Exclusive Interview with Zion.T – PART 2

Yesterday we released the first part of our long-awaited interview with Amoeba Culture’s highly talented singer and composer Zion.T. He talked about the origin of his stage name, the beginning of his musical career and his collaboration with Bigbang’s G-Dragon (see “I Love It feat. Zion.T & Boys Noize“ on COUP D’ETAT).

In this second part, we asked him some questions about his inspirations and his current work “Mirrorball (미러볼)”, which is doing great on Korea’s online music charts. Moreover, the friendly RnB vocalist confessed his special love for Europe and asked his European fans for an unexpected advice!

Kpopeurope: As you are someone who is fully responsible for his own musical works, I am very curious about the production process of your album. How do you normally work and who or what inspires you?

Zion.T: I write down everything. From what I see, hear, eat, where I slept, what I did with this particular person, etc. From these events in my life, I write and release music of the experiences that I don’t want to keep to myself.

Kpopeurope: With your latest release “Mirrorball (미러볼)” you showed us once again how versatile you are. While “Red Light” can be described as an electro-funk style with an RnB/Soul fusion, “Mirrorball” – and especially its title track “Miss Kim (미스 김)” – convinces with a fresh “trot-dub” style that hasn’t been heard in the Korean music scene yet. Why did you decide on a concept that gives off a 20-30’s vibe?

Zion.T: I just really wanted to incorporate that era into my music. But, I do not consider this album a “concept album”. Although I can understand why people see it that way and it definitely has a concept behind it. I want people to know that I really put my identity into this record. As much as I wear a suit and old-fashioned fedora, I am not a western man. I wish everyone would begin to look more into the distance. This album is just a part of my growing discography.

Kpopeurope: You once mentioned that out of the four tracks, you like “Madam (마담)” the most. You even drew a sketch for it which was later released on your SNS account. Do you have a special connection to that song? And why did you decide on “Miss Kim (미스 김)” for the title song instead?

Zion.T: Instead of just one song, I hope people can get a feel for the overall vibe of the entire record. The tracks are short so you can even listen to it quickly! “Miss Kim (미스 김)” became the title track because it well suited the overall feel of the album.

Kpopeurope: Among all of your songs you have released so far, which one is the most meaningful to you and why? Which song do you enjoy to perform live the most?

Zion.T: This most current album has been the most meaningful. While producing “Mirrorball (미러볼)” I learned a lot about myself like the type of artist I am and why I am doing what I am doing. And I love all shows and performances, but I especially love when I first get on stage.

Kpopeurope: With your unique and distinctive voice as well as your fresh musical approach, you are touching the soul of many international fans. Fans, who cannot even understand Korean in the first place, yet appreciate your work a lot. What do you think about your growing domestic and international popularity? How does it feel to have fans in countries far away from Korea?

Zion.T: I love Europe and my fans there. In Paris, when I look at a side of an incredible old structure or building, I can only imagine that an incredibly talented artist created it. I would one day love to live in Paris, at least for a couple of months.

Kpopeurope: Would you consider holding a concert in Europe? And if yes, which country would come to your mind? Would you take the VV:D crew with you?

Zion.T: Of course! I especially like Paris, France. Thinking about it makes me want to eat a macaroon (laughs). Actually when it comes to Europe I like all the countries. Also, honestly I do not think I would be able to bring the entire VV:D crew with me to Europe, just because we are not all a part of the same label.

Kpopeurope: Please say a few words to your European fans and the readers of Kpopeurope.

Zion.T: Please let me know a part of Europe that would be a good place to live (smiles). Send me a comment on my Twitter! I really do want to live In Europe for a few months. I have recently been busy working on a lot of visual projects like drawings and pictures. I have also been working on some new music and hope to share it with all of you soon! Thank you. Merci~!

Kpopeurope: Thank you very much for this interesting interview! We wish you all the best for your future projects and would be more than happy to greet you somewhere in Europe soon!

Once again we would like to thank Zion.T and Amoeba Culture for this wonderful interview and cooperation. Also, they were so kind to provide us with some signed CDs for some lucky readers! If you want to know more about this awesome giveaway, make sure to follow all our articles about the singer. We will reveal details very soon!

Responsible for the Interview: Rina
Editor in Chief: Rina

Special Thanks to all his fans who contributed, especially to Sarajgh, Kamila, Fruzsi, Amy, C-Jool M., Amélie and Stephanie.