[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Benji, A K-POP Idol Turned Independent Artist

Benji Bae, an independent singer-songwriter with the history of being a K-POP idol. He sits down for an exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia.

You may remember Benji as a former member of the K-POP boy group, Boys In Groove (better known as B.I.G). Now, Benji will be known as an independent in Los Angeles. On June 18th, 2022, he released his first track “Epiphany” as a solo artist. It was accompanied by a music video which was directed by HAAHS.

The same day as his release, he also performed for the first time in The States. He performed at the K-TOWN Night Market in Los Angeles, California; a city he now calls home.

Be sure to check out his exclusive interview below! He talks about his past as a K-POP idol and about his move to Los Angeles to pursue his solo career.

HypnoticAsia’s Interview with Benji

HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to the readers of HypnoticAsia!

Hi, my name is Benji.  I’m a singer/songwriter in LA and I used to be part of a k-pop boy group called Boys in Groove.

HYPNOTICASIA: You recently performed at the KTOWN Night Market in Los Angeles, California. How was that experience?

Being on stage has always been one of the most exciting parts of being a singer.  This time around, performing all of my (as of yet, unreleased) originals was a very fulfilling experience. The crowd really seemed to vibe with the music which was such a gratifying experience and being able to perform a set with a full band was of course just amazing.

HYPNOTICASIA: Was this your first time performing as a solo artist in America? If so, how do you feel about that?

This was my first official performance in the states and it meant the world to me.  After moving back to America I took some time off to re-discover myself and what kind of music I wanted to do.  To be honest, even after having performed so much throughout my life I got some butterflies before I got on stage.  Thankfully the minute I walked on all those thoughts vanished and the only thought in my head was to give the crowd a good show and show off my music.

HYPNOTICASIA: What would you say is your musical influence?

I’m influenced by various moments in my daily life.  The way the road looks when I drive, how something tastes, the sound of ice in a cocktail shaker can always bring about the most random ideas.  

HYPNOTICASIA: We know you are an extremely talented violin player. Tell us how you began playing the violin. Do you play any other instruments?

I started violin at the age of four thanks to my amazing mom.  She was the first person to influence me into a music career and that really blossomed into a love of music all around.  I also know how to play some basic piano as well as bass.

HYPNOTICASIA: Have you always wanted to be a singer? Tell us your story of going to South Korea to be a K-POP idol.

I always thought that I would be a violinist until I realized I didn’t want to be one.  It’s a funny realization to have after you start a college education but it took a brush with the professional world to make me realize that my career interests lied elsewhere.  I went to Korea to be a k-pop singer because of the trainee camps (that if i got into) I hoped would help me improve on all my abilities and during that trainee process I realized how different music would be for me which I really LOVED.  After that singing became an integral part of who I am.  

HYPNOTICASIA: You made your debut in a K-POP boy group at a young age. Now, you’re releasing solo music that you describe as being “more realistic to yourself”. How has it been transitioning into the solo artist Benji that you are today?

I had to come to grips with reality.  In K-pop I was taught to always put my best face forward.  For the majority of promotions I was able to do just that until I started dealing with my own issues in addition to the professional issues that always plague certain K-pop groups.  Once I left, I became someone who both had the freedom to do whatever I wanted and the responsibility to see it through to fruition.  To be more realistic to myself meant letting my insecurities be a real part of myself and having the self-awareness that not everything was as optimistic as I made it out to be.  It was through that process that thankfully, I’d like to think that I’ve been able to add some more of my personality and artistry into my music.

HYPNOTICASIA: Since you have experience of being in both a boy group as well as being a solo artist, which do you prefer? Are there pros and cons to being in a group versus being on your own?

On a basic level, promoting in a group means you’ll never be lonely, and being a solo artist means you don’t have to share the spotlight.  To flip it, being in a group makes it a little harder to really get your full artistic vision across and being a solo artist means you have to have a vision and the tenacity to see it through.  

HYPNOTICASIA: You recently released your track, “Epiphany” which was accompanied by a music video. Tell us more about this track and the story behind it.

Epiphany was a track I created after meeting my girlfriend.  I had freshly moved to LA and was still gathering my bearings when I met her and after we started dating I had this question of what satisfaction in life meant to me.  Within that idea were the thoughts that would start the song “Even if it feels like the world is moving fast without you, don’t compare yourself and move at your own pace.  It’s okay not to be okay but keep striving and don’t stop”.  I think for this specific track, finding the right phrasing was the harder part of starting.  Christian Haahs, an insanely talented photographer/videographer shot the music video and brought up the idea of being more vulnerable and more real.  Rather than trying to create something showy, show something that was supremely realistic and I think we we’re able to bring that to life.  

HYPNOTICASIA: Would you say “Epiphany” is the sound you are leaning towards in your solo career or are you still experimenting with your sound?

I’m definitely still experimenting with sound but the sound on Epiphany is definitely a record that I’d been wanting to create for a long time.  There’s definitely a lot more musical soundscapes that I’m excited to work on.

HYPNOTICASIA: Since you have begun releasing solo music, do you have any more plans to drop more music in the near future?

I’m currently working on an EP but that all I can say for now.  🙂

HYPNOTICASIA: Is there anything you would like to tell your fans who have been with you and waiting for you since the beginning?

Thank you so so much to the fans <3. I was never good at keeping up with things and even though I’m very loud on stage and on camera, inside, I’m actually a bit of a shy boy.  “Epiphany” is a record I created to give just a little bit of solace and comfort and I hope that when you listen to the song, you can also take a moment to listen to yourself and give yourself some love.  

Check out his official music video for “Epiphany” below:

Keep up with Benji’s journey here!