2Z X Evaporated
on Monday September 8th i sat down with 2Z a K-Rock group to ask a few questions, this is how it went!
What’s the idea behind the collab?
HOJIN: The artist we collaborated with for the Highness album, Plomo, has always been very close to us, he’s like an older brother. We’d often eat together, travel together, and built a real brotherhood. As we got closer, we started wondering what it would be like to make music together. During one of our trips, we had deep talks about our backgrounds and the music we loved.
Before becoming a DJ, Plomo was actually a bassist in a band, so he’s always been very interested in rock music. We even share favorite bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Pearl Jam. Musically and personally, we clicked perfectly, and that built a foundation of complete trust.
Since he’s a techno DJ, we asked ourselves: “What new kind of music could we make together?” That led us to Big Beat, a genre closely tied to rock and something we both love. Working with him has been so much fun, and performing together still makes me very happy. :)
BUMJUN: We always want to show people new sides of ourselves and different colors of music. I remember when I started music and saw Post Malone’s performance, I thought a band with a DJ was so sexy and beautiful. I imagined that if a band and DJ collaborated, we could create more diverse, powerful music on stage. That vision inspired me, and I believed this collaboration would be amazing.
JungHyun: DJ Plomo is a DJ who works mainly in techno and big beat. He had dreamed of collaborating with a band for a long time. Since we were under the same company, one day he came up with the idea of doing a collab album with us. Together with the GOGO2020 producing team, we officially began production in February of this year, and after working step by step, we were finally able to release it.
ZUNON: For concerts, we always needed ways to shift the flow of energy, whether at the beginning, middle, or end. We’d already been experimenting with different approaches. So we thought, if we collaborated with DJ Plomo, we could add DJing segments to start or finish the show, or use them between sets to change the atmosphere. That’s how we came to release Highness, which blends big beat and band sound. Since Plomo used to be a bassist, he really understood band music, which made the synergy even stronger. It was a great opportunity.
Are you excited to perform together?
HOJIN: I always knew performing with plomo would be a great experience. Of course, we co-wrote the songs on Highness, but even beyond that, Plomo has always loved 2Z’s music and has seen many of our shows. He understands our energy and mindset really well. Plus, he’s been a DJ for about 15 years, playing on many different stages, so his advice is often very helpful. We trust him completely. :)
BUMJUN: I’m super excited. Ever since I started music, collaborating with a DJ has been one of my dreams. With him, our stages will feel even fuller and more diverse, keeping fans on edge and excited.
JungHyun: Definitely. We’ve already performed together twice, and the chemistry and positive energy on stage were amazing. Even the producing team said our balance was great and that we felt like one team. That makes me look forward even more to the performances we’ll do together in the future.
ZUNON: Whenever we play with him, the atmosphere is so positive. I’m really looking forward to that fresh energy on stage and to seeing how fans react to the new music and new kind of performance.
What’s your fave song from the EP?
HOJIN: My favorite is "Unreal". As the word suggests, it means “unbelievable, not real”. To me, the song feels like encountering something surreal or falling into a dreamlike space. That’s why the lyrics go, “Every night I float in space, to find you”. For me, both music itself and the love we receive from fans worldwide feel Unreal. In return, I want to gift our fans something equally dreamlike like our song 25, which symbolizes a 25th hour beyond the 24 we all share, a time that belongs only to 2Z. That’s the feeling I want our concerts to give: a magical hour outside of reality. :)
BUMJUN: My favorite is also "Unreal". Its dreamy vibe is incredibly attractive. The more you listen, the more you fall for it. If you keep playing it, you’ll understand exactly what I mean!
JungHyun: I’d choose "2020 March (plomo’s Rhythm Institution)". It’s a remix, and unlike the original, some vocal parts are distorted, which works so well with the powerful big beat rhythm. I recommend listening to both the original and the remix together. I’d also love to someday mash up the remix with the original live version during a concert.
ZUNON: My favorite is also "Unreal". It mixes intense big beat rhythms with synth-pop chord voicings, creating a dreamy yet powerful contrast. Especially the chopped-up beat loops and the pounding drum kit give it this addictive energy that makes people move.
Are you planning to tour?
HOJIN: Touring is all we ever think about, we’re constantly practicing and writing new music for that day. We’ve never once forgotten our fandom, and the proof is in the 50+ original songs we’ve already released. Right now, as we rehearse with a new guitarist, I feel like this is the time to strengthen our foundation and prepare new performances.
If we spend this year building ourselves up, then when our first tour begins next year, we’ll appear before you in a way that’s beyond what you imagined. Personally, I expect our first tour will be a Europe Tour. :) But I also worry maybe our European fans, after waiting so long, grew tired, or moved on to other artists.
Still, Europe was the first place that showed us real interest and support at debut, which makes me very emotional. I know endless waiting is hard, but I believe people also know that we’ve never stopped working to connect with them through music. Trust is enough for me, just like the trust between 2Z and plomo, or between 2Z and FromA. I still miss FromA dearly.
BUMJUN: We’ll start with radio and music shows in Korea, then club performances, and early next year we’re planning a Brazil tour. If we can also enjoy a Europe tour with you then move on to Latin America, it would be like a dream. I believe many more touring opportunities around the world will come our way.
JungHyun: We’re always preparing for tours. This year we finished Asia and U.S. tours, then released the Highness EP. After this EP, we’re planning domestic shows in Korea, while building a stronger team sound with our new guitarist. Our next big overseas tour is expected to start early next year covering Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. What excites me most is that DJ plomo will join us on stage, so we can share that explosive energy with fans.
ZUNON: Early next year we’re planning a Brazil tour and we’re continuing to work hard to expand to more countries. I think the most important factor is fan support. The more interest and encouragement we receive, the more opportunities 2Z will have to meet you in person. :)