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The GOT7 singer-songwriter says his first release under 528Hz reflects personal growth, deeper comfort in his craft and a stronger solo R&B identity. Singer-songwriter Jay B wants listeners to recognize his voice as the unmistakable R&B vocalist of boy band GOT7 — while also hearing how far his solo music has come. Jay B's third and latest EP, "TR.EE," comes three years and eight months after his previous solo album and marks his first new release since he joined his new agency, 528Hz. He poured his soul into this album, the 32-year-old said, hoping his music truly resonates with listeners for years to come. "I always think a lot about how to make people recognize, 'This music is from Jay B from GOT7," he said during a listening session of his third EP, "TR.EE," held at SeongsuYul Music in eastern Seoul on Wednesday. "At the same time, I also put a lot of thoughts into letting people notice how Jay B's music is different from GOT7's." The singer debuted as a member of GOT7 with JYP Entertainment in 2014, and has been actively involved in shaping the group's discography. When the band members' contracts with JYP Entertainment came to an end in 2021, they decided to go their separate ways without officially disbanding the group, and Jay B joined 586Hz earlier this year. His latest album, "TR:EE," was inspired by a phrase he read from a book by author Yoo Young-man: "A tree grows because it shakes; […] the roots grow deeper when the tree has been shaken harder." "There is always this feeling of anxiety inside me, but the day I encountered that phrase, I think it felt a bit more intense than usual," Jay B shared. "I found comfort from it — that I was not merely struggling but actually growing." The album features six songs: the lead track "Layback" and B-sides "Hold onto My Back," "Overflow," "One Call Away," "Time" and "We." Jay B is credited for songwriting and lyrics for all six songs in the album. While GOT7's music has been leaning more into dance-heavy and trendy pop sound, Jay B wanted his solo music to stay rooted in his affinity for groovy R&B. "I hope people come back to the songs again and again for a long time, like rereading books they have already read before," he said, adding with a smile, "The plan is to live a long and healthy life, but even after I'm gone, I wish my songs can continue to be sung and have an impact." Jay B said he let go of the pressure to prove himself with this album, noting that he now feels more comfortable with where he stands. "I used to think about being the best," he said. "But now, I'm thinking more about doing my best instead. Being best is great — but now, I'm focusing on doing my best." BY SHIN HA-NEE [[email protected]]