SAM KIM: "I END UP LEARNING AND GROWING THE MOST IN THESE TYPES OF SITUATIONS"
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Singer-songwriter, Sam Kim, is most notably known for his R&B tracks, K-drama OST’s, and his soulful voice. With Sam's undeniable talents, he confidently and recently released his second dance music single titled, “Smile”, which was produced by DJ and Producer, R3HAB.
As Sam continues to prove his success within music genres and styles he is comfortable crafting, his uniqueness as an artist is diversifying his music repertoire, while also maintaining the consistency of showcasing his presence and personality through song. By channeling his most recent focus into other music genres and styles that are outside of his comfort zone, his passion to naturally explore and dive into new worlds of music have translated how much he has advanced and evolved his range of musical talents.
EVERLAST KOREA is proud to present an interview with Sam Kim for a behind the scenes look at his new single, his collaboration with R3HAB, a glimpse of his successful music career, and what he is up to these days. Please enjoy reading our interview with the one and only, Sam Kim!
DIGITAL SINGLE:“SMILE”
Video Courtesy: Unbound Entertainment Group.
EVERLAST KOREA: Firstly, congratulations on your new release! Can you describe your writing/production process for this project?
Sam Kim: Thank you so much! At first I wrote the song with a guitar; like I usually do. Then I sent it over to R3HAB, and he worked his magic over it to completely transform it from the original. A very fun process!
EVERLAST KOREA: How did your collaboration with R3HAB come about?
Sam Kim: My team showed me his music and I really liked it. I was curious what would come out if we worked together.
EVERLAST KOREA: What is one interesting backstory behind a song that fans may not know about?
Sam Kim: Usually you record in the songs original bpm (tempo), but for this song my Producer, Simon Pétren, and I thought it’d be interesting to record it in a slower bpm and speed it back up to the original. What you hear is that effect.
EVERLAST KOREA: What message did you want to communicate to listeners with this track?
Sam Kim: Sam Kim got funk!
EVERLAST KOREA: If you could describe your upcoming track in one word, what would it be?
Sam Kim: Funkadelic.
GAINING CAREER SUCCESS & EXPERIENCE
EVERLAST KOREA: You’ve gained a huge listening and fanbase for your talents to convey emotional stories in tracks such as “Love Me Like That”, while showing your versatility during R&B tunes like “These Walls”. What made you decide to now venture into creating your first dance music track? How did you find the experience?
Sam Kim: This actually wouldn’t be my first dance track! I have a song called “Dance” and a song called “The Juice,” which I actually danced too. Overall even though they were all slightly out of my comfort zone, I had a lot of fun writing and singing them.
EVERLAST KOREA: Did you have any fears about diving into a new genre other than R&B and K-Pop?
Sam Kim: Not at all! I love exploring new genres. I think there’s always something to learn in each one. I have yet to learn my lesson in heavy metal though. That’s for another time.
EVERLAST KOREA: As a musician, how does it feel working on a dance music track when you have mostly worked on ballads and acoustics with your guitar?
Sam Kim: It was really refreshing to step out of my bubble for a little bit and dive into unfamiliar grounds. I end up learning and growing the most in these types of situations.
EVERLAST KOREA: “The Juice” was such a fun song and perfect for the middle of summer! You have truly mastered the R&B genre as well. Which genre would you want to try next? Also, which genres do you like listening to in your day-to-day?
Sam Kim: I would love to get into Hip-hop. Though I don’t have the voice or delivery of a rapper, I really do enjoy listening to the stories of rappers with those qualities. Kendrick is my go-to.
EVERLAST KOREA: You have worked and collaborated with a variety of artists. From Zico to pH-1 and Crush, are there any other Korean artists you like listening to nowadays or have been inspired by and would like to collaborate with them in the future?
Sam Kim: So many! I would love to do something with BTS as a Songwriter, and collaborate with BiBi as an artist. So many talented people to draw inspiration from.
SUCCESS WITH K-DRAMA OST’S
Video Courtesy: Warner Music Korea.
EVERLAST KOREA: We have to also talk about your viral OST “Love Me Like That” for the popular K-Drama Nevertheless. What was your reaction when you realized that it had become such a hit?
Sam Kim: I remember writing this song a few years back when I was going through a rough time, and it's probably why I never thought to give it a chance. When I saw how many people could relate to this song, the doubt went away and I think the 20 year old me, who wrote it, finally felt accepted.
EVERLAST KOREA: “Love and Relationships” are the broad themes in a lot of your music and OSTs. What do you think it is about music that elevates a drama or movie further, since you’ve lent your voice to so many memorable OSTs?
Sam Kim: Even though I can’t see the scenes my OSTs will play in beforehand, I try my hardest to read the story in the lyrics and deliver the emotions to the best of my ability. I ask the songwriters a lot of questions such as, “Should I sing this phrase a little softer? More powerful, sad?” The songwriters behind these types of decision are the real MVPs.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE LIFE OF SAM KIM?
Video Courtesy: DIVE Studios.
EVERLAST KOREA: As we enter the New Year, what is your main goal for 2022, and what would you like to show fans next?
Sam Kim: I can’t say because I don’t want to jinx it, but I do have lots planned! It’s finally my year, the year of the Tiger, and I want to make it meaningful!
EVERLAST KOREA: What do you like to do in your spare time? What is your hobby?
Sam Kim: Love playing good ol’ fashioned FPS games. Lately, however, I’m more into single player adventure games with a nice story to dive into.
EVERLAST KOREA: You saw the globally popular "Squid Game" drama, correct? If you could excel at one challenge, which would it be and why?
Sam Kim: With most of the games being based on luck, the only game I’m confident in is “Red Light, Green Light.” Mama told me never to fall for and chase after a girl who can spin her head 180 degrees and kill on sight, but you know, love will prevail and all that.
EVERLAST KOREA: Can you recommend some songs that you enjoy listening to these days?
Sam Kim: Silk Sonic. Anything by them. Being a long time fan of both Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars, this project to me is a dream come true. A specific song I listen to when I feel like nothing's going right is Park Hyo Shin’s – "Breath". It never fails to remind me that I’m not alone.
EVERLAST KOREA: Can you please share some words of love for your global fans?
Sam Kim: Thank you so much for all the support! Each and every one of you push me to be a better me, and also show me love that I sometimes forget to give myself. I wish you all the health and happiness in these rough times, and I will see you all very soon. ♡
CREDITS
A big thank you to Unbound Entertainment Group and Unbound Records for allowing EVERLAST KOREA to promote Sam Kim’s latest release, “Smile”. Unbound Entertainment Group and Records is an independent record label and entertainment company that is committed to the value of multiculturalism. Also, a big thank you to Sam Kim for allowing us to interview him, and for taking the time to answer our interview questions.
SOURCES
All photos and videos are credited to Unbound Entertainment Group.
