J-Pop is rapidly gaining global momentum, and PSYCHIC FEVER is at the forefront of bringing Japanese music to the international stage.
PSYCHIC FEVER is a seven-member group comprised of Tsurugi, the leader and rapper; Jimmy, the half-Nigerian rapper with a deep voice; Weesa, the half-Korean, half-Moroccan vocalist; Kokoro, the fashion-forward vocalist; Ryoga, the enthusiastic rapper; Ren, the versatile vocalist, rapper, and beatboxer; and Ryushin, the dynamic dancer and rapper.
This group is a powerhouse, combining exceptional vocals, rap, and captivating choreography with captivating and trendy fashion in performances – and everyday life! Each of the members bring a unique flair and undeniable talent to the table.
During their first visit to Los Angeles, PSYCHIC FEVER sat down with The Knockturnal to discuss their music, the ongoing “HEAT” tour across Asia, their recent travels, their inspirations, and their latest album, PSYCHIC FILE Ⅱ.
While many may know the group for their hit “Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY,” their music extends far beyond that. Be sure to check out their recent album here!
We caught up with PSYCHIC FEVER at the iconic Steezy dance studio in Los Angeles for an interview and even a fun emoji game!
Questions and translations have been altered for clarity
Excited to experience Los Angeles for the first time, PSYCHIC FEVER was eager to soak up the city’s iconic views and sunny weather. The group also looked forward to connecting with fans at their upcoming Roadshow performance, a unique event where they would perform live from a moving bus while fans could watch from the outside!
The Knockturnal: You’ve stepped into LA for the first time as a group and have your Roadshow performance on Hollywood Boulevard coming up! How excited are you guys to be here in the states and perform!
Jimmy: So this is our first time (coming) here. We are so excited and we are so excited to perform here for the first time! I can’t wait to see the audience in Los Angeles and the state as well. Yeah, we’re so excited. I can’t wait to see it. I can’t wait to perform.
PSYCHIC FEVER’s appeal extends beyond their undeniable talent and infectious sound. The group’s unique dynamic, shaped by members from diverse cultural backgrounds, sets them apart.
By incorporating global and cultural influences into their music, they’re redefining the boundaries of J-Pop and resonating with audiences worldwide.
The Knockturnal: PSYCHIC FEVER has a diverse sound and group dynamic. Your music blends hip-hop with your own unique style. Where do your musical ideas come from when you’re in the studio? Are there particular artists or cultural influences that inspire your sound?
Kokoro: We’re inspired by Exile and their music styles and everything, it’s inspired by them. There’s seven colors within our group and performances. So if you guys can watch it and enjoy it, it’d be great!
The Knockturnal: You guys come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, with Jimmy having Nigerian heritage and Weesa having Moroccan and Korean roots. How important is it to expand J-Pop into different cultures?
Weesa: Because we (Jimmy and Weesa) have different diversities, that gives us an opportunity to gain other cultural influences. Incorporating that can help expand J-Pop to the world. Having the opportunity to expand J-Pop to the world is what we aspire to do.
PSYCHIC FEVER has been on a whirlwind journey since April, captivating audiences with their “HEAT” tour and latest EP. The group has been crisscrossing Asia and beyond, delivering electrifying performances and creating unforgettable memories with fans.
Their recent album release has added even more fuel to their momentum as they continue to explore new territories and connect with their growing global fanbase.
The Knockturnal: Your latest album from April, PSYCHIC FILE Ⅱ, has been incredibly well-received. How has it been touring with the new album in Asia on your “Heat” tour? Do you have any favorites to perform!
Ren: “Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY” would be our favorite to perform on the “HEAT” tour. Because of that song, a lot of people started becoming familiar with us. “Just Like Dat” gets the crowd dancing and they become one. Watching the audience from the stage warms our hearts and gives us motivation! “Just Like Dat”
The Knockturnal: Jimmy and Weesa – Your unit song – “Perfect” is exactly what it is called… “Perfect!” As the lyrics say, it’s destined to be “Another hit song” – A question for you two, how was it like collaborating on this track together? How did the unit come to be?
Jimmy: At first, Weesa and I made a lot of demo song(s) together in my room. I can compose the music like beat as well and I can rap… and then sometime I invited him (Weesa) to like (sing) on my track as a vocalist. I made a lot of the bunch of demos by ourselves and then I sent the demos to our staff and they liked it! Then we finally release it – like – officially!
PSYCHIC FEVER’s music resonates deeply with fans, so I was curious about the artists who inspire the group members and who they’d want to collaborate with in the future! Their influences span a wide spectrum, from the intense energy of rappers like Ty Dolla $ign to the melodies of pop sensation Ariana Grande and the soft and ballad–y sounds of Keshi.
The Knockturnal: Are there any other artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future? I would love to help you guys put that out in the universe!
Jimmy: I really want to collaborate with Ty Dolla $ign. I really love his music and songs as well. I’ve been watching a lot of his documentaries – His passion for music and how he created his music. Now I’m in LA and he’s from LA as well, so I really want to meet him in person! Yeah.
Weesa: I really want to collaborate with Metro Boomin in the future. I really love his catchy beat and I really enjoy writing lyrics. So, I want to sing on his beat. I want to collaborate with him! Yeah.
Kokoro: Bruno Mars is the singer I respect the most. I like his music and listen to it a lot, so I want to be an artist who (can) sing and dance with emotion just like him. I want to collaborate with him!
Tsurugi: Marques Houston. I listen to him to relax and hype myself up. Because of his song, “That Girl,” I was able to join PSYCHIC FEVER. I really respect him and would like to collaborate with him one day.
Ryoga: G-Eazy. I respect his performance, music, and fashion style! His unique voice – very cool! Very cool!
Ren: I want to collaborate with Keshi. I really like his voice and unique singing style. Especially the beginning of “like i need you.” Even though I am (a) rapper, I also sing sometimes. So I would love (to) collaborate with him!
Ryushin: I want (a) collaboration with Ariana Grande! Yes! I really like Ariana Grande(s) music, lifestyle, fashion, and – I love Ariana Grande! The future is Ariana Grande (and) PSYCHIC FEVER collaborations, very synergy!
To wrap up our interview, we played a fun emoji game based on PSYCHIC FEVER’s music, adventures, and fans. You can watch the hilarious game results on our YouTube channel now!
The boys were energized and excited as they shared heartfelt messages of gratitude and anticipation for the future with their fans. With their immense talent, global appeal, and unwavering passion, the world is truly PSYCHIC FEVER’s oyster.
The Knockturnal: You guys just came back from Paris, which seemed like lots of fun! You’ve also just wrapped up the first leg of your Asia tour, “HEAT,” and have more dates lined up for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond. What can fans expect from the next phase of the tour?!
Weesa: We plan to perform in more cities, maybe! We want to perform (in) here, of course here, Los Angeles!
Jimmy: Europe and the USA.
Weesa: Yes, Yes! US Tour. We want to perform all around the world! Maybe we will post it on our social media, so please continue to check it. Stay tuned!
The Knockturnal: To wrap up, what would you like to say to your fans, ForEVER, as we conclude this interview and you make your way to so many more cities and countries?
Jimmy: Thank you for watching and please enjoy our latest album called PSYCHIC FILE Ⅱ and “Just Like Dat” as well! We really want to perform in front of you guys! So if we had some event or shows around you, please join us and please sing along with us! Yeah, thank you!
Be sure to watch our full video interview with PSYCHIC FEVER on The Knockturnal for an in-depth look into the group. Don’t forget to check out more of their music, content, and upcoming performances!
For more of PSYCHIC FEVER: