INTERVIEW: Jackson Wang on Embracing Independence, the Raw Emotion of ‘MAGICMAN 2,’ and the People Who Made Him

Jackson Wang is entering a new chapter—and this time, he’s doing it on his own terms. In an emotionally honest interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, the multihyphenate artist opened up about the hard-earned lessons behind his upcoming album, MAGICMAN 2.

From the pressures of solo artistry and reflections on family, to the deeply personal journey that shaped each track, Jackson lays everything bare, revealing not just his creative process, but the man behind the music.

The Solo Grind: More Than Just the Spotlight

Jackson Wang knows what it means to hustle—and not just in the typical sense. Transitioning from the team-driven world of K-pop group activities to being a solo powerhouse has brought with it both creative freedom and relentless responsibility.

“For most of my solo career, I was growing with 88rising. That was incredibly inspiring, but at the same time, I was basically a one-man team,” he shared. “I direct all my stuff. I write the treatments. I edit the videos. Even the behind-the-scenes content—I post that myself. It’s a one-man label.”

While there are perks to calling all the shots, Jackson doesn’t shy away from pointing out the trade-offs.

“In a system, everything is taken care of—you just show up and focus on your performance. But as an independent solo artist, it’s on you to deliver everything.”

It’s a level of control that allows for deep creative expression—but also requires a staggering level of energy, clarity, and personal sacrifice.

Shadows Behind the Stage Lights

Though fans see the charisma, confidence, and electrifying stage presence, Jackson pulled back the curtain on the emotional toll of his journey. When asked how it felt to carry emotional weight while performing under bright lights, his answer was revealing:

“The only bright light I saw in ten years was on stage, with my audience. That was it,” he admitted. “What killed me internally was what happened behind the scenes. I wasn’t prepared for it. I didn’t know how to deal with the system, the reality, the human side of it all.”

These struggles aren’t just passing mentions—they’re the very foundation of MAGICMAN 2.

“This album is very self-serving. It was therapy. It was survival. I needed to create it.”

A Love Letter to His Parents

One of the most moving tracks on MAGICMAN 2 is titled “Sophie Ricky”, named after his mother and father. Living with them again during a reflective period, Jackson began to see them not just as caregivers, but as individuals who once stood exactly where he is now—navigating life without a map.

“There were so many things I’d never thought about before,” he said. “As kids, we just assume our parents know everything and will take care of us forever. But they were just like us—learning as they went.”

That realization led him to pen a song filled with gratitude, vulnerability, and a new sense of empathy—reminding listeners that even our greatest heroes once felt just as unsure.

MAGICMAN 2: The Emotional Blueprint

Where MAGICMAN introduced a wild, untamed side of Jackson, MAGICMAN 2 dives even deeper, guiding listeners through a journey of emotional reckoning. The album is structured in chapters that reflect real-life states of being: manic highs, losing control, realization, and acceptance.

“That’s just life,” Jackson explained. “Every single song connects to a moment—how I felt about love, about disappointment, about growth. These are my stories, my experiences. And each one has something to say.”

The final chapter, acceptance, is embodied by the powerful closing track, “Made Me a Man.” It’s a song that confronts the past head-on and offers peace, rather than pain.

“Whatever happened—good or bad—it made me who I am. And I’ve come to accept that. You can’t undo it. You just learn and carry it with you.”

Looking Ahead With Honesty

As Jackson gears up for the release of MAGICMAN 2, his fans aren’t just anticipating an album—they’re preparing for an artistic reckoning. This isn’t just about polished visuals or catchy hooks; it’s about telling the truth, no matter how heavy.

Whether it’s reflecting on fame, facing burnout, or honoring family roots, Jackson Wang’s evolution is raw, real, and resonant. And if there’s one thing MAGICMAN 2 makes clear, it’s that this next era of Jackson isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest.

“Everything I’ve been through made me who I am today,” he said simply. “And I’m okay with that.”