Teddy of The Black Label Breaks Genre Boundaries with Jeon Somi's Retro Comeback 'EXTRA'

Teddy, the head and chief producer of The Black Label, has unveiled Jeon Somi's comeback track 'EXTRA', a retro-inspired song that marks a departure from his usual polished genres. This release showcases Teddy's ability to transcend genre limitations as a producer.

Jeon Somi released her new track 'EXTRA' on the evening of the 7th. The song is characterized by a smooth retro vibe, blending synthwave and city pop genres. Notably, the sound evokes an 80s nostalgia with minimal instrumentation, allowing the focus to remain on the vocals.

Previously known for her powerful vocals and clear enunciation in songs like 'Fast Forward', Jeon Somi takes a different approach in 'EXTRA'. She employs a breathy, conversational vocal style, creating a 180-degree shift in atmosphere. Instead of maintaining a single vocal style, she transitions from her distinct voice to a more relaxed tone in the chorus, reminiscent of Lee Hi's signature low-pitched vocals.

In contrast to Jeon Somi's track, The Black Label's newly debuted All Day Project last month showcased a completely different musical style. Unlike Somi's song, which focuses on light and smooth emotions, All Day Project emphasizes rap over vocal melodies in an old-school hip-hop genre. The track features repetitive 'vocal chop' effects and a heavy 808 bass. While 'EXTRA' centers on a light and soft vibe, All Day Project focuses on a weighty sound.

Despite their differences, both tracks share a trendy strategy that highlights the vocals, avoiding any sounds that might overshadow them. This approach keeps the retro theme fresh and modern. The All Day Project debut track follows a similar pattern, with rich drum and effect sounds but minimal instrumentation beyond the low bass and occasional pad instrument in the second verse.

Teddy, known for his trendy electronic music production at YG Entertainment, has consistently utilized hip-hop-based EDM sounds since his days with 1TYM. While he has experimented with acoustic-based music like Taeyang's 'Eyes, Nose, Lips', those were closer to emotional R&B. This is his first foray into city pop and 80s-inspired sounds with a relaxed tempo. Through this project, Teddy has expanded his genre spectrum as a producer.