When Cai Xukun, also known as KUN, embarked on creating his hit single “Afterglow,” his goal was to capture fleeting moments of change through the connection of time, space, art, and fashion. Reflecting on the imagery and mood he wanted to convey, he found the perfect word in “afterglow.” This word symbolizes the transient scenes often witnessed during travel moments, like driving, encapsulating the emotions of that specific instant. KUN combined this theme with mental images of models on runways, flashing lights, shifting time, and changing individuals.
Success of “Afterglow”
“Afterglow” resonated with audiences immediately upon its release. Achieving a score of over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart on its debut day in early June, the song maintained its position on the chart for 10 weeks. It became the fastest song to receive gold certification on the Tencent chart and secured a spot on the June edition of the Tencent Music Wave Chart. This success led to KUN being chosen as China’s representative for Billboard’s Global No. 1s, a collaboration between Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China.
New Musical Phase
KUN’s creation of “Afterglow” with soul and rock influences, blending modern and classic production elements, gave the song a timeless quality. This success marks the beginning of a new musical chapter for KUN, with plans to incorporate classic and modern elements in his upcoming works to develop a recognizable style in his music.
Exploring Fresh Sounds
In 2024, KUN released several new singles that showcase his musical explorations. For example, “Remedy” combines clean piano sounds with a vintage vocal style, revealing his more minimalist side. This reflects KUN’s appreciation for classic music, especially during quiet moments when he enjoys a musical dialogue with himself.
Transformation in Musical Style
While his previous works exuded warmth, KUN’s 2024 release “RIDE OR DIE” introduces a new sound for him. This song signals a transformation in his future musical style, aiming to present something distinct to his audience. The production process for “RIDE OR DIE” was extensive, capturing the concept of a “stormy night” that has long resonated in KUN’s heart.
Looking ahead, KUN aims to expand his online live concept Art Lab, documenting his growth and changes over the years while strengthening his connection with audiences. Embracing the process of performing live, KUN values the mutual exchange of energy between himself and his audience.
Future Musical Endeavors
Currently, KUN is accumulating new musical energy for the journey ahead, preparing to produce more impactful songs. Engaging in discussions and collaborations with various artists has influenced his perspectives and aesthetics, setting the stage for a year of introspection and creative output.
Promoting Cultural Exchange
As Chinese artists gain recognition on a global scale, KUN believes that music transcends language and geography, fostering cultural exchange. He aspires for a wider global audience to experience authentic Chinese music, emphasizing the importance of sharing cultural identities through music.
FAQs
Q: What inspired KUN to create the song “Afterglow”?
A: KUN aimed to capture moments of change by connecting time, space, art, and fashion, leading him to choose the word “afterglow” to represent the imagery and mood he wanted to convey.
Q: How did “Afterglow” perform upon its release?
A: The song achieved critical success, scoring over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart on its debut day and maintaining a strong presence on various music charts.
Q: What can we expect from KUN’s future musical endeavors?
A: KUN plans to incorporate classic and modern elements in his upcoming works, aiming to develop a recognizable style in his music and continue exploring new sounds.
Credit: www.billboard.com
