Singer-songwriter JUNNY, signed under MAUVE Company, returned with the launch of his second single of the year, titled "INVITATION (FEAT. GAEKO)." This came nearly 4 months after the release of his single "Optimistic (feat. Blase)" earlier this year. 

In September of last year, JUNNY successfully wrapped up his 'blanc' US tour, followed by his European tour earlier this year. Currently, JUNNY is getting ready for his upcoming second tour in the latter part of 2023. While waiting for the announcement, his fans can delight in listening to the captivating track "INVITATION."

Falling under the popular R&B/Hip-Hop and Soul/Pop subgenre, "INVITATION" has the same meaning as the song's title: inviting his crush over for a romantic evening. 

JUNNY spoke with allkpop in honor of his most recent release to discuss "INVITATION," collaborating with GAEKO, his solo tour, and more. Keep on reading to learn more about JUNNY and his tour and career experiences thus far!

You can read our previous interview with JUNNY on "Color Me (feat. Chung Ha)" here.

allkpop: Before we start, congratulations on the release of your second single, "INVITATION (feat. Gaeko)" this year! Tell us how's your 2023 going so far!

JUNNY: It’s been amazing, got to tour more of North America and Europe, had a great time in Spain for a festival, and released a few songs including the long-awaited "INVITATION" so I never felt better!

allkpop: I read in an interview that it took 3 years to release this. How did "INVITATION" work out? How did you get Gaeko to feature in this song and write the lyrics with you? You also took part in creating the song, as always, which I actually love because you get to, you know, freely express yourself through your own music. It would be great if you could tell us more about how the creative process went.

JUNNY: The song started off as a challenge on TikTok created by a producer that GAEKO and I both knew. At that time I was just an up-and-coming artist and wanted to get their attention with the best verse I could make. The challenge video blew up on Tiktok and I had fans and people requesting a full version for three years, and after sorting everything out and getting permission to use the track, I was able to release a full version with re-recorded vocals, plus a new bridge section along with the one and only GAEKO as a feature. It just came full circle and I think that’s why this song means so much to me.

allkpop: You said during our interview last year that music is just really big in your family. It is evident that music is something you want to do. But aside from doing music, are there any other hobbies or interests you keep an eye on?

JUNNY: These days, I’m really really really into cars (laughs) and I’ve been watching more baseball lately and waiting for football season to start again! Nothing too interesting but I am actually super into cars and the more I know I feel like I’m becoming more of a car enthusiast (laughs).

allkpop: You also said in our interview that back then you were trying to be involved in all sorts of stuff outside of just working on the music itself, like the visuals, music videos, and the like. How did it go for this release? I watched the music video, and it's so good! It's simple but creative! I love your makeup and hairstyle for this release.

JUNNY: Wow! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked it and I mean, it’s not just me my whole team and the MV production did such an amazing job bringing my ideas to life and we all wanted to show a new version of JUNNY that hasn’t been shown before with this release and I’m just proud of what we’ve created! It feels great to see such a positive response to it all.

allkpop: What are the things you consider before releasing a new song? How would you decide that this timing is perfect for releasing this or that single?

JUNNY: For this release, honestly I felt like it was about damn time and my fans deserved something that they wanted. It was almost my mission to get this song out as soon as possible and I apologize for taking so long, but I really hope it was worth all the wait!

allkpop: You've released 2 singles in 2023 so far. Do you have any plans on releasing more, perhaps an EP or a full album?

JUNNY: For sure there are plans, I’m always making new music and right now I’m focusing on that first rather than how I want to release so hopefully I’ll have good news in the near future!

allkpop: You went on a successful tour! And I heard that you'll be continuing to travel around the world. Going on tour is like one of the things an artist has in her or his bucket list. How has your experience been meeting a lot of people, especially performing in front of your fans? Do you have any pre-show rituals or preparations?

JUNNY: Absolutely beautiful scenes and the amount of love is absolutely unreal. I can’t express how much gratitude I have for my fans and hope I made their experience as special as mine. Can’t wait to see them again!

allkpop: Touring, releasing music, hosting, and all that. From these activities, I know you've been meeting a lot of people. Are there any memorable experiences you have had with them? Perhaps words or a piece of advice you heard that you keep to yourself as you go on this journey.

JUNNY: Just the moments where you get to talk about life and get to share our thoughts on all things gave me ideas on how I should approach my own life and it’s helped me keep my mind straight, always telling myself what a blessing it is to be in this position and to make my fans proud.

allkpop: You have a lot of albums and singles under your name. But what do you think represents JUNNY best?

JUNNY: I think the more I release new music it just represents me the best because that’s who I was then and this is who I am now.

allkpop: Is there anything else you would like to tell your fans who will be reading this interview?

JUNNY: Thank you for taking the time to read this interview and big love to allkpop for having me again! Love to all my fans and new readers out there please be happy & healthy! And remember to check out "INVITATION" which is out now on all platforms! Thank you!

Socials:

Twitter: @_jnkmsc_

Instagram: @jnkmsc

YouTube: JUNNY