Tony Kim finds an endless groove on single, “What Would You Say?” - Interview
There is a certain kind of confidence that just can’t be manufactured in a studio. It lives in restraint, in groove, in understanding exactly how much energy a song needs and refusing to overcrowd it. Tony Kim taps directly into that energy on “What Would You Say?”, a silky 2 minute track that feels impossibly cool from the very first beat. To say Tony has crushed it would be an understatement!
Rooted in hip-hop, funk, soul, and jazz influences, the single arrives with a level of musical self-awareness that immediately separates it from your bass Top 40 track. Kim openly acknowledges the Black musical traditions that inspire his work, and rather than flattening those influences into imitation, he approaches them with genuine appreciation. Too many people dismiss that nowadays but the fact that he mentions it with open honesty is a huge green flag in our book.
The production here is immaculate, packed with subtle effects that continuously reveal themselves on repeat listens. Bass lines slide underneath the track with effortless swagger, giving the song a legit pulse while allowing everything else to float smoothly above it. You have to listen with headphones to really appreciate it all!
Kim’s vocal performance is equally impressive because of how naturally he transitions between melodic phrasing and sharp hip-hop flow. Nothing ever feels forced. His delivery is conversational yet magnetic, carrying a relaxed charisma that makes listeners lean closer rather than demanding attention. There is a smoothness throughout the track that recalls late-night R&B radio and underground soul records while still feeling modern and sharp around the edges.
The subtle jazz and soul influences subtly woven throughout the song add even more richness to everything you’re about to hear. Tiny flourishes in the instrumentation and effects work create a sense of movement beneath the surface, rewarding close listening. Our recent interview (above!) with Tony Kim only deepened our collective appreciation for the single. Hearing him discuss the making of the song, his creative process, the production techniques involved, and what he has planned next revealed just how intentional his artistry truly is.
“What Would You Say?” ultimately succeeds because it understands the power of feel above everything else. It is not trying to overwhelm listeners with excess. It simply settles into its groove and trusts the audience to come along for the ride. When a song openly makes you want more after it quickly ends, that’s you know it’s a good one. So please, click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for more!
Listen to “What Would You Say?”
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