[Exclusive Interview] BABYLON: The Soulful Voice Ready to Captivate USA on Tour

With the announcement of his “Beautiful Memories Tour,” singer-songwriter Babylon is embarking on his first-ever U.S. tour, covering shows across all regions of the country. Known for his distinctive vocal style and mastery of R&B, Babylon has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his soulful sound and innovative approach to music. His rise to fame began with the chart-topping collaboration “Boys and Girls” with Zico, which showcased his ability to seamlessly blend genres and quickly solidified his place as a formidable force in the hip-hop and R&B scenes.

Babylon's career is a testament to his artistic evolution and dedication to musical excellence. His recent album series, EGO 90’s, draws from the essence of 90s R&B while incorporating modern influences, a move that has further established him as a visionary in the genre. With six full-length albums under his belt, including the critically acclaimed CAELO, Babylon has demonstrated his wide vocal range, songwriting prowess, and exceptional production skills. His collaborations with industry giants have earned him the title of "musician's musician," and his ability to create timeless yet innovative music continues to captivate audiences globally.

KpopWise was able to sit down with Babylon for an interview to discuss his music so far and his feelings about his first US tour.

Congratulations on your “Beautiful Memories Tour”! How does it feel to be touring the U.S. for the first time with so many shows?

I'm incredibly grateful and excited. I feel very, very thankful to have this opportunity. Touring so many cities and meeting listeners and fans, experiencing the connection through music and live performance, is such a precious moment for me. I’m truly grateful for it.

Your music blends contemporary R&B with 90s influences, especially in your latest album EGO 90’s. What inspired you to bring back the essence of 90s music in this project?

I think it's important to remember that while music evolves, classics are timeless. I love 90s music, it’s a big part of my musical identity. With EGO 90's, I wanted to explore different shades of that era. Each part of the project has its own flavor—Part 1 is more of a Korean R&B ballad style, Part 2 has an American R&B vibe, and Part 3 introduces a dreamy, playful feel with minimal vocal embellishments. I believe simplicity is key, so I kept it straightforward without too many vocal tricks and vibrato.

You’re known for your collaborations, like the hit with Zico on "Boys and Girls" "Automatic" with Chancellor, BIBI, TWVL Giselle, and many more popular songs. How do you choose your collaborators, and what do you look for in a musical partnership?

First and foremost, I value sincerity. When collaborating, especially in R&B, it’s about chemistry. The collaboration process is a heart-to-heart connection, where I listen to the other artist’s opinions and thoughts to create something together. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing artists, and I don’t take any of those moments for granted. I look forward to doing more collaborations in the future.

Your first full-length album, CAELO, received widespread acclaim. How do you reflect on its impact and how it shaped your career?

CAELO was my first full album, so I poured a lot of passion and effort into it. I wanted it to feel otherworldly, both in the lyrics and the sound. I was lucky to collaborate with some incredible artists on the project, and it even won an award, which was a fantastic way to kick off my career.

How do you keep your music fresh and push boundaries in your sound?

I believe that classic sounds will always outlast trends. For me, simplicity and timelessness are key elements of my sound, and that’s what I aim for in my music. I try not to box myself into stereotypes or trends. Whether it’s trendy or classic, I avoid borders and focus on making the melodies come out more freely and creatively.

Given your strong background in production, how hands-on are you during the process, and what’s your favorite part of creating a song?

The melody and lyrics are the most important parts for me. I spend most of my time crafting melodies, then working on the lyrics. When I record, I use different techniques to enhance the sound, like adjusting compressors to add texture to the lines. My favorite part is creating the melody—I find the most joy in that.

Your music has an international following. How do you feel about the global reach of Korean R&B and hip-hop, and what do you hope to achieve with your U.S. tour?

I’m very thankful for the global reach of Korean R&B, and I appreciate everyone who listens to and supports my music. Since the U.S. is the home of R&B, I want to blend original American R&B styles with my own Korean influences, creating a performance that bridges both cultures while preserving the essence of each.

Which of your albums or songs best defines your sound, and why?

My first full album CAELO and EGO 90’s Part 1 really defined me the most as an artist.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you after the “Beautiful Memories Tour”? Any new music or collaborations fans can look forward to?

I’m currently working on EGO 90’s, Part 4, which I’ll release after the tour. I’m also planning a concert in Korea shortly afterward. Parts 1-3 of EGO 90’s are being turned into vinyl LPs, as I want to offer my fans a more analog approach to my music. While I’m in the U.S., I’ll be collaborating with some American R&B artists, so there’s more music on the way.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to your fans?

Thank you for the interview, and to my fans—thank you so much for loving and listening to my music. I’m incredibly happy and grateful for the chance to connect with so many people, and I promise to keep doing my best to grow as an artist. I look forward to delivering more great performances and staying connected with everyone soon.

Grab Tour Tickets & VIP: WWW.BABYLONOFFICIAL.COM