After being named a world model ambassador for Versace in Might, KUN is taking the partnership to the subsequent degree with a collaborative single with the Italian luxurious model that highlights the Chinese language pop star’s inspiration from the intersection of music and style.
Set to debut in an upcoming marketing campaign for Versace Mercury sneakers, “Afterglow” might be launched globally in full this coming Friday, June 9. Like his earlier hits on Billboard‘s China TME UNI Chart together with 2022’s “Hug Me” and “TITLE” from final 12 months, KUN immersed himself within the artistic course of for “Afterglow” by using inspirations like patterns and cuts to ship a mix of darkish synthesizers and rock-inspired vocals.
Working as a singer and actor since his teenagers, KUN has spent the final 10 years showcasing an evolution from a actuality TV breakout and boy band member to a full-fledged solo famous person with a number of albums, abroad excursions, and high-profile model endorsements to his title. At the moment, the C-pop star is collaborating with writers and producers within the U.S. to craft a globally targeted music undertaking with the upcoming “Afterglow” single launch representing what he calls “a brand-new KUN sound.”
Learn on for extra from KUN on “Afterglow” and its significance in establishing what needs to be a serious 2024 and 2025 with extra music, dwell performances, excursions and different treats for followers worldwide.
Congratulations on launching “Afterglow” alongside your world ambassadorship with Versace! Inform us extra about it and the way you began creating the observe?
“Afterglow” is a brand-new single I produced in collaboration with Versace. I approached this track from what I realized in style tradition — this piece really displays my journey as a musician and performing artist. During the last two years, I’ve explored and experimented with many alternative genres, mixing old-school with new-school parts, and incorporating my private style into trendy music. “Afterglow” is born from all this course of.
You’re identified for being concerned in composing your songs. In what methods did you get creatively concerned with “Afterglow”?
I draw inspiration from how designers curate their clothes patterns, the modern lower particulars and the eye to high quality, and translate that into the track. I wished the synth design to be distinctive, edgy, and darkish whereas having vocals retaining that rock aspect. Whereas writing, I imagined scenes of style runway — flashing strobe lights — with a extra mysterious really feel. The runway can be an ideal setting for this sound.
What does “Afterglow” symbolize in your music profession?
Ranging from “Afterglow,” we’ll hear a brand-new KUN sound. We’re beginning a brand new chapter in music, and seeking to launch extra songs in each Chinese language and English.
Will “Afterglow” have its personal music video too?
Many followers would possibly bear in mind our earlier Artwork Lab dwell live performance. Right here’s some unique information for my Billboard pals: Artwork Lab 2.0 is coming quickly, together with a dwell efficiency of “Afterglow.”
How does style affect your life everyday?
Trend at all times conjures up me within the artistic means of songwriting. I really like classic clothes identical to how I really like listening to traditional songs, in addition to cowboy hats and tough denims when writing rock songs. Trend design is a tedious course of that includes fixed fine-tuning till the ultimate product is developed. That course of provokes or intrigues; it has no artistic boundary. Very very similar to when making music, there are countless prospects.
I learn that your Versace information went viral in China with 400 million views on Weibo in beneath per week and a No. 1 search subject for hours. Have been you anticipating such an thrilling response?
I used to be in a track camp at that [time]. It was round 3 a.m. so I used to be truly in mattress when my group woke me up and informed me the excellent news. I respect every thing my followers do for me and we assist one another all the way in which.
You visited the U.S., Canada, and the U.Ok. in your KUN ONE Tour in 2019. Are there any plans for extra abroad exhibits?
We’re planning many surprises this 12 months; extra information is coming. I’ve been within the studio nonstop for an upcoming new undertaking. I’m additionally designing a brand new music present manufacturing that may carry sound to life on a dwell stage with some gifted writers and producers from everywhere in the world.
What else can we anticipate from you in 2024?
2024 has been my first step into constructing a label and firm that represents the artwork I really like a lot. I’ve been aiming at creating and releasing a couple of world music tasks from my label this 12 months and fascinated with a world tour, so I’m pushing myself to hit these deadlines. I’ve by no means launched an official world album, and I’m placing within the work to make {that a} actuality. The music is the main focus although, so if I don’t really feel it’s prepared, I could wait till early 2025. I’m having fun with the method of all of it.
Every other targets for this 12 months?
Targets… meet my deadlines. [Laughs] And if I meet these deadlines, the subsequent purpose is an actual one: to ensure the individuals who hearken to the music and expertise it dwell can really feel the identical manner I did after I was creating it. In the event that they inform me that they felt one thing, I hit my targets for 2024.
The rest to share with readers or worldwide followers right now?
I’d like to work with artists from world wide. Collaboration with artists of various cultures is what I really like about artwork, music, and style, so for worldwide listeners, message me with concepts, and in addition message me with cities that you simply assume would need to expertise my new tasks.
Yu Cong
Yu Cong
Yu Cong
