Behind the Music: From Bedroom Beats to Global Grooves – An Exclusive Interview With Juju B. Goode

Join us as we go behind the music in this exclusive interview with Juju B. Goode.

Meet the musical magician Juju B. Goode, who kicked off his epic journey from the cozy confines of his bedroom. His debut EP, Future Boy, released in 2020, was like a nostalgia-packed K-R&B rollercoaster that sent the world on a wild ride, racking up millions of streams and Spotify shoutouts. But that’s just the warm-up act!

Next up, he dropped ‘Garden’ (2021), joined forces with some big-name artists, and even lent his voice to Netflix’s latest binge series, “XO, Kitty.” With a creative spark that never quits and a dedication that’s as solid as a rockstar’s riff, Juju B. Goode is ready to leave an unforgettable mark on the music scene, and fans from every corner of the globe can’t wait to groove along with his artistic evolution. His highly anticipated debut studio album, slated for release later next month, masterfully infuses his work with a rich blend of diverse musical genres, drawing inspiration from rock, disco, electronic, and hip-hop, all while allowing his Korean heritage to shine through.

To commemorate the pre-release track “Mr. Lee,” Hellokpop caught up with the one and only Juju B. Goode. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative process behind this electrifying song and explore his musical journey and more.

Hellokpop: Congratulations on your upcoming debut studio album, Smile! You’re On Camera! Can you tell us about the overall theme or concept behind the album?

Juju B. Goode: Thank you! Of course. I see “Smile! You’re On Camera” as a fusion of various colors and shapes, much like the vibrant tapestry of a bustling metropolitan city. The eclectic blend of people, cultures, and neighborhoods is translated into the diverse styles, energies, and musical genres like disco, rock, reggae, salsa, 90s Korean music, and more within the album. Lyrically, I aimed to embrace the experiences of myself and the diverse people I’ve met in NYC, capturing our journeys.

HKP: What do you hope listeners will take away from your music and this album in particular?

Juju B. Goode:  I hope they can have some fun, take a little break, and groove to the music. While the lyrics are mostly in Korean, if you understand the language, you can connect on a more intimate level and catch the subtle nuances. However, I’ve put a lot of effort into making the music communicate its essence independently of the lyrics through the production and vibe. I hope everyone can feel that, as music is a universal language.

HKP: How did you select the album’s title, and what does it represent in the context of your music?

Juju B. Goode: It’s a sign you see everywhere, from your local grocery stores and Uber rides to parks and streets. I love drawing inspiration from pop culture and everyday things. ‘Smile! You’re On Camera’ carries a hint of optimism, but it also addresses the important issue of surveillance, with everyone constantly being observed, from social media to offline relationships. It serves as a reminder to smile no matter what, but also, can we really do that?

HKP: Can you share a memorable experience or story behind one of your songs on this album?

Juju B. Goode: One of the most memorable moments was working on the title track “Smile!” with Sherman (aka Sake by the Water) and Pablo at Electric Dog Music. It was the first time all three of us collaborated on a project—Pablo and Sherm had never met before that session. From the start, there were lots of ideas flowing around; each of us brought our unique skills to the table, and there was a lot of joy in the creative process. Sometimes, when you’re with the right people, you get really lucky, and the music just seems to write itself.

HKP: Are there any specific tracks on the album that hold special meaning to you, and if so, why?

Juju B. Goode: All of the tracks on the album are like my babies, and each one carries a unique emotional resonance. But if I really have to choose, maybe “Ending Fairy?” It was one of the first songs I wrote for this album, and it essentially gave me the blueprint for the album’s concept. I invite you to check it out for yourself; I won’t spoil too much.

HKP: You recently released the song “Mr. Lee.” How does this song fit into your overall musical journey and style?

Juju B. Goode: “Mr. Lee” is probably the most pop-esque song in my repertoire, but it also goes through a lot of transitions and moods within 4 minutes. This song was born during the pandemic, and it took nearly two years to release. It underwent numerous edits and versions, but this particular version feels like it belongs to “Smile!” with its dynamic changes and colorful approach.

HKP: Can you describe your songwriting process for this particular track?

Juju B. Goode: I imagined a man living in a bustling city, a character going through a mid-20s crisis with urban man characteristics. He was originally called Doctor Strange, just a doctor thriving in a city that appears peculiar to everyone else, yet he enjoys a successful career.  Then it became Mr. Lee, which also sounds like mystery. Combining elements of disco pop and UK garage, the song “Mr. Lee” was born.

HKP: How do you balance the personal and emotional aspects of songwriting with the need to connect with your audience?

Juju B. Goode: I love this question because this is something I think a lot about. In short, I don’t have all the answers, but I’m doing my best to maintain my pure, youthful, creative energy and not overthink every step. Most importantly, I believe in having fun throughout the process. Gotta have fun most of all.

HKP: Do you specifically block out time to write new material, or are you always writing?

Juju B. Goode: There are times when I’m constantly inspired and writing, and other times I may not feel as much. During those less inspired moments, I often elaborate on materials I’ve recorded on my phone or jotted down in notes. It’s a mix of seasonal writing and everyday work cause I never know when inspiration will strike!

HKP: Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?

Juju B. Goode: This album encapsulates my journey since moving to NYC and navigating my 20s. I don’t have a specific message I want to convey; rather, I merely wanna share my thoughts and emotions sonically. And if you enjoy it, perhaps you’ll delve deeper into the meaning and come back for more.

HKP: What musical influences or artists have influenced your style and sound?

Juju B. Goode: This album specifically, I think I was very inspired by Korean bands like The Black Skirts and Roller Coaster to American classic rock bands like The Beach Boys, and genres like city pop and disco. And, of course, some Daft Punk!

HKP: How do you feel this new song represents your growth and development as an artist?

Juju B. Goode: It feels like a step toward who I wanna be as an artist. I’m learning about myself and crafting my own sound. I have many more songs and ideas I’m excited to explore and develop.

HKP: Can you give us a glimpse into your future projects or any upcoming shows or tours?

Juju B. Goode: I’ve recently relocated to LA, and I’m currently preparing for upcoming gigs and shows. I plan to perform in LA and, hopefully, have a show in NYC before the end of the year.

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message to your fans reading this.

Juju B. Goode: Thank you for these amazing questions; I’ve enjoyed discussing my influences and delving into my roots. To my fans, I can’t thank you enough for making my dream come true. My aim is to create music that brings a smile to your face and makes you feel Goode!

Connect with Juju B. Goode on Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud, Apple Music, and Spotify.

Special thanks to Juju B. Goode for this exclusive interview.