Interview: Grabber on ‘Sunday Morning’: An Inside Look in His World of Love, Rhythm, and Reflection
“When I see you, I feel like Sunday morning”—Grabber’s latest track pulses with love, enveloping you in a serene yet captivating embrace. Released on October 13, this South Korean indie artist blends pop and soul into a smooth, soul-soothing anthem. From early morning cuddles to promises of everlasting love, “Sunday Morning” is the perfect soundtrack for a Sunday filled with love, comfort, and those unforgettable moments that feel like pure magic.
Since his debut as a singer-songwriter in 2020 with “Ocean,” Grabber has experimented with pop, soul, and R&B, constantly pushing his sound forward with each release. From the sensuality of “Shower,” where his falsetto lingers in the air like a whispered secret, to the jazzy undertones of “Tell Me Merry Christmas,” his versatility shines through. Tracks like “IAY” and “Sorry” delve into themes of love, longing, and emotional depth—each a contemplative escape into his tranquil universe. Every song reflects his evolution as an artist who thrives in the quiet yet profound moments.
Photo courtesy of Grabber
Shortly after the release of “Sunday Morning,” HALSUG caught up with Grabber for an exclusive interview. The artist shared the inspiration behind his latest track, offered insights into his creative process, and reflected on his growth since his debut. With exciting plans ahead, HALSUG gives fans an intimate look into the vision propelling his music forward.
Q: Can you introduce yourself to our viewers?
Hello, HALSUG fam! I'm Grabber, a singer-songwriter and musician from South Korea. My recent single, “Sunday Morning,” just dropped. I hope you're enjoying it, and it's great to meet you all today!
Q: Your new song “Sunday Morning," dropped recently. Can you take us behind the scenes of the writing process and share any fun moments with us?
Well, first of all, “Sunday Morning” is a song I composed a year ago. I didn't like the arrangement back then. This is a song that I was unable to complete but was able to complete with the help of Kenny Hong, a producer whom I have frequently collaborated with. A funny thing I remember now is that when I first planned and filmed the video, my hair was red, but it kept raining so the filming was postponed. My hair turned orange, but I think it suits the song and the weather better.
Photo courtesy of Grabber
Q: When you sing, “You brighten me like Sunday morning,” what do you want listeners to feel about that moment of love?
When I think of someone I love, I get the feeling of being lazy and homey, like we feel on a Sunday morning. All anxiety and complicated thoughts disappear. When I wrote the lyrics, in my mind, I was thinking of the emotion that you can be happy even if you are not being lazy with that person. I think it would be good to feel it simply as a sentence. It would be enough if you could just recall the image as a light that comes in through the curtains on a Sunday morning.
Q: When you express, “You and me, we’re just savoring a Sunday love,” how does this portrayal of simplicity and intimacy convey your perspective on love in a world that often feels rushed?
I think these days, we often feel anxious and pressured to live diligently. If you do this, you will end up thinking about the future more than the present, and your anxiety will only grow. So sometimes I try to tell myself, ‘If I just leave all this behind and focus on being comfortable in the present, I'll be happy.’ In the end, what it means is, “Let’s just love without thinking and focus on the present moment.”
Photo courtesy of Grabber
Q: Your other songs, “IAY” and “SORRY” highlight the complexities of love, from unrequited feelings to the regrets of heartbreak and wanting to make amends. Now, with “Sunday Morning,” you're savoring love in a way that's relaxed and intimate. What inspired this transition in your songwriting?
I write a lot of lyrics on the subject of love. It is the most important part of life, and I think it is really fun to be able to express those experiences and thoughts as an artist through a variety of music. Love between lovers, parents, siblings, friends, pets, thoughts about the world, philosophy—aren’t all of these love? Don’t you think so, too? In the future, I plan to cover more diverse forms and thoughts of love in various genres.
Q: Since your debut in 2020, what have you discovered about yourself as an artist, and how have those lessons influenced your music over the years?
As an artist, I feel like I am very greedy. My nickname 'Grabber' is also based on that meaning. I really want to show people my diverse sides. Rather than limiting myself with my musical desires, I want to make it persuasive and cool. I thought, ‘Let's make all that I want.’ That's why my discography has various genres of music. That's me, too.
Q: What inspired you to become a singer?
When I was young, I happened to hear “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men, and I was so star-struck that I started listening to a lot of pop songs. At that time, I would play pop stars' songs every night and pretend to be on stage, lip-syncing for two or three hours as if those were my own songs. I would imagine that and get giddy with excitement, so I decided that I had to become a singer.
Photo courtesy of Grabber
Q: With your impressive talent across composing, directing, producing, and songwriting, which among these brings you the most joy? And if you could dive into another creative avenue or experiment with a new medium, what would that be?
I think the greatest joy comes when I compose a song that I am satisfied with. Sometimes I feel proud of myself, but usually, if I listen to it the next day, I'll think, ‘Yesterday was definitely good, so why is it so sloppy?’ But I still enjoy the process of composing every day and try to let out (channel) my negative energy. That's how I can create good songs. And if I were to do something else creative, I would like to try being a furniture designer. I think it's a really attractive job to put in the time and effort to create something that becomes a part of someone's daily life.
Q: What does a typical day in your life look like?
I just wake up and spend the morning lazing around leisurely, exercising, listening to music, eating, and that’s usually it. I think so. I really like being at home and enjoying my everyday life.
Q: What is your dream collaboration?
I definitely want to work with Crush later. He is an artist I really respect and love the most. I pray for that. There was a time when I felt skeptical about making music, but after seeing Crush's concert, I regained my passion. I also wanted to become an artist who could have a new influence on future generations, like he does. And when I meet him, I want to say thank you. I want to say thank you for working so hard on making music.
Q: What can you share about your next plan with us?
I'm currently preparing a mini-album and a few performances. I can't confirm when it will be next year, but I'm working hard on it. Yes, I will come back with great and enjoyable songs.
Photo courtesy of Grabber
Q: Any last message to the listeners?
First of all, it was such an honor and fun to be interviewed by HALSUG. There are times when I want to tell the listeners about my behind-the-scenes stories and thoughts, and I was grateful that HALSUG asked me about those things. Thank you for reading to the end. I will continue to work hard to become a Grabber who can show you various aspects of myself. See you next time!
Have you listened to “Sunday Morning” yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on Instagram and X.
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Artist Facts
Name/Stage name: Shin Jae Kyu / Grabber
Birthday: August 8
Nationality: South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Leo
MBTI: ENFJ
Fave Foods: Chicken / Hamburger
Fave Drinks: Americano / Dr. Pepper
Fave Movies: Get Out
Day or Night? (Day or Night?): Night
Song/cover you're most proud of: Grabber - “Sunday Morning” / Sabrina Carpenter - “Espresso”
Translation by Nandini Iyengar
Edited by Martina Yee