We recently connected with Jenny Lyric and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenny , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Two weeks after graduating from college with a degree in psychology, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles with only $400 in my pocket and a dream in my heart. But how did I end up making such a bold move?
It all started with a group I founded called Coco Avenue. In 2016, we gained recognition as the first Black Kpop group after our Kpop cover videos went viral.
The group was made up of young women from across the country, most of whom I met through YouTube. Initially, there were six of us, and we did our best to create content by compiling videos and audio from our various locations. However, we soon realized that to truly succeed, we needed to be in the same place.
That’s when things started to get real. Out of the six members, only two of us were willing to take the plunge. In 2013, Coco Avenue was selected amongst kpop fans to be part of a YouTube series called #mykpop, created by Mnet America. The experience of visiting Los Angeles for the show left one member and I enamored with the city. We knew we had to move here and pursue our dreams. With just the two of us, we began making strides—winning Kpop competitions around LA, performing in Korea, and eventually releasing our first, and only, single in Korean. The single was well-received and gained us significant popularity, but unfortunately, the group disbanded soon after, and we couldn’t capitalize on our momentum.
Determined not to let this setback define me, I ventured into a solo career. I had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the Kpop industry and was even flown to Korea after selection by the original producer, to record a remake of his hit 90s Kpop song “훔쳐보기” by the Young Turks Club, (my version is called “Closer.”) The track was released under Warner Music Korea. My solo journey continued as I signed with the label Local High in Korea, releasing Kpop tracks like “Matter of Time.” and “Love on the Dance Floor” Which made the cover of Tidal’s kpop cross playlist
Looking back, it’s been over a decade of pursuing a career in the Kpop industry. While Kpop will always have a special place in my heart—it inspired me when I needed it the most—I’m excited to explore new horizons. My latest release, “Don’t,” is a departure from my usual style, but I’m thrilled to reach new audiences with it.
I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve accomplished, and when I reflect on my journey, I know that taking that risk to move to LA was the best decision I could have made. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Ever since I was three, I’ve had this whimsical dream of being a singer. Picture little me, toddling around the house, singing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “Jack and Jill” in a dramatic operatic voice, making sure someone—anyone—was there to listen. The real magic, though, happened on Christmas of 2001. That’s when I got my first-ever CD: Alicia Keys’ Songs in A Minor. I practically wore it out, playing it on repeat, soaking in every note, every run, and every harmony. It inspired me so much that I even dabbled in piano, trying to teach myself the basics.
Fast forward to 2009, when I stumbled upon something completely unexpected that opened up a whole new world for me—Kpop. I can’t quite say if it was the vibrant visuals or the addictive hooks, but I fell head over heels for the genre. I knew I didn’t fit the mold of a typical Kpop artist, and I wanted to carve out my own path without going through the usual auditions. So, in a leap of faith, in 2012, I put out a post looking to start a Kpop girl group, and to my delight, five like-minded individuals responded starting Coco Avenue
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The best part about being a creative for me has to be the chance to connect with people in person. Even though I’m usually on the shy side, there’s something magical about stepping on stage and sharing my art with others. It means the world to me, especially when it’s well-received and I can touch someone’s heart—whether it makes them dance or brings them to tears.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’m at a point where I feel like it might be time to pivot from Kpop and aim for a more global audience. I’ve been at this for so long, and honestly, it’s exhausting trying to break down barriers on my own without the right support. I’m hoping that exploring a new style will shine a light on my versatility as an artist. That said, I’m not planning to leave Korean music behind entirely—but it would be incredible to reach new listeners who might appreciate my sound in a different way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jennylyric
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennythelyric
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennylyricmus
- Twitter: https://x.com/jennylyric?mx=2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JennyLyric
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/15v7FzlN6wA6HZbUdfKzlD
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jenny-lyric/1398985855Projects
Coco avenue Links
https://nextshark.com/cococ-avenue-black-kpop-group-new-single-eottae
https://www.buzzfeed.com/ikrd/cocoavenueWatch: 1st African-American K-Pop Duo CoCo Avenue Releases Sexy Track “Eottae”
Image Credits
Juan J Roman