Some pop songs are built for escapism. They offer a three-minute vacation from the weight of things. Paul Jenner, the creative force behind the musical project 50mething, seems uninterested in this kind of holiday. His work is consistently grounded in the here and now, tackling the social and political agitations of our time with a composer’s ear and a critical eye. His 2026 single, “You Can’t...

1. Project Conception and Identity "K-Iai" represents an interesting intersection of nostalgic pop and forward-looking technology. Could you share the story behind your artist name and how you first conceived this specific musical project? The idea for K-Iai came from a lifelong fascination with both technology and creativity. I’ve always been interested in how innovation changes the way we communicate, work, and express ourselves. At the same time,...