After returning with his highly anticipated first EP [SOMO:FUME], JAY B gets candid and open about his solo career, the preparations for his latest album, and so much more in an exclusive interview with The Kraze.

Q: Congratulations on the release of your first EP, [SOMO:FUME]! Can you please tell us more and the meaning/inspiration behind this album? 

A: The album title itself contains the meaning of “I hope the results of consuming all of my energy and emotions reach fans and the public like a perfume subtly leaving its trace.” That's how I started making the album, and the overall album flow contains a love story—the CD-exclusive track is based on my own experiences. I’ve never said this before, but I tried to express love following the time sequence of the tracklist based on personal standards. It’d be great if you could listen to the album focusing on such points.

Q: What’s the inspiration behind the name of a title track?

A: I was working with Jay Park and Cha Cha Malone, and it came out naturally like “How’s ‘B.T.W?’ it fits with the track vibe.” And so, we proceeded.

Q: As this is your first solo album, was there any specific thing you wanted to show or message you wanted to relay to your fans?

A: I wanted to prepare with great plans and aspirations, but I was worried it’d become too much. So, I just prepared comfortably with songs that fans can easily listen to on a daily basis. I also tried to prepare this album while trying to keep my mind at ease. Please note that I tried to put a more natural image of myself than a very special side of me.  

Q: How do you define your style as JAY B and what sets it apart from others? 

A: I’m not sure because, so far, there’s not many things to define and I don’t want to define [things] as well. I’d like to challenge various things like an adventure. But I just don’t want my [style change] to be looked either out of style or not fitted. Comparing [myself] with other artists is the last thing I’d like to do. 

Q: What is something you’d like to tell your younger self, that was just about to debut as an artist seven years ago?  

A: If I could go back, I’d like to take what I understand now rather than giving advice. If I do so, there are a lot more things that I could’ve done better and wiser. However, I don’t regret the past. I think my past self made [me] who I am now; if I am ashamed of my past actions, who will have a positive look at my next steps? It's nothing to be proud of, but I don't want to be ashamed as well and would like to accept it humbly.   

Q: What is the first thing you’d like to do when you finally get to meet fans in person again? 

A: I’d like to ask, “How were you?” and say, “Thank you for coming to see me.” Lately, no, I've been thinking about this a lot since the past but more frequently these days: “Who am I to receive all this support? I must be grateful, and I am so grateful.” As a human being, there are definitely some things that I lack, and I believe I must keep working to change these imperfections. But watching my fans, who are encouraging and supporting me despite my shortcomings, I feel very grateful. 

Q: What things (music, food, hobbies, etc.,) have brought you comfort lately? 

A: I think the song [by] SWJA [titled] “Run With Me” was very comforting. I’ve never thought that I went through a hard time, but I guess I was a little depressed and unconsciously lethargic while staying most of the time at home due to the pandemic. But this song made me think about running away somewhere to refresh.

Q: What kind of music can we expect from JAY B the solo artist? 

A: I’m still thinking about what kind of music I should pursue, so it’s hard to say it clearly. But for sure, I’m considering it from deep down in my heart. 

Q: Is there an artist or other producer that you would like to collaborate with? What kind of music would you like to create with them?

A: There are certain artists and producers, but I just hope to do diverse work. Rather than a data-works (online), I’d like to work as a session where we can meet in person, talk, and share things. Through such sessions, I get inspired and a bunch of ideas pop up in my head, so I thought it’d be nice to have more of them.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in the last eight months, and how did you overcome it? 

A: The biggest challenge was to keep myself moving for the past eight months. It wasn’t [as] easy as I thought for me to organize GOT7 things and other business. Whenever I had free time, I felt lethargic and stayed that way, but at one point, I found myself becoming so weak. I started forcing myself to do something immediately whenever it came to mind––anything like housework, tidying up, or any simple things. Carrying tasks out immediately was my way to overcome challenges; in fact, I’m still in the process of overcoming them.  

Q: What is something that you cannot leave the house without? 

A: These days, it’s my mask. It’s a big [problem] if I forget to take it.

Q: Please recommend a snack that’s great for a busy day, running between meetings/schedules. 

A: I’m so sorry; I don’t like snacks, so I’m not sure what to recommend. I usually don’t eat desserts either, so I guess it’d be better for you to eat fruits!

Q: What is your go-to order at a cafe?

A: I feel sick and nauseous when I drink coffee these days, so I try to avoid it and drink ades and teas instead. A few days ago, my adventurous spirit led me to try cinnamon ade? And it was successful, so I’d like to recommend it! 

Q: What is your favorite smartphone app to use in your freetime? 

A: I don’t really use my phone when taking a rest. I just try to sleep more!

Q: Last question, is there anything specific you’d like to share with your fans and our readers?

A: Thank you for your love and support on my first and new EP [SOMO:FUME]. I assume many readers may not know me, but I’d be grateful if you could have a listen to it at least once after [reading] this interview. It’s my dearest album, so it’d be nice if a lot of people listen to it a lot. And I hope everyone lives a healthy life free of regrets. I will always support your life, just like you are supporting mine. Thank you. 

On behalf of The Kraze, we thank JAY B and his team for the opportunity to have this interview. Please continue to support JAY B by following him on social media and listening to his latest EP album, [SOMO:FUME].