Chinese Artist Kun Discusses New Single 'Deadman' and Future Plans

Kun, a rising star in the Chinese music scene, recently released his latest single titled "Deadman," marking a significant milestone in his career. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter, who gained fame through the reality show "Idol Producer," expressed his excitement during an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, held shortly after his performance at the 88Rising's Head in the Clouds festival. Kun described "Deadman" as a soulful track with a vintage sound that he had been working on for over a year. He noted, "I’m very, very happy because this track was made last year, so it was a year until people could actually hear it. I think they’d say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know Kun’s voice was like this now.’"

The music video for "Deadman," which was shot in Montenegro, reflects Kun's deep involvement in the creative process. He mentioned, "There’s a lot of crazy stories behind the music video. I learned the choreography and fighting. It was kind of crazy, and the schedule was very tight." The video portrays a character who experiences repeated emotional pain, serving as a metaphor for the artist’s own struggles and passion for music. Kun explained, "I want to write a song about what if I die tomorrow? Today is the last track I’m going to play."

Kun’s journey as an artist has been marked by a desire to innovate and create music that resonates with authenticity. He stated, "I’m just a creative guy. I like to learn new things. I just want to be myself, right? I just want to sound like myself." His commitment to artistic growth is reflected in his approach to music-making.

During the interview, Kun also shared his experience performing in the United States. He acknowledged the differences between U.S. and Chinese festivals, emphasizing his enjoyment of the American crowd. "I’m just very happy. I’m really enjoying it. It’s my first time doing a festival in the U.S.," he said. Kun expressed his eagerness to perform more in the U.S. and connect with his fans, stating, "We will. We will. I feel like we’re just starting. Starting from ‘Deadman,’ everything is just new. It’s really just the beginning."

As Kun embarks on this new chapter, he highlights the importance of platforms like Head in the Clouds that support Asian artists in the music industry. He remarked, "There’s not a lot of labels or festivals helping Asian artists. That’s amazing. That’s something very cool."

With "Deadman" serving as a pivotal point in his career, Kun's future endeavors are anticipated by fans and industry observers alike. His blend of vintage and modern sounds, coupled with his creative storytelling, positions him as a unique voice in contemporary music. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Kun's journey promises to be an exciting one, resonating with themes of self-discovery and artistic authenticity.