2Z recently released their latest mini-album ‘Highness’ where they’re experimenting with their typical rock sound and introducing techno beats for a unique blend.
We were lucky enough to be able to reach out and get the members to answer a couple of our questions.
How did you come up with the concept of blending techno and rock?
HoJin: From late 2024 to the first half of 2025, we toured America and Asia, performing in many different countries.
During our average 90-minute shows, we felt a lot and learned a lot. The most important thing for us in a show is drama; a four-act structure with a beginning, development, climax, and resolution.
We started asking ourselves, “How can we show even more dramatic storytelling in our performances?” and that’s where the idea of collaborating with a DJ began.
It wasn’t just about mixing tracks. We wanted to create new music, perform on stage together, and have DJing woven throughout the set so the music and energy never broke, to show a uniquely 2Z-style show.
By combining techno and big beat, plomo’s main genres, with the rock roots of 2Z as a band, we created tracks like ‘Borderline’ and ‘Unreal.’
What really helped is that plomo actually started as a band bassist, so he had a deep understanding of rock and bands. That made our collaboration much more satisfying.
We were also heavily inspired by legendary DJs like The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, and The Chemical Brothers. Personally, I see them as true “rock stars”.
Do you have other genres you would really like to play with?
JungHyun: If the opportunity comes, I’d love to try combining our sound with reggae. The birthplace of reggae is Jamaica, and of course the most famous artist is Bob Marley.
My first deep impression of reggae came when I went to see a performance by the Korean singer Lee Hyun-woo, who was very popular in the 1990s.
At that concert, one of the setlist songs was Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ rearranged in a reggae version. The unique reggae rhythm combined with brass sounds moved the whole audience, and that’s when I really felt the charm of the genre.
Like The Beatles’ ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’ or Led Zeppelin’s ‘D’yer Mak’er’, we’d love to create a sound where rock and reggae meet.
How was the collaboration process with plomo?
HoJin: Since it was our first time collaborating with a DJ, it was incredibly interesting. Even though we’re all working in music, we each view it from different perspectives, which meant we could influence each other in really positive ways.
For example, the first draft of ‘Borderline’’s opening section was actually closer to synth-pop than big beat. But once plomo added his choice of beats and vocal track effects, it suddenly had a very unique feel.
It was one of those moments that made me realize again how music truly is a universal language.
Also, plomo has built up a lot of trust with the members of 2Z over time, through countless conversations about many topics. I really believed that trust could transform into musical energy and it did.
How was the first listen of the remixes of your original tracks? Was it fun to see what a different musician picked up from listening to the tracks?
JungHyun: Honestly, when I first listened to the three remixes, my first thought was, “That’s sick!” The way the vocals and samples were reworked into a big beat sound was so fresh compared to the originals.
At the same time, I was really curious to see how people would react if these remixes were played not just at our concerts, but at parties, clubs, or lounges where lots of people gather. How would they groove to it?
One particularly fascinating part of plomo’s process was how he used vocal parts, voice samples, and effects. I wondered, “How will big beat and our songs come together?” and the moment I heard the first monitor, I realized, “This is a really cool experiment.”
In particular, in ‘2020 March (plomo’s Rhythm Institution)’, he distorted certain vocal parts and combined them with big beat’s powerful rhythms, it fit the track perfectly.
I really hope people listen to the originals and the remixes side by side.
In the album description you wrote that ‘Highness’ is a work that contains the journey towards the ‘highest point.’ What does your highest point look like?
HoJin: To me, the highest point is when our band doesn’t lose its original spirit whether we’re performing in a tiny club in front of three people or at Wembley Stadium in front of 65,000.
If we can give the same performance, with the same energy, move people and touch their hearts through music, then that’s when I think 2Z has become the best band.
What would you tell your younger selves just starting the journey of 2Z?
BumJun: If you keep working harder, someday the rewards will come. Trust the people around you!
ZuNon: Since you’re still young, don’t waste your time. Think carefully, act wisely, and use your time well so you can become someone who has a good influence on many people.
HoJin: Get your driver’s license early! If you keep putting it off, you’ll just delay it more and more. (My producers always told me that driving around while listening to music was one of the most important times in their musical lives, and that many songs were born during those drives.)
JungHyun: The first thing I’d tell my debut self is: “Go to more band concerts.”
When we debuted in 2020, U2 came to Korea and later Queen and Green Day too. But I missed those shows, which I really regret.
If I had experienced more live performances with their sound and energy back then, it would’ve been great nourishment for me as a musician.
Even now, I often try to make up for that regret by watching a lot of live clips of bands whenever I have time.
How do you feel you’ve grown since your 2Z journey?
BumJun: Through our overseas tours, performing our precious songs again and again, we’ve proven our value and competitiveness as a band.
Although we were lacking in many ways, we grew together with our fans, giving hope and courage to people by showing that “you can do it!”
Meeting so many fans and receiving the good energy of each country during our tours keeps motivating us to grow and try harder.
ZuNon: Touring always shows me fans from many countries. Each country has different tastes and favorite songs, so we’ve grown in how we set our attitude, vibe, and setlists to match them. That’s helped us a lot.
Also, the vibe inside the band itself makes me feel our growth. As time goes on, I realize more and more that mutual trust between us creates the greatest energy.
Do you have a favorite between ‘Borderline’ and ‘Unreal’?
BumJun: I like ‘Borderline!’ The groove is really fun, and as it changes, the rockin’ intensity explodes, that’s why it’s my favorite.
ZuNon: I prefer ‘Unreal.’ Unlike ‘Borderline’, it has a lighter, synth-pop-like chord voicing that creates a dreamy mood. It gives a very different, more romantic vibe.
HoJin: I also prefer ‘Unreal.’ I love the dreamy feeling and how it perfectly matches the emotions I wanted to express. My favorite line from the lyrics is “I’m float in space.” It captures the song’s mood so well like saying, “Every night I drift through the universe searching for you.” Isn’t that so romantic?
JungHyun: My favorite is ‘Borderline.’ Its charm is how completely different sections are tied together into one theme. The first part has a danceable vibe from the bass and drum rhythm, then in the second part it completely shifts into soaring rock. That change is the biggest highlight.
Also, the harmonic elements that are a strength of our music blend with the vocals in a really sexy way. I think it’ll always be a track that exchanges incredible energy with the audience in live shows.
Can we expect a ZuNon remix on any upcoming albums?
ZuNon: I can’t say for sure if it’ll be the next album, but with this ‘Highness’ album we collaborated with plomo and tried new things. As we keep experimenting and showing new sides of ourselves, I think one day you’ll see a ZuNon remix or maybe even a plomo & ZuNon remix.
You’ve just gotten off an American tour and celebrated your 2000th day anniversary. Can you share any other projects you’re looking forward to?
BumJun: With the release of the ‘Highness’ album, we’ll be meeting you through music shows and radio activities. At the start of next year, we’re preparing for a Brazil tour.
The exact schedule isn’t fixed yet, but before Brazil we’re planning to stop in Europe — which is somewhere we’ve really wanted to go — and tour there.
Go listen to ‘Highness’ on Spotify here.
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