Jay Kim Crafts Addicting Sounds On Debut Project 'homegrown'
Jay Kim's music meets the criteria for everything catchy and emotional. The rising artist holds a track record of addicting sounds and zestful songwriting, all in a (hyper)pop lane of his own. The sounds work, the melodies stick, and the imagery is beautiful. We can't ask for much more from an artist who's far from the pinnacle of their career. But we can ask for an incredibly cohesive album that showcases all of Jay Kim's capabilities and seemingly limitless potential, which is just what the artist perpetrates on his debut project, homegrown.
The new offering holds an abundance of replay value, and every track carries a seductive pop tone full of dopamine. Standing out in the music is the space hit between traditional pop and new electronic influences. Many ears might not be ready to endure the glitchy and distorted sounds of hyperpop, but Jay Kim strikes a medial spot, satisfying for listeners of both sides of the genre. The intro, "Same Town," quickly highlights Kim's radio-ready songwriting and luscious tones. Kim acknowledges his readiness to move on with his life while recounting his values, including not tending to opinions, having fun, and caring for his loved ones, all the while reminiscing his days working at Bojangles on an infectious hook. Track two, "Redemption," carries more memorable guitar tones, and Jay Kim is unaccepting of an attempted redemption from an outdated person of interest. "Breathe" is an offering on a more fierce side sonically, with heavily distorted bass, trance-like synths, and high-energy all around. The song addresses someone who's been lying and perhaps faking feelings in a relationship, while Jay Kim pleads for a moment to breathe on the hook. Track seven, "Plans," recounts a toxic phase of chasing love, but the song comes almost as a realization that it's time to cut all ties with this person. Overall, the entire project holds recurring details; enchanting sound direction, promising vision, and truly addicting vocal performances full of intricate emotion.
Production is handled by In Bloom, yungspoiler, ria, soju, Aaron Shadrow, and more; each producer playing to the sweet tones of Jay Kim’s world,
At this point, one can only imagine the heights this pristine artist will climb in his musical journey. Don't sleep on the catchy emotions presented by Jay Kim and stream homegrown below.