For the past nine years, JACOB has been best known as a member of THE BOYZ. The boy group has become well-loved for their theatrical performances, synchronized choreography, and team bond. Despite twists and turns throughout their career, THE BOYZ have maintained steady musical releases and a loyal fanbase known as “The B” (often referred to phonetically as “Deobi”).
Members of THE BOYZ have shared parts of their own artistic styles and personalities with fans through solo Soundcloud mixtapes, onscreen and stage acting roles, and hosting gigs through variety shows and podcasts. Enter JACOB’s self-written and produced debut album j., the first official solo release from a member of THE BOYZ.
The album marks a new chapter for JACOB. According to a press release shared with KpopConcerts.com, j. is intentionally kept simple, taking inspiration from the first letter of JACOB’s name. The album strips away the heavy production and pie-in-the-sky visuals of the K-Pop industry and instead showcases soft, easy-listening tracks focused on themes of love and relationships. The music video for the title track “Slow Dancing” gives viewers a clear and intimate love story, a departure from the sanitized, interaction-less romances typical of K-Pop. And soon, JACOB will be going on a showcase tour around Asia to support the album.
KpopConcerts.com had the opportunity to hear from JACOB on his new journey and what went into bringing j. to life.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
KPC: Congrats on your first solo album! How does it feel reaching this milestone?
JACOB: It’s still surreal to me that the music I’ve worked on for years is out and available to everyone! I am grateful to be able to share this music.
KPC: Let’s talk j. Over the years, you’ve shown fans different sides of your artistry through things like “Pajama Karaoke,” independent releases on Soundcloud and YouTube, and songwriting credits on THE BOYZ’ tracks. How did you come up with the concept, and what went into putting the album together? Did you find any challenges in releasing a solo album compared to one with a group?
JACOB: Most of these songs were written at very different times, so I was surprised when I listened through because I felt like they fit each other really well! That’s when I decided to have these songs in the album together and made the concept about love.
The difficulties were definitely different from group releases because I didn’t have to move my body much. (laughs) But I was very involved in every step which needed me to be very social and active from start to beginning. It was a new challenge I enjoyed experiencing!
KPC: What are some memorable moments or challenges you faced in preparing the album?
JACOB: I would say re-recording most of the songs was the challenging part. I had no vocal director, so I was battling with myself while recording wondering if it was good enough!
KPC: Fellow THE BOYZ member SUNWOO is featured on “Back & Forth,” and Thai artist WONDERFRAME is featured on “Promise.” What was it like bringing together friends and collaborators for a project that’s totally your own?
JACOB: It made the process way more fun! I have always wanted to collab with artists and the fact that I could for my first album, is nothing but an honour.
KPC: You have had a heavy hand in both THE BOYZ’s and your music. Walk us through your creative process.
JACOB: I like to think of myself as someone who is very imaginative. That’s why when something comes to mind I will try and think of what it would be like in a song and voila! Of course it’s not always like this, but it is definitely a big part!
KPC: Your career journey is definitely a unique one – from a kid in Canada, to debuting in a K-Pop group, and now a solo artist. How do all these experiences shape your music?
JACOB: My style and taste runs back to when I was just a normal kid in school back in the day! I always loved music and I think that’s the biggest reason as to why I am here today.
KPC: With that said, if you could send one message to your younger, pre-debut self, what would it be?
JACOB: I would tell myself to just practice, practice, practice, because you’re gonna need it one day and the younger you start the easier it gets!
KPC: Who or what inspires your music and artistry?
JACOB: Recently it is hard to just pick one specifically because I tend to just listen to whatever I can and learn that way. I have been a big fan of Ed Sheeran, Keshi, and Bazzi, and they have helped me form my music for sure!
KPC: What do you hope to achieve in the future, and what can fans expect from you next?
JACOB: I hope I can just keep putting out new music and also being able to perform them for the fans! The fans can expect me to get busier from now on. (hint!)
KPC: Finally, what message do you have for The B and new fans who discover your music?
JACOB: Thank you always for the support! I hope you enjoy the new album, and if you do, I will definitely come out with more!!