“I feel like I’ve truly embraced my identity,” Yugyeom shares regarding his second full-length album ‘Interlunar’. “My personal music style is now much more defined; it’s no longer something I’m searching for, but rather something I’m growing into with increasing confidence with each step I take.”
It became quite evident what type of artist YUGYEOM would evolve into when he joined the Korean hip-hop label AOMG at the start of 2021. YUGYEOM was introduced to the public as the youngest member of the groundbreaking K-pop group GOT7 back in 2014, during which he continuously developed his unique sound and repertoire of songs, both for himself and the ensemble.
His initial solo endeavor, ‘Point of View: U’, served as a reintroduction to his artistry, while his subsequent album, ‘TRUST ME’, showcased a newfound confidence in his artistic abilities. With both projects behind him, the creation of ‘Interlunar’ came almost effortlessly to the 27-year-old.
For those who enjoy astronomy, the term "interlunar" relates to the period between the old and new moon when the moon is invisible. This title seems appropriate, as fans speculate that this project might be his last for a while as YUGYEOM prepares to undergo military service later this year. In a sense, ‘Interlunar’ serves as a bridge for fans, keeping them connected to his music during his absence, thereby enhancing the album's concept.
Initially planned as a six-track EP, ‘Interlunar’ ultimately features 10 songs, including two lead singles: ‘Shall We Dance’ and ‘Interlunar’. Both tracks convey a reassuring message that his love for and connection with fans remains strong, even when he is not visible. ‘Shall We Dance’ communicates this through a new genre, incorporating THAMA's signature rhythmic guitar and influences of soul music, while “Interlunar” expresses this sincerity through a complete English track.
YUGYEOM explains that there was no specific timeline for the creation of ‘Interlunar’. The opener, ‘It’s Okay’, took the longest to develop, remaining in his catalogue for nearly five years. “I don’t like to release music that I’m not entirely happy with. I even re-recorded some lines right before GOT7’s concert in Thailand.”
The mentioned concert was the group's most eagerly awaited show, welcoming fans to a sold-out weekend at Thailand's largest stadium, Rajamangala. The five-year wait for the concert and the group's reunion highlighted the significance of community for the artist. “[Community] is where individuals from different backgrounds can unite over shared interests. For me, it’s a way to interact with my fans and showcase my work and artistry.”
The community YUGYEOM refers to is evident not just during performances, but also through a notable list of collaborators he’s worked with over the years. In addition to his own production and lyrics, ‘Interlunar’ features contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Hoody, Kirin, and Gaeko, as well as distinguished composers and producers like DJ Wegun, CODE KUNST, L-like, THAMA, and Vernon from SEVENTEEN, among others.
For those familiar with American R&B, Tone Stith’s name in the credits stands out. His involvement in ‘Interlunar’ marked a pivotal moment for YUGYEOM. He holds great respect for Stith’s work in the western R&B scene, having collaborated with artists he admires, such as Chris Brown and H.E.R. Stith was in Seoul when a member of YUGYEOM's team reached out for a studio session. YUGYEOM reflects on their time together fondly, saying, “I learned so much just from observing and listening to how he sings and creates music during our time in the studio.”
The new collaborations on ‘Interlunar’ allowed YUGYEOM to experiment and explore various musical styles, from funk-inspired dance tracks and house to classic hip-hop and early R&B beats.
YUGYEOM attributes his current position to his energetic childhood. “I first seriously considered becoming a singer when I was around 11. I would stand in front of my classmates during lunch breaks, even though no one asked me to, and dance and sing every day,” he chuckles as he reminisces.
This energy quickly transitioned into his passion for dance, his initial form of self-expression. While singing allows him to explore his imagination freely, dancing enables him to physically embody the music. “I feel a different kind of freedom when dancing as opposed to when I’m singing. I believe it’s essential to immerse yourself in music while dancing, which is why I focus entirely on it.”
When asked about the artistic overlaps he has discovered between the two, he shares his insights: “The more I grasp both dance and music, the more I understand they’re
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"I feel as though I've truly embraced who I am," Yugyeom shares regarding his second full-length album 'Interlunar'. "My personal style has become much more defined, no longer..."