its formation?
Lemiti U was born from the creative urge to imagine a girl group I would personally like to be part of. At first, it was just for fun, but then I had to admit it was a childhood dream I couldn’t fulfill through traditional means. The idea was simple: to create LEMITI as a way to give voice to the songs I write.
2. How would you describe Lemiti U’s musical color and style?
Lemiti U is experimental, but strongly rooted in K-pop/pop. I try to create samples in DAWs based on what I’m feeling or consuming at the moment. Technically, nothing amazing — and generative AI never captures 100% of what I want to express. But maybe that tension is part of the sound.
3. Lemiti U’s debut album, IT IS POLEMIC, introduced the group to the world. What themes were you aiming to convey and how did you decide on the musical direction?
With IT IS POLEMIC, I wanted to start a conversation about what’s considered “real” in music and entertainment. I tried to evoke emotion in the lyrics — especially in “Generic Duh” — but I’m not sure it came through as I intended. One interpretation could be the erasure of our essence in order to fit into what’s already established — though nothing is set in stone.
4. From the members’ facial expressions to their stage presence, everything feels so real. How did you design the group to evoke such an emotional and lifelike experience?
The emotional foundation of Lemiti U began with storytelling — I personally love writing. Each member has a personality and a fictional emotional universe. I see them as characters in a narrative. The visual prompts come afterward, shaped by those stories.
5. “BUBBLEGUM” is one of Lemiti U’s latest Japanese singles. How do you approach cultural authenticity when creating content for different audiences?
I was heavily inspired by groups like TWICE for this type of track. It was a real challenge to use translators for Japanese — and even for Korean — since English is my second language, and I’m only slightly familiar with Korean, almost not at all with Japanese. Still, I try to approach each language and culture with care.
6. What does success look like for a fully AI group like Lemiti U?
Personally, that’s not really what I’m aiming for. LEMITI already has a small audience, and that’s more than enough for me. I create and use generative AI as a way to have fun and explore creatively. As for my art, I’d love to be recognized for songwriting, and have the chance to study music more deeply.
7. How has Lemiti U’s concept and sound evolved since the very beginning? Were there any surprising creative shifts along the way?
Absolutely. The group started with more of a pop industry critique aesthetic, but as I developed their inner stories, I shifted toward making songs that expressed how I feel — and how I wish people would hear the music I’d like to create in the future.
8. How do you imagine Lemiti U’s next comeback or project pushing the boundaries of virtual idols and K-pop?
I started building a lore in “Back In Black,” continued it in “Twenty Four Hours” — a collab with singer, producer, and songwriter Nikky Nagori — and now it’s evolving with “INVU,” part of the Japanese EP Me To Me. The idea is to expand this fictional universe with each release.
9. What is the biggest misconception people have about AI-generated music groups, and how do you want to change that narrative?
Many people think virtual groups are here to replace human art. I strongly disagree. As things stand, AI still generates repetitive concepts and ideas. Only human beings can create something truly authentic. AI might help — but always in a supporting role.
10. Any upcoming Lemiti U projects that fans should look forward to?
Yes! A new English mini-single called Never There is coming — probably this June. It’s a very personal and special track for me.
11. With AI groups becoming more popular globally, how do you see the future of K-pop and virtual idols evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
I honestly don’t know what could surprise me anymore — maybe hologram-based concerts? If Lemiti U ever becomes truly big and I’m in a good position, I’d love to hold real auditions for real idols. I’d turn CheMisTry Labels — currently a fictional agency — into the opportunity I never had, for people with real dreams and something to share with the world.
12. What would be Lemiti U’s message to their fans?
Thank you for bringing me closer to my dream, even indirectly. Even if it’s just a few of you — that’s already more than enough for me.
—-Karen Mwenda
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