Taeyong’s first full-length album ‘WYLD’ will be released on various music sites today, May 18, at 6 PM. The music video for the title track ‘WYLD’ will also be unveiled simultaneously on the SMTOWN YouTube channel.
The album consists of 10 tracks, all of which Taeyong wrote and produced. Returning after a hiatus of about two years, fans can look forward to his strengthened inner self and deepened emotional range.
The title track ‘WYLD’ is a hip-hop track inspired by the instinctive movements of wild animals, with lyrics that reflect his identity as an artist built up over a long time. In particular, it provides a three-dimensional, immersive experience like the wild through intense bass, heavy rhythmic instruments, and experimental sounds.
Q. How do you feel about releasing your first full-length album ‘WYLD’?
“I’m so excited and looking forward to it. Over the past two years, I studied my previous albums and worked hard to improve. Since I worked on this with the mindset of showing everyone a more grown version of myself, I hope this album awakens your musical instincts.”
Q. What kind of album is ‘WYLD’? Is there a special meaning or a Taeyong-style interpretation behind spelling it ‘WYLD’ instead of ‘WILD’?
“The name comes from the first letters of ‘Wild’, ‘Yell’, ‘Loud’, and ‘Dance’. I wanted to capture things like wildness, roaring, dancing, instinct, and expression in this album. I’ve thought a lot about the image I want to show as an artist, and I believe this album is the result of honestly pouring out the instincts and energy that had built up inside me.”
Q. You participated in producing every single song on this album. Since it’s your first full-length project, you must have put in a lot of effort. What was your main focus?
“I had many discussions with the company, and in the end, everyone agreed that the most important thing was to properly showcase ‘Artist Taeyong’. While I love making music, I always struggled with how to deliver it. So, during this process, I thought deeply about how to convey my emotions and thoughts, and I think that process eventually created the color of this album.”
Q. This is your first album since completing your military service. Compared to your previous work, what is the biggest musical change?
“I think the biggest changes are in the overall completion of the songs and the delivery of the lyrics. I had many songs prepared, but I boldly discarded any that didn’t sufficiently convey the emotions or messages I wanted to send. Therefore, I only included songs that I felt could most clearly show who I am now, and I worked on each track with even more caution.”
Q. Is there a special reason why ‘WYLD’ was chosen as the title track?
“I thought ‘WYLD’ was the perfect song to explode the energy and instincts accumulated during my two-year hiatus. It’s also a new style of music that I’ve never tried before, and it feels extra special because the images I’ve envisioned since I first started working on the song were naturally captured within it.”
Q. What are the key points to watch for in the performance of ‘WYLD’?
“I personally love the performance that follows when the hyperpop sound bursts in the third verse. There’s a flow where emotions and energy are gradually liberated as the song progresses, and I tried to express that atmosphere naturally through the performance. I think the point is the feeling of instincts being unleashed as the music and performance explode together.”
Q. Is there a specific reaction you hope for or a goal you want to achieve with your first full album? Also, what will the next chapter of Taeyong look like following ‘WYLD’?
“I want to show everyone a more grown version of myself. I also hope that through these promotions, people feel that the music and color of the person named Taeyong have become clearer. I believe a new chapter of my life begins with ‘WYLD’, and since I’m still in the process of thinking about and creating what I’ll show next, I’m even more excited myself.”
Taeyong debuted with NCT in 2016 and has been active as a member of NCT U, NCT 127, and SuperM. In 2023, he became the first NCT member to debut solo with his first solo album ‘SHALALA’. He enlisted in April 2024 and served as a cultural promotion soldier in the Navy Band and Military Police Corps, completing his service last December.
