JACOB Finds His Own Rhythm on ‘j.’
Alongside his work with K-pop group THE BOYZ, JACOB has spent years developing a musical voice of his own. Now, his first official solo album, j., brings that perspective into the foreground through seven warm, reflective songs shaped by his personal influences and experiences.
Released June 10, the album takes its title from the first letter of his name, a simple choice that reflects how closely the project is tied to JACOB himself. That personal foundation extends to the creative process, with longtime friends and collaborators helping shape the record through relationships already built on trust.
Across j., soft pop melodies and understated production leave space for stories about romance, uncertainty, and emotions that linger after a moment has passed. “Off the Record” begins the album with an intimate warmth before Sunwoo joins JACOB on “Back & Forth,” adding a playful chemistry to its romantic push and pull. “Slow Dancing,” the title track, then settles into a dreamier mood, built around the closeness and tenderness its name suggests. Later, Wonderframe appears on “Promise,” bringing another texture to the album’s gentle approach to love.
Still, the record only grows stronger as it unfolds. “Misunderstood,” “Young & Confused,” and “Stars in the Sky” expand on the themes introduced earlier, moving through questions of identity, emotional uncertainty, and longing with increasing depth. Together, they also manage to add a greater sense of vulnerability and reflection to j., revealing how much of the album is concerned with understanding yourself as much as understanding another person. But above all, j. leaves listeners with a clearer sense of JACOB as a solo artist—earnest, assured, and still discovering where his music can take him.
j. marks your first official solo album after years of sharing music through THE BOYZ and platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube. What felt most important for you to establish with this project?
JACOB: For me, the most important thing was just making music that people would be able to listen to without getting tired of it! Having music available on music platforms was very exciting for me [laughs].
You have described j. as a way of showing listeners your musical color more fully. Which parts of your identity emerged most naturally while making the album?
JACOB: I think while making this album, I went back to my pop/acoustic vocals and tried to make the album sound comfortable and easy listening! It felt very easy to do since it's what I grew up loving!
The project was created alongside longtime friends and collaborators who have supported your development as an artist. How did that existing trust influence the way you wrote, recorded, and made creative decisions?
JACOB: It made the process so easy! I never had to worry about what they were doing, but just focus on what I can do to better the album! It was kinda like, if something was off, it's me that needs to step up because they weren’t the problem, and it was probably me!
“Off the Record” opens the album with a warm, intimate atmosphere that carries into the songs that follow. Why did it feel like the right entry point into the world of j.?
JACOB: I feel like this song really gives a fun and chill vibe, which makes it easy for listeners to start listening to the album! I wanted an approachable song that people can really enjoy, but relax to!
“Slow Dancing” serves as the title track and one of the clearest expressions of the album’s dreamy, sentimental sound. What made it the right song to represent j. and lead your solo debut?
JACOB: To me, I felt like “Slow Dancing” was the song that put every other song together into the album! Kinda like a gateway that connects the rest of the music to fit in with each other!
“Back & Forth” with Sunwoo and “Promise” with Wonderframe bring two different collaborative energies to the album. How did each artist shape their respective song, and what did you want those partnerships to add to j.?
JACOB: I felt like, if this was all done by me, the sounds would get repetitive and thus a little bit boring, which is why I felt these collabs were needed so that listeners can find something fresh and new time to time in the album! I feel like Sunwoo and Wonderframe both did that so well, and I am very thankful!
“Misunderstood,” “Young & Confused,” and “Stars in the Sky” form a particularly compelling sequence, approaching vulnerability through identity, self-reflection, and longing. How do those songs reflect where you were emotionally while making j.?
JACOB: I tend to be a naturally negative person when it comes to myself—internally [laughs]. So I find it easier to write these kinds of songs! They end up becoming the more relatable songs to me, and I hope they can relate to others as well!
You’ve previously shared that you grew up in Canada dreaming of making music and singing for people around the world. How has releasing your first solo album changed the way you think about that younger version of yourself?
JACOB: When I was younger, I never would have thought I'd be able to do what I am doing now! It goes to show that you never really know until you experience life, do what you love, and shoot for the stars! The environment needed to get this done was nowhere to be found back home, so I feel like that made it hard for me to think I can ever do this, but I have been blessed with amazing people who helped me get this done!
