Sunkis. Photo Credit: Chiu Pok Kwan.
Sunkis and Yung Kai chatted about their new single “where the sunlight glows.”
On how they got together for this collaboration, Sunkis said, “We were mutuals on Instagram, and we both found out that we were on the same festival lineup.”
“I reached out to Kai to congratulate him, and I told him how excited I was to meet him in person; that is definitely different than meeting online,” Sunkis noted.
“We ended up hitting it off, and we linked up in Los Angeles. I brought him to get some good Korean food in K-town, and then, we started talking about music, life, and the song came from talking and hanging out. That’s how the song came about,” he elaborated.
Origin of the song
On the origin of the song, Sunkis said, “I had a couple of beats and loops on my phone, and I just sent Kai some ideas. Funny enough, Kai loved the first one I sent him. So, we started bouncing back ideas, and now, we are going to be performing it on the main stage at the Festival next week at the Rose Bowl. Who would have though?”
“Who knew that you end up doing something so big with somebody that quickly,” Sunkis added.
Music and songwriting inspirations
On his music and songwriting inspirations, Yung Kai said, “For me, I am really inspired by this band called Wave to Earth, and I subconsciously put that into my own music in my own way. That’s where I get my inspirations from.”
“For me, I am such a melody head growing up. I loved listening to the radio (99.7 FM and 94.9 FM) and whatever would be playing on there, I would sing along and I would know most of the Billboard Hot 100 growing up,” he said.
“It wasn’t until college when I started commuting to school and I would hum, sing, and freestyle over some random melodies that were playing, so that inspired me to write my own songs. So, that was how it came about,” he elaborated.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Yung Kai said, “I think social media has played such a big role in every artist’s career these days.”
“As someone that doom scrolls each day for at least two to three hours, I think that using social media does not feel like work,” he noted.
“I think it plays such a big role in the lives of musicians, artists, and influencers. It is an important tool for them to grow,” he added.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, Sunkis remarked, “Hopefully getting my first project out. That’s the goal I think for Kai too. You don’t want to rush your first kid; you want to take your time for when you are ready for him.”
“Also, I am slowly working with new producers every day, and I am just trying to elevate my sound. I just want to put something out that I will always look back at and be happy with it,” Sunkis added.
Advice for young and aspiring artists
For young and emerging artists, Kai said, “Stay true to your own music, don’t listen to haters, and look up to Sunkis.”
“A lot of people think it’s overnight success, but it doesn’t happen like that,” Sunkis clarified.
“It takes a really long time and consistency and just grit to even have one moment. So, if you really love it and you want to do it for a lifetime, then put your all into it, and just don’t give up, as cliché as it sounds,” he added.
“With this being a digital era, there is always going to be a conflict between the artists vs. me on social media. Following trends with the current way the algorithm moves can be a way to distract you from your artistry. Stick to your own craft and to what is authentic and true to you, and the rest will come,” Sunkis elaborated.
“The people who love you will love you and they will follow you, and they will honestly go the distance with you, as opposed to seeking instant gratification from doing something that is not really true to you,” Sunkis expanded.
Dream collaboration choices
“As a huge Belieber, I would love to work with Justin Bieber of this era, when he was doing a lot of R&B,” Sunkis said.
“That would be a dream collab. If that would happen, I would probably fall off the face of this planet and die,” Sunkis said with a sweet laugh. “That would be the best day ever.”
Yung Kai listed the Korean indie band Wave to Earth as his dream collaboration in music. “They are pretty big right now and they have been a big inspiration for a lot of my music,” he said.
Success
On their definition of success, Sunkis said, “Spending quality time with the people I love and care about is more important than money, honestly. I just want to have a good balance of a happy life where nothing is too extreme.”
“For me, success is when people recognize you for your hard work and for your talents in your music, school, and working hard at your job. The recognition that you get for working hard and grinding is a success,” Kai elaborated.
Closing thoughts on the new single
For their fans and supporters, Sunkis said, “I think this new single is very bright and it gives an uplifting vibe and energy. When I listen to it, I just imagine people putting their hands out and singing their hearts out.”
“The song is about seeing the potential in yourself. I want people to feel the aspect of having a friend, and a genuine support for them. I want this song to help pull listeners out of a dark place and a mental hole,” he noted.
“I want it to be a warm hug and reassurance that there is a lot of good in life and there are a lot of beautiful things that people see about you that you may not see about yourself,” Sunkis concluded.
“where the sunlight glows” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Sunkis, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on Yung Kai, follow him on Instagram.
Content shared from www.digitaljournal.com.