Seungjin (Nov. 2018)
There’s an unequivocal singularity in Seungjin’s sound, an introspective knowledge of self that feeds off emotion and truth. With every note played, every chord raked through, every melody layered; his soul bares honest to the listener, he hides nothing and allows for those who connect to resonate.
Having just released his first song, Seungjin has set his sights on continuing this rush of feeling through song after song. He’s focusing on speaking to those as lost and confused as he is, hoping to find answers together through music.
If ever there is a time for a musical like Seungjin, it’s now. It’s now in our social media obsessed, politics driven, seemingly dark world. It’s now that he can allow us to step back and see the larger image, and the clearest reflection of ourselves.
Our first question as always, how’s your day going and how are you?
Good! I Just woke up and it’s sunny. It was supposed to rain all week.
You recently released your first song, Rollercoaster, so naturally that seems like the perfect place to begin. Why now of all times did you move towards putting this song out and where did the track come from?
For the past year I’ve been working relentlessly and I feel like I’m just hitting the stage where I’m comfortable with sharing my music. It was an intuitive decision. This song is a good indication of where I’m at right now and I thought it’d be better to experience the anxiety of self-releasing songs now than later.
What does it mean to you to release this very obviously emotional piece of work out into the world?
I like the song. I usually think everything I make is trash. I can hear all the imperfections and things I could’ve done better, but I think having this out there will help me focus and really go in on the next thing.
What are your plans going forward with your music? What changes or improvements do you hope to make as time goes?
I want to make enough money to get my own place. I work as a server at my parents barbecue restaurant and there’s a little office near the kitchen where I can make music overnight. I set up an air mattress on top of the tables where customers eat and sometimes fall asleep and wake up after all the employees clock in. I don’t have morning shifts anymore but I would just brush my teeth and go straight to work. Musically, I have so much to learn. I want to push through as many walls as I can and get more confident before I start working with others.
But to bring it back a little, how did you find yourself interested in music growing up? Who or what around you was truly inspiring you towards the medium?
I think it started in middle school. I really wanted to go into K-pop and my biggest influence used to be G-Dragon. I moved to Korea in tenth grade and during that time I had trouble adjusting to everything. I went out to auditions for K-pop companies and all that stuff. The idea that I could write and produce my own songs didn’t hit me till really late and I wish I realized it sooner. I only started playing guitar like a year ago.
What’s one movie that has influenced you the most and really inspired your creativity?
American Honey by Andrea Arnold.
Did your location growing up and where you make music influence your sound and style?
The internet more than anything. I think it’d be different if I lived in a bigger city though.
Were there any opportunities or chances you got that allowed you to step into music before this first song released?
I used to be an intern for Om’Mas Keith. It was crazy because I talked to him on Snapchat and I just asked if I could work for him. I saved up for a year before I went down there. Had to come back to Vancouver because of visa issues and school, but those four months changed my life. Om’Mas is a legend and everyone in his team is family. I learned so much and I will always look up to him as a mentor.
As well, we’ve talked in private how you go by your Korean name in music instead of the one many address you by, was there a reason for this and if so, what would it be?
I decided to keep it because every name I came up with was cringe. I also feel like we live in a time where it’s normal to see names like mine on magazines.
What is your artistic vision? Who is it you hope to speak to with your sound and what message do you hope is well heard in your music?
I want to express who I am and stay honest and grounded. I want people to use my songs to soundtrack their experiences.
Do you have anyone or anything to shoutout or promote? The floor is yours!
Shoutout Whitelines, I miss you. Shoutout Maxwell Young. Shoutout Eric, Marko, Hiro, Junho, Joanne I see you guys more than anyone else. Love you, Sophie.