UCLA Student Dea Releases Shoegaze-Infused EP "SeeYouSoon" After Two Years of Production

Dice Tam, a second‑year music industry student at UCLA who performs under the name Dea, dropped his debut EP, SeeYouSoon, in March 2026. The six‑track collection fuses cinematic soundscapes, veiled vocals, and a narrative thread that links each song.

Tam’s journey to the EP spanned nearly two years. He stitched together Polaroid snapshots taken since his sophomore year of high school to create the visual artwork and the covers for the singles that preceded the full release. In a Daily Bruin interview, Tam explained that the instrumental foundations he had written early on evolved into a cohesive story as he layered lyrics and honed arrangements.

A highlight of the record is the collaboration with fellow UCLA student Nora Weatherfield on “Carla.” Weatherfield, also a second‑year music industry major, described the track as a narrative piece. She added that the “spooky instrumentals” and thoughtful writing drew her in. Tam revealed that he penned “Carla” while staying in Amsterdam, inspired by the view outside his Airbnb.

The creative process was marked by iteration. Tam rewrote most tracks multiple times, with “StaringContest” undergoing eight revisions. Eva Kroz—an associate in cognitive science and music industry who is also a friend—commented that Tam’s persistence in refining the songs sets him apart as an artist capable of translating vision into reality.

Tam’s musical roots trace back to Oakland, where he worked as a producer for a local record label during high school. He says that experience shaped his production‑first approach, even on the alternative‑rock tracks that appear on SeeYouSoon. Beats and production elements precede melodies and vocals, giving the record a distinct flavor within the shoegaze genre.

The EP’s launch was followed by Tam’s inaugural live show at UCLA’s “Concerts on the Hill,” organized by Residential Life in spring 2026. With only two days’ notice, he assembled a group of instrumentalists and translated the studio‑heavy sound for the stage. Tam said the experience was validating and boosted his confidence in delivering the music in one take.

Kroz, who attended the concert, described the performance as natural and calm, noting that Tam’s initial nerves did not interfere with his meticulous musical habits.

Looking ahead, Tam expressed interest in playing Bay Area venues such as Brick & Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco. He is also working on a new EP that will explore the thoughts a person has alone after spending time with others. In a statement, Tam said the project has become a central part of his life and that he enjoys the creative process.

SeeYouSoon positions Dea within the contemporary shoegaze revival that has seen renewed interest in the 2020s. The EP’s blend of production‑driven instrumentation and narrative lyricism reflects both Tam’s Oakland hip‑hop roots and his current academic focus on music industry practices.

The release adds to UCLA’s growing roster of student‑artists who leverage the university’s resources to produce professional‑quality recordings. Tam’s work demonstrates how a student can combine academic study, hands‑on production experience, and collaborative networking to create a cohesive artistic statement.

As of now, SeeYouSoon is available on streaming platforms, and the EP’s singles have been promoted through Dea’s social media channels. Tam’s next steps include touring the Bay Area and finalizing the forthcoming EP.