EXO member Chanyeol (affiliated with SME) will make his solo comeback after a year today (25th) with his second mini album "Upside Down."
This album will be available as all track audio on various music sites at 6 p.m. today, and at the same time, the music video for the title track "Upside Down," produced with the concept of electric shock, will be unveiled, featuring Chanyeol acting out two different personas and an animation that captures the surreal sensations felt after an electric shock.
In particular, the title track "Upside Down," which promises a thrilling emotional release, is an electronic rock song characterized by distorted guitar riffs, classic rock-style drums, and electronic synths, with lyrics conveying a desperate will to not give up on oneself until the end, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Additionally, this album includes a total of six songs across various genres, featuring band-sound-centric tracks like "Back & Forth," "Ocean Drive," "High & Dry," "Happy Accident (Feat. SOLE)," and "123 Dance," integrating Chanyeol's unique sensibility with pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B elements, and positive reactions are anticipated.
Chanyeol will host an album release countdown live broadcast on the YouTube and TikTok EXO channels starting at 5 p.m. today, and from the 27th to 28th, he will hold an offline event titled "THE STAGE" at Musinsa Garage, followed by a solo debut anniversary performance "Sound Stage" at YES24 Live Hall on the 31st, engaging with fans in various ways.
Next is a Q&A session with Chanyeol in celebration of the comeback of his second mini album "Upside Down."
Q1. Sentiments on the solo comeback after a year.
I started preparing after completing activities for my first solo album "Black Out" last year, and I'm happy to meet you again with this new mini album "Upside Down" after a year. I'm extremely grateful to have another opportunity to show a good side to those who listen to my music. I'm looking forward to this activity as well!
Q2. If there is something new you challenged or specially prepared for the comeback.
Since this is an album filled with my voice, I felt an urge to do better, so I researched various methods of vocal expression. I also tried various approaches to find aspects that suit me, and thanks to consistent exercise, I was able to come back with a personally satisfying look.
Q3. This album expresses various emotions in life through music. If you were to pick one track from the six included that matches well with "August Chanyeol," as you approach your solo debut anniversary.
Excluding the title track, I would choose "Ocean Drive." Summer is indeed associated with the ocean. (laughs) It is actually a funky yet refreshing track, and I believe it captures my bright and positive energy well.
Q4. If you were to promote the title track "Upside Down" in your own words.
When I first heard it, I felt a thrilling sensation as if I had been electrocuted. It was a song that made me want to digest it properly. Personally, I listened to it a lot while exercising; it's a song like an energetic workout mate!
Q5. Have you experienced any "Upside Down" emotions in your recent daily life?
These days, I've been exercising every day, and especially when doing aerobic exercises like running, it gets so tough that I feel like giving up and deeply question why I'm exercising... But when I've completed the workout I set for the day, I feel a sense of accomplishment and feel that I've succeeded again today; that's when I feel "Upside Down."
Q6. You showcase ON/OFF versions of Chanyeol in the album jacket and the title track music video. How was it during the shooting? Which version do you think is closer to your typical self?
Thinking simply, dealing with two contrasting concepts made makeup not easy at all. There were times when we had to alternate shooting between the ON and OFF versions for consolidation scenes, and changing costumes took a very long time. I believe I am closer to the OFF version in my usual self, as I generally spend most of my time at home, which feels more like me.
Q7. Known for your love of pets, you matched breaths with goats during the album shoot. It seems you have good chemistry with animals; how was the shooting experience?
First of all, my pet dogs "Jjar" and "Toben" are doing well. (laughs) The goat we shot with this time was really cute. At first, I was cautious, thinking the goat might be scared of me, but it was so kind and gentle that I quickly adapted and had fun while shooting.
Q8. After the comeback, you'll meet fans through various offline performances. I heard you came up with the ideas yourself; how did you prepare for that?
Last year, I met audiences in various regions around the world during the live tour "City Scenery," and the memories really lingered deeply. The moments of connecting with the audience were happy and precious, so this idea started from the desire to try out a bit more diverse versions of performances. Through these shows, I hope to communicate with EXO-L and become closer through music, creating wonderful memories.
Q9. Your YouTube channel "Channel Chanyeol" is gaining a lot of interest. What are some memorable episodes and what challenges would you like to take on in the future?
I remember the episode where I learned "Krump." It reminded me of filming the old show "Infinite Challenge," and I realized how stress relief through dancing feels like. Through "Channel Chanyeol," I would like to challenge myself to play various musical instruments, learn sports I haven't encountered before, and showcase content introducing Korean traditions.
Q10. Even as members of EXO are actively involved in their own projects, they come together to create a buzz during the SMTOWN LIVE "Determination" stage. How does it feel, and how did members react to pre-listening to this album?
These days, I've been spending more time with Suho and Kai, and it makes me happy. I shared the title track "Upside Down" with the members beforehand, and they all really liked it. They provided me with honest advice too. (laughs)
Q11. A message to EXO-L.
I want to express my infinite gratitude for being able to present a new album after a year because of you all. Since you always support me and are on my side, I created this album with joy while thinking of you. I hope we can create many happy memories during this album activity, and I want to continue to be with you through good music and a good image in the future. I love you.
[Photo] Provided by SME.
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