EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - Joh! Discusses Inspiration Behind Latest Single “cupid”
Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | March 26, 2025
Let me introduce you to the incredible Joh! Emerging from the vibrant hip-hop scene of Busan, he has transformed into a genre-defying artist whose musical style breaks all the traditional boundaries.
Fuelled by the vibrant energy of hyperpop artists and inspired by iconic talents like keshi, Justin Bieber, and Karri, Joh! is on an exciting mission to create a one-of-a-kind sound that effortlessly merges genres. His captivating storytelling and mesmerising R&B melodies provide listeners with both comfort and a sense of connection.
Collaboration comes second nature to Joh! His smash hit track "Movin'," featuring the incredible starfall who boasts over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, dropped in January 2023, and has already racked up more than 360,000 streams, earning Joh! widespread recognition.
Joh! has also showcased his song writing talent as a lyricist and composer for the viral K-pop sensation KISS OF LIFE’s hit "Sticky." He often teams up with internet stars like Richard Sabiaga and Justin Han, as well as fellow musicians such as sunkis, Ethan Low, and 0wave.
Following the release of his latest single “cupid” on March 14, 2025, I had the pleasure of connecting with Joh! for an exclusive email interview for TINYgMUSIC.
Enjoy the conversation, and listen to his music as you read for the best experience.
Hi Joh! Congratulations on the release of your latest single. “Cupid.” My name is Rosa and I appreciate you taking the time to answer some questions for the readers at TINYgMUSIC.
You have just dropped your latest single “cupid” on March 14. Can you share the story behind the song, and what emotions or messages you hope to express through it?”
A: This song is about a boy who is in a so-called "situationship." He is confused because he isn't used to this kind of relationship. He keeps telling himself not to be confused anymore, but he can't help it. That’s why the song is titled "cupid" as he is begging Cupid to help him escape from this relationship. While working on "cupid," my main goal was to capture a sense of confusion and chaos. I wanted to make people feel that ‘Joh!’ is in turmoil.
"cupid" is described as a gritty take on love and longing. What motivated you to delve into this theme, and how does it resonate with your personal experiences or artistic vision? Have you faced feelings of emotional numbness, heartbreak or the challenge of moving on from someone special, as reflected in your lyrics?
A: Of course. Actually, I think I'm a really emotional person. When I'm in a relationship, many factors make me feel deeply—sometimes to the point of exhaustion, anger, or sadness. I've experienced moments where love felt overwhelming, and at times, even numbing. Moving on from someone special has never been easy for me, and I think those emotions naturally find their way into my music. As you know, all the songs I've released, as well as my unreleased demos, revolve around love. Writing about love—whether it's beautiful, painful, or chaotic—always fascinates me and fuels my creativity. I love talking about love.
Could you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new track like "cupid"? Do you typically begin with lyrics, melody, or a concept?
A: I always start with melodies because, to me, the melody is the most important part of a song for capturing people's interest. But sometimes, I set the concept first when I already have an idea or visual images in mind.
"cupid" serves as a teaser for your forthcoming album, “Discord Kid.” What can listeners anticipate in terms of themes, sound, and the progression of your musical journey?
A: I want my music career to feel like a drama to listeners. "Discord Kid" is not just about love. It's about feeling out of sync with the world and how that shapes the way we connect with others. I’ve often felt disconnected, like I don’t quite belong, and that feeling naturally seeps into my music. Love isn’t always comforting; sometimes, it amplifies loneliness and confusion. This album reflects that through unexpected sounds, pitch shifts, and BPM changes, creating a sense of emotional chaos. I see this as the start of a new chapter for Joh!, and I hope listeners can feel that shift.
As a renowned lyricist, your words are always central to your music. What is the most personal or significant lyric you've written for "cupid," and why?
A: "You’re toxic, come over, never leave." This line feels the most intense to me. Of course, there are many other lyrics in the song that resonate deeply, but I think this one is the most direct in expressing the core message of "cupid." It perfectly captures the contradiction of knowing something is bad for you, yet still craving it. I’ve experienced moments where I was fully aware that a relationship was unhealthy, but emotionally, I just couldn’t pull myself away. That internal struggle, the battle between logic and emotions, is something I wanted to express in this song, and I think this lyric says it in the most straightforward way.
How do you envision your audience connecting with "cupid" and your forthcoming album? Are there particular emotions or messages you hope to convey through your music?
A: I think it could be really interesting for listeners to notice the contrast between how I perceive love in "cupid" and in the other tracks on the album. But at the same time, the underlying emotion of "confusion" will remain consistent throughout. At some point, I realised that love is rarely simple, it’s unpredictable, messy, and often leaves us questioning everything. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I hope that when people listen to this album, they see their own experiences in these songs. Rather than just being Joh!’s love story, I want this to feel like our love story. A story about the confusion, the highs and lows, and the moments when love makes no sense but still pulls us in.
For our readers who are just getting to know you through this interview, I’d like to ask a few questions about your musical journey.
Moving from Busan to Seoul must have quite a change. How did that move influence your music and the direction of your career?
A: I’d say it was one of the biggest changes in my life. At first, I was scared, but now I know moving to Seoul was the right decision. Musically, it wasn’t about leaving Busan behind but expanding on what I had. Busan gave me a strong creative foundation, while Seoul introduced me to new perspectives and opportunities. Blending these two worlds has shaped my sound, making it more diverse and layered. I’ve met incredible people, the NAISU team who continue to inspire me, and thanks to them, I’m turning my dreams into reality. I couldn’t be happier.
How do you blend traditional R&B vibes with the innovative sounds of hyperpop? What excites you about this fusion of sounds?
A: I’ve always loved R&B melodies, so I wanted to blend them with the more unconventional, high energy tracks of hyperpop. The contrast between smooth, emotional melodies and glitchy, distorted textures felt really fresh and exciting. I experimented with pitched vocals, glitchy synths, and unpredictable drum patterns while keeping the soulful essence of R&B intact. What excites me most about this fusion is that it has no rules. I can take what I love from both genres and push them further. More than anything, it just sounded fun, so I went for it haha.
Let’s talk about your remarkable talents as a key composer and lyricist for LIGHTSUM, and the viral sensation “Sticky” for KISS OF LIFE.
What is it like to work behind the scenes for such large-scale productions, and how does that experience influence your solo music?
A: No matter the genre, the act of making music is always the same. I’ve constantly been thinking about how to create something more fun and new, and that energy naturally carried over into my own music. Looking back now, I think it’s just helped me become someone who can push boundaries and make even more exciting and fresh sounds than before.
If you could recommend one song for your fans to listen to now (other than your own), what would it be and why?
A: "Superman" by Marco Luca. I’m writing this at night, and I always get pretty sentimental around this time as my mind fills with thoughts and worries. Lately, this song has been my biggest comfort during those moments, so that’s why it instantly came to mind.
Are there any artists or producers, whether in Korea or internationally, you dream of collaborating with in the future?
A: Justin Bieber. I thought of him even before finishing the question haha. Without his music, I might not be making the kind of music I do today or even imagining the things I create. That’s how much he is an inspiration to me. So before I die, I want to work with him at least once.
As we wrap up this interview, I’d like to ask about your future aspirations.
What can we look forward to from Joh! in the future? Are you working on any new projects, or are there genres you’d like to explore that we haven’t heard yet?
A: There are so many exciting things coming up. Right now, I’m working on an album called "Discord Kid," which "cupid" is a part of. I’m focusing on showing a more personal side of Joh!, something I haven’t really revealed before. That means the album will include a variety of sounds and styles that you haven’t heard from me yet. Even after that, there’s a lot more in the works. Whatever it is, I’m ready to live up to your expectations, so when it drops, you have to check it out.
As an artist, you’ve achieved so much already. What are your long-term goals or dreams for your music career and where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
A: Nah, this is just the beginning! Honestly, I think I have just one big dream right now to take my music overseas. We’re seeing more and more Asians, making it there and doing amazing things. And I truly believe that my team, NAISU, and I have what it takes to do the same. I just want to show the world that there are Asian artists out here creating something special. Right now, that’s my main focus.
Joh! Thank you for taking the time to answer my interview questions for our audience. Wishing you all the best!