Don’t Even Think About Asking Zoe Ko Her Relationship Status
Zoe Ko took Pleaser through the in’s and out’s of her career so far, including touring, moving to a new city, and trying to figure out who she is as an artist in between.
PHOTOS BY EMMA FISCHER
Have you ever felt the feminine urge to completely separate yourself from men in the pursuit of genuine freedom? Zoe Ko has, and she even wrote a song about it. “Not ur girlfriend” is the title track for Ko’s sophomore EP, released on March 21. She told Pleaser Magazine that this track transcends the EP release and more wholly represents her current phase in music.
“I like that I’m talking about not being attached to anyone, focusing on my own life. I enjoy the feminine perspective, the feminine experience,” she said.
Sonically, she said that the heavy, driving guitars and upbeat energy gives listeners a chance to dance despite the intentional message. As a fan of the current pop dance era, Ko said this song was inspired by artists like Charli XCX that strike a balance between a club ballad and carefully curated, emotionally-driven lyrics. In “Not ur girlfriend,” Ko creates a world where women dominate relationships, taking charge of how and when things happen.
“I'm too hot to get (hey)
I bet you think about it
It's not hard to gеt
You want me, but I'm not your girlfriend”
Ko centers her work around finding freedom in femininity, in leading your romantic life with the same attitude that men are allowed to have. In “Manic Pixie Dream Girl,” the final song of the seven track EP, Ko masters her ability to highlight the allure and charm that draws fans in. The title itself reclaims the common trope and repurpose it to showcase the power of women. On this track, Ko’s sound, a blend of punk-pop energy with glam-rock attitude, is on full display; unapologetic, playful and self-assured.
“You’re charmed
Let’s have some fun and go run up your card
Can’t you feel the spark?
The charge
I’m like nobody you’ve had on your arm”
Ko told Pleaser that a lot has changed since her first body of work, her November 2023 EP Baby Teeth. To name a few changes: a move to Los Angeles from her home of New York City, four tours and tens of thousands of new fans. Ko said that in hindsight, she was holding herself back during the creation of Baby Teeth. Now, she’s attacking the creative process head on and working to develop a newly authentic version of herself.
One of the things she’s learned so far is the importance of world building. Allowing her fans to completely immerse themselves in an environment curated by her music is a quintessential part of her new work.
“Creating a whole new space that's unique to the album, a world or experience for the viewer is something new I’m working on,” she said.
One of the ways that Ko has been able to do that, both on tour and online, is through her wardrobe. Inspired by the likes of Lady Gaga, Ko started making her own clothing out of raw materials. On April 17, Ko posted an Instagram of her latest fit: a dress made entirely of plastic bags with the signature red THANK YOU’s. The bra top was cone shaped, adding a signature uniqueness that screams Zoe Ko.
In discussing her cross country move, Ko mentioned that everything that makes her a native New Yorker is still with her. Her ability to accept people for who they are, to be unique and push boundaries, and to love herself, all stem from her upbringing in the city. These ideas seep into her music and allow her to create in a truly authentic way.
“I embody that saying ‘you can take the girl out of the city, not the city out of the girl.’ I don't think I could be someone that doesn't take New York with me.” she said.
As someone who has lived in New York City for three years now, I can only imagine how an upbringing in this wonderful environment would impact you for years to come. Despite her love for home, Ko said her new LA roots have allowed her to connect with up-and-coming musicians like herself who inspire her with their dedication to their craft. Not to mention, Ko found the whole team she works with now in LA.
“Everyone came here to chase their dreams together, so there is a drive in the music industry here that has changed who I am as a person,” she said.
Since her relocation to LA, Ko has dominated the indie rock scene. In 2024, Ko went on four tours, playing direct support for two artists including UPSAHL. Despite her impressive track record, Ko said she actually hasn’t always enjoyed playing live.
“I was so anxious about letting people down. People pay money to see a show and are expecting something incredible, but what if I wasn’t ready?” she reflected.
Since moving to LA and getting confident in her sound, Ko is now proud of her live shows. She utilizes props and visuals to really engage fans and contribute to her world-building effort.
“Standing at the merch table and being able to meet your dedicated fans is really special,” she said.
Later this summer, Ko will join other Pleaser favorites like Del Water Gap, Montell Fish, and Role Model at Lollapalooza in Chicago. Having only been to the Governors Ball as a fan before, this will be a totally new experience for Ko. The set time is 40 to 45 minutes, her longest set to date. The added length will give Ko a chance to push her performance to the next level.
“I spent so many years watching the Lollapalooza live stream and now I get to play on that stage, it feels surreal,” she said.
Her favorite song to play live is the pop-anthem “DIRT,” which has soared to almost 3 million streams on Spotify as her most listened to track. The pop polished rock anthem is easily transferable to a stage, with gritty guitars and a beating drum that generates a pulse in the crowd. Ko is able to feed off that energy and use it to fuel her performance, giving it right back to the audience.
“I get to dance with the crowd and act the most fun. I feel the most myself.” she said.
What’s next for Ko? Well, really, she’s just getting started. The bonus track of Not ur girlfriend drops May 9, and it’s a song dedicated to herself, to not being afraid of going for it and doing what she wants.
After that, a possible headline tour in LA and New York at the end of the year, and definitely more genre-defying, crowd-pleasing rock songs coming our way. Stay tuned!
