A South Korean rapper, songwriter and performer, ZELO is hooked on Latin pop-style music following the successful single “Cola Comigo,” and shows no signs of stopping his growth as an independent artist in this genre.
Back in March, ZELO dropped his first Latin pop single and performed live after its release at his fan concert “COMIGO: Next Chapter.” However, that was not the case for “ELA.” Before its official release, he premiered “ELA” live for the first time on the WATERBOMB stage, one of Korea’s largest summer music festivals, in front of thousands. Fitting the aesthetic, it is a safe bet that this pulsing energy and vibrant groove have officially guided ZELO to find “his way” to his true sound.
Sweety High had the pleasure of catching ZELO after the release to chat about his experience with Latin pop and how it will continue to inspire him in his upcoming new stories in the interview below.
Sweety High: Congratulations on your new single, “ELA!” This single continues the Latin pop vibes you introduced with “Cola Comigo.” What inspired you to explore this sound further?
ZELO: My fans know that I have always really loved Latin pop. So, my decision to explore this style even more was to show off my own love for it and show off this style.
I think I have my own charming point that is a bit “rough” or “imperfect.” As I am getting older too, I don’t want to hide anymore. I want to speak through the music honestly, when I feel the beat.
SH: What is something that you found during the exploration process that makes Latin pop so intriguing?
ZELO: For me, when I first listened to the rhythm of Latin pop, it felt pretty wild. I’m a singer and a dancer at the same time, so I could feel that energy. It is a pretty unusual thing in Korea. It was a pretty special experience as well.
Also, after the tour I had in Latin America, everyone was so passionate, and the culture was pretty different. It was interesting to me. The rhythm is complicated, which allowed me to put more complicated emotional things into it. So that was the charming point to me.
(Photo credit: VLACKSQUAD)
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SH: What does the title “ELA” mean, and what story or emotion did you want to express with this single?
ZELO: “ELA” has an important meaning. It is known as the main character, who is a “she.” In the song, I wanted to point out that “ELA” can mean very different things for everyone. It doesn’t have to be a person. It can have its own meaning. It is a feeling that doesn’t go away. I wanted to express that by using the name “ELA.”
I hope people can understand why I try to find “ELA.” I hope they can feel “ELA” as some kind of signal or memory, which reminds them. “ELA” is a song that expresses uncertain feelings.
SH: What came to you when you decided to bring the Latin-inspired rhythms, R&B elements and the dreamy electric guitar together?
ZELO: I have always loved pop and R&B, and when I was young, I did a lot of rap. But now that I get to do more singing, I wanted to bring Latin pop to Korea and create my own sound through it. Through all this Latin pop, R&B and electric guitar, I wanted to express all my feelings.
I never thought of that from day one, like if I should put a certain genre in. It came naturally while I was writing the song. When I worked with the other producers, we were researching good parts from each genre. So, combining all those elements really brought “ELA” to life.
SH: You premiered “ELA” at WATERBOMB before its official release. How did you feel performing an unreleased track in front of thousands of people?
ZELO: First of all, the fact that I could go to WATERBOMB Festival was a good opportunity for me. For a few years, I never had a show in front of people who are not my fans. These people were there to enjoy their lives. I feel like sometimes when I have a show for my fans, as an artist, that is my stage. I feel too comfortable. So, I needed that kind of nerves.
At WATERBOMB, the nerves were too strong. I usually pretend like I don’t feel anything, but I can say that it was too much. I only had two sips of coffee, but my body was already shaking behind the stage.
My satisfaction standard was too high for myself, but I still got ready. After two or three songs, my stamina was already exhausted. In my ear, the director kept giving me signs to move on to the next song. There was a lot of pressure on me.
On top of that, there was “ELA.” I had to hang on for “ELA.” I was exhausted. I showed them my last stage. I couldn’t even check the reaction from the audience.
Longtime fans in the crowd looked really happy. I found them in the crowd. I was super happy that I didn’t even know if I had a show at the festival. It’s unreal. For me, I don’t take that for granted. Even if it was a small show, it is still a good opportunity. I came a long way since my debut. I went to a lot of awards and got lots of experiences, but as an independent artist, I’m trying to make everything by myself. I got hurt a lot, but also gained various experiences.
(Photo credit: VLACKSQUAD)
SH: What was your first reaction to the audience’s response to “ELA?”
ZELO: I felt at ease when I found my fans. I could see some foreigners there. They were enjoying my music. I felt like, “Oh, maybe this is my way.” Even though we don’t know each other’s language, we could connect through the music.
I was super surprised and happy. Satisfied. Siempre, siempre.
SH: Did performing the song live change the way you understood or connected with it?
ZELO: Not really…
My thoughts about “ELA” did not really change much, but I had this thought that I have always been able to show the actual performance well through the music video, but when performing it live, I wanted to show a better stage performance, singing and character charisma. I really want to work harder on that.
Because in Korea, there are so many types of music broadcasts. When I was a boy band member, we would prepare for one thing. So the performance is always the same, but for me, I wanted to do different things.
From now on, when I can have a stage to myself, I hope people can enjoy. Also, I can enjoy it too. I want my audience, my fans, to be happy. Synergy, synergy.
(Photo credit: VLACKSQUAD)
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SH: What was the most memorable moment from your time at WATERBOMB, either onstage or behind the scenes?
ZELO: It was super humid. The sun was too strong.
I prepared and promised myself that I was going to take my shirt off during the performance. My boss said, “If you want to take it off, why did you put it back on? Don’t wear it again!” I didn’t know. For 15 years, I never took off my shirt in front of my fans.
It was so hot, and I was passionately vibing with the music. When I checked the screen, my skin was too bright. I did not look muscular. My body shape is pretty good. I go to the gym and practice. But because of the light…
I’m going back to the gym. It’s a good motivation.
SH: What can fans expect after “ELA” on your next musical journey?
ZELO: After “ELA,” I want to show my own sound more clearly. I want to keep exploring Latin pop and combine it with various other genres of music.
I will always create more music, so I hope everyone will anticipate it!
(Photo credit: VLACKSQUAD)
SH: Is there anything you would like to share with your fans?
ZELO: To my fans, thank you for always waiting and thinking of me. I will work hard on making opportunities to meet you more through stages and performances. I hope everyone anticipates it, and you are always my motivation. Please give “ELA” lots of love.
I hope you will enjoy the upcoming new stories with me.
For more on our favorite artists, click HERE to read our interview with AEN on their new chapter with A NEW ERA OF NOW.
