Photo Courtesy of Jayhat
Meet Jayhat, a Seoul-based singer, rapper, and producer shaping his own path in Korea’s independent music scene. Blending emotional lyricism with sleek hip-hop production, he crafts every track himself — from writing to mixing. With songs like “Fate” and “Waltz,” Jayhat proves that true artistry comes from doing it all your way.
In this interview, he shares his creative journey and the passion behind his music.
Can you describe your journey as a producer, rapper, and beatmaker? What got you started?
When I think back, I guess it all started when I first learned piano at age five. I took lessons for about seven years—sometimes with breaks in between—but I kept going to the academy consistently. Even after that, I’d still practice from time to time, and in college, being part of the piano club made me fall even deeper in love with the instrument. Maybe that’s why classical music is still my favorite genre today.
Then, when I was ten, I started learning drums. In high school, I became obsessed with rock music and joined the school band as a drummer. Later, in college, I discovered progressive metal, and a few friends and I formed our own band. That’s when I started composing as well as drumming, and it was my first real taste of the joy of making music.
Around 2012–2013, I also got really into EDM. Those memories came back when I entered graduate school, so I started teaching myself MIDI production and making beats on my own. Around 2020, I came across hip-hop—and I was instantly drawn to rapping. I began practicing rap seriously, and soon after thought, “It’s time to create my own music.” So in 2022, I released my first single, entirely written and produced by myself. Since then, I’ve been continuing my journey, constantly making music and evolving as an artist.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I’d say the artists who’ve influenced me the most are Linkin Park, Dream Theater, and Ye (formerly Kanye West)—and they continue to be my favorites even now.
When I first discovered Linkin Park in middle school, their hybrid metal sound completely hooked me. I listened to their first two albums so obsessively that I nearly memorized every track. Their unique blend of heavy guitar riffs, electronic textures, and emotionally charged melodies naturally seeped into my own music style.
In college, I encountered Dream Theater, and honestly, that blew my mind. Their progressive metal sound—grand and intricate like classical music, yet powerful and technically demanding—was exactly what I’d been searching for. Their complex rhythms, odd time signatures, and layered harmonies shaped the way I approach composition. For about two or three years, I immersed myself in their albums.
Then during grad school, I came across Ye’s fifth and sixth albums—that was yet another turning point. The sheer creativity, the sonic experimentation, and the way he layered unexpected sounds and arrangements—it opened my eyes to what music could truly be. Ye’s work showed me that making hip-hop isn’t just about beats and bars; it’s about creating art in its fullest sense. His genre-defying production keeps inspiring me to go beyond limits and chase innovation in my own sound.
Being based in Seoul, how does the city and its culture influence your music?
Seoul is such a crowded, hectic, and fast-moving city. Maybe that’s why my music tends to feel tight and urban, rather than calm or peaceful.
How would you describe your signature sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
The biggest feature of my music is that classical elements and instruments are naturally woven into a wide mix of sounds. Although I experiment with a broad range of styles based on hip-hop and R&B, at the core there’s always a classical layer. So, you’ll notice a unique vibe that sets it apart from typical hip-hop or R&B.
Can you share insights into your creative process? Where do you find inspiration, and how do you develop your songs?
I believe the more I experience—what I see and hear—the more ideas come to mind. Interestingly, I often get my best insights from genres outside my usual style. That’s why I try to listen to lots of new international releases, regardless of genre, and jot down anything that leaves an impression. Honestly, I listen to classical music and EDM even more than hip-hop.
Ideas usually hit me while I’m on public transport or taking a shower. When that happens, I write them down in my phone’s notes as quickly as possible, then gradually refine those ideas later. Once the shape of the song is clear in my head, that’s when I finally start working on it at my computer
Did you pursue music alongside your studies at KAIST, or was there a specific moment when you decided to focus on music professionally?
During college, I self-studied composition, arrangement, harmony, and orchestration out of curiosity and for fun. After entering graduate school, I started teaching myself rap and MIDI production. But until then, music was just a hobby to me.
However, as my doctoral program extended, I began to deeply contemplate my career path and asked myself, “What do I truly love?”
Then, in early 2022, I released my first single. It was only then that I realized music was what I genuinely loved. That moment made me decide to take music more seriously. Of course, I did not quit the doctoral program, and I successfully graduated in February 2024.
How do you blend your academic knowledge with your artistic expression?
The economics and math knowledge I’ve studied doesn’t directly influence my music. However, I like to creatively incorporate these themes into album titles, cover art, or lyrics. For example, the title of my first full-length album is Regression Analysis, which is one of the most important methods in statistics.
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What can fans expect from Jayhat in the near future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share?
I plan to steadily release singles and albums going forward, promoting my music not only in Korea but worldwide. Because I’m constantly researching and evolving, I’ll be able to share even fresher and better music with everyone.
In the first half of 2026, I’m planning to release a small album with 4 tracks. This album will also be inspired by classical music, and you’ll be able to feel my unique style more strongly than ever. I’m also planning to shoot a music video for one of the songs!
How do you connect with your fans, and what role do they play in your music career?
My main ways of communicating with fans are through comments and Instagram DMs. Every time I receive messages saying my music has brought joy or strength to listeners, I feel truly proud. These moments are exactly why I keep making music.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I truly believe that people will love my music not only in Korea but all around the world. So, five years from now, I expect to have laid a solid foundation to expand globally. Maybe I’ll even be touring and performing by then!
What’s one thing you want people to know about you and your music?
I actually put a lot of effort not only into the music but also into the lyrics. Recently, I’ve been using AI to translate my lyrics into various languages and provide them as YouTube subtitles. I highly recommend taking the time to really appreciate the lyrics too!
What advice would you give to aspiring producers and rappers who are just starting out?
Try to find your own unique style, but don’t get trapped in your own world. Be open to feedback and don’t be afraid to acknowledge your shortcomings. Those moments will build up and ultimately make you a better musician!
Stay connected with Jayhat. Follow him through the social media icons below for updates, releases, and more.
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