The track is the artist’s third release of the year following ‘Self Medicate’ and ‘Jeers’
Korean-born just Min is an artist who’s expansive and unique sound often traverses through genres and styles, finding an effortlessly slick niche that sees him delve into styles like alt-R&B, indie pop and folk in a way that always feels engrossing and true to his appeal and sound.
The artist’s latest single ‘Cruel’ is an immersive and stripped-back indie folk release that clocks in at just about two minutes but manages to pack a lot of emotion and heart into that time. The laid-back, yet emotive vocal style and these heartfelt lyrics immediately give off the kind of vibe that would have fit in on Japanese-Australian star Joji’s debut album Ballads, such is its moody appeal and the often melancholy and disheartened nature of the lyrics. just Min does a great job of injecting his own personality and character into his sound though, and there is a personal feel to the lyrics and narratives that feels authentic and pure, like the sadness is coming from a very specific and real place that can’t be manufactured or mimicked.
“This entire track was made in two weeks, from start to finish.” just Min says of the new release. “When I was writing ‘Cruel’, I recorded hundreds of vocal takes and went through at least 30+ rounds of mixing. It immediately felt so raw and different compared to the other music I had been making. ‘Cruel’ is about a time in my life when someone I loved and trusted unconditionally betrayed me. But even after their betrayal, I caught myself making excuses for them, still too in love to let go. It’s that specific feeling, and the grieving that comes after it, that I was trying to create with this song. While ‘Cruel’ references specific memories I have with this person, it ultimately recognizes that love, and life, are cruel in nature, hence the name.”
