Yourself as an Archive: A Look into RM from BTS’ Indigo
As we close off the year and begin anew with resolutions, goals, and ready for new experiences, the holiday season is all about the end and the beginning. The clock strikes midnight and rather than being born again – like what some people think – we, instead, shed the old skin we once wore and become a refreshed version of ourselves. We remain the same, enclosed in the same skin and sense of being we always have been, but we are welcoming a cleaner slate. We hold close our past memories, our past moments of growth, and the beginning is never without looking back.
BTS’ Kim Namjoon, professionally known by his stage name ‘RM’, is no stranger to introspection and mediation of who he was, who he is, and who he can become. On December 2nd, 2022, RM released his first solo project, a 10-song album, following after his earlier EP and mixtape releases from years before. The global sensation k-pop group is currently on their scheduled hiatus break due to their pending scheduled military services, with oldest member, Kim Seokjin (professionally known as ‘Jin’), enlisting first. Their record label Big Hit, under parent company HYBE, is currently promoting the members’ solo album projects one by one, coinciding with their military duties. RM is the third member of the group to release solo music, with Jin releasing his farewell single to ARMY (their fanbase) and fellow member Jung Hoseok (professionally known as ‘J-Hope’) debuting with his album months prior.
The album, Indigo, is a capsule of reflection. In RM’s own words, he describes it as “an archive of my twenties”, full of music that reflects not only his own path throughout his nearly decade-long career, but also the feelings of doubt, growth, and letting go that ARMY could also relate to. The album’s release in the beginning of December is an incredible moment, proving that we can utilize music and art to culminate a period of change as we enter the new year. Indigo is a beautiful collection in of itself, an exhibit into the experiences the Korean rapper has gone through. The album is composed of 10 multi-genre songs, eight of which feature other global artists, such as Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak and Colde.
While Indigo is a journey, expressed by RM meant to be listened to in order, the album’s title track, “Wildflower (with youjeen)”, is a formidable expression of the work’s entire theme. The “Wildflower” music video concept, alongside the other artistic direction of the album, was designed by RM, and the firework visuals of the video truly embody the nature of resolutions, without being a cliché end-of-the-year celebration. As of the end of December, “Wildflower” has surpassed 33 million views and remains as one of the most incredible and emotional albums to end the year, perfect for those who believe in reflecting.
