Tiffany S.
Sep 20, 2023
Get to know the Artist
Welcome back, #SoundLovers🎶!
Our team had an amazing opportnity to host an exclusive interview with K-Indie Artist, Juju B. Goode -- who took time to also talk about his latest single release, "Mr. Lee."
We love both your stage name and remix of Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" which was featured in XO, Kitty, as a fan of classic entertainment, especially 80s cinema and music. Did you grow up consuming this kind of content?
Yes, you're absolutely right! I have a deep appreciation for 80s entertainment, especially classics like Back to the Future, which I watched religiously after school for a period. Sci-fi and analog gears were also major influences during my upbringing.
We read that you used to work full-time in marketing. Do you have any advice for someone who would like to transition careers?
Yes, I used to work in marketing, but it wasn't really about transitioning my career. Marketing was fun, but deep down, I always knew I wanted to pursue music. I initially thought I could balance my day job with producing music on the side, but eventually, my passion for music and my desire for adventure took over, and I had to follow my heart.
Congratulations on your new single release, "Mr. Lee!" Can you tell readers about its concept and the creative process behind it?
Thank you! In essence, Mr. Lee represents all of us going through this journey. Musically, it's a groovy disco-pop track with a surprise twist towards the end. My main intention was to create music that gets people dancing and singing along and produce something that feels like an adventure.
You announced on Instagram that you're dropping your debut album Smile! You're On Camera on October 13. Can you give us any spoilers as to what to expect?
Perhaps how is it like or different from your previously released EPs?
There are 10 tracks on the album, and each one has its own style and moment. Much of my previous work was loop-driven with a lo-fi vibe, whereas this album is more dynamic and follows a linear storytelling and production approach. It takes listeners on a journey-it starts in one place and ends somewhere else.
What is your current biggest influence as an artist?
I'm currently in LA, and the experience of being in this new city has been exciting and super inspiring for me. Actually, yesterday I visited the Broad Museum, they have Keith Haring exhibition going on right now. KH is an artist I admire and delved into extensively during the pandemic. I love the vibrant use of color and youthful energy, but when you dive deeper, you find a rich tapestry of commentary and a quirky take on modern and pop art, which is something I want to have more in my music.
Your songs are written and sung in both Korean and English. Do you write all in one language and translate later or is it mixed to begin with?
I mostly write them together from the beginning. I believe that certain melodies are better suited to specific languages. So I take cues from the melody and write in Korean or English lyrics to match it.
On your TikTok, you posted a clip, saying you animated the music video for your song "Ending Fairy." Do you have any more talents we might not know about?
I made a character with a close friend, Han Na Kim. We were working in a small cafe in Seoul, messing around with Photoshop, experimenting with various shapes and colors. We honestly didn't expect to come up with something as cute and attractive, so we take a lot of pride in it. Later on, Han Na introduced me to her friend, Mincheol Kim, a highly talented 3D artist, who brought the character to life through animation and 3D design for the music video.
Is there a message you want to send / leave for your fans?
I'm planning to host a listening party and organize more live shows this year. I'm really looking forward to finally meeting all of you. Thank you for your incredible support and love. I hope you'll enjoy the next one as much as my previous work! :-)
Keep up with Juju B. Goode on social media for updates on his listening parties and live show schedule.
Interviewed conducted by Tiffany S.
Written by K Fuse