"Even if You're Tired, Make Sure You Eat Breakfast and Lunch" - A Look at Zion.T

Kim Hae-sol, professionally known as Zion.T is a South Korean hip hop artist and record producer that has left quite the impression on me. With his recent induction into the Korean powerhouse label YG Entertainment, I thought it was appropriate to dedicate a post to one of my favorite artists coming out of Korea.

Zion.T is a vehement flame to the world of Korean hip hop (Kpop) and RnB. The smallest dose of him is enough to quadruple a song's memorability, energy, and of course....swag...(I won't say that again I promise). To this end, he has prolifically risen to fame within these genres with his zesty and playful singing voice. Whether he's nonchalantly tossing his voice around in groove-based melodies or taking a more emotional approach on tracks, Zion.T truly is a master of filling anything he sings with color. 

While his debut album Red Light brought him critical acclaim with its tracks bearing harmonies and melodies that were hard to follow (due to Zion.T's improvisational and atmosphere reliant approach) yet catchy, it should be noted that record label restrictions would ultimately limit what he was able to produce. 

                           

After the release of Red Light, Zion.T would enter a cycle of releasing singles on a yearly basis. To this day fans have eagerly awaited another creative effort from the young talent, but had begun to lose hope with the restrictions his former label Amoeba Culture imposed on him. However, all hope is not lost as Zion has recently been singed to prolific label YG entertainment. The same label that has harbored massive critically acclaimed artists and groups such as Big Bang, Epik High, and 2NE1 to name a few. The label prides itself on allowing for artists to have full creative reigns when approaching their work. To this end, I can only imagine what this will mean for Zion both stylistically and musically looking forward.

Zion T's music is clearly influenced by American music. But instead of rehashing the American format, Zion has created a style that he has made uniquely his own. The healthy variety and diversity of texture featured on his tracks truly make me believe that Zion.T is an artists that is hard to dislike. To those who may not have ever given Kpop a try, I firmly encourage a listen through of any of the track recommendations I will include below. Zion.T is a unique talent with a gorgeous voice to back it up. His stylistic and melodic base approach to traditional Kpop song structures is refreshing and enjoyable. Give this man a listen and I'm sure you'll feel compulsed to adore him.

To all my readers who have never given music of another language a shot, I'll offer this. Ultimately, music is a universal concept that all cultures share. To this end, while it's nice to understand what the vocals are saying in a track belonging to a language you do not speak, I do not feel this to be paramount in appreciating other culture's music. Rhythm, tone, melody, and style are all aspects of music that we all can come to appreciate in the absence of understanding what the lyrics mean. As such, I encourage anyone to give a listen to any track out there belonging to a language that is not their own. To all my pop lovers...there is a reason why Kpop has traversed into the realms of excessive popularity. Just give it a try and have a wonderful day. Thanks for reading! 

Track Recommendations:

                      


                      


                      

-Nights Off

"I'm So Good at Hurting Myself" - A Look at Julien Baker

There are very few artists who are able to draw the deep, unfathomable (at times) emotions meandering within the depths of my convoluted soul. But every now and then an artist will come by with the ability to do just that. Bringing me to tears with her genuine lyricism and beautiful instrumentals, I'm privileged to write about and share with you all the young and fantastic Julien Baker.

I find it interesting that Baker currently resides under 6131 records, a label that has traditionally been defined by its harboring of artists in the genres of hardcore (and other heavier sub-genres).

Hell, she's even opened up for bands such as Touche Amore! How rad is that? Anyways...to this effect, Baker serves as an interesting and solitary backdrop for the label to offer something both unique and lighter to the table. Baker's personable approach to music is beyond stellar. Listening through her LP Sprained Ankle a 4th time honestly began to feel like a violation of privacy...

This voyeuristic appeal plays a minor role in distinguishing Sprained Ankle, though. More important is how Baker operates in existential ultimatums-life or death, hope or despair, oblivion or epiphany. It cuts through the bullshit rather than piling onto it, and its clarity and honesty has instantly helped Baker reach across aisles. I truly adore the themes of resilience Baker explores while also touching upon a willingness to wallow in despair.  

Sprained Ankle is a solo-effort at its core but by no means would be considered "folky." Instead, Baker opts for a minimalist approach, encumbered in bassy clusters of melodic thirds, flicking silvery harmonics, and palm-muting chords. But it's this approach that I can honestly appreciate and adore.

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee I simply wish nothing but the best for Julien Baker's career. I implore everyone reading this to please support her and buy her album. It is a rare gem amongst a multitude of fake and un-passionate LPs. Below I included two tracks for you all to get a feel for her. Thank you so much and have a wonderful day. 

-Nights Off

"I Spend Most Nights Awake" - A Look at Modern Baseball

Pop punk is a genre I don't normally mess with. However, Run For Cover Record's Modern Baseball has made me equal parts reconsider that notion and look fondly upon the future of this branch of music.

Simply put, Modern Baseball is a band that comes across as truly genuine. Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 4-piece are a group of young and up-and-coming lads whose first LP Sports was recorded while the band was still in college. Although young, the band has proven they are quite capable of composing some fine groove-centric punk whose lyrical content is both likable and relatable. Drum and bass tracking is particularly stellar on their LPs and many songs delve into heartfelt content such as feeling unnoticed amongst peers, or dealing with watching everyone around you aspire to success. Another interesting quality worth pointing out is the band's tendency to diverge from the idea of a dedicated lead singer. In fact, some would say the band really has no dedicated lead singer as each member can be heard singing at some point on their tracks. Each member at some point has even been privileged to sing entire tracks from start to finish. To this effect, Modern Baseball presents an enjoyable and interesting layer of diversity and variation to their albums. You never know who's gonna get the vocal spotlight next on each track! While other bands out there have probably employed this idea, it's something I have personally never encountered. As such, I could whole-heartedly say that this band is fantastic and is creating some of the most truly genuine and heartfelt tracks I've heard recently. Their third LP Holy Ghost is due out May 13th and I couldn't be more stoked after hearing two singles off the album which I'll include below. Give these guys a listen and support them! I promise you they are worth the time. 

From Upcoming 3rd LP:

Get a better feel for the band's sound:

                 


                 


                 

Thanks for reading! - Nights Off