Yeonjun opens a new chapter in his solo career. Six years and eight months after debuting with TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), he released his first solo EP, ‘NO LABELS: PART 01,’ on Nov. 7. The EP presents Yeonjun’s true self as an artist and a person, breaking free from every label, definition or boundary. This debut EP proves he’s an artist with no limits.
A New Start of His Own
For Yeonjun, this album represents what he calls “the first beginning.” It’s about presenting himself as he really is, not about concepts or labels. He found meaning in using music to express his authentic self and participated in all stages of the creative process, from songwriting and composition to performance design.
Yeonjun’s 2024 debut solo single, “GGUM,” which gave him valuable lessons in creative ownership, is the source of his confidence. Because of that experience, he was able to express himself more freely and include his own style. Now that freedom has led to ‘NO LABELS: PART 01,’ a six-track record that defies categorization and refuses to be boxed in.
Pushing Creative Limits
“Talk to You,” “Forever,” “Let Me Tell You,” “Do It,” “Nothin’ ‘Bout Me,” and “Coma” are the album’s six tracks, each with a unique sound and color. Yeonjun combines a variety of genres to showcase his musical versatility. He experiments with punk rock, funk, ska, hip-hop, pop, alternative and acid jazz. Each song offers us a window into his feelings by reflecting on situations from his personal life.
“Talk to You,” the lead single, establishes the mood with its playful drumming, whirling guitar riffs and explosive rock energy that complement Yeonjun’s audacious vocals. The song examines the tension and spark between two people drawn to each other. It is followed by the English song “Forever,” which reminds us to enjoy the moment by slowing things down with a soulful hip-hop vibe and syrupy sweet high notes.
“Let Me Tell You” creates a sensual mix that evokes the energy of Justin Timberlake in the early 2000s. Daniela of KATSEYE is featured on the track, singing in Spanish and adding sultry R&B tones. While “Do It” combines jazz and old-school hip-hop to create a smooth 70s groove, “Nothin’ ‘Bout Me” picks up the pace with its punchy guitars and rebellious attitude. One of Yeonjun’s favorite songs, “Coma,” dynamically conveys his genuine emotion.
A Chemistry That Flows Naturally
Another major topic of conversation before the album’s release was Yeonjun’s collaboration with KATSEYE’s Daniela on “Let Me Tell You.” Their strong dance expertise makes this partnership a perfect fit for a song that will certainly have outstanding choreography. In their recent Rolling Stone interview, Daniela described their teamwork as effortless, noting how their distinct approaches combined to create a single, cohesive spirit.
Daniela also shared that working together only strengthened her admiration and respect for Yeonjun. His dedication and creative precision inspire her, and she sees him as a passionate artist who always pushes himself to refine his craft. She gave him credit for his strong musicality and meticulous attention to detail, both of which shaped the choreography. Yeonjun also praised Daniela, describing her as an exceptionally talented performer and singer. Both artists were driven and enthusiastic from the start, combining their passion for music and performing to create a collaboration that was authentic, inspiring and perfectly in sync.
Expressing Freedom Through Visuals
Yeonjun’s creative involvement didn’t stop with the music. He personally conceptualized the album’s visual design. The album’s eye-catching cover, showing him shirtless with arms open wide, instantly went viral as a symbol of freedom and vulnerability, sparking shock and excitement across social media. He approached every part of the project with a desire to experiment and show new sides of himself with unboxing videos, livestreams and Instagram posts.
His promotional debut was as avant-garde as his music. The posters and fashion merchandise reflected his personal style with the “No Labels” slogan printed on hoodies, tote bags and even boxer shorts. He also accessorized his look with metallic jewelry and custom nail art, turning his album into a unified artistic statement that merged fashion and music, making it more like a fashion zine than a conventional idol campaign.
A Music Video That Breaks Convention
The accompanying music video consists of a three-part cinematic sequence that connects “Coma,” “Let Me Tell You” and “Talk to You.” Rather than telling a story, Yeonjun focuses on mood and emotion. While “Coma” is a display of raw emotion, “Let Me Tell You” depicts the fluttering attraction and connection between two people. Lastly, “Talk to You” unleashes his full potential as a performer and actor.
As a result, Yeonjun’s range is showcased in a single fluid visual journey in an omnibus-style music video that connects through aesthetics and expression rather than narrative.
The Beginning of Something More
As the title suggests, ‘NO LABELS: PART 01’ is just the beginning. Although Yeonjun hasn’t revealed the specifics just yet, this release is the first of many stories he intends to tell and new sides of himself he wants to show, each of which will highlight different areas of his artistic abilities and life experiences.
Yeonjun describes this chapter of his solo career as a personal rebirth, the start of being known just as himself, with an album that feels completely him. However, he still carries his solo and group identities as one. Even as he steps out solo, he sees no separation between “solo Yeonjun” and “TXT Yeonjun.”
Which ‘NO LABELS: PART 01’ track are you looping nonstop? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter/X!
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Featured Image Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC Official Website
