[INTERVIEW] Monsta X Member I.M On His Solo Ambitions: ‘I Hope To Have My Own Album As Soon As Possible
Earlier this month, South Korean vocal band Monsta X scored their tenth top 10 title on Billboard’s World Albums chart with their new project Fantasia X, proving once again that they are one of the most successful groups from that country making waves in the United States.
The set comes just a few months after they released All About Luv, their very first English project. That effort helped them rewrite the history books by debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, making them one of just a handful of acts from their home nation to land inside the top 10 on the most important albums list in America.
I spoke with Monsta X musician I.M recently about Fantasia X, the group’s plans to promote their music during a time when they can’t travel and his desire to record an album all his own.
Hugh McIntyre: I was just listening to several of the songs from Fantasia X. It’s really exciting, I can hear the energy. Congrats on finishing it! Are you excited it’s out?
I.M: Thank you. Yeah, we are pretty excited, and we put a lot of effort inside the album to make the quality the best. And yeah, I think the fans are going to like it.
McIntyre: How long did you all work on it?
I.M: Since February, maybe.
McIntyre: I was just listening to “Fantasia,” is that going to be the first single?
I.M: No, it’s going to be the title song of the album.
McIntyre: Okay, got it. Because when the album dropped, there was a video for “Fantasia,” correct?
I.M: Yes, exactly. We dropped a music video.
McIntyre: It’s a little tough with the way the world is right now, but do you have any plans to promote this and get the most out of the new music?
I.M: Well, since the situation is really bad internationally, we are trying to promote by videos and lots of content to share. You know what I’m saying? Like some cover video or some little short video, so people can see very easily without any pressure.
I.M: And lots of interviews. And also, since we can’t go like some overseas country, we try to prepare lots of videos in plain English too.
McIntyre: I was personally really excited earlier this year when you released an English album. It’s something totally different coming from the Korean side. Were you nervous about that project or were you excited?
I.M: Actually, it was full of excitement and joy because we never prepared something like that album before. Before we started the process, we had a little bit of a worry, but that was nothing because the process was really fun and easy. And to me, you know I’m a rapper, and I rap a lot. Previously in the Korean album, I didn’t have a chance to sing, but with this album, I had a lot of opportunities to sing, so it was a great experience.
McIntyre: How did your Korean fan base react to you guys devoting an entire project to English?
I.M: They were super surprised because they didn’t expect that the English album was going to come out first. As you know, the lyrics were very sexy, very sexual. But in Korea, we don’t talk like that. We don’t write out lyrics like that. I think they were very surprised. Actually they really liked it.
McIntyre: It sounds like that went really well. Do you think you will release more English music?
I.M: Yeah, for sure, I have to say. And actually we are making some English songs. I cannot tell you the detailed date of release. Actually, I don’t know the date when we are going to release that song, but we have recorded some songs recently.
McIntyre: That’s awesome. Now that was only back in February, and it’s now summer, so that’s a pretty short break in between albums. What made you want to release another project so quickly?
I.M: Well, we need to promote ourselves. We have a lot of songs and other content. We don’t want to lose this opportunity. I think we really made a great mark on the Billboard chart, as you know. We wanted to put good vibes on our new album, so people can feel that very easy.
McIntyre: Now we’re only halfway through the year. What plans do you guys have planned for the rest of 2020?
I.M: Well, I think we are going to release another album in the third quarter, maybe.
I.M: And maybe we can release a new English album, too. And we hope this coronavirus situation can get well as soon as possible, so we can go around and meet some people. And especially, we really want to have a concert in different countries, in the United States or Europe or South America.
McIntyre: Did you say you have two albums coming this year?
I.M: It’s just my thought. I’m not really sure about it. I think I’m just saying my wishlist.
McIntyre: Sure. I know you’ve obviously been busy finishing the album, but what are you guys all doing while you’re at home and not able to go outside? What’s keeping you busy?
I.M: What are we doing recently? In the quarantine time? Well, we’ve been shooting, recording and making lots of content to share and try to make more music. And we are still trying to make some new music and I have my own music studio and I try to make my own music too.
I.M: I’m making my own album. I hope to have my own album as soon as possible.
McIntyre: You want to release a solo album soon?
I.M: Mm-hmm, but I’m not sure when I’m going to release my own single album.
McIntyre: Wow. That’s really impressive.
I.M: Maybe this year. Yeah. I hope so.
McIntyre: Good. Good for you. I can’t wait to hear that. That’s an incredible amount of music you’re making.
Full article on forbes.com
