

I want to make a different way within the K-pop scene and the music genre itself. I don’t want to ever have a fixed direction, I was open to every direction with the songs.
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To be honest, I don’t know how to blend the different genres-it’s about just being free, right? No matter what it is, sometimes it’s like, “I want to turn the drums up” or “I want to put drill there ” it’s free to me. How do you blend all of these influences? On one hand, K-pop is known for mixing genres but this felt more ambitious. The first thing that struck me was how many different genres and sounds there are on Lights. When I finally get into the studio, I have my team-the production team who help make the lyrics and melodies-where we’re thinking about how to put together our stories. Whether I’m shooting a video or out on my day’s schedule, I’m always thinking, “How will Monbebes receive this music or this genre whenever my solo album does come out?” I type out lyrics on my phone and I sing into my phone to make my demos. Joohoney: First of all, I get inspiration for just the music itself. What is your process like to handle all those roles? You have credits as a songwriter, arranger and composer on every song, which is really impressive. Joohoney says his early career’s unhealthy and intense hustle give him a new, more generous perspective for himself and his fellow artists.Ĭongratulations on the release of Lights. Speaking to Billboard ahead of the release of Lights from a video call in Seoul, Joohoney sees his eight years in the industry as groundwork to make a better support system for K-pop idols today.

But beyond bringing everything from his singing and rapping abilities to his appreciation for hip-hop, rock, jazz and Korean music into one project, Joohoney wanted to deliver a personal message to his fellow artists. labels and more Top 40 pop material, Joohoney adapted by taking more lead vocals on the band’s two Billboard 200 English albums, All About Luv and The Dreaming, with his admiration of Michael Jackson coming through in his ad-libs on Pop Airplay chart hit “Who Do U Love?”įor his first solo record to get a proper physical release and promotional push, Joohoney looked to pack all the different musical elements that inspire him into the concise, six-track EP titled Lights. As Monsta X’s global ambitions grew with different U.S. Not only was he a credited lyricist since MX’s first EP in 2015, Joohoney eventually wrote, produced and arranged breakthrough singles for the group like “Gambler,” “Rush Hour” and “Love.” Joohoney was also the first member of his group to drop a whole, multitrack mixtape project where he took on a majority of the writing and producing. Eventually earning a place as one of seven in Monsta X, Joohoney served as a main rapper for the group but became increasingly involved in shaping their sound and direction. Introduced to the world as Lee Jooheon in 2014 before gaining significant interest while competing for a spot in the boy band reality competition No.Mercy, Joohoney stood out for his well-rounded abilities and earnestness in group dynamics.
