Jooyoung has returned with his much-awaited full-length album.

Thirteen years in the making, Sphere is a culmination of his years of self-discovery, finding himself through his art and music. Starting out as a K R&B idol, Jooyoung has transformed himself and his music through his various experiences over the years – from signing with a K-pop agency, collaborating with the likes of Hyolyn and pH-1, and producing for K-pop idols such as Monsta X, Cravity, and Moonbin Sanha – to the artist he is today.

In fifteen tracks, he pushes himself further musically and lyrically – touching on the complexities of life and death – telling the stories he's been wanting to share for so long. Working with his friends and inspired by his real-life emotions and experiences, the new record is honest and true to himself and his newfound identity.

Transcending all sorts of boundaries, this marks a new beginning for one of the most recognisable names in Korean R&B. With his full-length album, written entirely in English, Jooyoung is ready to share his unique vision and artistry with the world. 

 

 

 

 

 

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In this interview, the Korean singer-songwriter talks about what he's been up to, the stories behind the songs, and his first-ever performance of Sphere.

Hi, Jooyoung! How are you doing these days?

I've been all about daily workouts and extreme cold showers. That's my routine.

You've just release your debut album, Sphere. How does it feel to finally have it out in the world?

Honestly, I don't feel much since it was made so long ago. I'm too caught up in preparing for performances.

This is your first release in six years. What do you hope your listeners take away from your first full-length album?

I hope people find time to reflect on life and death, and experience peace and tranquillity.

You've done some production work for K-pop artists in the past couple of years, how do you think that influenced the way you worked on your own album?

K-Idols are like a giant wave, and I'm a gentle ripple. We are one and the same.

Who are the creatives you worked with for your album?

All my friends. Justin, Ampoff, Hansy, Omusi, and so on... I couldn't have done it without my beloved friends.

You're also performing the album at Layer 41 this March. Tell us more about your plans for the show.

It's my first performance and marks the beginning of Sphere. I want to explain through the performance why I couldn’t do a solo show for seven years.

SPHERE – A TRACK-BY-TRACK GUIDE

'Wonder'

I wanted to write about us trapped in society's absurdities and structures.

'As I Am'

 Created in a big house in Yangyang, it's a very quick-written song.

'RIP'

Written after a love as intense as fireworks ended, quickly penned down with Jineon and John OFA in the studio.

'Misfits Sunday'

One of the first songs for the album, it got a great reception from someone close. Gave me confidence. It's about misfits (my friends) gathering every Sunday for work, making music which I thought was amusing and funny.

'Fever'

Written in Italy, it's about a passionate yet unattainable love. It has a strange vibe and a somewhat nostalgic feeling.

'Horizon'

Inspired by Hansee's writing, I loved it so much that I used it directly in the lyrics and finished it with him in Korean. It expresses a certain kind of comfort.

'My Soles Worn Out'

 I tried to express the suffocating and drained feelings about an unspeakable past. Created while imagining me performing on a large stage and space.

'Night Run (Interlude)'

Like 'As I Am', it was born in Yangyang from the same jam session, like fraternal twins. Born from heavy thoughts on a trip to a large house in Yangyang.

'Be'

Inspired by a close friend on the brink of death, talking through tears about himself. It questions what we should do with our limited time. About death.

'Black' (feat. ron)

Had a strong realization that we're made of molecules, and I could feel every bit of a molecule. This track reflects those thoughts and feelings, capturing the mood of Berlin.

'Heaven Soon'

It's about a close person who passed away recently and appeared in my dream. We had a meal together in the dream. It's about the silence of the departed and the longing for those who are gone.

'Venus (feat. oiaisle)'

Written imagining meeting someone you've dreamt of all your life and don't want to miss.

'Blind'

One of the last tracks written. Inspired by Moonbin's 'Let's Go Ride'. Wanted to capture a mix of pop and R&B. It underwent frequent modifications. About complicated relationships and tarnished love.

'Sunshine (feat. Jiwoon)'

The album overall has a dark side, and while making the album I brightened up a bit. Found some bright side of life and myself. So I wanted to write something lighter, about also about the light. Worked on towards the end, capturing that mood.

'Haunted House (feat. Garzón Robie) (Outro)'

I was genuinely curious about Garzón Robie's view on life and death, and wanted to capture how he sees the world and the story he tells.

 Listen to Jooyoung's Sphere here.