Debuting as P NATION’s "new face," Daniel Jikal is known for his participation in the survival reality show ‘LOUD,’ where he showcased his facets that are for sure shouldn't be overlooked. Though he didn't make it to the program's final round, the South Korean-American rapper and dancer’s destiny is to shine as a solo artist.

His solo digital debut track, “Fresh,” is a hip-hop song that’s fresh yet filled with heavy rapping and an intense bass sound. And his ambitions to "show his 'self-made' aspect" are clearly shown through the bold lyrics he has penned and produced. He’s not only known for his aforementioned hats but he also took part in the video directing of his music video. A music video that shows the anguish and growth of the 19-year-old artist, who’s turning 20 this year.

Ahead of the release of “Fresh,” Daniel Jikal sat down with allkpop to talk more about why he thinks “Fresh” is the perfect track to be released as his solo debut single. He also relayed thoughts on being under the same label as well-known artists and working with PSY. “It was an honor,” he said. Keep reading to learn more about the artist!

Shout-out to allkpop readers:

allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your debut! This serves as your first official solo single. Why do you think “Fresh” is the perfect single to introduce “artist Daniel Jikal” to the music scene? What was the inspiration and meaning behind it?

Daniel Jikal: I think it’s the perfect official solo single for me because it shows everything about me. It shows my rap skills, a little bit of my producing since I helped with the beat, my performing skills, and my directing skills since I directed the music video as well. So, I think that in terms of coming up with a strong song, it shows a little bit of everything, and I think that it’s the right amount of Daniel Jikal for everyone to see through this song.

allkpop: How does it feel to be under the same label as other renowned artists like Crush, HWASA, and Heize? And what was it like working with CEO PSY?

Daniel Jikal: Honestly, it’s an honor. I mean, as you might know, they’re such big artists and I grew up listening to them even when I was back in the United States. I would always put their music on. I would always see them on TV. So, it’s a big honor to be in the same company as them, see them on stages, and see them producing their own songs. I learned a lot. That’s a very good advantage I have being in this company because they are such great artists. And in terms of working with CEO PSY, it was an honor as well. I think I won’t forget the moment I saw him working on my song himself. It was such a crazy moment for me. He’s so wise in terms of music. Working with him on this song was an amazing experience. I will never forget it.

allkpop: You first participated in the reality competition program, ‘LOUD.’ How was your experience, and what are your biggest takeaways and realizations as you participated in the show?

Daniel Jikal: I think from 'LOUD,' the biggest takeaway I took was that K-Pop idols, that we all adore and love, work hard, like really really hard. Even when I was in the show, we had to prepare these stages in a short amount of time...one week, three songs in a week. We also had to record, do the dance, and perform. It was all very hard and the participants that were competing in that show worked really hard. They made me realize that K-Pop idols are hard workers, and the final stages that we see on TV are not easy to pull off. They practice every day, and they give it their all behind the scenes. That really made me realize that in order to make a name in this industry, you have to really work hard, keep going, and never underestimate any challenge you face.

allkpop: You also took part in writing and composing the track. How long did it take you to finalize everything? Were there any challenges along the preparation process?

Daniel Jikal: It took about a year, to be honest, to finish this song, because I was working with CEO PSY directly back and forth, which is a good thing. CEO PSY is a perfectionist. He wants it to be perfect, in the best version that it can be. So, it took a lot of back and forth with him, sending the songs and producing. But in the end, after a year, we got it to a place where we both feel it’s good enough to be released to the world. And obviously, I think the challenge was just making this song and trying to find that pocket of, “Okay, where is it that we can make this song good for me and CEO PSY, something in the middle.” I was so fortunate to be able to get that done quickly, quicker than I expected it to be. I know the song is amazing. In terms of directing, having been involved in every scenario, every aspect of this release, it comes with challenges, because I always have to be aware, whether it’s the music video, the song, or composing. I’m always aware of it. So, it gets a little bit overwhelming but, in the end, it was pretty fun.

allkpop: As you can self-produce music, I was wondering, do you have a lot of unreleased music in your folders or drafts? In terms of musical genre, is there a particular one you gravitate towards and why do you think it’s the perfect fit for you?

Daniel Jikal: Obviously, I have! I only released two songs for my debut. "Fresh" is one of the songs that I’ve produced throughout the years. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t have any other songs ready. I think being an artist, you are constantly making new things, constantly getting new inspirations. So yes, I do have a lot of other songs that are ready to be released or are in the works to be released. Hopefully, we can see those soon. But if I had to choose a style that I think fits the best for me, I don’t really have an exact answer. Since I did a lot of very hip-hop, K-Pop this time, a strong song, I would like to go a little bit more chill next time. Maybe a little bit groovier, something that gets people to calm down, because I think "Fresh" was very strong. I think that my goal as an artist is to always bring different genres and different sides of my artistry. So yeah, that’s what I look forward to doing in the near future.

allkpop: Could you walk us through how you usually work on a new song? Do you build the idea or theme first or the melody or the lyrics? 

Daniel Jikal: For this song in particular, it started with the beat. When I had a meeting with CEO PSY, he said he wanted something very strong, something very K-Pop-esque. He always describes songs as a "hit song," which is something that everyone can listen to, everyone can put it on the radio, something that will, in some ways, reach a lot of people. So, I started with the beat with my friend. We got it done, and then after, for the lyrics, it was just about telling my story. Moving here from America, there’s a lot that I want to show to people and prove, even to myself, that I belong here and that I can make it out here in Korea. So, the lyrics came easily, just talking about my ambiguousness and ambitions to be here. That’s what the lyrics were about, but in terms of my process, I think it changes all the time, whether it’s the beat first, whether it’s composition, sometimes I even get inspiration from movies since I love watching movies. If I get inspiration from there, I start from there, but I think that for every song it's different.

allkpop: When did you discover your love and desire to make music, not just sing and perform songs but also create one?

Daniel Jikal: Since I went back and forth a lot from America to Brazil and back to America, and now in Korea, I got a lot of inspiration and learned a lot about cultures. I think living in those different cultures helps me be able to create more unique music, let’s say. Because I feel like, if I only stayed in America, I would only be able to focus on one type of music, one type of culture. But being able to live in South America and now even Asia, I’m learning a lot of different cultures and that ultimately helps me with my music production. As I move on as an artist, I always get reminded of those times when I was in those different places and it's crazy because even now, I’m getting different aspects of Brazil, different aspects of America, and even Korea. And I use that in my music.

allkpop: As you mentioned earlier, you also directed the music video! Tell us how you were able to share your ideas with your team in terms of this aspect.

Daniel Jikal: I studied film before I became an artist, so I think that it was an obvious choice for me to be involved in the music video. That was a choice that we made, for me to show my “self-made” aspect, just showing my colors and my artistry. So, when they gave me the opportunity to direct, I knew that it was a great opportunity and I started working right on that moment. It’s an interesting scenario because going from small-budget school projects to these huge, much bigger-scale projects, it’s a big difference. But it’s been fun. I’ve been learning a lot and I think it went really well. I’m really looking forward to seeing what people think, because I really did put my whole heart into it, and I tried to incorporate all my different aspects into the music video.

allkpop: This year, you will be celebrating your 20th birthday! How do you see yourself living in your 20s? And what’s one thing you’ll always bring with you to this new chapter of your life?

Daniel Jikal: Yeah, I can’t believe that I am turning 20, that’s crazy. I mean, it’s still really young, but it’s definitely a milestone in life. You know, turning 20, not being a teenager anymore...it’s going to feel different. I just look forward to my career, however long these couple of years will be. I just really look forward to growing as an artist and growing as a person as well. Moving to Korea, I want to really start a career and see myself in 5 years in a whole different standing, a whole different scenario where I’m more successful, more grown, and more experienced. That’s my goal in my 20s. One thing that I’ll always bring to this chapter of my life is, I guess, that feeling of having fun. I think that teenage years... Those years are for you to have fun because you don’t have that many responsibilities. But as I turn 20, even now, I’ve been presented with so many responsibilities I’ve got to do, that I’m always going to remember to just have a little fun, to have some time for yourself, to do the things you like, because it can get overwhelming and stressful at times. I think we, as people, always got to remember that.

allkpop: Lastly, tell us your short- and long-term goals as an artist. And please leave a message to allkpop readers!

Daniel Jikal: My short-term goal as an artist is for my single “Fresh” to do well. This is what I’ve been pouring my heart out for the past year. So, if this whole promotion goes well, I will be really happy. I think that, for now, my goal is to just get through with this promotion and really give it my all. And my long-term goal, I think, when people talk about artists, they would be lying if they don’t think about concerts. Hopefully, in a couple of years, I can see myself performing, whether on stage or even overseas. That’s something that I really look forward to. I will make sure to keep working hard and constantly putting music out to make that dream happen. To leave a message to allkpop readers, I just want to say thank you! This was so much fun! I’m always so glad to do an interview in English because it’s my native language. I hope you guys listen to "Fresh," watch the music video, and give it a lot of love; I worked really hard. Also, look forward to more music because this is only the beginning. Thank you!

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