Fresh off the release of her new single ‘fries, bb’ on May 9 via Beeline Records, rising R&B artist Jacqui is once again turning heads with her signature blend of cheeky charm and neo-soul sophistication. With over half a million Spotify streams and a breakout debut EP Birthday, Jacqui has quickly cemented herself as one of the most exciting voices in alternative R&B. Her musical journey, from her early days growing up between South Korea and China, to discovering Erykah Badu and Neo Soul in the U.S, has shaped a deeply introspective and genre-bending sound that draws comparisons to Mahalia, FKA Twigs, and her biggest muse, Badu herself. With recent placements in the Netflix series My Holo Love and Amazon Prime’s BUTTERFLY, plus slots at the 2025 Focus Wales and The Great Escape, Jacqui is poised for a major breakthrough.
Read our interview with Jacqui and listen to the track below.
Paint us a picture: What sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
Nothing in particular that I remember. All I can say is that I’ve always known singing and creating in any sort of way are something that came so natural to me ever since I was little.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
I would say all of the above. It is different every time. But it has been more of a sound-focused process lately. I randomly think of a motif, or have a built/sudden urge to write a specific line or melody, or find a cool synth or a snare that feels like a calling.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
I used to be all about “natural” sounds, like I preferred not using much effects on voice tracks such as reverbs. But I recently came across this red vocal effector that I take with me every time I have a show nowadays. I am just having more fun than ever. Using it also shifted my perspective into a bigger scope when creating my new single, ‘fries, bb’.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
Listening or watching something that inspires me over and over again until I get a certain feeling used to be my way to get in the zone. Now I am trying this “taking smart breaks” thing. I realized just like with everything, I need to set boundaries with things even if I like it so much. Having a healthy space between me and my creative zone has helped me tremendously in quality of focus when creating.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
Nothing physical that I can think of. But the “living in the present moment” mentality is something that I remind myself while doing so. Especially during a creative process or performing, there comes a moment when it feels like only you and the source of the stimulation (in this case, music) exist. I realized the joy of letting go and fully being in the current moment is what takes me to where I am supposed to be.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
Many trials and errors got me here. I am not certain this is my final version, but it does feel good.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
I have changed a lot as a person. It almost feels like two different people. I have met numbers of people and accumulated positive or negative experiences which shaped me into who I am at this point. Things I thought I would never do, I am doing now, and vice versa. I realized if I want to grow, I need to flow. It feels like I always have things to learn and I hope it never ends.
Walk us through a recording session: What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
One thing I can think of now is working with Brad in his studio in Seongsu, Seoul. I was recording a main voice track for ‘Pancake’, a song from my EP Birthday. I finished it in one take, which is really rare, because dealing with such a delicate instrument—my voice—I tend to be extra specific on how it needs to sound or feel even prior to a session. We always have some small talk before actually diving into work and ironically having some time to talk about non-music-related stuff helps me focus better when it’s time to get down to work.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Funny enough, there is an unexpected collab in my latest single, ‘fries, bb’. I brought my work just to get it mixed, but Brad and I ended up working on a bass and adding percussion and chopping up more vocals to spice up the track. Working with him was a moment full of very pleasant unexpected turns.
Any side-projects you’re working on?
Working on my stuff per usual. But you know I am always looking for something fun.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
I recently came across an artist called Moher while I was in Thailand for a festival earlier this year. It was like locking eyes with a fairy for the first time. It was like smelling a forest at dawn. It took me somewhere that is full of water and woods, though it was only through my ears.
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
One of my go-to’s is ‘Nocturne No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op 9 No. 1’ from Chopin: Nocturnes by Maurizio Pollini. Highly recommended on a subway during rush hours.
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Many albums on the list, but I have to choose Choose Your Weapon by Hiatus Kaiyote at this moment. I’ve listened to it over 9 years but it still is going strong. It goes well with any situation—working out, taking a shower, reading at night, during a car ride, dancing, and many more.
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
I got into lifting weights starting last year. I like it because getting an instant physical reaction when training a muscle is something that is very new to me. Also it’s a huge plus because I tend to stay energized even after getting out of my zone after performing.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
The title would be Brat, because it is important to be a brat in certain situations for your own good. I am choosing myself. The hidden track would be ‘Sexyback’, because I am bringing sexy back.
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
This is a year full of new experiences for me after releasing my first ever studio album Dirty Mirror Selfie. As I mentioned a couple of times above, I am dropping a single called ‘fries, bb’ prior to my tour in the UK this year, which is also exciting.
Famous last words?
Thank you for your questions. Looking forward to coming near you and taking a part in TGE and Focus Wales for the first time this year.
Listen to ‘fries, bb’ now:
Follow Jacqui:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify
Follow Beeline Records:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud
