Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week features a check-in with B.I about his latest project. And don’t forget, if you love reading Fan Chant, you can subscribe to my companion newsletter to get it delivered right to your inbox each week!
In his latest project, soloist and songwriter B.I doesn’t see love ending as finality across the board. Instead, Love or Loved Pt.2 acknowledges the perils of heartbreak but also takes note of how important beginning can be. To do so, he enlisted names like Omer Fedi, AOBeats, and Mark Johns, along with Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter James Reid for the introspective “4 Letters.”
Following the breakout success of his 2022 single “BTBT” featuring Soulja Boy and DeVita, along with the impassioned energy of Love or Loved, Pt 1, this latest record is a bit more muted. Read B.I’s insights into the album below, and listen to “4 Letters” featuring James Reid.
This project has such a different vibe from Love or Loved, Pt. 1 — definitely more mellow in sound. Talk to me about that pivot.
Part 1 exudes more passion than Part 2, given its foundation on the concept of youthful love. I suppose in contrast, the narratives on farewell in Part 2 are likely to evoke a sense of calm and softness.
How did you connect with James Reid? Did you have him in mind for “4 Letters” or did you work on creating the song together?
I initially met him in the green room at another artist’s concert, and it was truly an honor as I’ve been a big fan of his voice. Our friendship deepened when I approached him about the possibility of a collaborative stage in my concert in the Philippines.
I typically dive into the creative process without pre-selecting a featured artist for most of my songs. Instead, when I sense that a song lacks a certain layer even after its completion, I then seek out an artist whom I’d like to collaborate with. “4 Letters” is no exception to this approach.
What’s been pushing you as a writer lately? Have there been any experiences that were really creatively satisfying for you?
Every album production experience has provided me with immense satisfaction. It’s the outcome of exploring all the genres and technological skills I desired. I consistently strive to approach each project with the mindset of embracing challenges to bring something new to the listeners through music.
How about other inspirations? What’s been on your playlist or movie queue?
My usual sources of inspiration include daily life, films, and books, and this is clearly reflected in the current song I am working on. As for future films, I’m looking forward to watching Inside Out 2 and Crayon Shin-chan: Shrouded in Mystery! The Flowers of Tenkasu Academy.
You also had the chance to spend some time on the road lately! What’s been the best part about that?
During my recent tour in Europe, my producer accompanied me. We immediately immersed ourselves in creating music on the bus whenever inspiration struck. This fresh inspiration undoubtedly has the ability to vividly express itself in the songs and reflect my emotional state.