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.
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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
Listen to Babylon