[Exclusive Interview] CHANYEOL on 'Upside Down' and Missing EXO-L Indonesia

Kapanlagi.com - Chanyeol EXO has just released his second mini album titled UPSIDE DOWN with the same title track. On this occasion, KapanLagi Korea had the chance to ask Chanyeol a few questions which he answered enthusiastically.

Here are the results of the interview, and get ready to fall even more in love with Bang Cakra, Erina's beloved! Let's check it out, if not now, when?

(Don't forget to check other news about the K-Pop world at Liputan6.com)

1. What is the main reason CHANYEOL chose 'Upside Down' as the title track?

CHANYEOL:
I feel that 'Upside Down' is the most energetic song. And since this summer feels very hot, I wanted to bring a fresher and more spirited song. That's why I chose 'Upside Down' as the main track.

2. Did CHANYEOL participate in writing the lyrics, helping with the instrumentals, or even determining the concept?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
For this second mini album, I participated in writing the lyrics for all six songs because I really wanted to share more about my daily thoughts and various stories with you all. So, in the end, I wrote the lyrics for each song.

3. There are six songs in this album. Can you tell us a little about the overall narrative or story formed by these six songs?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
In this album, I feel like I'm challenging myself by trying different genres in all six songs, and for the flow, I arranged it in such a way that when you listen to this entire album while driving, it feels like riding a rollercoaster, emotionally going up and down, making you feel a lot of different emotions.

4. Has CHANYEOL ever asked for advice or gotten inspiration from the EXO members when he feels creatively or emotionally stuck?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
The moments when the members give me the greatest strength are when they come to watch my performances. I feel very supported. Honestly, after so long only performing at EXO concerts, when I perform alone, I naturally become very nervous and anxious. And I worry a lot about whether I can do well. But when I see them watching me, I think, "I want to show this to the members." That gives me a lot of strength. And when I personally watch the solo concerts of the other members, I get a lot of inspiration and think, "I want to present something like that on my own stage."

5. When EXO-L is feeling a bit down, which song from your new album would CHANYEOL recommend to listen to?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
When feeling down, honestly there are two things you can do. Either you listen to an upbeat song to lift your spirits, or you listen to a mellow song and allow yourself to feel the emotions. If you want something that boosts your spirit, I recommend 'Ocean Drive'. This song is about going to the beach with friends, full of memories and a romantic vibe. The song itself is very enjoyable and refreshing; just listening to it can lift your mood or bring you back to memories.

On the other hand, a song like 'Happy Accident' has a relaxed vibe. The song is very calm and mellow, but captures the moment of falling in love. If you focus on the lyrics while listening, I think it can also heal a sad or tired heart. So, I would like to recommend these two songs.

6. When CHANYEOL misses EXO-L Indonesia, what are the top three things you miss the most?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
There are so many moments when I miss EXO-L Indonesia. Because I really love fried noodles, I often miss the fried noodles that you can only taste in Indonesia. Besides that, the humidity, the weather, and the street atmosphere are all so beautiful, so when I remember those memories, I really miss it. And most importantly, what I miss the most is singing together with our Indonesian fans, EXO-L, at concerts.

7. Which song from this album feels the most 'CHANYEOL' to you? And why?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
For me, it's Upside Down. I feel that this song really conveys the strong energy that I have, so the answer is Upside Down.

8. Can CHANYEOL share a special message for EXO-L Indonesia?

(credit: SM Entertainment)

CHANYEOL:
To all our EXO-Ls in Indonesia, first of all, thank you so much for waiting for my second mini album. I hope to work harder and come to Indonesia so we can have fun together again like usual. I will prepare quickly, so please wait a little longer. I love you all.

9. Check it out on YouTube!

Also check out the full conversation on YouTube:

(kpl/pit)