Words: Theo Thompson
sooyeon (formally known as Oh Annie Oh) has carved her own path in the music industry with resilience, creativity and an uncompromising pursuit of her vision. With over a decade behind the decks, she’s made her mark through passion and grit. Her journey both layered and dynamic; a blend of early influences, challenges and personal growth. Known as a DJ, radio host and podcast creator, sooyeon’s artistry now expands into production with her debut EP, Block N Delete, a project that captures the messy realities of modern dating while reflecting her vibrant, multi-dimensional voice.
Growing up in Toronto, sooyeon was immersed in a world of creativity. She attended a progressive art school, where learning music wasn’t limited to just one instrument or style. “We had to play piano and either a band or string instrument,” she recalls. “I ended up taking up the cello.” This rich, cross-disciplinary education, which included dance, drama and even mime, laid the foundation for her boundary-pushing approach to music. sooyeon views her projects as inherently interconnected, a fusion of music, style and art. “I live for creative crossovers,” she says. “Music influencing style, influencing artwork… it all helps convey the message of the project.”
Her teenage years were marked by a deep connection to live music, particularly when she saw Radiohead perform in 2006. “The way they incorporated electronic elements into guitar music was so revolutionary to me,” she says. This moment opened her up to the world of electro, techno and club music, setting her on the path to her current style; a mix of electronic textures and raw energy, perfectly showcased in her recent debut EP, Block N Delete. The EP, which blends bass, techno and UK garage, captures the highs and lows of modern dating, with each track reflecting a cycle of emotion.
After over a decade of DJing as Oh Annie Oh, she has recently decided to reclaim her birth name, sooyeon (수연). This choice marks a powerful shift in her identity as an artist. Born in Seoul with the name sooyeon, she later chose ‘Annie’ at just six years old after her family moved to Canada; a decision motivated by the cultural insensitivity of the 90s that made her feel her Korean name was “inconvenient.” For years, she used ‘Annie’ for its familiarity in the West, but her heritage and identity have always been close to her heart. Now, with greater self-awareness and pride, she passionately reclaims sooyeon as her artistic identity, saying, “I want people to see my Korean name on lineups and to recognise my culture. I’m proud of every part of who I am, and as an artist, I want to give voice to that child who once felt different and out of place.”
With this change, sooyeon brings her Korean heritage to the forefront, determined to honour her journey while embracing her roots with authenticity and respect.
sooyeon’s journey has been as much about overcoming industry barriers as it has been about musical growth. Reflecting on her early days, she notes the absence of visible Asian women in the music industry. “What I wish I had when I first entered the industry is an example of an Asian woman in any type of role whatsoever, let alone a DJ,” she shares. This lack of representation didn’t deter her, but it did make the journey longer and more challenging. “They say when you can’t see it, you can’t be it. I don’t think you necessarily think you can’t be it… but it will most definitely take you longer.”
In a music industry marked by systemic biases, sooyeon has also faced the challenges of navigating professional relationships. As a DJ, most connections are made in social settings: clubs, greenrooms, bars. Environments that can blur boundaries. “It’s easy to think everyone’s your friend, but it’s so important to remember your boundaries as an artist, a minority and do what you gotta do to keep those professional parameters in place,” she says.
sooyeon’s reflections are a testament to her growth, both as an artist and as a person. She speaks of the importance of self-trust and learning from every experience, no matter the outcome. To her younger self, she’d say, “Try everything and don’t be afraid of ‘failure.’ Every experience influences your future decisions… trust your instincts.” After years of self-reflection and therapy, sooyeon now holds a deep appreciation for her experiences, feeling at peace with who she’s become.
sooyeon’s journey is one of self-discovery and determination, fuelled by a relentless pursuit of authenticity in an industry that hasn’t always welcomed her. With Block N Delete, she makes a bold statement. Personal, powerful and unapologetic. Blending genres and emotions, her sound is as intense as it is playful, demanding attention and defying expectations. Through her music and her journey, sooyeon reclaims her narrative, proving she belongs; not by anyone’s permission, but by her own hard-won resolve.
