Q. Please tell me about your first solo full album.
Jonghyun: The album includes a total of 9 tracks, while most of the tracks have strong beats. As I took part in writing the songs, my view of the world is reflected in the album. I tried to create a synergy effect by collaborating with various musicians who took part in the album.
Q. Are you satisfied with the album?
Jonghyun: Well,
I would rate the album with the score of 6.5 out of 10. I'm a little bit disappointed about myself, but I think such a feeling is the driving force behind everything I do as a musician.
Q. Tell me about the title track "She is."
Jonghyun: "She is" is a funky music. I wrote the song with Crush 2-3 years ago. I tried to use various musical instruments to deliver the cool mood of the song. I really like the song. At first, I thought I would include the song in my first mini album, but I didn't because I thought the song should be the title track. I talked with my agency a lot about the title track, and people said "She is" a summery choice.
Q. You are being recognized for your outstanding talent as a singer-songwriter. What do you think of it?
Jonghyun: I'm thankful for it, but I try not to care what people think of me. As I will be active as a musician for a long time, it's important for me to go my own way.
Q. Where do you get the inspiration for writing your songs?
Jonghyun: I'm inspired by my everyday life. It can be conversations with other people or paintings.
Q. Don't you feel pressured to top various music charts?
Jonghyun: It is a lie to say that I do not feel pressured at all. I think all the pop singers feel pressured to achieve a success. However, I don't think such a thought has an effect on my music. I just want to let people hear my songs.
Q. Then, what kind of life do you want to live as a musician?
Jonghyun: I want to write songs which contain my own feelings. And I want to pour myself into my music. I won't be swayed by music charts.
Q. I heard that you have an interesting story behind the song "Cocktail."
Jonghyun: I recommended the song to Taemin before he released his solo album last February. However, he said no. He changed his mind later, but I said I should include the song in my solo album. Actually, I've recommended many other my own songs to him, but he refused to include them in his album except for "Already."
Q. Which artist do you want to give your own songs to?
Jonghyun: Well, as I'm interested in dance music these days, I want to give my songs to NCT and Red Velvet. Actually, I've already written songs for them.
