When Cai Xukun – the 26-year-old Chinese singer-songwriter better known as KUN – began working on his smash single “Afterglow”, he wanted to capture fleeting moments of change by connecting time and space with art and fashion. “I thought for a long time about what kind of word could represent this image and mood,” he says. “Eventually, the word 'afterglow' came to mind. We often see this scenery during various travel moments — including driving. it represents our feelings at that moment. I chose this theme and combined it with some of the images in my mind: models on the catwalk, flashing lights, changing time and space and changing people.'
“Afterglow” immediately connected with the audience. On its release day in early June, the song achieved a score of over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart, which aggregates data from nine major platforms and over 100 radio stations. The song remained on the chart for 10 weeks and became the fastest song to receive gold certification on the Tencent chart. He also made the June edition of the Tencent Music Wave Chart, which is voted on by over 200 Chinese music industry professionals. This success marked his selection as China's representative Bulletin boardThe world no. 1 of, as jointly selected by Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China.
KUN crafted “Afterglow” with soul and rock sounds, and his incorporation of modern and classic production influences helped give the song a timeless feel. And the success of the song marks the beginning of a new musical phase for KUN. “In my upcoming works I will include some classical or modern elements,” he says. “I hope everyone can gradually feel a recognizable style in my music.”
In fact, several new KUN singles released in 2024 represent his fresh musical explorations. For example, “Remedy” features clean piano sounds combined with a vintage vocal style, revealing his more minimalist side. It also reflects his listening habits: “I often enjoy classical songs, especially in quiet moments alone, listening to music and enjoying that dialogue with myself,” he says.
While his previous work was warmer, KUN's 2024 release “RIDE OR DIE” introduces a sound that is new to him. “This song serves as a message that I am conveying, heralding a transformation in my future musical style,” he says. “I believe it is necessary to present something special to my audience, which has always been my ambition. Consequently, the production process for 'RIDE OR DIE' extended over a long period of time and went through many iterations, aiming to express the idea of the 'stormy night' that had long resided in my heart.”
KUN photographed for Billboard China Global No. 1s Issue.
Tianyao Wang/Billboard China
Looking ahead, KUN plans to continue expanding its online live Art Lab concept, documenting its growth and reflecting its changes from year to year — while strengthening its relationships with audiences. “I can feel their excitement and they can feel my energy,” he says of his live performances. As time goes on, KUN learns to “enjoy the process,” he adds. “Whether you're really enjoying the experience or just completing a task can yield completely different results. I believe that embracing this journey is paramount.”
Now, KUN is enjoying an “accumulation” trip. He is preparing for a long journey ahead and is gathering new musical energy that he intends to direct towards producing more great songs. “This year, through the process of production and performance, I have engaged in numerous discussions and collaborations with various artists, which have profoundly influenced my personal vision and aesthetic,” he says. “Next year is likely to be a year when I reveal the fruits of my introspection.”
As Chinese artists gain more and more international recognition, KUN believes that the intersection of music between different cultures transcends language and geography, enhancing cultural exchange. “I aspire for more people worldwide to experience music that is authentically ours as Chinese,” he says. “That has always been my ambition.”
