Rei Ami Breaks Down ‘2LOUD,’ Talks ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ & Her Come-Up Era | Billboard News Interview

Rei Ami opens up about “2LOUD” and her phoenix-rising comeback in this Billboard News Interview, explaining why this album is her full come-up story and “every emotion in between.” She breaks down how the track came together during a late-night studio session and why it had to lead this bright, feel-good, funky pop era—plus what a “hit” means to her now (a song that makes you want to move, scream and feel alive). Rei also traces her path from a corporate job in Rockville, Maryland, to teaching herself writing/recording/production, early viral DIY moments (including a $50 video for “SNOWCONE”), getting label attention, moving to L.A., getting dropped and rebuilding, and why she’s ready to be fully unfiltered. Along the way, she talks about how ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ shifted her audience and expectations, teases the album’s range (bops and ballads), shares her maximalist visual vision, and wraps with “Golden or Takedown” and her funniest dating takes.

Rei Ami
People love a struggle story, unfortunately – they do … and this album literally is my come-up. It’s my f—ing phoenix rising from the ashes story. So it’s every emotion … in between.

Tetris Kelly
I feel like I already got the title for this video. And it’s two Geminis telling each other, “Yes, b*tch. “

Rei Ami
Yes. [laughs]

Tetris Kelly
[laughs] That’s us.

Rei Ami
Hi, I’m Rei Ami, and you’re watching Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly
Hanging out with Miss “2LOUD.” Are we being too loud today?

Rei Ami
Yes, kind of.

Tetris Kelly
I love being loud with you. How are you?

Rei Ami
Good. How are you?

Tetris Kelly
I mean, I’m happy that we’ve arrived to this moment because I feel like so often we’ve spoken, and you’ve spoken to other outlets and you’re like, “New music is coming. New music is coming. “

Rei Ami
Yeah.

Tetris Kelly
Well, it’s here.

Rei ami
It’s f- ooh, can I curse?

Tetris Kelly
You can. You can do whatever you want.

Rei Ami
It’s f—ing here! [laughs] Um, yes, uh, I’m very excited. It’s been a long time coming. I mean, you – we’ve run into each other how many times during this crazy…

Tetris Kelly
Right

Rei Ami
… campaign, but I’ve been telling you, and it’s finally here. I wasn’t lying.

Tetris Kelly
And listen, I will say, the first time I played “2LOUD,” it was instantly for me like, “Yes, this is her. ” Like, it- it’s such a perfect introduction for you.