BTS's RM Reveals How Drake And Other Global Artists Inspire Him

BTS‘s RM recently delved into his musical inspirations and his own identity as an artist in a recent interview with Weverse Magazine.

RM shared that part of his inspiration for the musical style of “Bicycle” came from his interest in various artists.

I drew on music from the people who’ve had an impact on my life—artists I’ve been listening to lately, like Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley, and groups like KIRINJI.

— RM

He shared how, with so many influences, the song is “difficult to attribute to any one era” and more of a snapshot of his life in that moment in time.

I, and our team, are, you could say, at the forefront of pop, so after I made “Bicycle” we wondered whether we should go with it. But that’s actually why I ended up doing it this way instead. Because that’s what my life looks like right now. It’s good for me just to get to know myself this way, but I don’t want to trap myself, either.

— RM

On the other hand, I’m interested in artists from all around the world who are totally different from me. There’s even people who make music on a whim and who don’t care about the genre whose music I’m interested in now. It’s—how should I say this? Anyway, I’m at some place in my life, I guess. (laughs)

— RM

Often inspired by Drake, he admits that his upbringing allows him to put his own spin on his music.

Drake’s the one who made me think I could sing, too, back in 2009 (laughs) and that’s what brought me all the way here. In the past I wanted to do something just like Drake—he influences Western music as the musical style he’s after changes. But because I don’t live my life the way they do, I can’t make the exact same music as them.

— RM