R&b
To say that the song ‘Invitation’ has been a long time coming for fans of JUNNY would be quite the understatement. July of 2020 found a verse of the infectious track born as nothing more than a contribution to a TikTok challenge. In the years that followed, however, his “#8barrelay” grew to be something greater: So much so that the final product holds a feature verse from Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko.
JUNNY is, in a few words, a jack of all trades. The Korean-Canadian has an impressive, ongoing list of songwriting and composition credits under his belt, for artists such as NCT, Jay B, and IU. And his artistry extends far past even that. Armed with a positively alluring voice, and palpable passion driving him, each day he settles further into his own artistic career and identity, with his own solo music.
Fast forward to May of 2023, to a studio just outside of Seoul, South Korea. JUNNY is exceptionally good-natured, as he moves about the monochromatic music video set for none other than “Invitation”. Bright, polite, typically found wearing a warm smile – His presence itself seems to add color to the space.
The video shoot for his most highly-awaited release is upon him. Just before filming begins, though, JUNNY takes some time to chat with us about ‘Invitation’, and music-making in all its forms. From there, Clash had the chance to get behind the scenes of the music video, and snap some exclusive photos.
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Tell us a little bit about ‘Invitation‘.
JUNNY: The title speaks for itself. You can call it a love song, a bedroom song, a chill vibe to listen to when you’re driving. It’s a song that was supposed to be released for a very long time. I did a bit of the verse around two years ago, and I put it up on tiktok, where it got a lot of attention. [Since then] we’ve been getting a lot of messages asking when this song is going to be released, and we thought it would be the perfect time to do that. So, we got the song finished, and got the absolutely amazing feature verse from Gaeko from Dynamic Duo. He’s a legend in Korea – Just to work with him is a privilege. I felt like he was the perfect voice, perfect verse to fit into the song. He did such an amazing job for me, and I thank him so much. I’m just so happy to release the song.
Surely it feels good to finally release it, after waiting so long.
J: A very long time. Sometimes, when you make a song, it’s not easy to release it. I’m sure people will know, but this song is for the fans. My fans really enjoy this song. I would perform it on tour sometimes, because it would be requested. It feels really good to properly release this song to its full potential, to be able to freely perform it, not keep it low-key. I think that’s what makes it so special for me. I’ve never had this kind of release before. I really don’t recommend leaking songs, because as a songwriter, you want to keep it quiet, then put it out into the world as a brand new thing, but this whole experience changed my perspective in some ways. I think, these days, it doesn’t really matter how you put out music, as long as people really enjoy it, and you feel comfortable. However you want to release it, that’s just how it goes. The world is changing, so you have to change as well, as artists. I feel like this is the perfect way to really show that.
What was the inspiration behind this release?
J: Wow. When I first did the verse, back two years ago, I had no idea how this song was going to be. It was just a challenge, and I knew the producer of the song was very close with Dynamic Duo. I’m a big fan – Ever since middle school, I listened to them religiously. Two years ago, I wasn’t who I am now, as a songwriter and a musician in Korea. I hadn’t really set my base yet. And as a fan, I wanted to, in some way, get the song to be heard by Gaeko. Some of the lyrics are an homage to their songs. There’s a part where it goes, “Stay with me until the sunrise”, and that’s one of my favorite songs by Dynamic Duo. I kind of put that in there, low-key, hoping that he would notice, and then…Damn. To have him feature on the song is a cool thing, and I got to witness it. I’m super inspired by them, and by the beat itself, and I wanted to really show my R&B [taste], the stuff that I’ve been listening to my whole life. It came out well.
In terms of the lyrics, what would you consider the standout point?
J: The challenge itself really stuck with people, when I start the song with, “Won’t you crawl up in this bed with me?”. That’s what they think the song should be titled, so I think that’s the standout point. It sets the tone for what kind of song it is. It’s bedroom chill stuff. Y’know, stay cozy with me, watch a movie or something, it’s kind of that vibe.
Who else would you like to work with in the future?
J: Anybody. Seeing this progress of being able to work with Gaeko…He’s a mentor, he’s a legend. To see that happening gets rid of the whole bar of, “Where can I go?” and “Who can I work with?”. I’m super excited, and I would love to work with anybody. All of the world. I want to be inspired, and meeting and being able to work with people like that keeps me inspired. Door’s open. Whoever wants to work, call me up. DM me.
Because you are not only someone who works on your own music, but also works on music for other people, how do you feel the process of creating music differs?
J: Oh, it very differs. Sometimes, when you write for other artists, there is a certain boundary you have to keep, a certain style or color that the artist has. You don’t want to change that, unless they want to. Most of the time, the [artist’s] company or management requests the style. That gives me a guideline. It’s easier in a way, trying to imagine myself being in their position, and writing that way. When I’m writing for myself, it’s a different story, because I’m open to whatever. There’s a perk of having endless possibilities, but at the same time, there’s so many things you can do with music, and I am a person who is really easily swayed (Laughs). It really depends what kind of vibe I’m at, at that certain time, or who I’m working with. I like to feed off of the energy when we are writing.
I guess it’s more challenging writing for myself, choosing which direction I want to go. When I get that direction, when I grasp it, and I’m able to finish a song, that’s a feeling that can’t be replaced. But it’s an inner fight I’ll always have to deal with. I don’t think it’s for all artists. Some have a certain idea of what kind of music they want to do, and that’s their go-to. For me, ever since I was young, there wasn’t a genre that I disliked. I just appreciate music, and I’m very curious. It’s like clothes: I want to try before I dictate and say, “That’s not me.” You should try everything you want, then realise that this is what you are. I grew up like that, being taught and influenced by my parents, my brothers. Musically, too, I wanted to try different things. It made me realize that I can do a lot of these things, and I’m grateful to have people that I can do these things with, so why not take advantage of it?
Why do you make music?
J: It’s living and breathing, you know what I mean? It’s endless work. But it’s funny…We’re doing it because we love it so much, we’re being appreciated for it, and fans are enjoying it. So how can you call it work? I like to call it a part of my life that I can’t let go of, and it’s something I want to keep doing for the rest of my life. If I didn’t have this, I can’t imagine what else I’d be doing. I’m very blessed. Everyone who is able to put out music like this, have fans enjoy your music, and be appreciated…Sometimes you have to look back and realize how lucky you are. I try to think about that literally every time I wake up. That’s what motivates me to keep working on new music, not only for me, but for other artists.
“If you do something you love, you never have to work a day in your life.” It’s a cliché, but it’s true.
J: Whoever I meet, it’s not even about music, whatever they want to do, I say go for it. Nothing is going to stop you. It’s my motto, and I think I’m sticking with it.
How would you describe your musical color?
J: I have a diverse discography, and I’ve thought about myself as a blank canvas. A color that can absorb different colors – a white color. That’s how I imagine myself, and that’s why I called my album that released last year Blanc – because of that thought.
What kind of artist do you want to be known as?
J: It sounds really cliché, but someone who appreciates music. No matter what kind of genre or what kind of style I do, I want people to know that I’m doing it because I love it so much. Maybe one day, I’ll stick to a certain style, and I’ll go that route for a very long time. But at the end of the day, music is music, and I hope the fans are on board with me. That’s what it’s about. If that’s good to go, then I’m good.
What would you say your favorite part of the music making process is?
J: It used to be melodies. Nowadays, I’m really into writing the lyrics. Being in this industry, and doing this for a pretty long time now, you write a lot of songs. Sometimes you forget what you write. The thought process now is more like, “I really want to write something that has beautiful, beautiful lyrics that mean so much.” It has to relate to the audience, as well, but something that really means a lot to me. When you focus on that, the melody, arrangement, or everything else will follow along. As long as the song has a good message, it will go a long way. It’s a theory I’ve built up.
There’s a lot to the process, especially when it is so important to you.
J: And if it’s more important to you, you’re more comfortable, and you feel more proud to release it to the world. I have to do whole tours, and the songs that mean more to me are songs I enjoy performing more.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in both the near and far future, as an artist?
J: So much. I was able to meet my fans in Europe and North America. I would love to do an Asia tour run. I’m going to perform in Indonesia very soon, but I want to be able to hit all the other cities and countries, and meet my beautiful fans. Also, being in Korea, I think now is a time to really push myself here, and focus on that. There’s so many things I want to try. Even with this song, it’s a new experience for me, a new experiment. I’m open to everything. As long as I’m healthy, I’m good. Sky’s the limit.
And on a grander scale: What would you say your biggest goal as a musician is?
J: As an artist who creates their own music…Being able to put on a show in my own name, and have a lot, a lot of people. I’m not even going to say a number. Just a lot, a lot of people to show up, sing with me, and have a great time. That’s why we do this. That’s my life goal. Right now, I am able to do that. But I want to keep going on a bigger and bigger scale. Step by step. Every experience, every time we do this, I want to build it, rather than go straight up and be overwhelmed by everything. I want to be able to set a ladder or staircase for myself, so by the time I get there, I’m ready for it, and it’s the moment that I’ve been waiting for. I think that’s really important as an artist, because sometimes, things can be very overwhelming. Mentally, as well as physically. You don’t want to break down.
You have to know your own limits.
J: Yeah. And I think as an artist, the best thing you can do is keep in shape of that. Your fans want you to go the longest. It’s super important.
What is something you want people to know about you?
J: I’ve got a lot left in the tank. A lot, a lot. Some things, you have to wait until you see it. I’m working very hard to show that, and show my progression, and what kind of direction I’m going for. There’s a lot of big, big news coming out very soon. Finally, for those people in my comments and DMs asking me when this song will drop: This is for you. I hope you enjoy it. Let’s go.
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Words and Photography: Ciara Glagola // @ciaraglagola
Header photo courtesy of Mauve Company
