IN CONVERSATION WITH JAY B

interview by JANA LETONJA

JAY B is entering a bold new chapter of his career with the launch of his independent label 528Hz and the release of new solo music. Best known as the leader and main vocalist of globally acclaimed K-pop group GOT7, JAY B has spent the last decade building a reputation not only as a performer, but also as a deeply involved songwriter, composer, and creative visionary. Since launching his solo career with SOMO:FUME in 2021, he has continued to evolve artistically through projects like Be Yourself and his first full-length album Archive 1: Road Runner, while also expanding his international reach through his TAPE: RE LOAD world tour across Asia, Europe, and South America. Working additionally under the alias Def., JAY B has become known for blending emotional honesty, genre experimentation, and sophisticated R&B influences into both his solo and group work, positioning himself as one of the most multifaceted artists within contemporary Korean music.

vest LIMPARK
sleeveless WE11DONE
pants WE11DONE
shoes MARCHE

How does this new era creatively differ from your previous solo releases?

Personally, I see this project as a more condensed version of my previous full-length album. As for the title track, I think it sits somewhere between Crash and Cloud Nine. It feels like a song that naturally bridges the energy and emotions of those two tracks.

What can fans expect emotionally or sonically from the upcoming music?

I think the emotional range is broader this time. There are more layers to the feelings I wanted to express. Sonically, I also believe the music has become more refined and polished, so listeners may notice a greater sense of depth and maturity in the overall sound.

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trousers MAISON MARGIELA
shoes MARGIN
ring THIERS

As both an artist and songwriter, how important is creative control to you at this stage in your career?

To be honest, I don't think creative control itself is the most important thing. What matters more is finding a shared direction through conversation and collaboration. There's little value in treating creativity as a struggle for control. In the end, everyone is working toward the same goal, to create great songs and a meaningful album. Being able to move forward together while looking in the same direction is what matters most to me.

You’ve worked under both JAY B and Def. creatively. How do those two artistic identities differ for you?

The projects I approach more as a songwriter tend to reflect my personal thoughts and perspectives more directly. They also give me the opportunity to explore ideas and emotions that I haven't always been able to fully express as a performer.

shirt ACNE STUSIOS
pants EGONLAB by ADEKUVER
shoes STYLIST
necklace LOST IN ECHO

What role does songwriting play in helping you process emotions or experiences personally?

I think songwriting expands the boundaries of my imagination. Whether an experience is direct or indirect, it helps me better understand emotions, empathize with different perspectives, and ultimately express those feelings through music.

Looking back at SOMOand Be Yourself, how do you feel you’ve evolved musically since your solo debut?

I think I've become more willing to experiment and try new things. Rather than describing it as growth, I see it as a process of discovery, continuing to find the sounds, styles, and tones that suit me best. At this point, "evolution through exploration" feels like the most accurate way to describe my journey.

coat ACNE STUDIOS
shirt WE11DONE
trousers WE11DONE
shoes STYLIST

Archive 1: Road Runner arrived after your military service. Did that period change your perspective on music or life?

Musically, it wasn't so much about influencing my sound as it was creating a strong desire to finally release the music I had been working on. It made me realize how much I missed sharing my work. In life, experiencing a completely different environment helped me become more open-minded and broadened the way I look at things.

Your TAPE: RE LOAD world tour reached audiences across multiple continents. What did you learn from connecting with fans globally as a solo artist?

One thing I became more aware of was the reality of language barriers, which made me want to study languages more seriously. At the same time, I realized that music and performance can connect people beyond language. Before the tour, I often thought that as long as I performed well, everything would work out. But the experience taught me that great shows are created when everyone involved does their part. That was one of the biggest lessons I took away from the tour.

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pants ACNE STUDIOS
shoes STYLIST
ring VAXINE

How different does performing solo feel compared to performing with GOT7?

I definitely feel the difference physically. When I'm performing with GOT7, I pay much more attention to the balance and chemistry of the group. It's not about any one person standing out. Sometimes you need to hold back, and other times you need to step forward so the overall performance works as one. Those are things I think about constantly.

As a solo artist, though, I tend to feel more nervous. When you're on stage alone, you're responsible for filling the space and carrying the energy that would normally come from seven people together.

Fashion and visual identity also seem important to your artistry. How connected are music and aesthetics for you?

Rather than simply being connected, I think they're essential. More than anything, the overall atmosphere of an album needs to feel cohesive. It's great when something looks visually appealing, but when the aesthetics align with the album's message, mood, and direction, it can elevate the entire project. That's something I've always considered when creating albums. Visual elements have the power to enhance the music and help communicate the story more effectively.

vest, trousers and shoes RICK OWENS
sleeveless LIMPARK
necklace ESCONDITE
bracelet and ring SENTIMENTS

The K-pop industry has changed enormously since GOT7 debuted in 2014. How have you personally navigated that evolution?

The things I value tend to change over time. These days, I think it's important to stay motivated without burning yourself out and to make practical decisions with a clear sense of balance.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about this new independent chapter?

As I get older, I believe the direction of my music as JAY B will continue to evolve and change. I'm curious to see how that journey unfolds. I hope to keep releasing music that, when I hear it, immediately feels like my own. At the same time, I want to continue experimenting and taking on new challenges while staying true to my identity as an artist. That's what interests me most moving forward.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent JAY B
photography SEHYUNG LEE
styling FWANWOOK JUNG
hair HYUNWOO LEE (CO-OP.)
makeup YOUNG LEE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN