It’s a uncommon second when an artist instantly captures our consideration, however that’s precisely what occurred once we first heard Korean R&B singer-songwriter Min Jiwoon. Her debut single, “Sentimental Love,” launched late final 12 months, launched the contemporary but acquainted R&B sound we love—immediately making us followers. The KRUCIALIZE signee’s newest single, “Somebody,” produced by CUBE and co-written with DERA, additional cemented our perception that she’s pioneering a sound completely her personal. Her unmistakable tone, soulful melodies, and distinct fashion made us desirous to be taught extra in regards to the artist.
After diving into her musical journey, influences like Ariana Grande, and her ideas in our rapid-fire Q&A, it’s clear why Min Jiwoon is an artist we’ll be maintaining an in depth eye on. We talked to the rising star about her background, the making of “Sentimental Love”, her SMTown Reside efficiency, and extra.
YouknowIGotSoul: We’ve got not been this enthusiastic about an artist shortly! You might have such an genuine and unique R&B sound. Are you able to identify some R&B artists and albums that you just listened to rising up that will have impressed you and your sound?
Min Jiwoon: Thanks a lot! I’ve many favourite artists, however I’ve been an enormous fan of Ariana Grande since my college days. Her highly effective power from such a small physique, distinctive sound, and visible aesthetic have impressed me lots. I bear in mind touring to Japan for the primary time at 18, when Ariana Grande’s “Sweetener” album was launched. I listened to the album all through the journey, so it holds a particular place in my coronary heart.
YouknowIGotSoul: Are you able to briefly introduce your self to our viewers and readers who might not know something about you? Inform us the place you’re from, the way you started singing/songwriting and what made you begin making R&B?
Min Jiwoon: Hey, I’m Min Jiwoon from Seoul, South Korea. I’ve beloved singing and listening to music ever since I used to be younger, and I at all times dreamed of turning into a singer. I didn’t know get began with music, so I joined an area music middle once I was 14. Later, I attended an arts highschool and college, the place I made a decision to attempt songwriting. I’ve at all times beloved hip-hop music, and artists like India Arie, Lauryn Hill, and Stevie Marvel launched me to R&B throughout my college years. I believe I naturally gravitated towards R&B.
YouknowIGotSoul: We love your voice! How did you get your vocal skill?
Min Jiwoon: Thanks a lot! I used to be extremely targeted on coaching my vocals in my teenagers. I had such a powerful ardour for expressing music effectively that I spent most of my time training at house or within the studio, not often assembly anybody. I might decide a particular music after which follow it by mimicking each element—the artist’s respiration, dynamics, pronunciation, and even their mouth shapes. I put loads of effort into making their fashion my very own.
YouknowIGotSoul: How does it really feel to be the primary artist signed to SM’s modern R&B label Krucialize?
Min Jiwoon: It’s such an honor to have the ability to share my music by means of SM, the hub of Okay-Pop. As the primary artist beneath SM’s modern R&B label, I really feel an important duty to symbolize the label effectively. I wish to showcase music that represents me, convey contemporary sound, and present the viewers enjoyable and thrilling stuff.
YouknowIGotSoul: It looks like you’re closely concerned together with your artistic course of. Are you able to inform us in regards to the course of of constructing “Sentimental Love”? Who did you’re employed with?
Min Jiwoon: This music was a collaborative effort with CUBE, a producer and artist from Canada, and DERA, a tremendous songwriter from Atlanta. CUBE launched us to a observe by Slum Village that he deeply admired. DERA and I have been captivated by the guitar loop instantly. We began engaged on the music by decoding the primary guitar riff in our personal approach, and that’s how the observe started to take form.
YouknowIGotSoul: Identical factor for “Somebody”- are you able to share the story behind the making of that music?
Min Jiwoon: The second CUBE performed the beat, I used to be like ‘I would like this observe!’ so I requested it strongly. I imagine everybody desires to be acknowledged for his or her true price. Whether or not it’s in romantic relationships or friendships, I believe they’re all about folks gathering with others who acknowledge and recognize one another. I wished to inform a narrative of a girl trying to find somebody who can actually see her for who she is.
YouknowIGotSoul: How did the “Sentimental Love” remix with Slum Village come about? What was that have like?
Min Jiwoon: When the label obtained to succeed in out to Slum Village, we simply so out of the blue occurred to speak in regards to the remix, which was an unbelievable honor. It felt surreal and superb to listen to my voice alongside the voices of such legendary artists in a single observe.
YouknowIGotSoul: What made you wish to cowl “Love by Keyshia Cole? You probably did such an superior rendition of that music, which isn’t simple to do!
Min Jiwoon: Thanks! Keyshia Cole is such a famend artist, and I’ve at all times been a fan. Once we have been getting ready to make dwell content material, “Love” was completely the primary music I wished to cowl. I felt it might be an important music to try to showcase my vibe and abilities. I’d like to share extra cowl songs sooner or later!
YouknowIGotSoul: Have been you referencing any particular albums or artists when making these singles? or have been you simply making an attempt to be your unique self?
Min Jiwoon: Whereas engaged on these singles, we targeted closely on our personal course of. CUBE’s perfectionist strategy to vocal directing and recording helped convey out a novel sound that actually confirmed my coloration. Alongside the way in which, we watched loads of dwell efficiency clips, music movies, and interviews of different artists for inspiration. It additionally helped us uncover new visible concepts.
YouknowIGotSoul: Has rising up in Seoul affected your artistry? Is R&B music an enormous a part of the tradition there?
Min Jiwoon: Rising up in Seoul, I really feel like music traits change extra primarily based on time moderately than particular areas. It’s true that dance music and idol tradition are the mainstream within the Korean pop scene, however within the R&B scene, there are extremely gifted and influential artists like Crush, Zion.T, and DEAN making their approach past Korea. I undoubtedly imagine R&B performs an essential function within the Okay-pop scene, and I hope to see extra Korean R&B artists acquire recognition and recognition.
YouknowIGotSoul: How was your SMTown Reside efficiency in Seoul? Was this your first time performing alongside enormous artists at such an enormous occasion?
Min Jiwoon: It was such a joyful expertise! I believed I’d be nervous earlier than stepping on stage, however I didn’t really feel as nervous as I believed as soon as I used to be up there. Possibly I used to be moderately excited and completely satisfied than nervous to sing in entrance of such an viewers because it was one thing I’d been eager for. Performing alongside skilled artists was additionally very significant. I realized lots being round them.
YouknowIGotSoul: Are there any targets that you’ve for the brand new 12 months? Any hints you may give us for what’s coming subsequent?
Min Jiwoon: My New Yr’s objective is to get to know and care for myself higher. Musically, I wish to share extra numerous and contemporary music. I additionally wish to meet and join with followers by means of extra dwell performances. Cool collaborations and my first album are additionally components of my plan. Please stay up for it!