[EXCLUSIVE]: Getting to Know Justin Park
Justin Park, a singer-songwriter under 5A Label, recently released “You Don't Know,” his second to last single ahead of his upcoming EP, I Can See The Stars From Here. Even before his debut song “Dates in LA,” Justin has worked hard in the music industry, covering songs like Jay Park's “Solo (Feat. Hoody)” and writing for K-Pop groups like BAP.
Justin took time out of his busy schedule to talk with The Kraze about his growth in music, crazy tour experiences, and what he likes to eat during the long hours in the studio.
Q: Hi Justin! Thanks for sitting down with The Kraze Magazine. Can you tell readers new to your music a little bit about yourself?
I am an R&B/Pop singer-songwriter from LA. I’ve done two tours of the US with Amber Liu, I've written songs for K-Pop groups, and now finally, I am releasing my second ever album to the world, I Can See the Stars From Here.
Q: Can you please tell us about your new song “You Don't Know”? What is the concept behind it?
“You Don't Know” has a beautiful, sort of heartwarming sound, with a harder to receive message about an unrequited love. We all know someone, even if that person is ourself, who has been a part of a one-sided love. A love that is deep, but also one that is never quite received. It makes you want to give up, but you never quite do.
Q: Your first album, Places Like Home, was released in 2018. Now that you are preparing to release I Can See The Stars From Here, have you noticed a growth in your music?
Yes, absolutely, and I’m so excited to show people just how much we’ve grown. I think that my sound has changed quite a bit, and on the album are a bunch of songs that I think my listeners will find catchy and almost entirely about them.
Q: What is a message or feeling you’d like listeners to take away from your music?
I want my listeners to feel as if they’ve come across the answer. What I mean is that if there is anything that they have been struggling with, I hope my music can speak to them and give them an answer during their moment of darkness. Music has always been the answer for me in my darkest times, so I hope that my music can do the same for my listeners.
Q: You’ve released music with Ted Park, Amber Liu, Demie Cao, just to name a few. Can fans expect to see a lot of features on your new album?
I can’t say too much, but perhaps?
Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t in the studio?
I love watching movies. I’m a huge film buff, well, for at least the types of movies I enjoy. I love being outside, playing basketball, or hitting the gym. I also love to cook intensely, so I’ll be in the kitchen learning new recipes and things to cook!
Q: What is one place you’d like to travel to once it is safe to?
I really want to go somewhere out of the ordinary. Perhaps Egypt, Vietnam, Africa, or Russia.
Q: What is your favorite snack to have during those long recording sessions?
Probably some sort of chicken. I love fried chicken, but it’s super unhealthy. So, I’d probably have to alternate between some nuggets and some broiled chicken sandwiches, or any type of Korean or Japanese food; I love that as well.
Q: What was one of the craziest moments that happened when you were on tour?
My craziest moment was probably when I jumped off the stage, and the house lights had gone off just before I hit the floor. Not knowing there was a sandbag below me, I landed on it and ripped an ankle ligament just before the show finale. I hobbled back on stage and finished the show. Soon after, I was in the green room in so much pain, but luckily a fan of mine was a PT or doctor; I can’t remember which.
Q: What would you like to say to your fans?
I love you guys so much. Thank you for always supporting me, and a part of who I am is always with you. I hope that I can always encourage you and be your beacon of light, after God, of course, and I hope you love this album just as much as I do. So, stay strong, and I’ll see you soon at my tour. Love you guys!
Check out Justin's latest song “You Don't Know” and follow him on all his social media.