Exclusive Interview: JUNNY Discusses His Debut Album and Upcoming North American Tour

JUNNY is a global superstar whose music has connected with millions of listeners around the world. The singer-songwriter has countless hits including “nostalgia,” “Thank You,” and “By My Side.”

This August, JUNNY released his highly-anticipated debut album, blanc, which showcases a different side to his artistry.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with JUNNY about blanc, the process of putting together his debut album, and his upcoming tour.

PC: With “Color Me,” you showed a new side to your artistry. Can we expect more of that on blanc?
JUNNY: You can expect many different genres that I haven’t attempted before. That’s why I’m so excited for this album to release!

PC: Blanc is a reference to your upbringing and the influences you’ve had in your life. Who or what has had the biggest impact on your development as an artist?
JUNNY: Definitely my time in Korea. I’ve grown as a person and have had many opportunities to grow as an artist as well. Being able to work with other artists and musicians and witnessing their craft in person has helped me evolve tremendously.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
JUNNY: This album is that moment for me. It’s a personal goal that I wanted to achieve for this year, and to finally see it come to life, I’m very proud of myself and my team.

PC: If you had to select a song off of blanc that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
JUNNY: I’d pick “Not About You.” The song wrote itself in less than an hour and that makes it that much more special to me.

PC: This is your debut album. Did anything surprise you about the experience of putting this together? What was the biggest takeaway?
JUNNY: It gave me a chance to look back at my life and the experiences that I’ve been through. It humbled me a lot and made me feel thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had till now.

PC: You’re getting ready to hit the road later this year. What can fans expect when they come to a JUNNY show?
JUNNY: I’m super excited for my first ever tour, and they can expect a lot of JUNNY—both old and new songs for my new fans and my day ones. It’s going to be special.

PC: How has the live stage shaped who you are as an artist?
JUNNY: To be able to perform is a special feeling. Witnessing your own fans in the crowd coming to see you perform gives you another level of excitement when writing an album. I think it’s the biggest part of being an artist next to being in the studio and creating new music.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
JUNNY: All-American Rejects and Green Day.

PC: First album you bought?
JUNNY: Jason Mraz’s We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

PC: First concert you attended?
JUNNY: Maroon 5.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
JUNNY: Jason Mraz’s We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. It gave me the courage to write my own songs for my high school crush.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
JUNNY: Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.

PC: A must-have on the road?
JUNNY: Food, food, and food!

To keep up with JUNNY, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream blanc today.

Photo Credit: Mauve & Unbound Entertainment Group