Meet YUJIN BPMs | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with YUJIN BPMs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi YUJIN, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was 13 years old, I listened to the live recording of Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock 1969 performance and was completely blown away. At first glance, his guitar sounds may seem rough, but after listening to it hundreds of times, you realize that the timing and rhythm of the notes are perfect. Up until then, when I thought of art, I had primarily considered paintings and sculptures, but at that moment, I fully grasped that music is also a form of art. Since then, I have become obsessed with achieving perfection and universality in art.

Some people say there is no correct answer in art. On the contrary in this world, I think that the correct answer exists only in the art. Our ologies and histories are based on human hypotheses, and all phenomena in this society are built on them. However, hypotheses are sometimes overturned. We trust in concepts that do not exist in nature. Therefore, I believe that enhancing the degree of perfection of works and performances is the only way to get closer to the correct answer. The correct answer in art has existed in this universe/nature from the beginning, and I am aware that it is the role of the artist to discover it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is YUJIN, and I’m a musician, singer, and composer who plays over 20 different instruments. Under the name “BPMs,” I produce Techno/Electro tracks and DJ using synthesizers, drum machines, and various instruments. Additionally, as “freeB”, I produce music videos and visual movies for other artists, individuals, and companies. The reason why I do many things at the same time instead of sticking to one thing is because I can always get new discoveries and ideas from each field. Fresh emotions and surprises are among the aspects I value most in my artwork.

Ever since I was young, I’ve always had a fascination with observing trends as they emerge and spread. Especially in the realms of art and music, trends spread like an explosion, igniting widespread influence and impact. And the closer one is physically to the explosion, the greater the energy and velocity of the trend’s spread. I’m constantly moving to cities around the world, including London, Berlin, Paris, and New York, to experience the energy of trend explosions firsthand. I’m channeling that feeling into my own work and performances around the world, which excites me greatly. It’s a unique aspect of my identity that sets me apart from others, and it’s something I take great pride in.

Throughout my career, I have consistently prioritized the significance of choice and timing. I firmly believe in making informed decisions at the opportune moment. I approach these matters with great care, particularly in collaborative settings, and my experience has taught me that success hinges on meticulously simulating selections and timing well in advance.

I am currently working in several fields at the same time, but I believe that their goal is the same. In other words, as the activity time progresses, the distance between each field decreases. I believe that ultimately, I will arrive at a singular truth and complete my art, and I hope that people can watch and enjoy it as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When you are my best friend and visit Los Angeles, the first place I show you is Silver Lake, where I live. It’s home to many trendy cafes, restaurants, and clothing stores, making it the perfect place to do your holiday shopping under the California sunshine. A little further east, Echo Park is home to a number of music venues and is a great place to enjoy LA’s local nightlife.

And if you like the beach, I’ll take you to Santa Monica/Venice Beach. There is a floating amusement park in Santa Monica, and the Bubba Gump Shrimp eaten at the pier is exceptional. If you have time, I recommend biking or roller skating from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. You know you’re in LA when you feel the free atmosphere with people playing at the skateboard park, dancers, and artists surrounded by lots of palm trees.

Hollywood is my favorite area. There are so many parties every night, and people express themselves in numerous different ways. This vibe is a very unique aspect of the world to me. I will definitely take you to my favorite cocktail bar, “No Vacancy”. If you love music, you will be thrilled to visit “Amoeba Music,” newly relocated to Hollywood Blvd. There, CDs, records, books, art, and more are lined up in a vast warehouse-like space, and the scenery is breathtaking. West Hollywood, Sunset Strip is dotted with many long-established live music venues such as the “Viper Room,” “Whisky a Go Go,” “Rainbow Bar,” and “The Roxy,” where you can directly feel the excitement of big-name and local bands. If you enjoy hiking, I would recommend a hike to the Hollywood Sign or the Griffith Park Observatory. The view from there is spectacular, and you can enjoy different impressions during both the day and at night.

If you love fashion and graffiti, Melrose Ave is the place to go. There are plenty of clothing stores and cafes between La Brea Ave and Fairfax Ave, and there’s always new graffiti to discover. And head west from there to Beverly Hills, where you can enjoy brilliant Italian cuisine at the long-established restaurant “La Scala,” frequented by many celebrities.

If you like art and the timing works out, I highly recommend the “Downtown Art Walk” held in DTLA on the second Thursday of every month! Artists from all over the world gather there, art galleries hold special exhibitions for the day, and the streets are lined with fantastic food trucks. There are many other events and parties going on, and for someone like me who loves art, this day is like heaven! And if you enjoy jazz and whiskey, you can indulge in great drinks and live music from jazz/blues bands at “Seven Grand”.  Or if you like electronic music, I’ll take you to Exchange LA. You won’t be able to stop dancing in a theater equipped with England’s sound system “Funktion-One”. The latest addition I’d like to highlight is Level 8, which was recently launched in DTLA in 2023. It features several multilayered concept bars and restaurants, including the rooftop pool bar called “Golden Hour” known for its breathtaking beauty. These venues create an atmosphere akin to a paradise of entertainment and enjoyment.

As I mentioned above, LA has so many areas with different personalities that I sometimes feel like I’m on a movie set. Indeed, Hollywood’s specialization in entertainment contributes to Los Angeles being one of the most accommodating cities for street closures during film productions. And people are very tolerant of that kind of thing and positive about entertainment and art and things like that. And you can always hear music from everywhere in the city. That’s why I love LA so much. And I think it’s the California weather that makes it so!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, allow me to introduce Sunrise Transparence. She is an excellent musician who plays various brass and other instruments, and she is also skilled in composing music. Since I met her in 2016, we have been actively participating in many great jam and experimental sessions in different locations. Sometimes it was in an art gallery, other times in tunnels or even in the middle of the desert. It was a very interesting experience for me. And she launched the music label “Space Anemone” in 2017. Many great artists from all over the US are participating there, including “tttllllrrr” and “Lydia Janbay”. I joined Space Anemone in 2021 and released several techno tracks, also appearing on the label’s compilation album. Sunrise Transparence adds depth to my tracks “ACID-19” and “RAVE MARIA” by playing multiple layers of brass instruments, including trombone, tuba, horn, and more.

The next person I’d like to introduce is MostArt, who is an excellent pianist and a DJ/producer with a unique style. And he never fails to amaze me, especially when he plays the keytar wirelessly. He is a highly skilled pianist and composer, adept at both releasing his own songs and contributing tracks to numerous other artists. And currently, I’m collaborating with him on an electro EP at his studio in West Hollywood.

The last person I’d like to introduce is Masakazu Yamamoto. He began his career as a vinyl DJ and has enjoyed a long and illustrious journey in the industry. Nowadays, he also organizes and produces his own events, including numerous parties. In 2014, I formed a unit called “LA BASS” with him, through which we produced mixed sound sources and original tracks. And we occasionally perform together in clubs, which I thoroughly enjoy.

The artists and musicians introduced above are all based in Los Angles, which is why I hold such affection for the city and am particularly drawn to it. I always get inspiration and new ideas from people like them, and I love the positive vibes that surround LA.

Website: https://bpmsmusic.com

Other: https://linktr.ee/YUJINBPMs