- Words Notion Staff
KRnB star Tabber talks his tour with Miso, his musical journey, and what it means to be at the forefront of a genre-fluid movement like KRnB.
Summer is finally in full swing, and just a few weeks ago, Europe welcomed KRnB mega star Tabber for a string of critically acclaimed live dates. Alongside Miso, the duo brought their unique blend of soulful melodies and electrifying performances to cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan, before finishing with a very special show at London’s revered venue, Heaven.
Tabber has made a name for himself with a versatile style and magnetic stage presence, which he’s honed in on since his debut project, Deep End Mix Tape, released in 2020. Collaborations with Syd, Jay Park, and Dean, emphasise the meteoric rise he’s experienced in just four years, but it’s clear that the Korean artist feels his work is far from done.
The truth is, when Tabber released Deep End Mix Tape, people didn’t quite understand what it was. The project was so formless that music fans struggled to comprehend the indelible impact such an uncompromising album would eventually have on the landscape of KRnB. Tracks like ’2049’ feel psychedelic and sombre, pitching two contrasting vibes against each other to create something entirely its own. Eventually, we all started to listen, and after a string of successful singles, he dropped another project, Madness Always Turns To Sadness, which is as heart-wrenching as the title suggests. Tabber’s latest single, ‘Chi-Ka’, is comparably upbeat, featuring a funkadelic instrumental that instantly gets you moving.
We caught up with Tabber to discuss his tour with Miso, his musical journey, and what it means to be at the forefront of a genre-fluid movement like KRnB.
Hey Tabber! How are you doing? How’s the tour going?
I’m feeling excited, the tour is going great. It’s better than I expected.
How does it feel to be returning to Europe, this time with Miso, and what can fans expect from this tour?
It’s amazing to be able to tour Europe again in such a short period of time. I’m grateful to be able to visit more cities. I’m looking forward to seeing my fans again and introducing them to Miso, and also to meet Miso’s fans.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music? What was your creative upbringing like?
I’ve loved music my whole life, but if I had to pick a specific moment, it would be when I was living in Minnesota. I was in high school and had a really hard time, I was feeling lonely. I became depressed and that’s when I really started to listen to music and connect with it on a different level.
How did your journey into the world of KRnB begin? Was there a defining moment or person that influenced you?
I don’t think there was a specific moment when I decided to make this type of music. I was influenced by lots of artists, so it was just a natural evolution for me. But I’m always trying to mix elements from different styles in my music because I don’t want to be defined by a specific genre.
You’ve collaborated with some incredible artists. How have these collaborations influenced your music and growth?
The process is always interesting and different, which helps me develop my music knowledge. During this tour, I got to meet Jonnywood in person for the first time; he worked on ‘Electric Animal’ with me.
Your debut project Deep End Mix Tape in 2020 marked a significant milestone in your career. Looking back, how do you feel about that moment?
At the time, I was still learning about the process of making music. There were many things I didn’t know which limited my ability to express myself. To put it metaphorically, it was like having various colours of paint but using only one and one technique. Now, it’s like painting on a canvas with various colours and methods.
Are there any new tracks or surprises you’re particularly excited to perform on this tour?
My latest single ‘Chi-Ka’ is on my set list. I’m very thankful for the love it received when we dropped it in February so I’m excited to perform it.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a trailblazing artist in the KRnB scene, and how have you overcome them?
When Deep End Mix Tape was released, people were confused about what it was. And most people didn’t really care or they weren’t interested in my music. But nowadays, people seem to consider that type of music as a unique style and are curious. So, it’s true that time changes things.
What do you enjoy most about performing live, and how do you connect with your audience during your shows?
When I perform ‘007’ in Europe, people sing along very loudly, sometimes even before the song starts, and I really love it. At my shows, I always want my fans to have fun and I move a lot on stage to be able to feel everyone and everything, like a rollercoaster.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both in terms of your music and your career overall?
I’m taking a break from touring for a bit to get back in the studio and work on new music. I want to collaborate with musicians from around the world and continue to develop my sound to keep bringing something new and unique.