#excinterview

Why did you choose The Call to take on as your latest acting project? What drew you to the script and role?

"My biggest reason would be having a chance to play the antagonist. It’s my first time taking up the role and I’ve always wanted to challenge myself. I would also say, it was more of a push than a pull when it came to the role. I was very interested in the script right off the bat. The story was exciting and compelling. I enjoy a lot of horror movies so this was very much style. I was a little weary because it leans into a bit of what I’ve done on TV but still, it wasn’t something I had fully explored. That being said, I had naturally leaned towards the role of the protagonist because it was comfortable. Still, one of my friends pushed me to look at all of the roles and I found myself looking more into my character. From then, I told myself that I wanted to take up a challenge and then I found myself auditioning for the role and somehow, I actually managed to get it.“

How would you describe your role in the film?

"I’d say my character is mysterious when you first meet her. The audience doesn’t know much about her and neither does the main character. But through glimpse of the past and lies, you start to feel sorry for her and feel like she’s been wrong. You want to her to be saved. That being said, it’s what makes her the perfect villain because you slowly start to learn that she takes the concept of an eye for an eye very seriously and letting her into your life can be very deadly.”

You’ve worked on dramas before, but this is your first film. How did the experience filming a movie vary from filming a drama?

“There is a saying: ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’. There are a lot of differences in filming on a film set vs. a drama set but I think I worried more than I needed too. With dramas, there’s a sort of pressure to get it perfect between airing dates and it can be even harder if it isn’t pre-filmed. The shots, technique and the method to a degree. With TV shows, you have to memorize quicker, you’ll revisit the same locations for various scenes and the biggest one is the time constraint. With movies, we filmed everything on location and then moved onto the next one. There was also more time to prepare for being in front of the camera. Still, I’d like to think that I managed to adapt fairly well.”

What concerns did you have while working on the film?

“I’d have to say that my biggest concern was… myself. I wondered if I would cause a lot of trouble with my lack of experience. I worried about each shot and how I could bring the character to life. I constantly asked questions and wondered if I was being annoying. I worried about dragging down my co-stars and I had to learn how to have faith in myself and trust that the people around me to tell me if I’m doing something wrong.”

Did you draw inspiration from any other sources in order to portray your character?

“Well mostly from other media forms and my seniors. I talked to them and staff that had experience with this kind of settling and genre. I managed to get a lot of tips on how to bring my character to life, how to show my character’s motivation and the like. I also went back to watch some of my favorite moments from film and TV, the ones that captured my attention and made my heart race. There was a lot of time spent studying acting in motion and reading as much as I could, as well the original version of The Call.”

What genre would you like to take on next?

“This is a hard one. I enjoy the genres I’m doing now because I personally love the genre  myself. That being said, I think I’d want to try out the romance drama or even a sitcom. I don’t know if I’d be up to challenge because I still have a lot to learn but I’d also like to play a historical role if I had the chance.”

Why do you think people should watch The Call?

"Well, if you’re someone who’s into the horror genre in general, I’d recommend it right away. It checks all of the boxes perfectly. Still, there’s more too it. The story line is a mystery and it doesn’t drag. There’s a large story and each new scene gives pieces to the puzzle. Once you think you’ve figured it out or you think you can trust a piece of information, it turns out to be false. It just has a lot of elements that keep you on the edge of your seat. If someone is interested in that, then they should take the chance and watch The Call.“

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

Why did you chooseThe Producers to take on as your latest acting project? What drew you to the script and role?

“I’ve done a multitude of roles so far, and all are very different from backgrounds to personality, in my personal opinion. This one, spoke out because of the character and the plotline like any other things I factor when I take on a role. The plotline is special given my position as an idol and an actor, and playing the part of an aspiring PD behind the shows of the entertainment scenes gives it almost another layer of irony. The mockumentary style of dramas is rare, and it’s almost a fun twist to the way that I’m able to have a role being behind the scenes while simultaneously carrying on as an actor, and being a part of Decipher on stage. It’s a three-in-one all wrapped into one.”

How would you describe your role in the drama?

“Baek Seungchan is awkward. Perhaps, he’s not the same sort of awkwardness that Park Saeroyi had, but there’s still an underlying similarity in the innocence that both roles carry. Baek Seungchan is awkward enough it leads his dreams to switch over for someone he harbors a secret crush on, all while not being able to discern the budding feelings or the hidden feelings that a top-star idol has on him. He’s clumsy, slips up a lot, but somehow manages to package it in this charming innocence — hopefully, I’m able to put that to life on the screen.”

After starring in two popular dramas last year, Crash Landing On You and Itaewon Class, did you feel pressure to make The Producers succeed as well? If so, how did you handle this pressure and did it affect how you approached your job?

“If I said no, that’d be a lie. If not intentionally thought of, it’s always lingering in the back of my head. I didn’t know two back to back dramas would have so much success, and one after the other only creates higher expectations each time I’m back on the screen. There’s the comments of the audience who are entertained and welcome me, while other times there’s criticisms — that all causes me to have a more meticulous mindframe when I enter set. I’m more picky about the scenes, and detail-oriented, always willing to try out a different method of execution for each take. I overanalyze, and that in turn causes more sleepless nights, but what I hope in the end, a seamless and well-received end result.”

What has been the most memorable part of working on The Producers?

“The people I get to meet? It sounds cliche, but as a mockumentary, there’s a lot of cameos (spoiler to those who have yet to tune in) that allow me to interact with various actors, idols and producers all working together. My co-stars are well established veteran actors, which I think I’m continuously blessed to be working with big names drama after drama. Also, the most memorable part is knowing how the behind the scenes of each entertainment program works — yes, it’s a mockumentary so obviously some things are under the guise of what appeals to the cameras, but it’s interesting to play the role of a PD. Highly underrated job that deserves all the accolades, and I’m only starting to get at the surface.”

What was the most challenging part of The Producers and the role of Baek Seungchan?

“The most challenging part was stepping away from the Park Saeroyi mindset. I was in that mindset for so long, seeing as how the character was someone I had a heavy attachment to. As a result, I found myself adopting the mindset for an extended period of time. Baek Seungchan is similar, yet different to the role of Park Saeroyi in terms of personality — so it was difficult to keep in the similarities without the previous role bleeding into this one.”

Baek Seungchan, the role you are playing, is an aspiring PD. Did your experience in front of the camera on variety shows over the years influence your approach to the role and drama at all?

“Yes, to a degree. There’s been different programs that Decipher’s been on throughout the years, so I was well aware of the different pauses and takes of what happens behind the scenes. However, that only helped in regard to the temporal aspect of how to follow through with said scenes. I never experienced what goes on inside the minds of the PDs to garner a good product, or how to direct idols and actresses to create a better product nor was I aware of the editor’s heavy hand at really polishing it all together — it’s a very overlooked aspect of the industry, and one I found I have more respect for now. So in short, yes but in hindsight, it just made me respect the behind-the-scenes staff much more.”

Why do you think people should watch The Producers?

“It’s a unique drama with a fun plotline. There’s bits of romance that get the flutterings of early spring, and a deeper look of what goes on behind the scenes of idols and the staff that puts it all together. It’s fiction, but I’m sure the audience will get attached and gain new respect with a different outlook through the drama.”

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

How long did it take you to prepare this album?

“To put it short, the process comes upon years and years in the making. There’s tracks older than Knight’s been active, and other tracks created within the last few months — the curation process was relatively simple while the creative aspect took years. I work best in the spur of creativity, so there’s no output when inspiration doesn’t factor in. However, during the outbursts of inspiration, there’s an underlying trait of perfectionism that gets unveiled. All of that culminates into years of work in the making to produce an album that I’m proud to send off for everyone to hear.”

What difficulties and concerns did you have while preparing to make your solo debut with re[gone]?

“Knight’s had success over the years — members with their solo endeavors, and the group as a whole. It’s a hard process to isolate yourself from that, and carve out your own name when the fanbase has a certain style it’s accustomed to. Of course, this music I release isn’t technically aligned with Knight’s music, so that was a caveat during the track selection process. Also, having so many tracks prepared, but a limit as to which songs could be used — a privilege that not many could have, yet still became a difficulty. Overall — the concerns lied more internally than externally.”

How do you believe your music style differs from what fans are used to hearing in Knight’s music?

“Knight to put it short — has the bad boy, up-beat music. Yes, there’s been different genres touched upon, from reggae to elements of trap that do correlate with some of tracks on re[gone]. However, I’d like to say that my music style is a bit truer to myself and my image as an artist than Knight’s music as I’ve had more input in it. There’s a lot of elements of classical music that are hidden inside the tracks, and the lyrics are more grittier and honest than what I’ve presented as a member of knight. Darker and defined is how I’d call it.”

How would you describe the concept of re[gone]?

“The concept of re[gone] is the replying to the feeling of being so far gone from what you’d imagine of yourself — where it feels like time dwindles down and you’re suffocating inside the walls formed from years of monotony. That feeling of despair becomes triggered by a multitude of ways — lost love, lost in the labyrinth that becomes life and so forth. But with every edge, there’s a beginning where all was still — hence where the conceptual tracks of feeling the calm before the storm in that euphoric high come in. Then, after all the ups and downs, you’re left with the sanguine tranquility of the aftermath, where the response to being gone is simple: it’s middle fingers up, like you’re on top of the world, untouchable at the very least for going through the tribulations.”

While you had a hand in the creation of all songs on the album, which track would you consider to best represent you as an artist and person? Why?

“I’d have two different tracks for various reasons, the first being “Take Care of You”. That’s a very personal piece that I had trouble unraveling when it was just myself, and now being able to expose it to the world sheds a bit of who I am as a person, and the bits of the backstory that’s engrained within. It lets the listeners hear, pick up on, and dive into the mind of Gyujeong, rather than Haon in Knight. Then, on the flipside, you have “Superstar”. There’s a sort of stereotype that follows the success that Knight has reached, but inside all of that hardened success people get blinded by the rose-tinted filters they see through neglecting the actual human that gets shown on stage, or on the news. There’s honesty inside that track that depicts the dissonance between expectations and reality, polished with a simple plead that everyone can relate to — you just need someone to listen, see past expectations or personalized opinions.”

Did you have any major inspirations for this album?

“I had a lot of inspiration from the people of my past, and how each and every single one of their presence led to visceral humanization in how I am today. Songs are meant for specific people, during specific time frames in my life — each one, timeless and priceless when I look back. I just hope those people can hear the songs written for them. But aside from the content itself, I got inspiration working with the people for some of the tracks and how their creativity felt like liberation in expression. Some of the people credited partially are all brilliant, and I draw inspiration from them. Real-time artists I got inspired by was Mac Miller as I listened to a lot of his songs during this time as I’ve always admired his work since 2011.”

What do you hope people take away from listening to this album?

“I want people to listen without their eyes, and take a full grasp of each song — whether it’s the certain rhythm or the instruments used to make a statement. Even better if they hone in on the lyrics. Relatability doesn’t matter, nor does how it does on the charts because I just want people to take it in, listen for what it’s worth. Give it a chance, and open their eyes to a genre of music maybe they hadn’t expected or even heard of before.”

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

Why did you choose Cheese in the Trap to take on as your next acting project?

“I read the script, and I was immediately interested in the characters. Not just the character I was looking at, Hong Seol, but all of them, and how they related to each other. I was really excited for it from the first time I read it. I went and read the webtoon before my audition to try and get more familiar with the source material, and I was hooked on it. I finished it so quickly.”

What was the experience of shooting Cheese in the Trap like?

“Really good. After shooting two seasons of A-Teen, I’ve become much more familiar with what it’s like to film something, where before I only had stage acting experience. I’m still very much a beginner though. It was a larger scale production, being for television rather than a webdrama, and I’m in the majority of scenes, so the hours were much longer. I had a lot of fun, and learned a lot on set too.”

How would you describe the role you play in Cheese in the Trap?

“My character is Hong Seol! She’s a likable, normal enough college student, who’s hard working and focused. She’s sensible, but she’s easily taken in by her emotions at time. Her primary focus at the beginning are her grades and scholarship, and she isn’t really interested in getting involved in things that might distract her, but then … well, I don’t want to spoil the plot for you, but, of course, she does get pulled into a complicated situation regardless.”

How would you compare Hong Seol to the acting roles you’ve previously played (Cosette in Les Misérables and Kim Hana in A-Teen)?

“It might sound a little bit weird, but since Kim Hana’s story across both seasons of A-Teen revolved around high school and preparing for what comes after, and then Hong Seol is a college student, it sort of feels like I graduated high school and went to college myself. I think that Cosette, Hana and Seol are all very different characters, but they’re all strong in their own ways. I’ve learned a lot from playing each of them.”

What special considerations did you keep in mind due to acting in a drama based on a webtoon?

“I’ll try to be wary of spoilers … I studied the webtoon a lot at first, especially when I first started to build my characterisation of Hong Seol, but, to put it vaguely, not everything in the drama is the same as the webtoon. Ultimately I really hope that I can satisfy fans of the webtoon, while still bringing my own personal touch to the role. In the theatre, hundreds of actors have all played the same characters, over and over again, each of them bringing a different perspective with them, and neither is necessarily more right than the other. I kept that in mind when I was struggling during filming.”

What type of role do you see yourself taking on next? Has this been influenced in any way by your experience playing Hong Seol?

“I’d like to try more active roles! So far, Seol is the most active character I’ve played. She gets into all sorts of scrapes and accidents over the course of the series, and is constantly on her feet otherwise anyways. I’m a fairly sedentary person when I’m not working, so I’d like to take on more roles like that.”

Why do you think people should watch Cheese in the Trap?

“Everyone, both cast and crew, has worked really hard, and I think it really shows in the end result. Plus, the main cast of characters are all interesting, and mostly likeable. The setting is something that will be familiar to a lot of viewers too, and I think the relationships between the characters will catch viewers’ attention. Some are really refreshing friendships, which I personally enjoy a lot, but there’s a lot of drama for people who prefer a bit of tension. There’s a lot of reasons to watch it, and I think you’ll enjoy it if you do.”

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

Your album is called HAPPINESS. How does the concept of your album relate to its title?

“HAPPINESS is an album that’s about feelings to the opposite. In our daily lives, we tend to neglect them for what’s easier to deal with. This album, and I, reject the idea that we must push away negative emotions. It’s for anyone who doesn’t always feel happiness, and feels guilty for that.”

What was different in the preparation process of this album in comparison to In Sensitivity?

“In Sensitivity was a much shorter preparation period, for one. There, it was an incredibly fast creative process as well. With HAPPINESS, I had the opportunity to work with our company’s different creative teams to create a cohesive album that means something every step of the way. This album, I also wrote largely on my own, which is not something I was able to do with In Sensitivity. I’d like to think of them as a natural progression in finding my place as a solo artist.”

What was it like working with Knight’s Duri, CHARM’s Aidynn and Dai, and Origin’s Joohwan as featuring artists on your album?

“They’re lovely to work with! They’re friends, which made working with them all the more smooth. I’m very thankful that they all took time from their busy schedules to lend me their talents. Every song they helped me with wouldn’t have been the same, had it just been me. Each of their unique colors brought something magical, so I’m very happy to have been able to work with them.”

You were heavily involved in the songwriting, composing, and producing process of the album. Which song was the hardest to write/compose/produce? Why?

“‘Seoul’. Many of the songs on the album were difficult to write for the state of mind that was required to write them, and I’m not sure if comparing them is proper. However, with ‘Seoul’, that’s a song that was years in the making. I’d originally begun the song as a trainee, and it grew alongside me and my personal growth through the years. Growth is one of the most difficult things to force yourself into, and without that, ‘Seoul’ wouldn’t exist.”

What worries and concerns did you have while working on HAPPINESS?

“I often worried that my intention wouldn’t come across. Until now, I’m still unsure. The album isn’t only about sitting in sadness, but that it’s okay to do so, and helpful, in order for the natural winds to pass. I hope that it is more of a comfort, than something that brings down listeners.”

Did you have any major inspirations for this album?

“One massive inspiration was for the song ‘Moonchild’. The inspiration came from a fan, actually. [On] my radio show, Sun’s Goodnight, I ask listeners to send in their stories and communicate with me on a more intimate level. Over the last two years, I’ve become well-acquainted with many of my regular listeners. We’ve grown together in sharing similar troubles, and I end up remembering the details of their lives. One of my listeners recently got married, and I’d been hearing about their relationship since their engagement. ‘Moonchild’ is a response to those people I feel like I’ve come to know, and the connection we have with one another. Honestly, my fans inspire me every day.”

What do you hope people take away from listening to this album?

“We all feel all kinds of emotions. Not all of them are pleasant, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. I hope anyone who listens to HAPPINESS will take the journey to experiencing negative emotions fully, and embrace them, so they can be let go. It’s a difficult journey, but one I believe anyone can take on and win. Anyone hearing this, please let HAPPINESS be your friend on the path.”

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

What drew you to Itaewon Class as your latest acting project?

“I remember coming across this webtoon years ago, and really finding time to follow it weekly — especially in between busy schedules. I found the nature of the webtoon to have a specific charming point where it was less about love and more about the struggles of climbing to the top while at the bottom all while maintaining the moral high ground. So, when I heard that there was a drama adaptation, I really wanted to partake in something that has a clearcut meaning. It shows, in a way, what family is — family that constructs itself not from blood, but from the people around you. the morality in the world that’s washed away? I feel Park Saeroyi shows that people don’t necessarily need to sell their souls, or cut corners to reach what they want. It’s the message that drew me to the story.”

How would you describe the role you play in the drama?

“Park Saeroyi on pen and paper is a simple person. He has a black and white picture of what he sees as morally correct and morally wrong, never hesitating once to make decisions based on that. From first glance, it can be frustrating seeing how often times his decisions lead him to take the hard way out, but by the time the drama progresses — you see that each experience becomes a two steps forward, one step back. He’s persistent, and slowly progresses forward at his own hands. I found him to be honorable in his simplicity, and inability to lie — a very rare characterization, showing there is some good to come out of staying true to yourself.”

What challenges did you face while playing Park Saeroyi?

“I have a strong personality and vision, and I’d like to say that Park Saeroyi and I share little to no similarities. It was hard to empty myself, and simplify myself to fit the role of someone who only has a one-tracked mind as to what is deemed right in his head. It was a new role for me in terms of the roles I usually play, and one that has a rougher beginning. I was worried that the image of me as Kim Taejin would interfere with how me as Park Saeroyi would be perceived in the public.”

What unique challenges did acting in a drama based on a webtoon present?

“Captivating the audience. When you have a storyline that’s already written, and finished in a webtoon — it’s easier for the audience to pass up the drama seeing as how they know how the story goes. There’s a lack of suspense, so to trying to capture the attention and maintain it while the storyline is fully transparent was difficult. Also, the basis of the webtoon means that people already have envisioned the characters in certain ways inside their minds, so to try to bring that imaginative image to life poses high expectations on my part.”

What did you learn while working on this project?

“I think — Park Saeroyi taught me a lot. I’ve never had a role where the character rubbed off, influenced my mannerisms. However, I’ve learned to take things with a more simple mind frame, and not to over complicate things. There’s beauty in taking things little by little, and sticking true to what comes as a ‘gut feeling’ or your sub-conscious. Having that high sense of morality and being strict on the standards you adhere to yourself? It’s all that I’ve learned from Park Saeroyi, and I hope to keep implementing these facets to myself as a human.”

What type of acting project would you like to involve yourself with next?

“I haven’t thought of that — I did enjoy playing a very straight forward role. so, perhaps, I’d like to extend that characterization and have a role where I’m once again simple-minded. It’s like healing when I step onto set, so I see it as an escape all while learning valuable things from taking on these roles. Other than that? I’d really like another challenging role where I play a villain, a bad guy. I’ve toyed with that type of role as a dark horse type role in Crash Landing On You, but to be the actual villain? I think that would really challenge me as an actor.”

Why do you think people should watch Itaewon Class?

“Great cast. Great plot. Great lessons — it’s as simple as those three things.”

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

How would you describe the concept of your new mini-album?

“I think putting one concept onto this mini-album is a bit difficult to do because I think each song, while flows together are all different in concept. “Chocolate” seemingly has a concept of desire, whereas “High Heels” and “Piano” both have this sexy feeling to them, “Me, Myself, and I” holds a concept of just needing yourself after a breakup, “Lie” is more so along the lines of being lonely so you decide to stay with someone one more night, and “No Tomorrow” has a concept of chasing dreams and living with no regrets. However, if I had to place just one concept on the entire album… I would pick sweet… it’s sweet like chocolate.”

You attempted a new sound with Chocolate than has been common on your previous albums. What brought about this change in sound and concept?

“I’ve always wanted to be an artist that tries out different sounds and someone who doesn’t stick with just one thing. When discussing a new mini-album, we thought, what if we try this instead of the usual ballad songs? That’s when I came up with the songs for the mini-album and compositions, then the producers put the rest together, so the new sound for Chocolate was born! I have done choreography before, like in Where I am Gone and my portal release last year, 30 Sexy. However, I never thought I would be an artist that dances in this capacity. I think I’ve shown myself the things that I could do this time around. I really think the desire of wanting to challenge myself and do something different from my usual stuff had brought about the change in sound and concept for this mini.”

Which song off of Chocolate is your personal favorite? Why?

“I think my personal favorite song off of Chocolate would have to be… “No Tomorrow”. I really like the message that I portrayed in the lyrics and it’s something that I can very easily relate to. I have been chasing my dreams, touching skies that I never thought that I’d be able to, and I’m trying my best to live my life with no regrets.”

This is your sixth promotional comeback outside of your group since early 2019. Have you found that your active solo activities have made it more difficult to keep up with group schedules at all?

“I believe I’ve been able to balance my solo activities with my group schedules well. All the time, I feel like I’m just working on music in my free time, so I’m never really rushing to put together something for a release. Sometimes that music I’m working on doesn’t make it onto an album or even become a single, but it’s always nice that I find time to just make songs that could possibly become something in the future. I think other solo activities are a challenge when it comes to group schedules, but I manage really well.”

Did you have any major inspirations for this mini-album?

“I think it was simply more normal inspirations of life, books, and movies! Sometimes I’ll see something when I’m out and about, read something in a book, or see something on television and get inspired by it. I can say that “No Tomorrow” was definitely something that I was inspired by myself due to my own experiences and relations to the song!”

What are you most looking forward to during promotions for this mini-album?

“I think I’m really just looking forward to sharing the stages for “Chocolate”! Ah, I’m just excited over all to show a different side to my music.”

What do you hope people take away from listening to this mini-album?

“I hope people can just have fun while listening to the Chocolate mini-album. I hope some of the messages in the songs is able to give fans strength!”

Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to your fans?

Lovesick is your fourth solo-album. How was preparing for its release different from preparing for the release of your first album?

“While making my first album, I lacked confidence. My first full-length solo album was also my solo debut, so it was hard to know what to expect. It was a completely new experience for me and it was being thrown at me on the biggest scale possible. I was a lot less sure of my abilities as an artist back then, so I had a lot of doubts about if anyone would even listen. Now, I have an audience, but with that, I’ve come to understand that it’s just as important to think about the people who already love my music as it is to think about those who might discover it. Making Lovesick, I had a much clearer vision of what I wanted to say with the album and how I wanted it to sound. I’m Young was appropriately titled. I was young at the time, and with that youth came both a sense of the ability to do anything I wanted and the fear that came with not knowing what I wanted. That inexperience helped me in some ways, but in most ways, it hindered me. For Lovesick, I had the chance to focus more on the details.”

How would you compare Lovesick to your first three solo albums?

“I believe each of my solo albums represents a different period of my life. When I look back across the albums, I can see myself maturing through the lyrics and the music. It’s like a photo album, in a way. Like the kind your parents keep to document each year of your life. My parents don’t keep those anymore, so my solo albums have become my grown-up version of that. Lovesick is more mature and represents who I am now.”

How would you describe the concept of your album?

“Lovesick is about, I think, maybe not the negative feelings of love, but the painful ones. Loving someone who doesn’t love you back, longing for a past love, getting trapped in a cycle of resentment and yearning. Those are all themes I explore throughout the album. When you’re in those kinds of situations, it can feel like you’re the only one in the world who knows that pain, but I hope people can listen to my music and realize that everyone hurts through love.”

You wrote, composed, and produced each song on the album on your own. What was that like?

“It’s something I’m really proud of. At the beginning of the process, I wasn’t sure if I was at that point in my abilities where it was possible for me to do such a thing, but I challenged myself, and somehow succeeded. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m proud of myself.”

What challenges did you face while making this album?

“Other than the challenge of writing everything on my own, it was deadlines that were the hardest for me. I almost didn’t finish the album in time, actually.”

Did you have any major inspirations for this album?

"I was inspired by life. I talked to a lot of people I know about their experiences with love, and I drew from that for some of the songs. I knew I had themes I wanted to convey, so I focused on that. Musically, I was inspired by amazing artists like The Weeknd and Lorde. Their type of music and lyricism is what I hoped to convey, but in my own style.”

What do you hope people take away from listening to this album?

"I always just hope that all of the music I put out is music someone somewhere can relate to. I hope it makes the listeners feel something and I hope they let themselves feel it. That’s all.”

Is there anything else you’d like to say to your fans?