betting everything;

[2021.08.20] 手腕上的伤疤，我知道他是我生命里的一部分，一直以来我都很想隐藏起来。

这次参加了披荆斩棘的哥哥，让我学到了新的东西，有了新的认识，通过这个节目，这个特别的经历，遇到了这么多人，谢谢你们的支持与鼓励，我非常感激。

看到大家表示 #James再弹贝斯破防了，其实我想说，没关系的，音乐始终给我力量，拥有音乐和大家的支持，我会继续努力去成为一个更好的音乐人，lucky~~

**This scar on my wrist, I know is a part of my life, but I have always tried to hide it.

By participating in Call Me By Fire I have learned a lot of new things and have gained a new understanding. Through this program, this unique experience, I’ve met so many people and I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement. I’m very grateful.

 K-Pop Spotlight: James Lee

K-pop fans might remember Korean-American singer James Lee as the bassist of popular rock band Royal Pirates. After a tragic accident that nearly severed his left hand, the singer eventually made the decision to leave the band and take some time off, during which he wrote his 2018 EP, The Light. This week, we’re highlighting James Lee as he embarks on a two-city tour with Kevin Woo and FYKE, KEVIN WOO X JAMES LEE FEATURING FYKE.

For someone who’s never listened to your music before, how would you describe your music/sound to them?

I’m influenced heavily by electronic/hip hop/emo, so enjoy the groove of the music I put out. I would say this music will take you on a ride. Listen to the song from beginning to end because everything from the sound design to the lyrics carries intent.

Favorite moment in your music career thus far?

The EP Release show last year was by far the most rewarding experience I’ve had musically. Charting and hitting number 1 has been nice as well, but nothing compares to knowing what I went through mentally and physically and standing on stage with so many people I love. I’m hoping the shows this month will feel close to that.

Do you have a go-to self-care routine?

After nearly a decade of swimming and water polo without any lotion or skincare… I now use sunscreen. I also use facial lotion before I sleep, but to be honest, that’s about it. I also love the sensation of flossing and brushing my teeth, but as far as beauty tips that’s it. For mental health, I love going to the gym or practicing muay thai. If I don’t release my stress physically, then it gets pent up, and I pet Jerry [his dog] until he’s super annoyed.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten?

Keep going and be relentless. I really want to give up sometimes, but then I snap myself back into reality. Grinding it out has given me the perspective that inspiration waits for me, not the other way around. So when times get hard, I try to stay grateful and appreciate what I have.

Favorite lyric you’ve ever written?

“You’re perfect to me.”

What do you draw inspiration from to write new music?

I write about how I feel and what I’ve gone through. I feel like all of our emotions are relatable to some degree. My music is really a reflection of my life.

Outside of music, what are you most passionate about?

Keeping my dog healthy. One day, I would love to help protect other dogs and cats as well. He has definitely helped as much as, or more than, I’ve done for him.

[19.08.02] Guess what! Falling is out on all streaming platforms so make sure you share and subscribe because… we still have some more surprises for you!

[19.06.22] After my last visit to the hospital in Korea, I found out my left wrist is showing more and more degenerative signs. There is more pain not only in my wrist but my shoulder and all over my back, so to release some stress I decided to start the beautiful sport of muay thai. My form is terrible… but it is sooooo much fun. 

Lost a lot of confidence after my hand was injured. My close friends know I was training mma, jiu jitsu and boxing right up until my accident. But a Dr At USC convinced me that not only is my wrist health important, my mental health is crucial as well. And nothing feels better than hitting the pads and remembering the people who said my wrist injury was only worth the average of my reported income x years of labor left. Which is basically none when you look at most artists 3-4 years deep in the kpop industry. For most guitarists, death of the wrist is death of a career. Just like everything else in life, gotta learn to adapt.