Jomalxne’s unexpected London performance, a supporting act on JAY B’s show, was one of the most exciting surprises of 2022. One never expected that the artist, whose music is barely known in Europe, could have left a striking impression on so many people, including myself. Hailing from South Korea, Jomalxne is not only an awe-inspiring Hip-hop artist, but also a member of ØFFSHORE, a group of artists composed of Def., JUNNY, Ihwak, HNMR, Royal Dive, Mirror Boy, and RoseInPeace. The aforementioned crew beautifully incorporates a variety of genres in their music, from pop ballads to trendy R&B. They are also known for their upbeat EDM sound. 

But sound the alarm! Jomalxne is coming for you. With his latest release, WESH, a highly listenable, energetic track, the artist is ready to show that he is capable of something great. And while the Korean market is more familiar with Jomalxne’s music, the rapper is steadily gaining a European fanbase as well. 

Jomalnxe’s music is instantly addictive – with killer beats, the rapper knows how to get the most out of his skills and deliver top-quality music. 

There are countless artists out there who have their own story to tell about why they were drawn to the profession of a singer/rapper. What initially attracted you to music and becoming an artist?

Since middle school, I’ve liked Korean Hip-hop [groups] like Epik High. At that time, I naturally started writing lyrics because I felt the urge to write them whenever I listened to Hip-hop. I started music in earnest with my ØFFSHORE friends when I was 24 years old, and when I was discharged from the military.

Although your music is categorised as Hip-hop, how would you describe your music style, and what kind of approach do you use to write your lyrics?

Hip-hop, Pop, and the genres I like are naturally mixed [in my music]. Usually, I write lyrics by humming a tune and then organizing the lyrics, but there are times when I write the lyrics first, and then [music comes along]. It always changes. 

Looking at your life, to what extent do you think your surroundings have shaped you, creatively speaking, and in what way?

I think the relationship between [my existence] and my surroundings is inseparable. My mood and attitude change depending on who I talk to when I work.

When I listen to music, I see shapes and colours. What happens in your mind when you’re listening to your favourite tune, and how does it influence your approach to creativity?

‘Shapes and colours’ are a very good description of what I think of while listening to my music. Especially my album Sky Walker‘s Te!!mewhatyoulike that came out last year! I worked on the song while imagining that I was spraying paint on the music.

As a child, when I listened to my favourite songs, I always thought each instrument was alive – breathing and talking. So, when I create something, I focus on capturing the energy of that moment.

Improvisation is a large part of the creative process for many artists. How strictly do you separate improvising and composing in your work?

I tend to be spontaneous, so when I work, I usually improvise, so I don’t separate [improvisation and organised composing].

Is there anything you would like to change in the music industry that might help emerging artists get bigger exposure in domestic and foreign markets?

Rather than complain about the music industry, I think I should expose myself to a larger extent in its current form. When I’m in a position to lead someone, I’ll have to think about it again.

Not long ago, you joined JAY B’s European tour as a guest performer. It was your first time to perform in front of a Western audience, and although you had a short set, you absolutely smashed it. You made the whole venue groove to your music. How did you feel at that particular moment, and how did you find London itself?

It was so thrilling. Before the tour, I was a little worried, but after my first performance in London, all my worries disappeared. Thanks to the love of the audience in London, I think I enjoyed this tour [to the fullest]. Once again, thank you to the fans in London!

It snowed a lot when I went to London, but I heard it’s rare to see snow in [the capital]. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go around the city because of the tour schedule, but it was great just to smoke in snowy London [laughs].

During your set in London, you performed Blue Dream, Go, GZRGH, Tell Me What You Like, and 2000. While you have more tracks under your belt, I want to know, on which of your songs do you think you have delivered your personal best performance so far, from an emotional and technical point of view?

All the tracks that I performed were good, but I think Go was the best song for this tour. I think Go‘s energetic and pleasant vibes boosted the energy of my setlist. I can still hear the audience chanting “Go let’s go”.

And emotionally, I liked Blue Dream, too. It was the only calm song, but it still feels like a dream to see the audience waving their hands with their cell phone lights on.

As a songwriter you must constantly write songs, but not necessarily all of them end up being recorded or released. How do you decide which song to record and release?

I choose recording and releasing songs on the spot. I usually finish recording while writing a song, but it’s not easy to express the energy of writing a song when I put off recording and try to do it again. I think about when to release each song or when to release an album, but I think I [usually] decide on it spontaneously.

How does it feel when you release music in general? How do you feel when you put your songs out there for people to judge?

Until now, when a song was released, I was more disappointed and worried. I really enjoy the process of making a song, but I always end up doubting myself, being worried about how the song will sound to others after it is released. It’s not a good thing for me, but I am always happy when I am able to finally play songs for people upon release. From now on, I’m going to enjoy the whole process.

How would you describe your development as an artist in terms of interests and challenges, searching for a personal voice, as well as breakthroughs?

I think I’m still trying to find myself. I think you need to constantly find your own charm by continuing to look for interests that make you feel comfortable and happy, and I [think] I have to go through difficulties until my [musical] journey becomes easier.

You are a part of ØFFSHORE, a collective of a few artists. You are a self-sufficient group of creatives that writes, composes, and produces singles and EPs by yourselves. ØFFSHORE gained its momentum in 2016 when Def. released a mixtape 1/? Vol.1 on SoundCloud, you and MIRROR BOY featured on that release as well. How did ØFFSHORE come about, and why did you decide to be a part of the crew? How do you guys balance all that creativity? Have you ever experienced artistic differences while working together?

ØFFSHORE’s RoseInPeace and I are middle school friends, and RoseInPeace and JAY B are high school friends. After being discharged from the army, the three of us decided to start the collective. One by one, we met the current members.

I think ØFFSHORE’s work literally goes with the flow. We work together like a kind of ‘rest’ or ‘travel’. When we talk about releasing a compilation album, we listen to each other’s tracks and work on the tracks we want to do, so there are no big artistic differences between us. 

Not long ago, you released a new single called WESH. Could you tell us more about it, what’s the story behind the single?

I made this song right before we went on our European tour. While performing, this song felt like my own anthem, so I released it right after the tour. The Korean title is Ashfall, and fans kept repeating the word ‘wesh’ at the Paris concert, and I thought it would go well with this song, so I named it WESH. To be honest, I don’t know exactly what WESH means yet [laughs].

Anyway, this song was made by quoting a line from one of the songs by the rock band BAEKDUSAN, which was popular in the 1980s in Korea.

What can your fans expect from you in 2023?

I’ve prepared a lot of songs, and I think it’ll be a year where I can show you more, whether it’s a single or an album. The music video for WESH will be released soon, so please check it out when it’s out. My main wish is to perform in London again as soon as possible!

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}