In the heart of New York City, where dreams are born and creativity thrives, a young musician named Jiwon has been making waves in the music industry. At 22, he’s not just a college student; he’s a talented multi-instrumentalist, a passionate songwriter, and a dedicated audio engineer. Join us as we dive into the journey of Jiwon, a true artist following his passion and making his mark in the world of music.

Jiwon’s musical journey began young, thanks to his eclectic upbringing. His mother, an immigrant from South Korea, introduced him to the world of music by having him learn the piano at the tender age of 5. On the other hand, his father, a businessman from the north of England, brought back suitcases full of vinyl records from his visits home. These records would shape Jiwon’s musical preferences and creative interests. Acts like the Smiths, Joy Division, the Clash, and Iggy Pop became the foundation of Jiwon’s musical identity.

Before diving into the world of punk and post-punk, Jiwon had received classical training in the cello and piano. However, when he began to explore the punk and post-punk era of his father’s generation, he indeed found his passion for songwriting. Jiwon swapped his cello for an electric bass and soon added the guitar and drums to his repertoire. By high school, Jiwon was already a skilled multi-instrumentalist, bursting with creative ideas.

Jiwon’s transition from a hobbyist to a musician was a gradual process. He began experimenting with music production software like GarageBand and other Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). These tools allowed him to transform his musical ideas into recorded songs. It was a pivotal moment for Jiwon as he realized that music was not just a hobby; it was his calling.

During high school, Jiwon started releasing his songs primarily on SoundCloud. Without formal audio engineering training, his early music career had an organic and casual vibe. He approached music as a passion rather than a profession. What set Jiwon apart was his commitment to maintaining a sense of naivety and childlike wonder in his music. He always believed in staying connected to his fundamental creative impulses.

Jiwon’s path took a significant turn when he entered Harvard University. Surrounded by brilliant minds and driven individuals, he felt the pressure to take his music career to the next level. Jiwon dedicated all his spare time to improving as a songwriter, vocalist, and audio engineer. He continued to release songs, learning from his favorite artists and producers, such as Jai Paul and Sebastian Paul. He meticulously analyzed their work, trying to replicate their techniques and styles.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced much of Jiwon’s college experience online, provided him with even more time to hone his craft. While his friends were preparing for lucrative careers in the corporate world, Jiwon remained steadfast in his pursuit of music. This goal divergence created tension, but he never wavered in his commitment to his passion.

Jiwon’s motivation to create music stems from a profound belief in the power of his emotions and ideas to resonate with listeners. He sees music as a form of communication, a bridge that connects him with his audience emotionally. Jiwon strives to entertain and captivate his listeners while infusing his music with sincere, stylized emotions drawn from his life experiences.

Throughout his journey, Jiwon acknowledges the unwavering support of his close friends. Whether he was starting in high school or navigating the challenges of a music career in college, their support has been invaluable. While Jiwon now possesses confidence in his abilities, he remains grateful for his friends who have stood by him.

As Jiwon’s time at Harvard draws to a close, he relishes his musical journey and eagerly looks forward to returning to New York City. There, he will continue to pursue his passion for music, creating art that resonates with his listeners and forging connections through his heartfelt songs.

You can follow Jiwon’s musical journey on Instagram and listen to his music on Spotify. Take advantage of the opportunity to be part of his evolving musical narrative as he takes the music world by storm, one heartfelt song at a time.