The interview also featured singer Rovv
Interview by Luana Esperatti and Angelina Hanson (@seattlekpop)
Jimmy Brown is currently one of the best new R&B artists to keep an eye on.
Brown, whose real name is Lee Ji-won, was an unknown name to most Korean listeners, as he rarely promoted himself or his music outside of his social networks and streaming platforms. But everything changed when Jimin, from BTS, listed his song 2 Things among his favorites on Spotify, and Wendy, from the girl group Red Velvet, recommended his single Irene on her social networks.
The singer is currently touring North America with the Like The First Time North American Tour, and gave an exclusive interview to Entretê during his time in the United States.
Rovv, the Korean singer accompanying Jimmy on the tour, also took part in the interview. Check it out:
Entretetizei: Hi Jimmy, could you give a little introduction about yourself for our readers who don’t know Jimmy Brown yet?
Jimmy Brown: My name is Jimmy Brown. I’m from South Korea. I make R&B music and sing about love.
E: You made your independent debut in 2017. What do you think has changed in your career since then?
JB: My finances
E: What do you mean by that?
Rovv: (he’s) Honest.
JB: I wasn’t making any money back then, I was very broke. I mean really broke.
RV: I saw that.
JB: I’m fine now!
E: I got to know you through the Cherie and Irene albums, just as many other people got to know your work through those albums. What was it like working on them and adding something more personal and intimate to them?
JB: You mean collaborating with (specific) people on the albums?
E: Yes.
JB: Nothing special, it’s always been the same. I mean, it’s always been about the music, even if it’s with [other] people.
E: Your digital albums are always well designed, from the cover to the songs. Are you involved in the whole creative process?
JB: Not really. I trust the people around me. I only make music and don’t do other things.
E: As well as being a singer, you’re also a great lyricist. Which people or groups have you written for?
JB: There are a few, I wrote some for BamBam from Got7. I’ve written four [songs for him]!
E: Your voice goes very well with K-drama OSTs. If you had to choose a drama to be part of the OST, which one would you choose and why?
JB: I don’t really watch k-dramas… What’s your favorite?
E: I recently watched Gangnam Beauty, which features Cha Eunwoo…
JB: Cha Eunwoo? (laughs)… Okay, I’ll choose that one!
E: Show Me (live) is one of my favorite videos. Your voice, the atmosphere, it all fits together, it’s what I would easily call comfort music. What was it like producing this clip? Do you like more intimate performances?
JB: When it comes to making music, I don’t think too deeply – I kind of go with the vibe, with the feelings. So that’s how it all came out. What do you mean by more intimate performances?
E: So, rather than doing big stadiums or small gigs, what do you prefer?
JB: I like both, but if I go big, I’d love to do a big tour.
E: You’re on tour in North America! How are you feeling? What are your expectations?
JB: It’s been great, it’s been amazing! We’ve been through a lot in terms of sound, but it’s been a lot of fun.
E: When it comes to gigs, do you have any rituals you always do before going on stage?
JB: Warm up the vocals, drink Red Bull. I like caffeine.
E: Any specific flavor?
JB: No, no, I like normal! Actually, I want to drink, but I can’t sing when I’m drunk. So redbull, or maybe coffee.
E: Do you normally drink soju (South Korean drink)? Or any [specific alcohol?]
JB: No, no, I don’t like soju. I like all alcoholic drinks except soju.
E: About the tour, which song would you never leave out of the setlist?
JB: Heaven or Kiss my lips!
E: You have a lot of fans in South America, do you plan to come here on tour?
JB: Hey, where are our fans? Really? I’d like to come!
RV: Come on! (laughs)
E: Speaking of your fans, do you have any curiosities that they don’t know yet?
JB: I started having my nose washed, like… {gestures at how he uses one}
E: Oh! Like, Neti Pots?
JB: Yes! It’s very good for snoring and other health benefits!
E: What are your next releases?
JB: The next release is on December 18th! I’m going to re-release my old singles.
E: What are your professional goals for the next few years?
JB: Get rich! (laughing) Buying a house in Seoul. You know it’s very expensive, right? {laughing} Okay, okay, that’s a joke. I want to be the producer of an entire project.
E: All of it, all of it?
JB: Starting from the bottom up, song title, cover art – everything.
E: Finally, could you leave a message for your South American fans, especially the Brazilians?
JB: Yo, Brazilians! I’ll be there – we’ll be there. Thank you so much for listening to our music! Koreans love Brazil. They (Brazil/Brazilians) won the World Cup! Much, much love to all our fans around the world. Thank you very much.
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*Photo credit: reproduction/Kpop Wise