Zion.T returns with new EP featuring Red Velvet's Seulgi

Singer-songwriter Zion.T dropped his new EP Monday with its title track "Hello Tutorial" featuring Seulgi from the top-rung girl band Red Velvet.

"I did not intend it, but the songs drew the participation of musicians who are at the top of their sectors. I am elated and give my special thanks to them," Zion.T said in a press conference announcing the release of his first album in 20 months.

There are tracks on the new album "ZZZ" -- "Malla Gang," or "a skinny kid" in Korean and "Sleep Talk," -- featuring rapper E Sens and Oh Hyuk, the team leader of the indie rock band Hyukoh.

The album's title track "Hello Tutorial," whose Korean title translates into "how to say hello in style," is a romantic melody depicting a shy boy's efforts to approach his love interest. A band of two keyboards, two guitars, drum and a three-person chorus weave its sounds into Zion.T's raspy yet mellow voice.

"'Hello Tutorial' is like a romantic comedy film released during long holidays," said Zion.T whose real name is Kim Hae-so. "The song is an easy listen that will ring in your years and remain on your lips after listening."
All the seven tracks are his creations.

"I am so honored to have worked with him," Seulgi said in the press conference. "I want to formulate good ties with him to have further collaboration works."

"As a fanatic fan of Red Velvet myself, I have done what I have to," Zion.T said of his choice of the Red Velvet member. "She has such a broad vocal range, with much potential for various expressions."

He said the new album depicts many hilarious stories although, he modestly said, it may not be perfect music.

Besides the three aforementioned songs, the digital version of "ZZZ" includes "Ideal," "My Luv," "Uh Huh" and "Untold Story."

The CD version includes one more track, "Snow," featuring veteran singer Lee Moon-se, which was released to the public previously.

Having debuted in April 2011 with the single "Click Me," Zion.T rose to mainstream fame through his breakout single "Yanghwa BRDG" in 2014 and later with hits such as "Eat" and "Just." His works are acclaimed for their self-referential, autobiographical lyrics, which many laud for authenticity.

"As a musician, I seek to covey (in my music) the mood I feel or the emotions and feelings that I have or want to have," he told reporters. "This time, I wanted to convey the air of loveliness, lightness and brightness," he also said, referring to his latest title song.

When he first started, Zion.T was thinking of the reaction of his fellow artists, rather than those of the public, when he composed music. After coming closer to the public, he became more conscious of the public taste, Zion. T noted.

The new album encompasses both sides of Zion.T's musical aspiration, spontaneity and elaboration. "If compared to cooking, 'Sleep Talk' is like a scrambled egg while 'Hello Tutorial' is something that a chef in a hotel restaurant would serve," he said.