Tattoo Talks: Jooyoung

Lifestyle Asia’s Tattoo Talks explores the connection and stories behind people and their tattoos. For our next episode, we caught up with Korean R&B star Jooyoung as he made a stop in Hong Kong for his inaugural solo world tour.

Arriving early at the Soho House venue before the show, we were able to sit through soundcheck as Jooyoung ran through the tracklist with his bandmate. Flat and intimate, the first-floor venue was perfect for slow and soulful soundscapes. While soft-spoken in person, Jooyoung comes alive behind the mic and bares all in his performances. In the back comparing goosebumps with the team, I was reminded that some points can only be conveyed through music.

Since his debut in 2010, Jooyoung has captivated audiences around the world with his silky smooth vocals and effortless style. Having released breakthrough tracks such as “Planet Girl” with pH-1 and “Erase” with SISTAR member Hyolyn, he’s also built a reputation for songwriting and production, contributing to major projects for luminaries such as MOONBIN & SANHA and MONSTA X.

Now fully independent with his new label Sphere, Jooyoung paints a world of his own with his first full-length album. This one comes straight from the heart — an honest expression of his current emotions and lifestyle. Made in the company of his close friends and delivered fully in English, the heartfelt album ripples far from home, enchanting listeners across Asia and beyond.

With the mindset of living every day to its fullest, Jooyoung continues to build upon each new experience. Backed by a strong team that shares his beliefs and the freedom to make music without any agenda, it very much feels like the dawn of something special. Below, we explore Jooyoung’s tattoos while learning more about Sphere and where he’s at in his journey.

What do tattoos mean to you? 

I think getting a tattoo made me feel like I was escaping from reality. In the past, I think I just did it for fun. I have a lot of tattooist friends so I can go to their home and they do it for fun.

How does it feel to finally tour your new album?

I can’t believe I’m singing in another country and it’s amazing that people want to come see me. I think it’s so much fun. It’s a great experience and I want to do more in the future.

 

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Can you tell us the concept behind Sphere?

We just made it while having fun. Rather than trying to make it conceptual, we were just hanging out with our friends and thought, ‘since this song is about this, should we express it like this?’ I think a lot of the songs on the album were made like that. I’m thinking of trying something more conceptual in the future.

Which song have you enjoyed performing the most?

Misfits Sunday.

How was that song created?

We have friends who get together every week for live sessions. They are all music friends and each makes their own music. We see each other as not adapting to society at all. I think it’s the first song I made on the album so it’s a little different. I think it’s the most fun.

What do you think you would do if you weren’t making music?

There are times when I still feel confused about whether I should be doing music but I do it because it’s fun. If I don’t make music, I think I’ll do something in the food business. A job where you earn a living day by day.

Where was the album recorded?

I made about two songs during the session in Yangyang, and the rest I mostly did at home. There were times when I traveled to another country to work on it but most of the time I did it at home.

Having come from big labels, how does it feel to be an independent artist now?

It’s tough but it’s more fun. If you work at a Korean agency, the starting stage will obviously be different, but I think the feeling of building something up from the bottom makes me stronger.

Which artists have you been listening to lately?

MK.GEE. His newest album. The whole album is crazy.

What are some aspirations you have for the future?

It’s actually been a long time since I performed. I wanted to come as a full band, so I’m a bit disappointed that they couldn’t come. I would have been able to show a lot more. But I want to work harder and eventually make that happen. My goal is to live hard every day. If I make songs every day and do what I love, I’ll be in a better shape before I know it.

Words/Producer: Aaron Chow
Director/Editor: Ryan Putranto
B Cam/Gaffer: Samson De Guzman
Venue: Soho House Hong Kong
Special thanks to A MASS CULTURE, Onion Productions, and sphere