Welcome to Bunni Pop extras, a segment on this newsletter that will introduce readers to rising artists that should be added to your playlists. This week, I’m very excited to share an interview with Korean R&B singer Jimmy Brown!
(Photo credit: Jimmy Brown/Instagram)
While K-pop remains a dominant force in the Korean music industry, a growing number of independent artists is proof we should be directing our attention to the Korean R&B scene too.
Jimmy Brown is one of these artists, and he’s also quickly becoming a sought-after songwriter for some of the K-pop industry’s biggest names.
Known for his catchy hooks, smooth vocals and chill melodies, Jimmy Brown’s popularity as an artist has mostly been through his online presence and streaming platforms. On Spotify, his songs have been picked up on playlists such as New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, TrenChill K-Hip Hop — garnering millions of listens.
One of his most popular singles, ‘Let Me Know’, is a comforting song that creates a feeling of warmth and good energy. While songs like, ‘2 Things’ and ‘Irene’ have also been acknowledged and praised by BTS‘s Jimin and Red Velvet‘s Wendy.
At the core of Jimmy Brown’s brand is writing about love, which is a theme he believes everyone can relate to, no matter the language you speak.
Outside of being an independent artist, Jimmy Brown is also a songwriter for other artists. He’s co-written songs for BamBam — which can be heard on the GOT7 member’s EP B and full album Sour & Sweet.
This coming November, Jimmy Brown will be hitting the road for his first North American tour, which will include stops in Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.
Joining him on tour is his close friend, Rovv. Together, they have released two albums, The Good Days Boys Playlist 1 and The Good Days Boys Playlist 2.
Jimmy Brown recently spoke with Bunni Pop about his upcoming tour, working with his good friend Rovv and finding freedom in being an indie K-R&B artist.
Hello! Jimmy Brown. For those who are just learning about your music, please tell me about yourself, but also the music you make with Rovv, whom you will be touring with.
It’s chill, sensual in a respectful way and good melodies. It’s somewhere between American music and K-pop. It’s easy to listen and vibe with. I bet when we play at venues, it’d be so much fun.
How did the two of you meet and realize you wanted to make music together?
It’s been more than five years since I know Rovv. When I make friends with someone, I pour my heart and time into it. It’s even the same when I do business. It all started when I found that he’s one of best people I’ve ever met. That’s when I decided to go on this journey with him. Trust and loyalty matter.
You guys have ridiculously catchy hooks and addictive beats. But you are all independent artists as well. What is it like to make music together versus your own?
It take much less time to finish a single track because I only have to write a hook or a verse for the whole song. And the best thing is we never argue over music. It’s me versus me when it comes to my own music. It’s a bit lonely process compared to a collab. But I get to do whatever I want to, so I love both.
What is the key to having fun while making good music together at the same time?
Respect. Showing respect [to] each other is a key to a harmony. It brings out an even better quality of ourselves when we trust. And you know, being together never let me get down on myself.
When people think of music from Korea, they think about K-pop. But how would you describe the R&B scene in the country in particular?
It’s still a small market in Korea. Some of the Korean R&B artists are big and famous in general but market has always been the same. Some say it’s getting bigger, but people here don’t really listen to what I think of as R&B. I think it’s gonna take some time. I know we’re categorized as K-R&B singers, but we don’t really care which is which. We just make good music. That’s all that matters.
Being independent has remained a core part of your freedom as artists. How would you describe what the indie music scene is like in Korea?
I think it builds year by year. More and more people are paying attention to indie music. But no major moves here though.
In addition to your own work, you have also written songs with GOT7’s BamBam. Can you share what that experience was like?
It was fun. Some of the songs were supposed to be released under my name but I decided to send it to him. BamBam has a huge fan support so I guess I wanted more people to enjoy it.
Your own songs have also been recognized by BTS’s Jimin and Red Velvet’s Wendy. What is it like to see your music receiving this attention?
Grateful. You know, they showed me love and support I could never ask for. It was unexpected, out of nowhere. I think it shows their great personality to support indie artists like me.
You often say that the core of your music is driven by love. Why does that emotion drive you?
That’s just I had been brought up [with]. I grew up surrounded by love from my fam, friends, you know. Without love, there’d be no me. Trust me. I didn’t even plan to sing about love at first, it just naturally came out till now.
Are there any artists the two of you would like to write and perform with?
A lot. Jay Park, Tone Stith. There are so many I can’t name them all haha.
This is your first North American Tour. Though you and Rovv have traveled with each other to London and Paris. What is it like touring together?
I mean, imagine going on a tour by yourself. It’d be kind of lonely, you know. A great thing about being together is we take care of each other. I have someone to talk to, laugh with and have fun.
(Photo credit: Jimmy Brown/Instagram)
What is one thing that you’ve learned from each other as independent artists but also performing together?
Rovv once said, “When we’re all on a stage, it feels like we’re one.” I think it takes less pressure than performing alone. It give me time to breathe as well haha.
What is your advice to other independent Asian artists out there, who want to make and distribute their own music?
Just keep doing your work. When nobody gives a shit about your music, it doesn’t mean you’re bad. It takes more time than you’d think to become what you wanna be. It will happen.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully a world tour. And more music. There will be an EP in September with some visuals, so stay tuned.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Follow Jimmy Brown on Instagram!
As part of his North American tour, Jimmy Brown and Rovv will be hitting up Canadian cities Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary this November. Tickets for his upcoming tour can be purchased here.
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