Welcome back #SoundLovers🎶!
Today, we want to introduce you to an emerging indie artist that has been releasing music since late 2020. Emerging Indie K-R&B Artist, JAE KIM (born 2023.10.26), first made his appearance on TikTok in April 2020 with his cover dance of MCND's single, "Spring." In October 2020 -- six months following his first appearance on TikTok -- Jae released his first single, "Love Kills." Since the release of his first single, Jae has gone on to release five additional singles-- along with a collaborative single title, "Secret," with rising artists Nomichit and Jessie Cabrera. His latest single, "IDK" comes only three short months after Jae opened for Shaun's "ON THE ROAD' Tour in Toronto.
We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jae, and here's what he had to say about his start in music, his time on TikTok, his experience as an emerging artist during the Pandemic while attending college *yikes -- talk about a full schedule*-- and his latest release "IDK."
K Fuse: We are beyond grateful for this opportunity. We want to first and foremost thank you for taking time to talk with us here at K FUSE! For our #SoundLovers, would you give a little introduction about yourself?
Jae Kim: Hello readers of K FUSE! I'm Jae -- an independent Korean R&B artist currently living in Toronto. thank you for taking the time to read my interview.
K Fuse: Was there an experience or someone in your life that influenced you to start pursuing music? Tell us about that.
Jae Kim: Ever since I was young, I always had a strong interest in music. I stated with instruments, but later got an interest in singing after listening to IU on TV for the first time. Although I'm not quite sure if she's what influenced me to start music, but I think she's one of my biggest role models as of today.
K Fuse: On October 10, 2020, you released your first single, "Love Kills," and in July of 2021, you took a different approach with "Imagine.". How would you explain the differing sounds of the two songs? What sparked the change in sound?
Jae Kim: I think as an artist, I want to show my versatility through my music. I never want to be restricted to one sound, and because of that I think that with each of my songs I try to change the style a little bit to keep my listeners always questioning what type of song I'll release next. Also, I think as I release songs that have different sounds, I become more conscious of the type of music I like to make, as well as what type of music suits me! I think it's all a work in progress and I enjoy the process.
K Fuse: As an emerging artist who wrote songs during a pandemic, and even during times of lock down, do you think that gave you time to explore new sounds? Do you think it had an effect on your creative process?
Jae Kim: I'm actually a really big home-body, so if I'm being completely honest the pandemic didn't really feel that much different to me than my day to day. However, if I were to say one thing about the pandemic, I think it definitely gave me more time (overall) to work on music, which I think might have helped lead me to where I am today.
K Fuse: On top of being an emerging artist during a pandemic, you were also attending college (congratulations on graduation)! What was your biggest challenge while pursuing both an education and music career? What has been the most rewarding part of your journey?
Jae Kim: I think biggest challenge in terms of balancing the two is time! I was always struggling in terms of wanting to devote more time to my music (because I wanted to release things faster for my listeners) while also balancing my grades. I'd say the most rewarding part of m journey his that I've learned a lot of design skills that have really helped me in terms of my music career!
K Fuse: Speaking of college, what made you decide to pursue graphic design?
Jae Kim: I was always really interested in the arts from a young age, but I also am a very logical person - because of that I thought that graphic design would be a great middle ground of creativity and logic (I think graphic design involves a lot of problem solving).
K Fuse: Did you ever consider a different major? If so, what was it?
Jae Kim: I actually originally intended on becoming a pharmacist and was studying for it, but I realized pretty quickly that I really didn't like that industry (particularly math), so I ended up changing my majors.
K Fuse: Are there any artists with whom you would love to collaborate with? f so, who?
Jae Kim: I think I would love to collaborate with DEAN or Baekhyun one day!
K Fuse: Let's talk about your new single "IDK," which released on July 14. How would you describe "IDK?"
Jae Kim: "IDK" is an upbeat summer song that uses a lot of synths, pianos, and strings to create a very "dream-like" atmosphere. It has a very upbeat melody but has sadder lyrics so I hope listeners will enjoy that contrast!
K Fuse: Is there a meaning behind the name?
Jae Kim: The name "IDK" is just reflective of the feeling expressed by the singer - they're unsure about why they're falling out of love with their partner, and that frustration is expressed through "IDK."
K Fuse: What would you say is the highlight point of "IDK?"
Jae Kim: I think the highlight point of "IDK" is the catchy hook where I sing "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!" I hope it sticks to the listeners minds.
K Fuse: What would you say tends to be your typical song-writing process?
Jae Kim: When it comes to song-writing, I usually think of a melody first, and as I write my melody I think of lyrics and a concept that might suit the melody, as well as the instrumental.
K Fuse: How would you describe your overall sound as an artist to someone who has never listened to your music before?
Jae Kim: I think I would describe my sound as bittersweet - I think a lot of my music isn't super sad, but also isn't super happy. I think even in my ore upbeat songs, there's an elemental of sadness to them that makes my music unique.
K Fuse: What message / feelings do you want listeners to take away from your music?
Jae Kim: I want listeners to feel like they're heard when I write my music. I try my best to write about experiences that a lot of people will relate to, because I know that at the end of the day, for a lot of people music is about healing and relieving stress.
K Fuse: Are there any other music styles that you wish to explore in your future releases?
Jae Kim: I've been very into "driving music" recently, and I think that i lot of future releases will be reflecting that. I'd also like to delve into more R&B in the future if I have a chance!
K Fuse: Can we talk TikTok for a moment? You started TikTok with dance cover videos in April of 2020. Do you have any professional training in dance, or is it all self-taught?
Jae Kim: I've taken a few classes here and there, but for the most part my dancing is all self-taught.
K Fuse: What motivated you to start doing dance covers?
Jae Kim: I think from a young age I always just enjoyed dancing and following along to K-pop singers, and I think that’s really what motivated me to post dance covers. I just enjoyed dancing and I think the community around K-pop dance covers is very positive as a whole and I wanted to participate in that.
K Fuse: You also did a duet video with @katoproducer ( 2020.12.13 -
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8deQALP ) where you showcased a rather solid rap flow. Have you considered exploring rapping more for future releases?
Jae Kim: I’ve never said this online, but I actually had a song that I ended up scrapping because I had a rap in it, and I didn’t like it. I think I’m not that confident enough in my rapping skills to release a full song in it, but the possibility is definitely not off the table!
K Fuse: On April 4, you announced on IG that you were opening for Shaun’s North America Tour. What was your initial reaction when you found out you were opening for Shaun?
Jae Kim: I was so honored! Shaun is an artist who I listen to a lot in my own time as well, and to have my first live performance be at the concert of an artist who I really respect was something that I felt I was really lucky to experience.
K Fuse: What did you do to prepare for this performance?
Jae Kim: The majority of my time was just spent practicing my singing live. I think one thing that people don’t think about is that live performances is very different from recording in a studio – there’s no breaks, it’s tiring, and you have to do everything in one try! Because of that pressure, I really practiced a lot to make sure that I could give the best performance I could.
K Fuse: Did you experience any fear / nervousness before taking the stage? If so, at what moment did that feeling disappear?
Jae Kim: Surprisingly I didn’t feel that nervous before the stage – I think everything was just so overwhelming and time was passing so fast that I didn’t really have time to feel nervous. But! Right after I got off stage, my entire body felt like it got hit by a truck, I was sore everywhere, and eventually I had to lie down backstage for about an hour. I think my body was probably nervous, but was holding it in because I had to perform. After I finished it probably felt that it was “safe” enough to let all that go.
K Fuse: Were there any memorable moments from this performance?
Jae Kim: The most memorable part of the performance was actually seeing people and interacting with the crowd. I remember in one of my songs “in june,” there’s a section in the chorus that I asked the crowd to sing along with me, and I was so shocked that they actually listened. The crowd was super supportive and cheered really loudly, and I don’t think that I’ll ever forget that feeling.
K Fuse: What are your goals for the future?
Jae Kim: My biggest goals for the future is bettering myself as an artist – I want to discover and solidify my sound more, write better music, and of course, grow an audience who loves my sound. Hopefully the latter half of 2023 and next year in 2024 I’ll be able to achieve that!
K Fuse: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Jae Kim: The best advice that I’ve been given is always take one step at a time. Especially in this industry, I think a lot of others (myself included) often get discouraged when we see other people who are more well-known and successful, and we feel that sense of “can I really do this?” But I think as time has gone on, I realized it’s really important to set smaller goals for yourself (as well as a big goal of course) because it really helps you realize that all the work you do is for that one big goal you have.
K Fuse: Do you have a message you want to leave for your fans?
Jae Kim: I don’t think I say this enough, but I sincerely appreciate each and every one of my listeners and followers. I’m blessed enough to say that I have people who really enjoy my music, and I’m very grateful that I’m able to do what I do. I hope you’ll keep an eye out for the music I put out in the future, and I appreciate your support.
And of course, thank you to K FUSE for having me today!
#SoundLovers🎶, stay up to date with Jae on
And be sure let us know what you think about Jae's latest release "IDK."
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