EXCLUSIVE: BIG Naughty opens up about his creative process, musical inspirations, Bucket List & more

K-Hip Hop phenomenon BIG Naughty has been on music lovers’ radars worldwide for quite a while now and this prodigy has now officially dropped his debut EP, ‘Bucket List’, finally putting to full display, his artistic faculties in free-play. BIG Naughty is signed to Jay Park’s company H1GHR Music Records, which truly speaks of Jay’s eye for game-changing talent because BIG Naughty is definitely here to stay and his music is nothing like anything we’ve ever heard before. ‘Bucket List’ weaves a story representative of youth and there’s a clear progression, both of musicality and subject matter through the entirety of the album, indicating raw talent and creative genius.  

Pinkvilla had the incredible opportunity of interviewing the brilliant artist himself, where he opened up about his artistic processes, dealing with creative blocks and the inspirations behind his first EP ‘Bucket List’. Not only was the discussion enlightening but also incredibly charming, in the best way possible! Keep reading to find out the depth of what went into creating the sonic masterpiece which is ‘Bucket List’.

First of all, huge congratulations are due for the release and success of your EP ‘Bucket List’. How do you feel about this achievement especially at such a young age?

You might have noticed from the album name, but actually releasing an album was the main bucket list to me. I’m thrilled and grateful that I checked one-off out of my bucket list. It’s all courtesy of my fans out there. 
 

What was your favourite and least favourite part about the making of this album? 

On a scale of point 0 to point 100, the best part about making this album was that I got to work with the artists that I’ve always wanted to collaborate with and I looked up to. There were not many things that I can say about the least favorite part, really. Maybe a little bit of pressure on me to work with those amazing artists?

You have a diverse sense of musicality, drawing from older classics as well as more recent contemporaries. How did you create your unique signature sound that we see on this album?

I just love old classics, so I believe that’s why those old classic senses naturally come out from my music. Sometimes, I feel like I’m almost at the age of 40.  

‘Bucket List’ features some of the most incredible artists and producers. How did you choose the featuring artists and the producers that you wanted to work with?

I directly contacted people I respect the most, and I wanted to collaborate with, which was reckless but also romantic in some way. I love you all! Especially, a big shoutout to PEEJAY! I like him so so much. 

The second song on your tracklist is titled ‘Frank Ocean’. Are you inspired by Western Hip-Hop and R&B? Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

‘Frank Ocean’J Hope you would read my DM when you have time lol

You’ve been achieving major feats since you were 15. How do you keep the creative process feeling fresh? 

I consciously try to get inspiration by going to exhibitions or movies. I believe getting inspiration also needs an effort.

H1GHR Music recently released 2 compilation albums, RED TAPE and BLUE TAPE where your presence was especially strongly felt. How was your experience in the process? Was it burdensome to be on the same track as your seniors or was it more of a refreshing learning experience?

I think it’s both ways. From releasing H1GHR MUSIC compilation albums, I learned a lot and also got a little pressure. I think I gained confidence as well. I dedicate this honor to the hyungs (senior artists) and the company staffs for making the compilation albums turn out awesome!

You’re an artist in the truest sense of the word and you express the same through a wide variety of forms: singing, songwriting, painting, and more. What or who do you turn to when you’re feeling a creative block or are overwhelmed?

Honestly, I get overwhelmed a lot 24/7, but I have to get over it anyway. ‘Cause we are professionals! (Just kidding) I usually stay calm even when I’m feeling a creative block and try to figure out the breakthrough in a productive way.

Speaking of art, your art style is brilliantly inimitable. How did you develop this style? Is there a special meaning to your painting in the Drawing Trailer?

I’m not sure if there is a specific method of how I got my own art style. I think people just embody their thoughts and feels in their art. Regarding the paint from the ‘drawing trailer,’ I drew a big-sized bird wearing a uniform. I was inspired by the point that those species cannot fly because the wings deteriorated over time. However, it can run fast on the land at the maximum speed of 90k/m.  

What made you take up art and eventually music as something you’d like to do for the rest of your life?

I think art is as same as music eventually. It’s just different for each and everyone in the way of expressing his/her own feelings. Also, it’s just romantic to pursue making music, isn’t it~?

‘Bucket List’ has been highly anticipated among fans worldwide. What is your goal with this album? 
 

I hope I could spread more love for people livingin this cold world…

You’ve been working tirelessly for over a year on this album while also participating in the H1GHR compilation albums. Is there a method to your artistic madness? Can you take us through your creative process step by step from the birth of an idea to the release of a song?

1. Get feels and inspirations
2. Write up the lyrics
3. Record
4. Fix recorded version
5. Just quit if the perfect one doesn’t seem to come out (Just kidding lol)

If you could describe the songs on your album with one word each, what would they be and why?

‘Joker,’ ‘Frank Ocean,’ and ‘Girl At The Coffee Shop’ could be described as ‘LOVE.’ ‘Brand New World’ is ‘Rebellion.’ ’10 years later’, ‘Bravo,’ ‘Bucket List’ is ‘DREAM.’ After I completed all tracks, I could put one of the main theme keywords to each track. You will know why I sorted out the tracks by those keywords once you listen to the whole album.   

The key themes of this album are love, dream, youth, and living without regret. Do you think your musical style will change years down the line when you have checked all these things off your bucket list?

I guess my musical style will change naturally as years go by? I already feel like those inspirations, thoughts, and feelings change quickly, so I expect my music style to follow according to those specific time points. I’m curious how it will change too! 

Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans in India and all over the world who love and adore you and your music?

Hi everyone, this is BIG Naughty of you all, by you all, for you all J I send my love to all the people around the globe who constantly support me and my music. Special shout-out to India! I love you so much.

ALSO READ: ALBUM REVIEW: BIG Naughty's debut EP Bucket List is a comprehensive musical guide to Youth 101

What’s your favourite track from ‘Bucket List’? Share your thoughts with Pinkvilla in the comments section down below!