INTERVIEW ARTIST INTERVIEW: JT

[Chococo]

ARTIST INTERVIEW: JT

Hello, today we're talking to JT. He made a debut with the boy group VX with the song "Fantasy" as a main vocalist. However, the group was disbanded in November 13, 2017, months after the group released their second digital single, "If You Love". Since then JT has been active as a R&B and soul solo artist, making his debut on October 3, 2021, with the digital single "Color". Last year, he released a new song called "궁금해". Now with that said, let's dive into the interview!



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Q: Hello, JT! What do you think has changed about you as an artist since you made your debut as a solo artist in October 2021?

JT: Hello!! In the past, I always performed in a group of five, so I wasn't lonely while making music or in the waiting room. On stage, the members filled in for each other when someone couldn't perform, and we became a source of support for each other.
When I transitioned to solo work, I had to fill in each of the gaps myself. This made things quite difficult, but I thought it would help me grow even more. Hahaha.

Q: Could you tell us about the meaning behind your song “궁금해”? The song's message had previously been described as being curious to learn everything about the other person in a new relationship.

JT: Yes, that's right! When you first meet someone or make a new friend, you're curious about who they are, right? Hahaha.
You also wonder what kind of person they are, what kind of life they have lived, and what they think about now. When I thought about this curiosity, I wrote a song. Hahaha.

Q: You also wrote the lyrics and composed the melody. How did the preparations for “궁금해” go? Did you encounter any challenges while writing the lyrics or recording the song? Please share with us the song's creative process.

JT: Yes, I received a lot of songs and proceeded as a producer. Fortunately, there were always good colleagues and collaborators around me who were willing to help, so things went smoothly. I think I tried hard to maintain this style I had while working with these friends. I found my style while working on my own, and worked hard to find it. Although there were times when it was difficult to work alone and produce, I think this process was necessary. I'm not too sure if I've found my style yet, but I think it's okay to continue to be curious about what my style is. Hahaha.

Q: What was your inspiration behind the song? Was it a movie or any of the relationships around you?

JT: I get inspired when I learn or receive new words or phrases!
For example, if there's a word like "curious," I get inspired by it. Starting with wondering what kind of curiosity it is when meeting someone for the first time, I start writing stories or lyrics from there. When I first start writing or listening to music or even watching a movie, if a sentence or word comes to mind, I write it down and create stories from there.^^

Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your past self, what would you tell yourself? (question asked by our member Polaris_Tae)

JT: In the past, when I think about what I regret...
I want to remember, feel, and process these moments. When I was working as a member of a group if I had been more serious and sincere with my actions and attitudes, I might have fewer regrets and more parts I would be proud of now. So when I watch videos from that time, I feel both proud and regretful. However, I try to forget the past and do my best to follow the present instead.

Q: Where do you see yourself in a year from now? (question asked by our member Polaris_Tae)

JT: I think I will make a lot of progress in a year.
I am writing better songs now, collaborating with more people, and listening to a lot of music. While also not missing the trends, I've been practicing a lot to find my own style. I hope that within a year, my music will be in the top 100 of the charts.

Q: What is success to you? How would you describe it?

JT: Success is very difficult for me.
Everyone has different standards, but as of now, I would say I have succeeded if more than 10,000 people come to see my performance. I will decide the next standard of success after achieving this. Hahaha.

Q: Is working as a soloist harder than it was in a group? (question asked by our member UMJIMOODS)

JT: Yes, I agree.
It seems like it’s a bit difficult for people to maintain both solo and group activities at once. Everyone has their own shortcomings, but I find it challenging to fill in both my own gaps and also the gaps of others at the same time!

Q: How would you introduce yourself and your music to someone hearing it for the first time? What’s the song you first would recommend checking out because you think it represents you the best as an artist?

JT: Maybe it's because I believe in my music.
When someone listens to my music for the first time, I will try to match their style, so I think you’ll hear a variety of my songs! For those who like gentle moods, I think you’ll like to hear songs like "moon" and other calm songs. For those who like fast-paced songs, I think you’ll like more energetic songs. I'm always ready to let you hear anything...

Q: What do you think helps you stand out from the other artists?

JT: The difference between me and other artists is...
I tend to maximize my stories and experiences and add imagination to them. I love meeting and experiencing many different kinds of people. I have various experiences and enjoy incorporating those experiences into my lyrics in a fun way. I'm an artist with my own unique perspective!

Q: Do you see yourself sticking to RnB, or would you like to branch out to other genres like trot or pop music? (question asked by our member Polaris_Tae)

JT: I try to be a versatile artist who doesn’t just focus on just one genre.
But if I were to focus on one genre, which genre do you think it would be??? If I find a genre that suits me, I think I can excel in it! I will work hard to explore various genres!!

Q: What are some things that give you strength when you feel like giving up?

JT: When I feel like giving up, I gain strength from those around me.
Whether it’s friends who work hard to do what they love, such as working at a company or quitting to pursue their dreams. When I see people around me persevering even when it’s hard, it reminds me that the things I want to do are things I truly enjoy, and that gives me the energy to keep going without giving up. So I think I shouldn’t give up and should keep moving forward.

Q: Do you ever get stage fright? How do you deal with it? (question asked by our member UMJIMOODS)

JT: I also remember my first time on stage.
It was a very challenging and difficult experience for me as well. But overcoming that fear came from practice. First, you gain confidence from repeated practice. I think you shouldn’t focus on specific parts, worrying about making mistakes or not. Just practicing consistently without thinking too much about mistakes will gradually reduce your anxiety. I think the more experiences you have, the better you get. When I’m on stage with my members, the atmosphere gets comfortable, so I think I have become less nervous over time. I think experience reduces nervousness on stage!

Q: What’s been your favorite memory as an artist so far? And what memories do you hope to create in the future?

JT: My best memory is when I was active as a part of the idol group.
I was very happy then. I will work hard so that I can make everyone who loves me now happy without forgetting that feeling. I will also work hard to create more fans who love me!

Q: I see that you have experience in Taekwondo. Now what is another sport or hobby that you'd like to master in the future? (question asked by our member Polaris_Tae)

JT: Yes, that's right, hahaha.
In Korea, learning taekwondo seems to be a basic course when you are young, hahaha! Learning the etiquette and proper form through taekwondo is a great sport, I think. I also like soccer (football)!! So if I get the chance, I want to learn soccer too.

Q: What would your dream collaboration look like? (question asked by our member Polaris_Tae)

JT: I really like GD (G-Dragon)....
This might be a big dream, but if I ever get the chance to make music with him, I think that would be my dream come true!!!!

Q: And last, but not least, what do your fans mean to you? How do you stay in contact with your fans? (question asked by our member UMJIMOODS)

JT: I put in a lot of effort to get closer to my fans!
I’m trying to show more of myself through Instagram and Tik-Tok! If you take more interest in and enjoy my music, I’ll have more energy and confidence to show my better self! Thank you so much for loving me, and I hope you look forward to my music in the future too!!!

GFX BY @yerm
EDITED BY: @Polaris_Tae
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY @Chococo ​

 

[Polaris_Tae]

I really liked his answers!

I also like soccer

As a soccer enjoyer (you'll never see me seriously call it football) I like to see it

My best memory is when I was active as a part of the idol group.

I liked learning about his differences in feelings/experiences working as a member of a group vs solo. I feel like it'd be hard to adjust going from a group to being on your own all at once.

 

[Sweetheart]

Great interview as always coco

 

[Chococo]

Great interview as always coco

Thank you, sweetiepie!

But always thank the artists and idols for giving us an opportunity and talking to us!

 

[UMJI MOODS]

A very nicely done interview with great questions. Gave a lot of insight into the artist. I wish him much success in his career

 

[Stannie]

Finally had a chance to read. I like how his answers seem more down-to-earth/practical and less philosophical. For example:

I would say I have succeeded if more than 10,000 people come to see my performance.

Good work, Coco

Time for Polaris to stop being a fail wife and campaign for Coco that UOTM nom

 

[Polaris_Tae]

Time for Polaris to stop being a fail wife and campaign for Coco that UOTM nom

A certain wife doesn't want to embrace the nepotism and told me not to vote for ha
Time for Stannie to gatecrash our cord and rig UotM noms

 

[Ackerman]

Excellent interview and glad to know more about this artist.

 

[gatoelblue]

Fantastic interview. I am kinda sad the images linked did not work but this interview was very thorough