James Lee, the former bass player for Royal Pirates, is a Korean-American singer-songwriter and producer. He went solo in 2018 where he began a Kickstarter campaign that did extremely well and ultimately lead him to releasing his first solo EP, The Light.
James agreed to an exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia, so be sure to read all about what he’s been up to over the years, who he has collaborated with and if he prefers boba or Starbucks!
HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers!
JAMES LEE: Hello my name is James Lee. I am a singer/songwriter and producer.
HYPNOTICASIA: How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
JAMES LEE: I would say it is pop with electronic elements. I grew up as a friend of EMO, hip hop and metal so it’s pretty diverse.
HYPNOTICASIA: If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
JAMES LEE: I would probably be working with animals somehow.
HYPNOTICASIA: What would you say is the difference of being in a band versus being a solo artist?
JAMES LEE: When you’re in a band it’s all about teamwork and chemistry. When you work alone there’s a lot more pressure on yourself. Both have pros and cons.
HYPNOTICASIA: Recently you went on tour with Kevin Woo and FYKE, what was it like putting on a show with them?
JAMES LEE: I’m really close with all of those guys so it was fun to be able to spend time on the road with them. I wish we could’ve toured for a longer time!
HYPNOTICASIA: How was working with SubKulture Entertainment?
JAMES LEE: Subkulture was one of the most professional companies I’ve ever worked with. It was a pleasure and I hope I’ll be able to collaborate with them again someday soon.
HYPNOTICASIA: It’s well-known you’ve been through a lot. How did you overcome it and what advice would you give to someone who is going through hardships?
JAMES LEE: I would say reach out for help and know that it is up to you to make your situation better. Prayer helps, proactively striving for improvement helps even more.
HYPNOTICASIA: Who are your biggest inspirations?
JAMES LEE: When I see people not giving up against the odds, that inspires me the most.
HYPNOTICASIA: Which do you prefer? Releasing music in English or in Korean? Why?
JAMES LEE: Releasing music in Korean is fun because it is a challenge and it is a beautifully expressive language. I find it easier to release English songs because I can communicate more effectively.
HYPNOTICASIA: If you can recommend one of your tracks, which would it be and why?
JAMES LEE: I have a song called Mad that was a collaboration with producer NEKO aka Erik Lidbom. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of.
HYPNOTICASIA: Can we expect new music from you this year?
JAMES LEE: In 2020, I plan on releasing a brand new song every month so stay tuned for that!
Collaborations:
HYPNOTICASIA: If you can collaborate with any artist that you have not worked with already, who would it be and why?
JAMES LEE: I would love to work with somebody like billie eilish. I love her vocal tone.
HYPNOTICASIA: As you’ve worked with various artists in the past, what would you say is your favorite collaboration?
JAMES LEE: I loved working with Jannine Weigel. She is just a vocal monster that’s going to have a big impact in the music industry.
HYPNOTICASIA: What was it like working with Girls’ Generation member Sooyoung on your song “Let’s Get Away?”
JAMES LEE: Sooyoung is a close friend of mine so it was just like we were hanging out. I was very impressed by her professionalism.
HYPNOTICASIA: With f(x)’s Amber Liu on “Perfect?”
JAMES LEE: Amber is also a super professional singer with a special pop tone that will carry her far.
HYPNOTICASIA: With Kevin Woo on “Falling?”
JAMES LEE: It was nice to work with another guy, especially my best friend Because he can do things vocally I simply cannot. He added a different dynamic to the track that would never have been there without him.
HYPNOTICASIA: With Jannine Weigal on “Hooked”?
JAMES LEE: Like I said, Jannine is crazy. The tracks were all the first takes she sent me. There was no reason to edit anything again and the ad Libs were all her free styling.
HYPNOTICASIA: What was it like working with FYKE on tracks such as “The Light” and “The Edge”?
JAMES LEE: Enik is another one of my best friends so writing with him is always a pleasure. I plan on releasing more music with him this year.
HYPNOTICASIA: You have written plenty of music for various artists, which would you say is your favorite and why?
JAMES LEE: One of my favorite tracks I’ve written is a song called ‘Take Off’ for Angelababy. It was a pleasure to work with her.
FUN QUESTIONS:
HYPNOTICASIA: Who is your favorite artist?
JAMES LEE: Recently I am listening to a lot of an artist called Vincent who does edm/pop.
HYPNOTICASIA: Starbucks or Boba?
JAMES LEE: Starbucks
HYPNOTICASIA: Closest celebrity friends?
JAMES LEE: Kevin woo
HYPNOTICASIA: Celebrity crush?
JAMES LEE: Anne Hathaway
HYPNOTICASIA: Most played song this month?
JAMES LEE: Vincent – I’m no magician
HYPNOTICASIA: If you can give advice to an up and coming artist, what would it be?
JAMES LEE: Define your goals clearly. Don’t just try to be famous for the sake of it. If you can sustain your love for the craft then you are closer than you think.
HYPNOTICASIA: Anything you’d like to say to your fans?
JAMES LEE: I miss you and love you guys. I can’t wait to share even more music with you soon!
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