JUNNY's Past, Present, and Future
JUNNY talks about working with CHUNG HA on his new single, words of encouragement that have stuck with him, his busy 2022 schedule, and more!
For those who have never heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence, “JUNNY is ____” or “JUNNY’s music is ___”?
For those who have never heard my music before, I’d like to compare it to fusion cuisine. Being Korean-Canadian, I grew up with two different cultures at the same time, and I feel like that really shows in my music.
Please describe your new single, “Color Me,” and why people should listen to it!
My new single “Color Me” is a retro-pop/R&B record that shows a different side of me as an artist compared to what I’ve released in the past. It’s also my first song with producer Mingtion released under my own name, since we have been songwriting for other artists for a long time, and the first collaboration between Mingtion and my longtime producer, no2zcat. Last but not least, “Color Me” features the incredible artist CHUNG HA delivering jaw-dropping vocals, making this song the vibe of Summer 2022!!
What was it like to work with CHUNG HA? How did that collaboration come about?
Incredible. She was first thought of as soon as the demo was finished. I really wanted a female vocalist to take over the second verse, and Mingtion and I both thought CHUNG HA would be the perfect fit for this song. Fortunately, Min ji (Mingtion’s real name) and CHUNG HA knew each other for a long time and we were able to send her the demo, and thankfully, she liked the song, and it took off from there. She was very sweet and humble during our recording session, and I have nothing but respect for her. I send her my deepest gratitude for bringing this song to life!
Do you approach producing, writing, and singing differently? Does one of those roles come more naturally to you than the others, or do you enjoy them equally?
Singing is definitely one of those natural things I do on a regular basis, and writing is a very weird process, because the time it’ll take to actually write/produce a song is never guaranteed. And it also depends on if I’m writing for myself or someone else. I do enjoy them all equally, but I have to say singing is what comes the most naturally to me.
It has been four years since your debut! Looking back, how have you changed as an artist since then?
Wow, already four years… I think when I first officially released music, I didn’t consider it my actual debut, because I was basically alone the majority of the time and still trying to figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be. Now, after all the experiences, hardships, losses, and gains, I’m surrounded by incredible people who support me musically and also mentally help me stay positive and motivated, being far from home. Looking back, I’m just so thankful for being in this position, my company, my family and friends, but mostly thankful for my fans [who] show me endless love and support. My goal is to make them proud of being a part of Junniverse.❤️
What have been some of the most exciting moments of your career so far?
Every day is an exciting moment for me, to be honest. I feel like I’m living in a dream, being able to not only make music for myself but write for other artists that I’ve looked up to and respect, being able to really be in this world of entertainment and put out music for people to listen to, and seeing the reactions and performing… It’s all just surreal to someone who grew up in a small town in Canada.
What was your first year living in South Korea like? What were the biggest changes you had to adjust to compared to life in Canada?
The first year living here was a bit tough, just getting used to the culture and the differences in lifestyles. The biggest change was [going from] living in a house with my family back at home to living in a small recording/practice studio and just making music everyday, haha. It definitely was something to get used to, but I knew I made the choice to come here, and I wanted to pursue music. I just kept on going, and luckily, it led me here.
If you feel stuck while trying to make a new song, what do you do to feel inspired again?
If I ever have writer’s block, I try to distance myself from music as much as possible. I go see my friends, watch a movie, go for a walk… Just to clear out my mind and come back in a refreshed state when I go back in the studio.
What is the best piece of advice or words of encouragement someone you have collaborated with before has given to you?
The first one I can think of is when JAY B told me out of the blue that I was going in a good direction in terms of my music and told me to just keep doing what I do. It was after I played some sketches of my album, and it really helped me realize that I shouldn’t be rushing into success. I just have to go at my own pace.
Besides your new single, what is next for you? Are you preparing to release anything else soon that you can give a teaser about? If not, can you generally say what you are planning for the rest of 2022?
Many, many, many things to come for the rest of 2022. I have an album that is on the way and new projects in the works, so it’s gonna be a busy but extremely fun ride, and I’m super excited for it all.
What are your longer-term career goals?
I try to keep my goals simple. I just want to keep growing as an artist and having my music be heard by more and more people, [and perform at] a sold-out concert!
Lastly, do you have a message for your fans or anything else you want to say about your new music?
A message to my fans: I just want you to know that I’m incredibly thankful for each and every one of you, and this new single is just the first piece of what I’ve got prepared for you in 2022, so I hope you guys are excited!! See you soon and love you guys!!
Check out “Color Me” here, and keep up with JUNNY by following him on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube!
Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.