Long-Awaited Release Marks Zion.T's First Studio Album in Nearly Seven Years

Courtesy of YG Entertainment

R&B singer-songwriter and producer Zion.T unveiled his third studio album, "Zip," on Wednesday, making it his first studio release since "OO" in February 2017.

During a media interview in Seoul on Tuesday, Zion.T discussed the album's inspiration, emphasizing his desire to convey relatable narratives derived from personal experiences. The album, set to release at 6 p.m., encompasses a diverse musical landscape, blending R&B, jazz, soft pop, ballad, and dance music elements. 

▲ Courtesy of YG Entertainment
Describing "Zip" as a compressed file capturing the essence of his musical journey, Zion.T explained that the title also signifies "Jip," the Korean word for "house." The intention behind the name was to create an album that seamlessly integrates with the spaces where listeners engage with it.

Since his debut in 2011, Zion.T has made a significant impact on the K-pop scene with hits like "Yanghwa BRDG," "No Make Up," "Eat," and "Snow." Beyond his role as a vocalist, he has solidified his position as a producer, contributing to chart-topping songs on Mnet's hip-hop competition show "Show Me the Money."

Zion.T acknowledged a prolonged hiatus from the public eye, during which he established his own musical crew and production team. Factors such as COVID-19 and the intensely competitive music industry influenced his decision to take a step back from the spotlight.

The lead track of the album, "Unlove," explores the concept of resetting relationships, drawing inspiration from the act of removing a song from a playlist. The album consists of 10 songs, each offering Zion.T's unique perspective on everyday life.

While his earlier works targeted genre-specific audiences, his recent releases, including "Yanghwa BRDG," have leaned towards softer, more accessible songs with broader appeal. Zion.T expressed a desire to create more sophisticated and elegant music in the future, adopting the mindset of a photojournalist capturing moments of life.

As the founder of Standard Friends, a creative company established last year, Zion.T aims to present intriguing works by various artists. He aspires to manage solo artists effectively, drawing from over a decade of experience as a solo artist, and wishes to sustain a long-lasting career without losing his creative edge.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com