Chinese singer-songwriter Cai Xukun, known as KUN, embarked on a creative journey with his smash single "Afterglow." He aimed to capture the essence of fleeting moments through the fusion of art and fashion. As he pondered, the word "afterglow" emerged, symbolizing those travel moments and our inner feelings. This theme was combined with images like runway models and shifting time and space.

Immediate Connection with Audiences

On its release in early June, "Afterglow" achieved an astonishing score of over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart, which aggregates data from nine major platforms and over 100 radio stations. It remained on the chart for 10 weeks and became the fastest to receive gold certification. It also made it to the June edition of the Tencent Music Wave Chart voted on by over 200 Chinese music industry professionals. This success led to his selection as China's representative for Billboard's Global No. 1s.

The Soul and Rock Sound of "Afterglow"

KUN created "Afterglow" with soul and rock sounds, integrating modern and classic production influences. This gave the song a timeless feel. It marked the beginning of a new musical phase for him. In his upcoming works, he plans to include classic or modern elements to let people sense his recognizable style.

KUN's Fresh Musical Explorations in 2024

Several new singles released in 2024 represent his new musical directions. For example, "Remedy" features clean piano sounds and a vintage vocal style, showing his minimalist side. He often enjoys classic songs in quiet moments, savoring the dialogue with himself. His 2024 release "RIDE OR DIE" introduces a new sound. It serves as a signal of his future musical style transformation. The production process was long and involved many iterations to express the "stormy night" concept in his heart.

Looking Ahead and Continued Growth

KUN plans to expand his online live concept Art Lab to chronicle his growth and connect with audiences. He can feel their enthusiasm and energy during live performances. He is learning to enjoy the process and believes it is crucial. This year, through production and performance, he had many discussions and collaborations with other artists, influencing his perspectives and aesthetics. Next year, he is likely to unveil the fruits of his introspection.As Chinese artists gain international acclaim, KUN believes in the power of music to transcend language and geography, fostering cultural exchange. He hopes more people worldwide can experience authentic Chinese music and this has always been his ambition.