originally posted on Hallyu LA on January 9, 2022.
In an exclusive interview, South Korean singer and songwriter Sam Kim shared fascinating insights into his latest musical ventures, collaborations, and personal inspirations. The conversation provided a glimpse into the artist’s creative process, his diverse musical palette, and his aspirations for the future.
Embracing New Sounds:
Sam Kim began by expressing his excitement about his recent release, shedding light on the creative process. “At first, I wrote the song with a guitar, like I usually do. Then I sent it over to R3HAB, and he worked his magic to completely transform it from the original. Very fun process!” This revelation hinted at a musical fusion that fans can eagerly anticipate.
Collaboration with R3HAB:
Discussing his collaboration with R3HAB, Sam Kim revealed, “My team showed me his music, and I really liked it. I was curious about what would come out if we worked together.” The collaboration promises a blend of Sam Kim’s soulful sound with R3HAB’s unique electronic influences.
Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes:
Sharing a behind-the-scenes nugget, Sam Kim disclosed an unconventional recording technique for the upcoming track. “Usually, you record in the song’s original bpm, but for this song, my producer Simon Pétren and I thought it’d be interesting to record it in a slower bpm and speed it back up to the original. What you hear is that effect.” This glimpse into the technical aspects of the song adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans.
Funkadellic Vibes:
When asked to describe the upcoming track in one word, Sam Kim playfully declared, “Funkadellic.” This succinct term hinted at the infectious and groovy vibes listeners can expect from the new release.
Diversity in Musical Exploration:
Known for his emotional storytelling in tracks like “Love Me Like That” and versatility in R&B tunes such as “These Walls,” Sam Kim shared insights into his foray into dance music. “This actually wouldn’t be my first dance track! I have a song called ‘Dance’ and a song called ‘The Juice’ which I actually danced too. Overall, even though they were all slightly out of my comfort zone, I had a lot of fun writing and singing them.” This revelation showcased Sam Kim’s eagerness to explore various genres and expand his artistic horizons.
No Fears in Genre Exploration:
Addressing any fears about venturing into new genres, Sam Kim asserted, “Not at all! I love exploring new genres; I think there’s always something to learn in each one.” His fearless approach to musical exploration reflects his commitment to continuous growth as an artist.
Reflecting on ‘Love Me Like That’ OST Success:
The interview also delved into Sam Kim’s experience with the viral OST ‘Love Me Like That’ for the popular K-drama ‘Nevertheless.’ “When I saw how many people could relate to the song, the doubt went away, and I think the 20-year-old me who wrote it finally felt accepted,” shared Sam Kim, reflecting on the impact of the song.
Dream Collaborations and Musical Inspirations:
Having collaborated with a range of artists, Sam Kim expressed his admiration for BTS and Bibi. “I would love to do something with BTS as a songwriter and collab with Bibi as an artist… so many talented people to draw inspiration from.” This insight into his musical influences highlighted his respect for fellow artists within the industry.
Current Listening Habits and Hobbies:
Sam Kim recommended Silk Sonic and Park Hyo Shin’s ‘Breath’ as his current go-to songs. He also shared his love for playing FPS games in his spare time, offering a glimpse into his life beyond the stage.
Squid Game and Year of the Tiger Aspirations:
Lightening the mood, Sam Kim shared his humorous take on the popular drama ‘Squid Game.’ Looking ahead to the new year, he revealed, “It’s finally my year, the year of the Tiger, and I want to make it meaningful!” This positive outlook hinted at exciting plans and goals for the upcoming year.
Words of Gratitude to Global Fans:
In closing, Sam Kim expressed heartfelt gratitude to his global fans. “Thank you so much for all the support. Every each and one of you push me to be a better me and also show me love that I sometimes forget to give myself. I wish you all health and happiness in these rough times and I will see you all very soon. ♡”
