Monsta X’s I.M Shows Off His Unique Style With New EP, Off The Beat

In his musical universe, I.M is a true star. Not only is he a rapper in the powerhouse K-pop group MONSTA X, but he also has a successful solo career. As a solo artist, his music is dark and sultry, but it's where he shines the brightest.

With honeyed melodies layered over dark trap beats, he crafted his addictive third EP, Off The Beat. Each song tells a different story that gives a glimpse into a different aspect of I.M's life. However, this EP is only a small part of what he has accomplished for 2024. In just the first half of this year alone, he has already dropped a digital single, "Slowly" featuring Heize, modeled for Allure Korea and has announced his first solo world tour slated for this summer. Each accomplishment shows a different side of himself, whether it's songwriting, fashion or performance, proving that he's a truly multidimensional artist.

Ahead of his EP release, we caught up with I.M in this interview to talk about Off The Beat, the creative process and his goals for the future. Check out his Instagram and Twitter for more information on the tour, and keep scrolling to read the full interview.

 

Sweety High: Can you tell us the meaning behind the title Off The Beat?

I.M: Put simply, Off The Beat means "not following the regular" and being "unconventional." While working on the album, I went with the natural flow and was inspired by the "atypical" musical elements from various genres, including soul, R&B and Bossa/Latin music. Off The Beat represents that process and way of thought.

 

SH: What feelings or emotions were you aiming to convey with "Lure?"

I.M: Like the name of the track, "Temptation." The feeling of luring someone in and attracting them.

 

SH: Do you have a favorite song from the album? Why?

I.M: I can't just choose one! They are all my babies. It's like asking a parent "Who's your favorite child?" They are all important and meaningful in their own way.

(Photo credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc)

 

SH: Was there anything different or surprising that happened during the creation of Off The Beat compared to your previous solo releases? 

I.M: With my vocals, I experimented with various ranges and I realized my falsetto is not that bad [laughs]. With each release, I learn more about myself as an artist and my musical capabilities.

 

SH: You have a gift for transforming emotions into meaningful lyrics. When you write lyrics, are you doing it for yourself as a way of processing your emotions or with the hopes that fans will be able to relate to it? 

I.M: When I'm writing lyrics, it's me, myself and I. I believe the more personal and honest you are with your lyrics, the more relatable they are to the fans and the listeners. Being vulnerable is important to me.

 

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SH: You wrote the lyrics for all of the songs on Off The Beat and are heavily involved with the creative process for MONSTA X. Do you ever run into problems during the creative process? If so, how do you overcome them?

I.M: Yes, of course! But the solution is simple. I stop what I'm doing and move on to another project, or I take a walk, lie down on the couch or go home [laughs].

 

SH: If you could sum up the album in one word, what would it be? 

I.M: Off-the-beat.

(Photo credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc)

 

SH: Your solo sound is more sultry and R&B-focused, in contrast to MONSTA X's typical high-octane, upbeat sound. Why do you prefer a different style for your solo releases? 

I.M: I like R&B and sultry sounds. I also think my personality is a bit jazzy, if that makes sense.

 

Also read about: Haven Madison Shares the Story Behind Her Coming-of-Age EP, Turn Off All the Lights

 

SH: You've achieved a lot in your career from being a part of MONSTA X, modeling and even making an appearance with MONSTA X on the show We Bare Bears. Is there anything you want to try in the future that you haven't done yet?

I.M: Create a theme song for the League of Legends World Championship or perform at the event.

(Photo credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc)

 

SH: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I.M: Welcome to my beat!

 

Interested in more recent new music drops? Click HERE to learn about Riah's new single "Bed."