Current:Home > FinanceNCT's Jaehyun talks 'digging deeper' on his first solo album-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
NCT's Jaehyun talks 'digging deeper' on his first solo album
lotradecoin cryptocurrency news updates View Date:2024-12-26 02:24:12
Music has always been integral in the life of NCT's Jaehyun.
"When I was young, my dad used to let me listen to a bunch of songs, and my mom used to play the piano," the 27-year-old tells USA TODAY. "If I had school festivals, I was the student that would go out and always sing with my friends. So, it was always with me."
Jaehyun's love of music led to a career in South Korea's entertainment industry. He debuted with K-pop group NCT in 2016, joining its sub-groups NCT 127 and, in 2023, NCT DOJAEJUNG.
Through the years, Jaehyun has pushed forward and tested the limits to his artistry not only as a NCT member, but as a soloist. He can adapt to any concept thrown his way, but Jaehyun's flair lies in his velvety vocals and authentic lyrical composition.
His debut album "J - The 1st Album", out now, embodies the intricacies to Jaehyun's musical passion.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Curating Jaehyun's first solo album
Prior to the release of "J - The 1st Album", Jaehyun ventured into solo releases including "Forever Only" in 2022 and "Horizons" in 2023.
Those creative processes drove him to want to be more involved in making his music. He was able to do so for "J - The 1st Album" when its production started last December.
"I brought some of the songs that were in my pocket to the label and let them listen to three tracks," he reveals. "That was actually the starting point of this album."
Among that portfolio was "Roses", one of Jaehyun's pre-released tracks. He worked on it with a team and thrived in the collaborative energy.
"I really feel like I have to put myself inside while making the music, and that could make the listeners or the fans feel what actually my own genre or style is," he says.
"From the start, I really wanted all the songs to be classic, so as time passes, you could still listen to it."
This classic quality is accented by the jazz and R&B throughout "J - The 1st Album".
"'Can't Get You', I really needed that as the last track for the album, because that could wrap (it) up, and in the middle, I needed 'Flamin' Hot Lemon' where you could just easily vibe with it," he explains. "I really needed 'Roses' or 'Dandelion' where you could feel thoughts too, and also 'Completely' where you could say nothing, just close your eyes, put your earphones on."
As for "Smoke", the album's focus track, Jaehyun believes it to be "casual" and open for interpretation. "I thought it was really easy for a lot of people to relate to," he adds.
Exclusive Interview:NCT 127 members talk 'Fact Check' sonic diversity, artistic evolution, 'limitless' future.
Artistry through authenticity
Creating music lets Jaehyun be vulnerable and authentic.
"I'm not a person that always talks about what I feel, like 'I'm so sad' or 'It's been hard these days'," he shares. "Throughout this promotion ... I think (people) could realize what I was into, or what my thoughts were."
His time as a member of NCT has also informed his individual artistry.
"As a team, I learned a lot too," Jaehyun says. "I always spent my time digging deeper into what I was into music-wise. I think that both helps me when I'm doing solo."
As for the future, Jaehyun hopes to continue making music whether it be with NCT or as a soloist.
"For eight years after debut as a member of NCT, I gave my all, and I really don't regret anything," he shares. "My solo career, it's a new journey for me, and I really hope the fans also enjoy having this journey with me."
veryGood! (99518)
Related
- Usher concert postponed hours before tour opener in Atlanta
- The Essentials: As Usher lights up the Las Vegas strip, here are his must-haves
- Former Google executive ends longshot bid for Dianne Feinstein’s US Senate seat in California
- Novelist Tim Dorsey, who mixed comedy and murder in his Serge A. Storms stories, dies at 62
- Democrats try to block Green Party from presidential ballot in Wisconsin, citing legal issues
- Storm closes schools in Cleveland, brings lake-effect snow into Pennsylvania and New York
- Novelist Tim Dorsey, who mixed comedy and murder in his Serge A. Storms stories, dies at 62
- Geological hazards lurking below Yellowstone National Park, data show
- Judge tells Google to brace for shakeup of Android app store as punishment for running a monopoly
- A judge awards Aretha Franklin's properties to her sons, citing a handwritten will
Ranking
- Justice Department defends Boeing plea deal against criticism by 737 Max crash victims’ families
- Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg says vintage car restorer stole $125,000 from him
- Vandalism and wintry weather knock out phone service to emergency centers in West Virginia
- Florida elections security chief lay dead for 24 minutes without help outside Gov. DeSantis' office
- A slain teacher loved attending summer camp. His mom is working to give kids the same opportunity
- Red Lobster's 'Endless Shrimp' deal surpassed expectations, cost company millions
- At least 40 civilians killed by al-Qaida-linked rebels in a Burkina Faso town, UN rights office says
- 'Remarkable': Gumby the kitten with deformed legs is looking for forever home
Recommendation
-
Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey announce engagement with new photos
-
Georgia Senate panel calls for abolishing state permits for health facilities
-
It's peak shopping — and shoplifting — season. Cops are stepping up antitheft tactics
-
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly fall after Wall Street rallies
-
Collin Gosselin Says He Was Discharged from the Marines Due to Being Institutionalized by Mom Kate
-
Cleveland Resilience Projects Could Boost Communities’ Access to Water and Green Spaces
-
Emirati-designated COP28 leader forcefully denies report UAE wanted to seek oil deals in summit
-
Honduran opposition party leader flees arrest after being stopped in airport before traveling to US