DAVIDE K-POP

Hidden KARD and BTG! Big news is on the horizon as BM, the charismatic rapper and dancing king from KARD, steps into the spotlight with his highly anticipated first solo EP, “Element.” Released on May 7, 2024, this electrifying collection of tracks promises to showcase BM’s versatility, passion, and undeniable talent with an inspired Afro-beats and 2000’s hip-hop R&B new work.

Featuring collaborations with industry heavyweights like Jay Park and Somin of KARD, “Element” is set to make waves in the music scene and solidify BM as an artist to watch out. In an exclusive interview, we delve deeper into the creation of “Element,” BM’s creative process, and what the future holds for this rising star.

But first, here a special message from BM:

Davide: Hi BM, thank you so much for finding the time to chat with us with your busy schedule. How are you feeling today? How’s life treating you lately?

BM: Life is treating me so well. I’m in a place where I’m able to find gratitude in not only the big, but small things as well. A lot of things to look forward to! Not to mention, thankful very much for good health!

Davide: What are your emotions like as your first EP, “Elements,” nears its release?

BM: So very excited. I’ve rid myself of greed of all the things I feel are toxic to me. Hunger for money and fame as been excluded out of my life as of late and I think because of that I’m able to be so much happier and grateful with the fact that I’m able to put out music!

Davide: Could you share some insights into the concept and themes behind your first EP?

BM: This EP is very Afrobeats and 2000’s hip-hop R&B inspired. I wanted to make music this time that I love listening to rather than catering to a certain audience, or conveying a certain message. This is what I love and grew up with and wanted to share a piece of BM’s love for music through this album!

Davide: Your lead single, “Nectar” featuring Jay Park, has generated a lot of excitement. What’s the story behind the song, and how did the collaboration with Jay Park come about?

BM: While I was in a studio, mixing for Lowkey and ATAP, with my big bro David Yungin Kim (3x grammy award winning mix engineer / producer), I was introduced to a 11x platinum producer FrancisGotHeat and while we were vibing he gave me a beat pack. Within that beat-pack was the beat for Nectar and I told him I absolutely needed it. Both David, who also mix and mastered Nectar, and Francis work with huge names in the industry and to be able to have them be generous enough to work with me was a HUGE blessing on its own, but to make this project’s line-up of musicians even more dope, I asked Jay to feature on it as I felt that it just might be the right timing as someone who’s looked up to him since the start of my career. 

Davide: People might not know that you write, compose, and arrange all your work. As an artist, I think this is very rewarding, and extremely special to be able to communicate with your fans with your artistry/songs and explore what you like the most. How does this make you feel? Do you think there is more pressure because everything relates to you and your team?

BM: Composing and arranging is a huge part of the art of music, and being someone who learned through online videos, I’m proud of myself to be able to build on that aspect. It started as a hobby and more for being able to communicate with producers what I wanted musically, but then turned into building full record on my own. I feel grateful because if I successfully grab the fans attention with the music I produce or co-produce, you’re hearing the rawest form of BM and if that’s what is loved, what can be more fulfilling?!

Davide: Your style is uniquely yours. What influences have shaped it over the years?

BM: The support of my team, the support of the fans, and ultimately a lot of trial and error. while I’m still in the process of finding and experimenting with my tone, I think the biggest influence is the music I grew up with and the music that I love dancing to now. More than anything because I have a dance background, I want people to freely move and enjoy life to my music.

Davide: Do you have a favourite track on the EP or perhaps a hidden gem you think fans should pay attention to?

BM: Badgirl Badboy is definitely a gem. Somin was nice enough to feature and make the track much more colourful with her voice.

Davide: Your upcoming US tour has some unique features, such as being for fans over 21 and no phones allowed. Can you elaborate on this approach and what fans can expect?

BM: Prepare to not only watch, but you yourself be as ratchet, unfiltered, and unhinged as you can be. It’s a safe space to have fun and shake your ass and dance the night as way as you please!

Davide: With the US tour underway, is there any possibility of a European tour in the near future?

BM: There are talks but nothing set in stone yet! 

Davide: There are rumours circulating about KARD working on a comeback. Can you give Hidden KARD a small hint about what to expect? – To quote Lizzo, I hope ‘all the rumours are true’.

BM: It’s crazy how many good demos we have right now. Were in the process of choosing a title track as we have so many strong songs. Expect the best album we’ve ever put out thus far.

Davide: BTG is huge – literally! – tell us what this means to you. For I can see it built a strong community over the years, where everyone is welcome, which is very nice to see.

BM: BTG is a community to bring awareness not only to fitness but to breast cancer as well. My mother, through God’s grace, beat breast cancer last year which taught us so many things about the reality of countless people who fight various types of cancer. We continue to try to bring laughter, hope, and positivity to those fighting, have fought, and potentially will need to fight the hardships that cancer brings.

Davide: Aside from your music career, how do you like to spend your free time?

BM: Nowadays I really love boxing. Not only does it help me with my endurance on stage, but it helps with the connection of mind and body on so many levels.

Davide: Let’s dive into music and play a mini-game together. Let’s create your unique playlist, what songs would you include and why?

* A song that evokes the essence of LA and brings you back to the US. – Tupac – California Love

* A song that celebrates your Korean heritage. – Drunken Tiger – 위대한 탄생. – a K-hiphop song that displays word play on Korean alphabets – also a song me and J.seph covered for monthly evaluations as a trainee. A Legendary song.

* The ultimate song for dancing like nobody’s watching. – Tyla- jump – gives your hips a mind of its own

* Your favourite KARD song. – cake. Most hype KARD song and its super sexy

* Your favourite song of your own. – Nectar – probably my most listened to song these days

* A song you wish you had written or performed. – Le Sserafim – Smart. Such a fun song and I really like Le Sserafim music.

* Your current favourite K-pop song. Big Bang – sober. this is one of those songs that I will always suck at singing but will still sing at the top of my lungs with my whole heart despite looking like a fool whenever I’m alone.

Davide: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, it has been an absolute pleasure and I look forward to seeing you next time! Keep up the good work.

BM: Than you Davide!! Appreciate you and hope you stay in good health!

That’s all for now guys! I hope you liked the interview, I definitely enjoyed having this opportunity and to find out we like the same music!
Make sure to support BM and stream ‘Element’ on your favourite platforms.
Catch BM in tour in the US at this link.