2024 is shaping up to be an incredible year for Jay Chang. After releasing his debut EP Late Night over a year ago, the K-pop star returned with his second mini-album Neighborhood, showcasing his growth as an artist with the standout track LaSalle Ave. Alongside his solo career, Jay has balanced his role as a member of One Pact, participated in Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survivor, and debuted with the project group B.D.U in June 2024.
Busy barely begins to describe it. In fun interview with ELLE India, Jay delves into the inspirations behind Neighborhood, the creative process that shaped the album, and his exciting future ahead.
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ELLE: Please tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, Neighborhood.
Jay Chang: One of the main inspirations for this album was definitely my childhood. I wanted to reflect on the stresses we face as adults and the longing for the carefree days of our youth — a time with fewer worries and so much more freedom. Nostalgia played a huge part in this project. We all wish we could go back, don’t we?
ELLE: Which is your favourite track from the album?
JC: My favourite track would probably be Four Seasons. It holds a lot of personal meaning for me as it’s the first song I ever wrote about five years ago. I’m really proud to finally include it on this EP.
ELLE: Papercut feels like such an emotional track. How did you come up with it?
JC: For Papercut, I worked with one of my hyungs (older brothers), who produced the song. He suggested I write about heartbreak, so to get into the right mindset, I watched romantic movies and listened to a lot of sad songs. That process really helped me create something heartfelt that matched the mood of the song.
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ELLE: What’s your favourite sad, sappy, romantic movie choice?
JC: It’s actually an anime movie — Your Name. That’s definitely my favourite. It’s such a masterpiece.
ELLE: How was the experience of working with Tag on What You Need?
JC: It was so much fun! The song itself has a playful vibe, and working with Tag was a privilege. The music video for What You Need is coming out soon, and filming it was an absolute blast. We had such a great time just messing around on camera.
ELLE: You’ve been very hands-on with this album. Which part of the creative process did you enjoy the most?
JC: I’d say working on the title track, LaSalle Ave, was the most enjoyable for me. It gave me a chance to reflect on myself as both a person and an artist. Writing the song and showcasing a new vocal style was incredibly exciting.
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ELLE: What’s your favourite memory from LaSalle Ave?
JC: The song is named after the street where my childhood home was. My favourite memory from LaSalle Ave is sledding down the hill in wintertime with my friends. Those were such carefree and joyful moments.
ELLE: What’s currently on your playlist, apart from your own songs?
JC: The latest song I added is Feeling Good by Muse. I’ve also been listening to Our Love by Curtis Harding and Jasmine Sullivan. Lately, I’ve been really into soulful music, and I tried to incorporate some of that into this album. It’s something I’d love to explore more in the future.
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ELLE: How do you think fans will connect with this album?
JC: I wanted this album to be relatable, especially with themes around adult stress and the nostalgia for simpler times. Remembering where we come from helps us stay grounded, and I hope listeners can find comfort in that message and stay true to themselves.
ELLE: Four Seasons from the album talks about change. How have you evolved from your competition days to now as a full-fledged idol?
JC: Since debuting, I’ve matured a lot as an artist. I’ve had the opportunity to explore different musical styles and environments, whether through solo projects or group activities with One Pact or B.D.U. My artistic spectrum has broadened, and I’m excited to see how much further I can grow in the future.
ELLE: What’s next for you after this album? Any exciting plans?
JC: We’ve got overseas promotions lined up, and I’m looking forward to meeting fans around the world. Beyond that, I’d love to work on another solo project or reunite with my group. My ultimate goal is to reach more listeners and connect with their hearts.
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ELLE: Lastly, what message do you have for your fans in India?
JC: My senior group, M.O.N.T, has been to India and shared amazing stories about their experiences. I’d love to visit and meet my fans there someday. It’s a big goal of mine to connect with fans worldwide, and India is definitely high on the list. Please continue to support me so we can make that happen. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon!
With his infectious energy and passion for music, Jay Chang continues to captivate audiences around the globe. As he carves out his place in the K-pop industry, his evolution as both an artist and a person promises even greater things to come.
