With a fresh perspective and renewed energy, the talented musician Karn is taking a bold new step forward after the heartfelt farewell to his popular duo, HYBS. Now performing as WIM, he’s charting an exciting new course as a solo artist. This new chapter isn’t just a career shift; it’s a deeply personal exploration of his artistic and personal identity. In a recent interview, WIM graciously shared details about his new creative direction, his evolving sense of self, and his bright hopes for the future.

Redefining Karn: The Meaning Behind WIM

The name WIM is more than just a catchy title; it’s a question and a statement all in one. WIM stands for “Who is Me?”, a question that Karn found himself asking frequently. He explained, “I didn’t have a clear answer, but I knew I wanted to grow and rediscover who I was—both as a person and as an artist.” The name itself came from a surprisingly simple, everyday habit.

“Actually, it’s the word I said quite often when I play some card games so everything’s aligned,” he said. For WIM, this solo project is not about finding a single, perfect identity. “Somehow, WIM became a space for me to explore that freely. It’s less about finding the perfect identity and more about being okay with the search.”

The Solo Path: Embracing Change and Trusting Instincts

The transition from a duo to a solo artist brought significant changes to WIM’s creative process. The biggest shift, he says, was learning to rely on his own instincts. “With HYBS, I had someone to bounce ideas off of all the time. Going solo meant I had to tune into my own instincts more.”

Now, he’s fully hands-on with every aspect of his work, from the initial songwriting to the final visuals and live performances. “I’ve also learned to enjoy the process: writing late at night, recording ideas on the go, and being more hands-on with every detail, from visuals to live shows,” he shared. While the schedule is busier, he’s not alone in his creative journey. “It feels more personal now, but with the friends I’ve met along the journey, I get to share those ideas and processes with them too. So, let’s put it in a different way of finding myself together with good friends.”

The Art of Storytelling: From Personal Experiences to Musical Genres

When it comes to his songwriting, WIM draws from a mix of personal experiences and stories he observes around him. “Some of my songs come from personal experiences, though sometimes I draw from small moments I observe or conversations I’ve had,” he noted.

Among his discography, “One Day (I’ll Fly Again)” holds a special place. “It was written during a time of big change, and finishing it felt like a small step toward healing,” he revealed. However, he also emphasizes the spontaneous nature of his creativity. “Most songs come out of nowhere when everything feels right and good to me. When the vibe is good, the idea is good.”

Looking ahead, WIM is eager to experiment with new sounds. He’s curious about “blending my sound with more acoustic and lo-fi textures—something that feels intimate and homemade.” He also wants to explore “the classic side of R&B, but with modern touches,” noting that “mixing old-school sounds with new elements really excites me since HYBS and still does.”

WIM’s Collaboration and Memorable Moments

WIM’s solo journey has also included some standout collaborations. He singles out “Sup” with Matthew Ifield as a favorite. “The whole process was super natural—we weren’t trying to force anything, just vibing and having fun,” he recalled. The collaboration even included a unique, personal touch. “We even recorded a mouth trumpet together back in Sydney, Australia—one of those moments that made the song even more special.”

While he once dabbled in acting, his current focus remains squarely on music. “Acting was something I tried before music really became a career I’ve always dreamt of. I haven’t closed the door on it, but right now my focus is on music. No doors closed tho!”

When asked about his most memorable fan interactions, WIM finds it difficult to choose just one. “It’s hard to pick just one…every place I’ve been has given me special moments,” he said, citing heartfelt letters, handmade gifts, and the sight of fans singing along to his songs. “Those little moments stick with me and remind me why I do this.”

The WIM Way: Staying Grounded and Finding Purpose

In a fast-paced industry, WIM stays grounded by remembering his roots. “I try to remind myself why I started,” he said. He also makes an effort to “slow down sometimes, talk to people I feel connected to, and just (trying to find time to) do normal things outside of music.” The connection with his audience is a powerful motivator. “Also, hearing how my songs connect with people really keeps me going,” he shared.

Fans might be surprised to learn how laid-back WIM is when it comes to his creative process. “I think people might be surprised by how laid-back I am when it comes to creating. I don’t like to force things—whether it’s songwriting, recording, or even planning… I really believe that if the vibe is right, everything is right.”

Ultimately, WIM hopes his music serves as a source of comfort for his listeners. He wants people to feel “a little less alone—whether they’re falling in love, going through something, or simply existing in between.” He concludes with a message of self-acceptance: “It’s okay to feel things deeply and even though life kinda sucks sometimes, remember to feel good about yourself!”

WIM just dropped his new album ‘HONEYMOOD’. You can follow him on Instagram for more detais.