We recently chatted with the talented South Korean R&B artist and rapper PENOMECO, known for his smooth vocals and innovative sound. As a member of the influential “FANXY CHILD” collective alongside DEAN and Crush, he has made a significant impact on the music scene. PENOMECO’s recent EP series, including the Afrobeat hit “BOLO” and “AURORA (feat. Crush),” highlights his artistic growth and global connection. By collaborating with various musicians, he continues to redefine contemporary music.
Since his 2014 debut with “Right There,” PENOMECO has released several albums, including “COCO BOTTLE,” “[ Rorschach ] Part 1,” and “Dry Flower.” His work, particularly in the “Organic” series, showcases his command over both rapping and singing, garnering acclaim domestically and internationally. After selling out his first solo concert “FILM” in 2018, he further enriched his offerings with “Penomeco’s Showroom” in 2019. His appearances on competitive shows like Mnet’s “Breakers” and MBC’s “The Masked Singer” have also marked milestones in his career. His title track “BOLO (Feat. YDG)” topped genre charts in Europe, charted on Spotify Viral 50 in countries, and its music video surpassed 10 million views, solidifying his global popularity. He recently released “[Rorschach] Part 1 and 2,” showcasing a diverse range of genres and further advancing his musical journey.
KALTBLUT: Can you share your thoughts on how your musical style has evolved since your debut single ‘Right There’ in 2014?
Reflecting on the past decade, I see it as a period deeply intertwined with my personal evolution. As my core values have become more defined, my musical journey has mirrored that growth. It’s not solely about technical improvement, but more about broadening my perspective and a clearer vision, guiding me toward the artist I aspire to be.
KALTBLUT: What is your creative process like when producing a new track or album? How do you blend different genres into your music?
I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music genres and finding inspiration in fields outside of music. Because I don’t discriminate when it comes to music, I’m good at identifying the strengths and characteristics of different genres. I create my work through a multitude of internal processes. I try to stay attuned to my surroundings 24/7, drawing inspiration from everything around me.
KALTBLUT: work predominantly features Afrobeats. What drew you to this genre, and how do you incorporate its elements into your music?
I was instinctively drawn to Afrobeats. The first time I heard it, I couldn’t hide my excitement. As I learned more, I felt well-suited to work with the genre. As an Asian artist, I’m careful not to take the culture lightly or approach it carelessly. My top priority is showing respect for the culture, and then I try to add the unique charm that only Penomeco can bring. Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema have been the biggest inspirations for me. I still listen to them the most.
KALTBLUT: Selling out your first solo concert ‘FILM’ must have been a significant milestone. How did that experience differ from your second solo concert ‘Penomeco’s Showroom’?
For me, there’s not a huge difference. Spending time with fans who support me and love my music is always a blessing. As my longtime fans know, I spend more time making and creating music than performing. I think that’s why my fans cherish my live performances even more. I’m always grateful for that.
KALTBLUT: You’ve appeared on various competition shows. How has participating in shows like ‘Breakers’ and ‘The Masked Singer’ influenced your career and artistic expression?
Proving my musicality with just a few performances on TV isn’t easy. I tend to feel a lot of pressure. But there were also aspects of myself that could only be shown on those platforms, so I see it as a double-edged sword.
KALTBLUT: The success of ‘BOLO (Feat. YDG)’ in international charts is remarkable. How did it feel to see your music resonate with listeners globally, especially in countries like Sweden, the UK, and France?
At first, I was surprised to learn that my songs were being listened to in countries I never expected. Then it allowed me to see the potential in my music and gain confidence. The fact that I was loved for the music- purely by itself, transcending language barriers, made me incredibly happy.
KALTBLUT: With over 10 million views on your music video and charting on Spotify Viral 50 in multiple countries, what do you think drives your international appeal?
I’m not sure myself. Many overseas fans may have discovered me through ‘BOLO,’ but I’ve been trying to show new sides of myself, just as I always have in Korea. ‘BOLO’ is just one of those many sides. So, instead of trying to pinpoint a reason, I’m simply enjoying the moment.
KALTBLUT: Following the release of your latest EP Oraganic2, how do you feel your new projects reflect your growth as an artist?
I was very satisfied with Organic2 in terms of achieving sonic growth. Of course, I also identified areas I want to improve, and I’m working to refine those further for my next album. You can look forward to it.
KALTBLUT: You’ve worked with a variety of artists throughout your career. How do you choose collaborators, and what do you look for in a partnership?
First and foremost, I need to be familiar with the artist’s work to understand their tendencies and characteristics. Emotional connection is just as important as the actual work. Of course, it can be difficult depending on the artist’s personality and style. In those cases, I try to tailor my approach to match their style as much as possible.
KALTBLUT: Looking ahead, what are some of the goals or projects you hope to achieve in the coming years?
Every time I present something new, it feels like an experiment. I’m curious and excited to see how people react to my new album. I’m confident that this album will evoke a fresh response as well.
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