A Bedroom of One's Own

“But from the beginning of time / Women have not had a dog's chance of writing poetry.” The line from Virginia Woolf’s canonical feminist treatise A Room of One’s Own opens ?te’s debut album.

“Although society is more advanced than it was in Woolf’s era, women are still often placed in a position where they cannot make decisions or express themselves, whether it's in a relationship or in a workplace,” ?te tells Apple Music. “I believe that many women are like me, hoping to have a space of their own, free to express their desires and explore the world.” The “bedroom” the album’s title refers to “is not just a physical space, but a mental dimension,” she says. Letting loose her desires, emotions and experiences, ?te’s take on Woolf’s essay is personal, confessional and filled with longing.

“Bedroom” also alludes to the bedroom pop with which the mysterious singer conquered the local Taiwanese underground scene. But the unique blend of smoky vocals, lo-fi beats, jazz and soul that make up ?te’s signature sound was discovered by accident. “The album was a bedroom production recorded in producer Tower da Funkmasta’s home. The guitar was making a particularly loud noise, and Tower had a sudden whim of using the funny sound to make a lo-fi [album]. We then added many lo-fi elements and it turned out pretty nice.” The languid, uncomplicated aesthetic is also a lifestyle for ?te, “Lo-fi is the life I long for, in a way,” she says. “It’s simple but it can also alleviate a sense of pressure. I hope my music can heal everyone.”