EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

EVERLAST KOREA is proud to present an exclusive interview with composer, singer, and songwriter, JUNNY! JUNNY is about to release his first full-length album titled, blanc, and will embark on his first North American tour called, The "blanc" Tour in September.

The purpose behind asking JUNNY these specific questions is to provide JUNNIVERSE and potential new fans a chance to learn more about JUNNY as an artist, as a human being, as well as the meanings behind his upcoming album and tour. We hope EVERLASTERS enjoy this exclusive interview, and look forward to streaming JUNNY's upcoming album!

WHO IS JUNNY?

EVERLAST KOREA: Using only 5 words, can you describe yourself as a person, artist, and/or person living his dream?

JUNNY: Sensitive, driven, positive, active, easily swayed.

EVERLAST KOREA: How do you juggle expressing yourself, while also finding the right song to showcase those feelings you want to convey?

JUNNY: I think it just comes naturally because I tend to write about songs that comes to mind in that particular moment! I try not to get too deep into subjects that people won’t be able to relate too because I want my listeners to connect with the message I’m trying to convey in my songs.

EVERLAST KOREA: Being in your mid-20's, do you understand yourself more and find who you are as a person while creating new music?

JUNNY: Throughout the years I’ve definitely learned so much from the great experiences I’ve had, and I can’t be thankful enough to those who gave me a chance. And I feel like the more I write and release songs, I’m able to grow as an artist and learn about certain aspects that I’ve never thought about. I always believe that there is always more to learn, and no matter how old you may be, you can always become a better person, and I think of music the same way.

THE RELATABILITY FACTOR

EVERLAST KOREA: How was it being a guest and host on DIVE STUDIOS podcasts? Especially, since you were able to showcase who you are as a person.

JUNNY: It was great! I’m so thankful to be part of such a great group of people, and have a platform where I can just be me and share my thoughts with fans. Viewers are actually relating to the things I talk about, and it’s an amazing feeling, so DIVE STUDIOS will always be in my heart.

EVERLAST KOREA: You watch movies as a hobby. Are there any movies that get you in the feels like how you want your music to make people feel?

JUNNY: There are way too many movies that I’ve watched, but to name a few right now, I’d say Boyhood, Begin Again, About Time, or even biographies like Walk The Line or Bohemian Rhapsody! It’s not just about the story or the plot, but the feeling these movies give me tend to inspire me with ideas for songs that I can connect my actual life to.

EVERLAST KOREA: You stated before that you've played basketball with Chenle of NCT DREAM. Does being around friends help you distress?

JUNNY: I just like playing competitive sports in general, whoever it may be because it helps me take my mind off of music, (which I need sometimes) and because I just enjoy being around people a lot. There’s something about sports that makes everyone feel connected even if we met for the first time, so I definitely play to make new friends LOL!

A TALENTED ALL-ROUNDER

EVERLAST KOREA: Being a composer and a songwriter, what can you tell us about the importance or creative process of collaborating with other artists?

JUNNY: I believe collaborations in general are a very important thing for anyone. Not only with other artists, but with other songwriters and producers as well. Working with people with different ideas can really create something special at the right times, and I think I’m always searching for that special spark during those sessions. Of course it’s great to write a song by yourself and there’s a beauty in that, but the pure joy of giving & taking ideas to create something together with a group of people you respect is another level of awesomeness.

EVERLAST KOREA: As you stay true to the artists' sound and your unique abilities, how does it feel when you see their songs ranking in charts worldwide?

JUNNY: It feels surreal. It really does motivate me to work harder. And being an artist as well gives me the push to get to that kind of level, and I also have so much respect for these talented artists I was able to write for. It’s truly a blessing.

EVERLAST KOREA: Are there any other aspects or avenues within the world of music that you want to take on?

JUNNY: I’m always open and eager to try new things, and I think that’s one thing I take pride in. Music is so diverse and creativity can be endless, so I’m always thinking about what’s next for my discography!

Studio Album: blanc

Video Courtesy: MAUVE Company.

EVERLAST KOREA: You will share the colors of your youth through your first full-length album blanc! What can JUNNIVERSE expect to learn about you?

JUNNY: You can expect to learn about who I used to be, who I am now, and who I’m trying to become in various types of colors and styles. This is the most personal album I’ve ever put out, and hopefully you will feel the same after listening to it!

EVERLAST KOREA: What has it been like prepping for The "blanc" Tour? From the setlist, staging, and even your mindset as you hit the road soon.

JUNNY: I’m just trying to enjoy every second of it, and to put on a great show for my fans who are seeing me for the first time. It’s my first ever tour, and there are things I’m still learning along the way. I’m just very excited to perform, and my mindset is set on being confident and having positivity on full blast.

EVERLAST KOREA: From your move to Seoul and your hard work paying off, do you think this album helped illuminate your life as you move forward?

JUNNY: It definitely made me look back and realize there are so many things I should be thankful for, not only the experiences but the fans, the people around me, and my family. Listening to the album from beginning to finish, I’m not gonna lie I teared up a couple of times just thinking about the process and the hard work not only me, but that everyone put in who was a part of this album. It illuminated the life I’ve lived till now, and hopefully will illuminate my future as well.

JUNNIVERSE

EVERLAST KOREA: What are you most excited about as you embark on your first North American tour to meet JUNNIVERSE?

JUNNY: Myself on stage, performing, and finally being able to look at everyone’s eyes and actually sing my heart out for these lovely people. I absolutely cannot wait to meet JUNNIVERSE in person.

EVERLAST KOREA: What would you like JUNNIVERSE to take away from this album? Especially, since you express your life experiences through your songs.

JUNNY: I just want them to see the true me in these forms of different styles of songs and colors as well as my thoughts and my beliefs. All in all, I just want them to feel like they can see who I am from a step closer than before.

EVERLAST KOREA: As JUNNIVERSE continues to support your music as a singer and songwriter, is there anything you would like to express to them?

JUNNY: Nothing but love, love, and love. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am now and without the fans there is no JUNNY, so I just wish that with this album I can make them proud, and hopefully they’ll stick by my side, so I can continuously bring more music for them to enjoy <3
LOVE YOU ALL!

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!

EVERLAST KOREA: If you could go back into the 1990's, which current K-Pop artists would you include in an all-star R&B group like Boyz II Men?

JUNNY: I’d love to see Crush perform with Boyz II Men. That would be so amazing.

EVERLAST KOREA: Which dish would you recommend JUNNIVERSE to have if they went to JAM Cafe in Vancouver, Canada?

JUNNY: It’s gotta be “The Charlie Bowl,” and if you bring a friend just share that with fried chicken & waffles. Wow that got me super hungry.

EVERLAST KOREA: If we could create video content on you building a lego set, would you come film with EVERLAST KOREA?

JUNNY: I would come to the set in a heartbeat. What a dream come true that would be.

DON'T MISS OUT!

JUNNY will be releasing his full-length album, blanc, tomorrow on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 6:00 PM (KST) ~ 2:00 AM (PST). Also, don't forget that The "blanc" Tour will begin in Los Angeles, California on September 04, 2022!

CREDITS

A big thank you to Unbound Entertainment Group for allowing EVERLAST KOREA to interview JUNNY! Also, a big shoutout to MAUVE Company and JUNNY for making this exclusive interview happen! Unbound Entertainment Group & Records is an independent record label and entertainment company that has worked with artists like Dean, Baek Yerin, R3HAB, YUNA, Sam Kim, and Shaun for live events and original music. UEG’s mission is to uplift diverse voices in music, and try to bridge the communities between east and west, celebrating multiculturalism to advocate for a more inclusive music ecosystem.

SOURCES

All photos and videos are credited to MAUVE Company and Unbound Entertainment Group.

FOLLOW JUNNY

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JUNNY - Instagram
JUNNY - Official Website
JUNNY - Streaming Links

JUNNY: "THE MOST PERSONAL ALBUM I'VE EVER PUT OUT..."