The 27-year-old charismatic vocalist, an integral part of the colossal K-Pop ensemble NCT, delves into the exhilarating yet daunting journey of penning and crafting his maiden solo album, 'J', with The Hollywood Reporter. Amidst the thrill and pressure of unleashing his creative opus, Jaehyun shares his heartfelt insights.
Editor's Note: SM Entertainment recently shattered the internet with a social media announcement revealing that NCT's beloved member Taeil had amicably parted ways from the group following an unfortunate allegation of a sexual offense. However, Jaehyun's interview preceded this unforeseen turn of events.
"Jump in if you feel it," Jaehyun mischievously quips to The Hollywood Reporter, echoing the incendiary opening line of his latest smash hit "Smoke," as the Seoul nightscape serves as a backdrop for our late-night Zoom rendezvous.
This 27-year-old K-Pop sensation, a shining star within SM Entertainment's colossal NCT universe and its dynamic subgroups NCT 127 and DoJaeJung, has just graced the music landscape with his debut solo masterpiece, 'J'. This eight-track masterpiece, led by the bilingual anthem "Smoke," is a sensual symphony of undeniably captivating R&B tunes, each imbued with Jaehyun's unique artistic fingerprint.
From the melancholic introspection of "Roses," a haunting tale of post-romantic regrets, to the vibrant dance-floor filler "Flamin' Hot Lemon," a co-written and composed ode to love's fiery embrace, 'J' weaves a cohesive sonic tapestry while ensuring each track stands out in its own vibrant hue.
"I yearned for this album to embody a timeless elegance, so that even as the years roll by, listeners would continue to cherish its melodies," Jaehyun reveals. "These genres and styles are intimately tied to my current musical tastes, albeit with a classic twist."
Jaehyun's journey with 'J' began long ago, with the album's gestation stretching back to December. Although it marks his debut solo venture, he's no stranger to releasing solo tracks through various SM Entertainment and NCT projects. "I've been tinkering with my own creations for years," Jaehyun muses, jesting that the album's August release was serendipitous, mirroring his past solo endeavors.
The multi-talented artist actively contributed to the lyrics and composition of six out of eight tracks on 'J'. "I'm fortunate to have friends who are adept at instrumentals, composition, and songwriting," Jaehyun shares. "Years ago, we'd often jam together, and that's where my journey into songwriting and composition truly took flight."
For Jaehyun, being intimately involved in the creative process is paramount to conveying his musical preferences to his adoring fans. "It's far more effective than merely articulating my feelings or explaining my musical predilections," he asserts. "This way, my fans can truly feel my heart and soul through my music."
"Embracing music in such a manner is truly a delightful experience," he elaborates, his enthusiasm palpable. "I'm overjoyed to have contributed to several tracks on this album, and I'm equally grateful for the exquisite compositions crafted by fellow artists," he adds, his voice tinged with appreciation. Among these gems stands out "Can't Get You," a sonic masterpiece and a personal highlight for Jaehyun. This song, a testament to his artistry, was crafted by the legendary R&B maestro, Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds. "I've always been a avid listener of his music," Jaehyun shares, his eyes lighting up as he reminisces. "From his timeless classics to his recent collaborations with a bevy of female vocalists, like on his 2022 album 'Girls Night Out,' it's all been a sonic journey for me."
"Collaborating on one of his songs and having it featured on my album is a monumental moment for me," Jaehyun confesses, his voice filled with awe. At present, his heart is captivated by "Smoke," a track that sparked a conversation about its accompanying visual narrative, leaving a lasting impression. "My favorite keeps evolving every ten minutes," he jokes, a hint of mischief in his tone.
As a seasoned member of a group, Jaehyun reveals the tapestry of emotions that wove through his solo album-making journey – a tapestry woven with threads of anxiety and exhilaration. He encourages fans to delve deeper into his creative process through 'The Journey of ‘J’,' a captivating short documentary now streaming on NCT's YouTube channel. "It's a powerful motivator, especially with the album's recent release," Jaehyun shares, his voice warm with gratitude. "The love and support from my fans, their comments echoing my sentiments – it's all incredibly humbling. It's wonderful to see them resonate with the album and the songs they cherish."
Acknowledging the weight of expectations from new listeners, Jaehyun emphasizes his desire for them to discover his music and be intrigued. "I yearn for them to stumble upon my album or its visuals and wonder, 'Who is this artist?' or 'What kind of voice is this?' or 'What vibe does this evoke?'" he explains, his words painting a vivid picture of his aspirations.
With years of experience since his 2016 debut, Jaehyun reflects on his journey with a sense of maturity. When asked to impart wisdom to his younger self, he pauses thoughtfully. "I'd tell myself, 'You're doing splendidly, keep pushing the boundaries,'" he begins, his voice firm with conviction. "And though I'd add, 'Remember, there's always an alternative path, a different plan for your life,' I'm certain I'd have forged ahead just as passionately, giving my all to every endeavor. That mindset, that relentless pursuit of excellence, truly sets you apart."
