1. How would you describe your music with your own words?I describe my music as World Soul. It’s the kind of music that evokes and exudes emotion; A connection made through love no matter the culture or the language. It’s the kind of music that is timeless and stays with you as long as you listen
and for sometimes after.
2. From Kanye West to you, Jesse Boykins III, so-called ‘Afro-American Music’ which is under theumbrella of Hip-hop/R&B/Funk/Soul has shown a big leap in the independent music and also in the main stream. What do you think about the positioning, the role, and the influence of Afro-American Music right now?
- I feel as if Afro American music is a very important part in music culture because its not only hip hop, R&B, funk and soul; But its afro beat, afro Cuban, Blues, Jazz and so forth. The rhythmical undertone of it all brings you back to that same feeling. There is history, struggle, happiness, transition, tradition, connection, and perseverance in all these styles of music.
3. Musicians in Hip-hop/R&B/Soul used to collaborate and blend with each other’s music in their own circle but nowadays they mix their music with all different genres on earth like electronic and folk. Furthermore the results are very successful. Because of this expansible collaboration and hybridization, we think Afro-American music is called the advanced and progressive. Which ingredient in Afro-American Music do you think makes this kind of collaboration and hybridization
possible?
-In my opinion I feel technology has a lot to do with it. Growing up you only had access to what was around you in your environment, and things you experiences. Nowadays you can just Google it if you’re interested. The same goes for music, we are all inspired by each others’ musical upbringing and want to be connected through that. As human beings and artists we are all on the search to make the ultimate kind of music the world can relate to.
4. Making music needs continuous decision. You have to choose proper instrument, all your staffs, and of course, your style of vocal. When you make music, on what standards do you make those decision?
-I try to have the creative process tell a story of its own. I don’t like methods or confine myself to creating in only one way. Its fun explaining how I came up with a song when someone asks because each song experience is different and is in its own light. As far as picking instrumentation, that is part trial and error and part influence from other songs; or music that has infused itself into my mind and heart.
5. You are probably doing your best to make the best music. But if you feel a little inadequate on something, what would it be? Why?
-I know my true potential so I don’t look at it as me being
inadequate in something. The way I look at it is the process in being good at something may take longer in one thing than the other. I have a lot of passions that I know aren’t all going to be as natural as singing, but I know I have the drive to become good in them. I taught myself how to produce my
own music and record my own music. That took me 2 years of my life and I’m still learning. Just like everything in life, it’s all a process.
6. Your music is original and distinct. Through what experienced have you established that? And how? - I think my awareness is to be heavily credited for that. I love all styles of music and I listen to all kinds of music. I feel I am sensitive to what it is people respond to when they hear music. So I try my best
to give the listener a part of me, and a part of them all in each song.
7. Who do you think listens to your music?
-Whoever comes across it. The love and passion that is
instilled in it makes it easy for anyone to enjoy and feel it. Passionate people searching for love on every level… those are my listeners.
8. What are you listening in nowadays? How does it feel?
-I listen to a lot different styles and artists. I’m
forever feeding my audio appetite. CeU’ , GiGi, MeLo-X, Kendrick Lamar, Little Dragon, Bjork, Michael Jackson, Mara Hruby, The Bird and The Bee, Prince, Stevie Wonder live concerts, and D’Angelo to
name a few.
9. Apart from yourself, who would you pick as the best musician in Hip-hop/R&B/Soul/Funk field at the
moment and why?
-I couldn’t really say. I haven’t heard every single artist who makes that style of music. And I don’t believe in hype or what the media says to be the best. So I can’t really choose one
best.
10. If you are to make an album with only one musician dead or alive in one label, who and which label
would you like to work with?
-If I could work on one album with anyone it would be Prince because
I would want to learn and experience his recording process. He is one artist that has released so much music and still stays true to what it is he wants to show the world. The label I would choose is Columbia. Columbia has done so much great things for music culture, and if they believe in you no
matter the genre they will let you create freely within you own self.
Individual Questions
• I heard that you travelled all over the world before the new release ‘love apparatus’. Which city and in what way did it affect your new album? I have been able to grace the lands in London, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and France in addition to my travel throughout the United States. Those experiences gave me a whole new perspective on what life means to me. My music is an extension
of my life so it automatically permeated through to my sound and lyrical style.
• In one review they described your voice as ‘organic’ and I thought it was a perfect description. How much do you think is the voice taking importance in your music? I feel like my voice and the way I use it brings me to a level where I stand alone. Of course there will always be comparisons but I know the way I use my voice is true and honest. You hear that in my music when you put headphones on and listen to me.
You’re very sensual. Women sing along with you a woman even climbs up to your stage. How do you seduce women? I love women. I learn so much from them day to day. when I perform I like eye contact and I’m confident in what it is I am relaying to women. It’s the same concept you use in life when you’re approaching a woman who you are attracted to. I like to make women feel my passion may it be through words, sounds, actions or all of the above at once.
The song ‘B4 the night is thru’ is a little bit different from your previous single. The base rhythm was more emphasized so the sticky mood became more relaxed. Is it a run-up we can expect in your new release? If it is, how would it be different? Yes, you have a good ear! My next album “Love Apparatus” is full of songs that engage you not only with the lyrics and the melody, but with the rhythm and feel of all kinds of music from different cultures. It’s a blend of things I listen to. That in
my eyes makes the perfect balance between all genres.
Your cover song is becoming an issue. ‘Closer’ and ‘I care 4 U’ and recently ‘Runway Love’ was also became a hit. What do you think makes a good cover song? I think it takes appreciation for the song before anything else. I only cover songs that speak to me; songs that I feel touch me in a way that I have to give back to it by making my own rendition. I love music, so if it has affected my life greatly I say thank you by covering it. It’s the connection.
much love to Jisung of GQ Korea