We sat down with JINBO the SuperFreak to talk all things 'SummerFreak: Sun, Rain, Love' and how this album came to be. We absolutely love the record and can't stop listening. You can too at the bottom!
Tell us about yourself as an artist?
I am JINBO the SuperFreak. JINBO means progression in Korean. Moving forward, going ahead, improvement. These meanings are all that. I am a producer and songwriter, also artist. I started as a vocalist in the Korean Hiphop scene then began producing and songwriting for KRNB artists and K-Pop bands. I try to keep evolving following the foot steps of the legends and giants of music so l can serve the same purpose as they did.
What got you into music?
Stevie Wonder, ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’, MTV, America’s top 40, my brothers. When l saw them playing on stage it was mesmerizing and I wanted to be like them. Also, I got magical feelings when l was in the backseat of the car, listening to the music my brothers were playing like New Edition. Since then l’ve always been involved with music in any form like dancing, performing, school rock band, church choir, orchestra, hiphop group, r&b singing club, and such.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is playful. It is bright most of the time. It tastes like iced sweet tea. There is sweetness and a bit of bitterness. I grew up as a R&B aficionado and a fan of Hiphop but l also love the spirit of Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix, which means l can mix up those sounds like a mixologist. I love using different musical elements and cook them my way like a fusion cuisine chef.
What is your favourite venue to play?
A venue that has the right spirit and full of good energy. It takes me to a different mind space.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Pharrell. He is the master of our generation and Quincy Jones of our time. Also he is the ultimate collaborator as well. The definition of it.
What is your creative process, and do you think it differs from others?
Making beats and putting sounds together would be pretty similar to what other musicians do. But l see producing as a total package of translation (in senses and cultural references), therapy, and spiritual choreography. So it is important to me to see if the artist who collaborated with me became closer to him/her ultimate self.
What is special about this album to you?
I followed the tradition of Stevie Wonder’s albums in the 70s, meaning 'SUMMER FREAK' is a full course meal with many different flavors and mixture of genres. And this time, there is some Southeast Asian vibe in it. I spent my childhood in Southeast Asia so it’s special.
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