Jay B’s third physical single “Chptr. 1,” released recently, kicks off a new series through which the GOT7 leader hopes to give himself more room to wander beyond the R&B-heavy music that developed his solo career.
“It’s both a new beginning and something of a side story,” Jay B said during a round interview with press at Mapo-gu, western Seoul, Tuesday. “My music has definitely been more R&B-based in the past, but R&B isn’t the only kind of music I listen to, so I wanted to take this chance to explore a variety of different genres.”
The two-track single arrives about four months after his third EP “Tr.ee.” Jay B began preparing the new release almost immediately afterward, working on it while continuing his “Tape:roots” world tour, which wrapped up in September.
At the center of “Chptr. 1” is lead track “Honeydew,” a synthwave song driven by a rhythmic bass line, dreamy synthesizers and a recurring whistle motif. The release also includes pop-R&B track “Sweetie,” which pairs electric piano, synthesizers and guitar with heavier drums and bass.
Jay B said “Honeydew” emerged partly from a question he has repeatedly asked himself: how to reconcile his affinity for R&B with his identity as a performer.
“I’ve always wondered how I could take R&B and incorporate more dance music into it,” he said. “If you listen closely, this song does move away from R&B, but I think its strength is that I can maintain that mood while showing more dance.”
Both songs on the album were also shaped heavily by his fans. “Honeydew” was conceived as a song that could offer some comfort when listeners feel lonely. “Sweetie,” on the other hand, grew from the idea that while Jay B may not be able to help his fans directly, he can still offer them support through his music.
While R&B remains his musical anchor, “Chptr. 1” is expected to open the door to more musical experimentation in subsequent installments, according to Jay B. For future EPs, Jay B mentioned that he wants to explore a variety of genres, and he is particularly interested in alternative R&B and music that manipulates his familiar vocal tone through effects and other production techniques.
Source: The Korea Herald
