<Interview> CHANYEOL (EXO) introduces his first solo album released today (28th)... What is a moment in your life that you want to remember without getting ”blacked out”?

CHANYEOL, a member of the Korean boy band EXO, has unveiled his first solo album. CHANYEOL's first mini album "Black
The music for "Black Out" will be released on various music sites at 6 p.m. today (28th), and the title song "Black
The music video for "Out" will also be released simultaneously through SMTOWN's YouTube channel.
This album includes the title song "Black Out" and "I'm on your side" with lyrics by CHANYEOL.
A total of six songs have been recorded, including "Too", "Clover", "Hasta La Vista", "Ease Up" and "Back Again".
In particular, the album was teased to show the newness of various genres and the familiarity that comes from CHANYEOL's unique sensibility, raising expectations.
ANYEOL himself introduced this album. Q. It's been 12 years since your debut and you're releasing your first solo album. How do you feel about it?
I'm deeply moved and happy. 12 years have passed since I debuted with EXO, but I'm glad to be able to show a new side of myself once again.
I'm excited about it, and I'm also happy that I can finally meet EXO-L (official fan club name) who have been waiting for me for so long with my solo album.
Q. What kind of album is your first mini album "Black Out"? Can you describe it in one word?
I would like to describe it as a "beginning." This is my first solo album, and I hope to use this as a starting point.
From now on, I want to show you better music and various aspects that go with it. The music I wanted to do, the concept I wanted to show to my fans, and the things that my fans usually like are all things that I want to show you.
We have worked hard to incorporate various charms, including the image you liked, so please look forward to it. Q. The title song "Black
Please also introduce "Black Out." What are the highlights of the album?
The key point to appreciate about "Out" is that the melody, lyrics, and emotions are all in harmony.
It is a pop rock song with a fast tempo, minimal acoustic guitar, and a lyrical synth melody.
He likened the time after the earthquake to a "black out" phenomenon. It was so painful that he felt like he was experiencing something we often experience in our daily lives, like a city at night with no lights or a cell phone screen going blank without any special notice.
It expresses the story of a protagonist who feels that everything is a mess. Q. You also participated in writing the lyrics for the record. You have often been credited as a lyricist for songs released by "EXO" so far.
While working on this song, was there anything new you tried that was different from before? Usually when I write lyrics, I add my imagination to my past experiences, but this time I used my precious feelings
I tried to answer it mainly from the perspective of the audience. Since it's a solo album, I think it would be more meaningful if I told my own story. In particular, the fan song "I'm on your
The lyrics for "side too" were written while thinking of the happy feelings he had while gazing at EXO-L on stage, and the lyrics for "Clover" were written while lying down and spending time with his pet dog, Charu.
Q. You've tried out a variety of genres for this album, but which genre or song is your favorite?
It's very difficult to choose just one genre that I like (laughs). Of the songs on the album, I like "Back Again." It's a strong rock-based old school song.
It's a hip-hop song, but I think it expresses my new charm well. It was also the first song I recorded for this album, so I felt it would be difficult to express, but
It's also a song that I've always wanted to improve on. Q. The album jacket and music video were all shot on location in Hong Kong. How was that?
I really enjoyed the shoot (laughs). It made me fall in love with the beauty of Hong Kong all over again. We mostly shot outdoors, so it was fun to see the city center and the surrounding areas.
I went to every nook and cranny, even down untouched alleys. I still vividly remember how I felt when I was filming on a double-decker tour bus, gazing at the cityscape unfolding before my eyes.
Q. Following the release of the album, you will be holding a live tour next week. What if you could give us a little spoiler? We hope you will be able to see many new sides of you as well as the sides that everyone has loved so far.
I think we can. We're working hard every day to prepare, so I hope you'll show lots of love for the album and the concert. Q. I heard that you let the members of "EXO" listen to the album in advance.
So, what was the reaction? Many of the members made their solo debuts first, so I'm curious to know how they supported them.
When I met SUHO hyung, I played him a song and I could tell he had gone through a lot of hardship and researched a lot.
He also said that he knew that I had done that. He also cheered me on and said he was looking forward to it (laughs). I usually have a lot of musical exchanges with SUHO hyung, so we had a fun conversation about music.
I think it's because I want to live up to those expectations that I try harder. Q. Have you ever been "Black" in your life?
What is a moment that you want to remember without being "out"?
While performing in a concert with the members of "EXO"
All the moments I spent with EXO-L are precious memories I don't want to forget. Q. Lastly, please say a few words to your fans.
First of all, I want to say thank you for waiting so long. Thank you for your unwavering support and love.
Thank you for all your support. I had a lot of fun preparing for the album, wanting to share great music with you all as soon as possible.
I think we wouldn't have been able to make this album if we hadn't. This is just the beginning, so I hope we can spend a long and happy time together. I really love you!