Ejae, the voice behind Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, recently unveiled a surprising early demo of the film’s climactic anthem, “What it Sounds Like,” revealing a complex musical structure that was ultimately cut from the final theatrical version.
A Different Vision for the Finale
For the past six months, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack has remained a cultural touchstone, with the ensemble finale “What it Sounds Like” serving as the emotional peak where the Huntr/x girls reconcile and defeat the demon king Gwi-ma. In a recent deep-dive interview with YouTuber Daniel Wall, Ejae—who provided the singing voice for the main character Rumi—shared her original creative process for the track.
Because these recordings served as initial proofs of concept, Ejae performed as the sole vocalist before co-stars Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna recorded their respective parts. These raw demos offer a fascinating glimpse into how the song evolved from its inception to the version that reached theaters.
The Hidden Medley Twist
The most striking revelation in the demo version is the structural complexity of the closing number. While the final film version features the crowd chanting the Korean “Hunter’s Mantra” beneath the chorus, the demo version took a much more ambitious approach. It functioned as a grand medley, weaving in motifs and segments from other soundtrack staples, such as “Free” and “How It’s Done.”
Notably, the hit single “Golden” is absent from this early mix, as it had not yet been composed at the time of this recording. You can listen to Ejae break down the demo and play the track in its entirety at the 1:21:31 mark of her interview with Daniel Wall.
Harmonies and Vocal Layering
Beyond the structural changes, the demo highlights a different approach to vocal production. While the final theatrical mix prioritizes Rumi’s voice to carry the melody, the demo showcases Ejae’s multi-tracked harmonies dancing around one another in a way that feels uniquely intimate. While the final version correctly balances the trio of Huntr/x, hearing the intricate, layered vocal work in this early state provides a fresh perspective on the song’s composition.
The discovery of this demo adds another layer to what has already been one of the most streamed songs of 2025, offering fans a rare opportunity to hear the evolution of a modern cinematic anthem.
