- 1:00 PM
- July 04, 2026
Bingkai Karya – Indie R&B artist Yel captivates listeners once again with the single, “JUST A DREAM”, a city-pop release that blends melodies with heartfelt storytelling.
Inspired by the vibrant city pop and R&B scene of the ’80s and ’90s, “JUST A DREAM” explores the lingering emotions of a relationship that felt beyond belief. Through Yel’s distinctive production and vocals, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of reminiscing about a love that now feels unattainable.
Written with longtime collaborator, musician and producer Jesse Barrera, following their previous collaborative release, “Surprise Party”, Yel intentionally creates something that contrasts with the uplifting energy of the song. The result is a deeply reflective work that transforms heartbreak into a dreamlike narrative.
“I suggested we write a bittersweet song. As someone who often dreams in my sleep, I wanted to use that feeling to express the feeling of waking up heartbroken after a nightmare,” Yel shared.
While rooted in the nostalgic charm of classic city pop, “JUST A DREAM” presents a fresh and contemporary perspective through Yel’s distinctive songwriting and modern R&B influences. The song effortlessly bridges eras, combining retro-inspired textures with honest lyrics that resonate with listeners navigating the experiences of love, loss, and longing.
“JUST A DREAM” has gained significant traction on TikTok and Instagram, garnering over 10 million views across both platforms, generating enthusiasm from fans worldwide and positioning the single to become the biggest release of Yel’s career to date.
About Yel
Splitting her time between California and South Korea, Yel is a next-generation R&B and pop musician. Signed to Soka Records, she effortlessly blends elements of R&B, bedroom pop, and city pop to create an intimate sound that’s entirely her own. With honest storytelling and a unique, captivating vocal tone, Yel transforms personal memories into beautiful, inspired songs from around the world.
With over 314,000 followers on social media, Yel continues to build momentum across Asia with her honest, genre-bending songwriting. Her Top 10 global audiences include the Philippines at #2, Indonesia at #3, Malaysia at #4, and Thailand at #5!
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