[Exclusive Interview] Meet Justin Park, an LA Native Who’s The Future of R&B
Justin Park is the future of R&B.
The LA native has spent time writing and developing as an artist with 5A Label and as an international writer for MRMG, writing for K-Pop artists such as B.A.P. With a charming voice as his instrument, the Korean-American made his official musical debut in 2018 with his self-written album, Places Like Home. The album quickly earned him recognition from Jungkook of BTS, as well as major publications such as Billboard Radio China, EARMILK, and more.
He has toured all over North America, including a tour with Amber Liu in 2018 and 2020, and performed at SXSW as well as Electric Daisy Carnival in Seoul in 2019. However, it was his cover of Pink Sweat$’s critically acclaimed hit, “Honesty,” that put Justin into the limelight, meeting Pink himself and gaining attention worldwide.
Ahead of his LA show with fellow Korean-American artists Junoflo, G2, and Year of the OX on March 26, we sat down with Justin Park to discuss his upcoming “never-done-before-project, his creative process, and more.
Hello! Please introduce yourself to OK-What’s followers.
Hey, what’s up, guys?! I’m Justin Park, an R&B artist from Los Angeles. I’ve been blessed recently with my song “On the Low”, which got a huge shout out by BTS’ very own Jungkook. Life has been great, I’ve been making a lot of new music, and I’ve been on the road constantly. I can’t ask for a more focused life.
Congratulations on your latest collaboration with Junoflo, Year of the OX, and G2. How has this collaboration influenced your music?
The collaboration was quite natural, though we’re all so different and have huge age gaps, there was a sort of likeness between us all that I think helped bring that album to be what it is, and I cant say I can be any more ecstatic to show this project to the world.
Please describe “GOLD ROCKY” in three words.
Sex
Play
Reflection
When listening to “GOLD ROCKY,” there’s a lyric, “Cuz we never had no money.” What is one of the most meaningful things you have bought for yourself as you've progressed in your career?
Honestly, I hate talking about material possessions. I know I talk about it a lot, and though I do enjoy luxuries, helping my family and being there for my mom is what matters to me the most. But my first big purchase, I hope, is a nice house for my mom and me.
The music video for “GOLD ROCKY” was released with the album on March 24. Can you share with us a behind-the-scenes story from making the music video?
Honestly, NODE and DUSSE came through for us here, sponsoring the whole shoot. And you know it’s always a party if we have our friends involved, which was definitely the case here. All I can say is that we had fun, and that is what people want to see and feel.
You’re hailed as “the future of R&B.” How do you see your music evolving modern R&B?
(laughs) I’m not sure if I can live up to such titles, but I do see whatever I create being something that will be felt and remembered. How I envision my route changing R&B comes first with the person singing it. R&B has always been and always will be black, but now with the yellow sprinkles on top, if you know what I mean.
You were featured on Show Me the Money Season 11. How was that experience?
Show me the Money was one of the best experiences I can possibly imagine. Talk about a wake-up call and a challenge to set a fire under my ass all in one. To keep it short, 16-18 hour film days, with one and a half days to prep for the next day and one heavily unprepared contestant. (laughs)
When writing rap lines, which do you focus on first, the melody or the lines?
Well, with rap lines, or of course, the rap. XD
You’ve toured all over North America; what are three places you’d like to add for a world tour?
Europe
South East Asia
Mexico
South America
Speaking of tours, what are three things you need with you on tour?
Oh, damn good question. Definitely my laptop, but okay, that one doesn’t count. Definitely, a kettle for some hot water, really good blankets or pillows because hotels suck, and fudge there are so many…I’d say earphones because there’s nothing like personal time when there is no personal space. What that means is that whether it be on a bus or on a plane, getting personal time is always so valuable. The rush of the tour and the loss of energy is so hard to replenish, so having personal time is key.
When it comes to your music, you’ve written, composed, and arranged your songs. You’ve also gotten deep in the storyboarding, casting, and directing of your music videos, such as Mi Vida. What’s the next creative process you’re going to flex?
The next thing I’d like to do is delve into acting and also the directing of films. I’ve had a passion for this my whole life, and I hope I get to share my visions with the rest of the world.
What would you say is an area where you’ve grown the most since your debut?
I think I’ve grown so much just as a person, and I think that’s the most valuable thing we can be thankful for. Lack of perspective is so detrimental to a human.
What advice would you give to an aspiring singer/songwriter?
Work as hard as you can. Don’t hate yourself. You are truly valuable for your existence. Foster your dreams with the most protective yet open heart possible.
What are three songs on your playlist these days?
There is always some Michael Jackson joint. Chris Brown and 21 Savage, and some Mase.
Lastly, anything you want our followers to know?
Just that I love them. Also got a show in my city, Los Angeles, on March 26th to promote and showcase this new album I got coming out with the boys Junoflo, G2, and YOX. I really want all of y’all to check it out!
