It's been 3 years since JUNNY won the 8-bar relay challenge on TikTok. Now, he's winning hearts and shares all over again with the full release of "INVITATION."
JUNNY is known for hits like "Not About You" and "Optimist", but his name went TikTok global when he won the 8-bar relay challenge with "INVITATION" back in 2020. After 3 years of fans urging the R&B magnate to release the whole track, JUNNY has finally dropped the full song on July 6. Adding to the magic of the highly-anticipated track, JUNNY is joined by the renowned GAEKO of Dynamic Duo. JUNNY is a talented star on the rise, and GAEKO is a music legend.
What do you get when you combine the two powerhouses?
An "INVITATION" to listen to a sure-fire hit song, of course!
From a TikTok challenge to a full-fledged song, we see "INVITATION" becoming your new playlist staple.
PopMachine had the opportunity to sit down with JUNNY who spilled the tea on the inspiration behind "INVITATION", the best sign he's ever seen at a concert, how he would fight an alien invasion with his dog, Leo.
An INVITATION To Chat With JUNNY
★ POPMACHINE: Hello, JUNNY! Congrats on the upcoming release of your new single, "INVITATION". We heard that this song all began with the 8 bar relay challenge on TikTok. What was the inspiration behind your winning lyrics?
■ JUNNY: Nothing too serious, just felt a certain vibe from the track and I went with the flow. My main objective was to impress the producer of the beat + other artists participating in the challenge one of them being GAEKO of Dynamicduo.
★ POPMACHINE: It's been three years since you took TikTok by storm with your 8-bar masterpiece, and fans have been manifesting the full track ever since. How does it feel to finally release the song?
■ JUNNY: It feels great. I can’t be happier and to see the reception from the fans who have been waiting so long it just makes everything more sweeter. I’m just so thankful for the love and to see this song come out with such a special behind story, it def holds a special place in my heart.
★ POPMACHINE: What's the best part about collaborating with GAEKO on this highly-anticipated project?
■ JUNNY: Like I mentioned, I took part in the challenge to get noticed by GAEKO since I was such a big fan of his. I even went to a Dynamicduo show in Vancouver. As a huge fan of his it feels surreal to have him on my own song and its like a dream come true. The song came to a full circle
★ POPMACHINE: Speaking of collaborations, who would you like to collaborate with next? Any other dream collaborations in the works?
■ JUNNY: I don’t think it’s any fun to say names anymore on who I wanna work with, just because I love collaborating and working with other artists, musicians whoever it may be so I’ll keep that door opened and we’ll see what opportunities may come through in the future!
★ POPMACHINE: We'd like to applaud you for the success of your recent US and European tours. Which part of the whole experience would you want to relive?
■ JUNNY: Just the moments with the fans, interactions, hearing them sing along to my songs and the sleepless nights from the high pitch ringing thats left after a show. It’s all just amazing times and I’d love to go back on the road again soon.
★ POPMACHINE: Aside from your upcoming American tour, do you have any other special events or music releases planned in the near future?
■ JUNNY: more music, more content, more shows. Stay tuned!
★ POPMACHINE: We're sure that every fan interaction must be special for artists, but is there a particular fan moment (whether online or in person) that stood out to you?
■ JUNNY: all the interactions I have is so special to me, I love the energy they give me when I’m on stage and also the signs they make are so entertaining lol they can get very creative with their words
★ POPMACHINE: Circling back to "INVITATION", if this song were turned into a soundtrack for an existing movie or TV series, which one would be the best match?
■ JUNNY: wow, hmm I’d have to pick a show that’s light and less serious, so maybe the latest spiderman movie? haha
★ POPMACHINE: If you could invite every single one of your fans to hangout with you for a day, where would you take them?
■ JUNNY: most likely a fav place to eat, then to the studio so I can let them hear what I’ve been working on!
★ POPMACHINE: In the unlikely event of an alien invasion, the item closest to your left side at this very moment is your weapon. What are you using to fend of the invaders?
■ JUNNY: my dog, Leo. we’ll fight the aliens together
★ POPMACHINE: What does a perfect day in the life of JUNNY look like?
■ JUNNY: good workout, smooth sail schedule, an amazing session & good sleep
★ POPMACHINE: Best sign you ever saw in the crowd during a concert?
■ JUNNY: Can I be Leo’s mom
★ POPMACHINE: What is one thing you never leave the house without? (Phone, keys, wallet, and other basic essentials aside)
■ JUNNY: other than the essentials… I can’t think of anything else.. my clothes? LOL
★ POPMACHINE: If you were to introduce your music to someone who has never heard any of your songs before, which track would you say best represents you as an artist?
■ JUNNY: Not About You, MOVIE, By My Side, AURA, INVITATION
★ POPMACHINE: Do you have any special routine or ritual that you must do before getting on stage? Or a lucky charm, perhaps?
■ JUNNY: drink half a redbull. always before every show.
★ POPMACHINE: If you could go back in time to give advice to your debut-era self, what would you tell him?
■ JUNNY: Just work hard on your craft and enjoy the ride. There’s always going to be ups and downs but that’s what makes accomplishments and achievements that much sweeter. Most importantly be thankful for your loving fans and don’t ever let them down.
★ POPMACHINE: Given the opportunity to invite any celebrity, public figure, or cartoon character over for dinner, who would you invite and why?
■ JUNNY: Bugs Bunny, my childhood fav character. Just always thought he was the coolest as a kid growing up
★ POPMACHINE: What would you consider your biggest achievement, so far?
■ JUNNY: Doing a tour in North America & Europe, being able to release a full length album, and releasing my latest song INVITATION
★ POPMACHINE: While you are already making significant waves in the music industry, dreams and goals tend to be elastic or evolve. What is the distance between where you are now and your ultimate dream?
■ JUNNY: There’s still a long ways to go for me, but I’m just enjoying the ride and trying to take it all in. I believe in myself that I’ll reach my ultimate dream and till then, I’m just going to keep working hard for the fans and family, and I’ll make em proud
★ POPMACHINE: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now, 5 days from now, and 5 minutes from now?
■ JUNNY: a 5 year older version of myself, still making music and enjoying life, 5 days later I’ll be making music, 5 minutes I’ll be having lunch
★ POPMACHINE: Describe your musical style using food as a reference.
■ JUNNY: I’d call my musical style a fusion dish but with a solid base that gives true respect to the original style as well
★ POPMACHINE: Most useless item you ever purchased?
■ JUNNY: I don’t believe in useless items! I’ll find a way to make use of em some way some how
★ POPMACHINE: Do you have a life motto or mantra that you would like to share with aspiring artists?
■ JUNNY: The essence of everything is my happiness.
★ POPMACHINE: Thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we take a bow, do you have a message for your fans and PopMachine's readers?
■ JUNNY: Thank you for having me and for this interview, my new single INVITATION ft GAEKO is finally out on all platforms so make sure to check it out and hopefully I will see you again very soon! Have an amazing day, evening, night wherever you are
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