Nine months after the release of his second mini-album ‘OVERDRIVE,’ MONSTA X member and solo artist I.M is back to the music scene to, once again, enthrall the listeners with his self-penned lyrics, bringing out his signature husky voice coupled with his impressive rapping prowess.

Boasting a total of six tracks, namely “LURE,” the focus single, “Bust It,” “X0,” “Skyline,” “MMI,” and “nbdy,” the artist’s third solo mini-album, ‘Off The Beat’ — in which I.M served as the sole lyricist, in addition to his participation in the compositions and arrangements — is fused with different musical genres such as soul, R&B, and bossa/Latin music. Aside from the vibes you get to feel while listening to the music, I.M’s storytelling will allow you to fully immerse yourself in his unique worldview.

With his new record, in addition to the single “Slowly (feat. Heize),” released in January, I.M is now ready to captivate the audience on stage with his overflowing stage presence and charisma. Starting in May, the artist is going to embark on his first world tour, aptly titled ‘Off The Beat,’heading to 18 cities across Europe, North America, and Asia, with the first stop being in Seoul, followed by the European and North American tour stops until August, which will then draw to a close in Asia in September.

Following the release of his newest collection, I.M chatted with the press members about ‘Off The Beat’ and how his tour is going to be a unique experience, and allkpop got to ask him three questions. Check out our interview with I.M below!

allkpop: You said in an interview that you avoid being completely influenced by others. You blend in, but not at the expense of losing your own identity. Has this approach led to a deeper understanding of yourself, both personally and musically? Do you feel you've reached a point of self-awareness that allows you to connect with your vision?

I.M: Well, since I have my own time, when I'm at the studio, I think about myself very deeply. What I like, what I don't like. What I'm good at, what I'm not good at. What I'm thinking right now, what I desire, and what I think about my future. Some very awesome stuff comes up when you're just by yourself. I think that may mean a deeper level [for me and how] I think about myself.

allkpop: You are the sole lyricist for all the tracks, but I want to particularly talk about the last track. In "nbdy," you explore the feeling of being lost, singing lines like "Sometimes, I think I’m lost / Seems like it's too late to turn back now / Waiting until it becomes painfully familiar." Can you share with us what inspired you to write this song and what it means to you? Is there a specific line that is your favorite?

I.M: I think really personal stuff is really public stuff. I think that's why that's the best part. Sometimes, you don't know where you are and what you're doing. And even [if] there's lots of people, you feel alone. I was trying to contain that. I think picking just one, my favorite line, would be really hard for me because the whole vibe of that song is… Yeah, it’s a vibe!

allkpop: What should we look forward to from your upcoming solo shows? Could you describe the atmosphere and vibe of your tour that will make people want to attend again and again?

I.M: If you are really supporting or truly loving me, and if you’re really a fan, I think you will attend again and again.(laughs) But I bet I can’t satisfy all of them. It will be a unique experience for my fans as well as for me and what I feel because it's my first world tour. And they've been seeing concerts [of MONSTA X] as a team. But this time, it's all on me. And, you know, more than an hour and a half full of me. That's quite unique.

Socials:

Instagram: imnameim
Twitter: IMxSMEK
YouTube: I.M
FaceBook: I.M – 아이엠
Website: I.M Official Website