'Solo after 7 years of debut' NCT Taeyong, "It's hot" Tears... Participation in the production of all songs, challenge to act in 4 roles per person

NCT Taeyong stood on stage as a solo artist after 7 years of debut. Taeyong, who released a solo album with songs he worked on for 4-5 years, expressed his emotion with reddened eyes.

On the 24th, a showcase commemorating the release of NCT Taeyong's mini-album 'SHALALA' was held at SJ Kunsthalle in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

This album is Taeyong's first solo album released after his debut, and Taeyong participated in the entire production process, from the album planning stage to writing and composing all songs.

Taeyong, who came on stage, introduced, "This is Taeyong, who will debut today", revealing a special feeling of releasing a solo album. Taeyong, who is releasing a solo album after 7 years of debut, said, "I've done a lot of activities, but I'm afraid and nervous about solo activities. My biggest desire is to do well."

Regarding the album preparation process, Taeyong said, "It's been 4-5 years since I wrote the song, but the company recognized what kind of song I was writing. I think the company thought 'the time has come', so I prepared this project last year. Thinking of the time when I was preparing, I don't think I would have been able to do it if I hadn't prepared myself. Last year, I thought that I would be able to go on stage with more confidence."

The title song 'Shalala' is a hip-hop song that creates an exciting atmosphere by combining Taeyong's witty rap flow, addictive chorus, and free rhythmic bridge section. It contains the message that everyone can shine anywhere.

Taeyong said, "'Shalala' is the title song of the same name and I participated in writing and composing all the b-side songs. It's a mini-album with 7 songs. I thought about what I was feeling and thinking. It's an album that contains all those times, when you're having fun and when you're developing. I thought it would be nice if it would be a dream, help, and support for those who listen to this album. I put in the hope that listening to this album will make your day more energetic." did.

Taeyong said, "The company said, 'Please bring your soul into this song', but it was too difficult. At the time, I went to Paris Fashion Week, and many of them each had their own individuality. They met each other and showed different personalities. This world I thought that a lot of people in 'Sharala' could do it. I wanted to express that in this song." He also recommended, "If you listen to this song while dressing up before going out, you will feel more confident and challenging." When asked if he had any difficulties working on his solo album, Taeyong replied, "I've been thinking about my own music and stage. There were no major difficulties. Overall, it was easy." Taeyong said that NCT member Mark told him, "I think it will work out."

Taeyong's pre-orders for this album are said to have exceeded 500,000 copies. Taeyong was delighted, saying, "I'm nervous. It's a strange feeling."

This album includes the title song 'Shalala', 'GWANDO', 'Move Mood Mode (Feat. Wendy)', 'Virtual Insanity', and 'RUBY'. , '404 File Not Found', and 'Back to the Past', including Taeyong's autobiographical story, as well as seven songs of various charms.

It is said that 'Give Up' was a candidate for the title song. Regarding 'Quit', Taeyong said, "It's a song that lightly and brightly expresses words that can sound negative. It's a song that can be used like a meme. You can use it when you want to quit work or love, such as when a challenge is popular and you want to give up a job or love. 'Quit' is a word that can be easily shaken off," he explained. Also, "I worried a lot about the guitar and drum sounds. There were two older brothers who I worked with, and I made this song while sharing the pain of one's broken heart. That's why I love it. It was fun because I thought it was a song that I could melt into my life." said.

Regarding 'Move Mood Mode', Taeyong said, "It's the first song I wrote on the album. It's a song filled with emotions when it's pure and burning. I walk on the sidewalk block on my way to work on a song in just this weather, and I feel warm. I saw people dating under the sunlight. I wrote it thinking that my heart was soft." This song was featured by Red Velvet's Wendy. Taeyong said, "It's been about a year since Wendy noona recorded this song. I was surprised that it went well with this song. Isn't Wendy noona in charge of power vocals in Red Velvet? I was happy to hear her soft vocals like this. The friends who worked on the song said, 'It's a hit'," he told the behind-the-scenes of the work.

The b-side song 'Ruby' contains Taeyong's feelings for his pet Ruby. Taeyong explained, "Ruby was my companion dog when I was young. I wrote this song with the feeling of missing Ruby. The dog was my support when I was young." "It's a song for dogs, but when people who don't know me or Ruby hear it, you can think that the object of longing or support is a lover. You can attach meaning to anything else. I wrote it with that feeling. If you don't have it now, I hope that (your heart) will be filled while listening to this song." Also, "It wasn't easy to record because the vocal range was high. The hyung who made this song with me is good at singing. I learned a lot while making this song. There were people in our company who shed tears when they first heard this song. For the first time, I told people this I was in a position to listen to the song, but I felt proud when the listeners sympathized with me. A small word gave me strength," he expressed his gratitude.

Regarding '404 File Not Found', Taeyong said, "It is the most minor sensibility among the songs on this album. It contains my honest feelings." Then, "'404 File Not Found' is a phrase that pops up when there is an error on the web or when a file cannot be found. I feel as if I saw that phrase when I was having a hard time. Listening to this song for a year or two I thought you wrote the words you wanted to say to me. I hope you listen to this song and gain comfort and confidence like I did." He hinted, "This song has a series. It's stagnant, but I wanted to show a slightly better image. I wonder if I can show it to you when I release my second solo album later."

The performance of this new song was produced with a sophisticated after-party concept by YGX's Li Jeong, who was in charge of directing the choreography. It is a choreography that emphasizes Taeyong's versatile artist-like appearance and attractive visuals. In the chorus, point choreography reminiscent of the 'Macarena' dance and hand movements expressing 'Shalala' added to the fun of watching.

Regarding the styling and choreography, Taeyong explained, "Just like the title of 'Shalala', it's gorgeous. Today, I'm wearing 'Scissor Hands.' . Taeyong, who said that he enjoyed working with Lee Jung, was confident that "there are many points in the performance."

In the music video for the title track, Taeyong plays four roles: a knight in the Middle Ages, a hacker addicted to games, an unemployed man, and a yeti. He explained, "I am not in this. I assumed that if I was in the multiverse world view, this interesting scenario would arise. One day, God attacks the multiverse world view and I go to various world views." Then, he laughed, saying, "The filming was awkward. I've never acted in a music video. It was my first time playing four roles in one person. It was awkward, but it was rather awkward, so I think it was well expressed."

Regarding his goal in the future, Taeyong said, "I thought I wanted to become a confident person. I wanted to do my music as it is. I wish I could have a dream or receive support from me. If you think about 18-year-old Lee Tae-yong, he was a person who didn't know how to do anything. Seeing that I had a dream and came this far, I thought that many people could achieve it." Regarding the direction of the solo album, Taeyong said, "This is an album that represents me. I think it will be important how much I can show myself to more people in the future. If I show myself more on stage and show my music and performances ( I hope it will be easier for more people to understand.”

Taeyong also brought tears to his eyes. Taeyong, who was embarrassed to say that it was because of the dazzling eyes, said, "It's a meaningful moment, a moment I'm grateful for, and a moment when so many things pass by. It's hot. I cried a lot while working on the song. I often cry while making songs by myself. For me, the word 'mom' is the point of tears. There is a lyric that says, 'My mother must have been in more pain than this script.' The older brother I worked with also cried while working on it."

Taeyong's first mini-album 'Sharala' will be released on each music site at 6 pm on the same day. The music video for the title song 'Shalala' will also be released simultaneously on YouTube's SMTOWN channel.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr