Get to know one of the rising artists of this year. Hailing from NYC, Jiwon Lee Simpkins is a raw gem making waves in the music industry. With his undeniable talent, there’s a great amount of potential within him.
Growing up surrounded by music greatly shaped Jiwon’s childhood, influencing who he is today. His father introduced him to bands like The Clash, The Smiths, Joy Division, and Elvis Costello, while his mother led him to master several instruments such as classical piano, bass guitar, and drums, despite having initial reservations about pursuing a musical career he quickly found solace in the medium, a way to express himself with no reservations. Infused with a desire to create something special, music became second nature to Jiwon, an integral part of his life where he could find refuge from all the crazy things happening in the world. He has experimented with several genres, instruments, and techniques, carefully putting all the pieces together to create his signature sound. It is impossible to label his music, drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources from the reflective storytelling found in Lou Reed’s works to the inventive production of Jai Paul. Despite acknowledging collaboration’s benefits, Jiwon remains faithful to his focus on solo undertakings. As far as he is concerned, music is an extremely personal endeavour that emanates directly from emotional and life experiences. As a rising talent in the music industry, he has already attained critical acclaim and solidified his position with his debut album peculiarly titled “album 1.”
Now let’s explore his most recent single, “so in love wth u,” where Jiwon is taking everything to an entirely new level. Described by Jiwon as “80s diner pop” the single like most of his music is hard to categorize. Mixing elements from pop, R&B, retro music, and much more the result is a funky tune like anything you have heard before. The surreal melody is enhanced by his vocal performance. It’s strange to say it, but Jiwon’s music evokes similarities with Chris Vrenna’s work, particularly his compositions for the American McGee Alice videogame. The production is also unique, with elements of distortion and synths that create a trippy soundscape. Overall, the song is an enjoyable listen and gets a strong recommendation.
“This was one of the first proper songs I ever wrote. It took me a while to figure out the arrangement and the production, but I was going for the quintessential 80s diner pop song. It’s not about anyone in particular; it’s more a celebration of love songs and that era of songwriting.”
Jiwon’s unwavering dedication to his craft, coupled with his exploration of inner depths and commitment to authenticity, make him a truly remarkable artist. In a landscape often saturated with superficiality, his sincerity and passion set him apart, making him a compelling voice for his generation and beyond. With each new project, Jiwon continues to push the boundaries of his creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his listeners.
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