Kim Feel, a breakout star from the audition program “Superstar K6,” dropped his first EP, “Feel Free,” Thursday. The EP, he said, would be a way to introduce himself to the world as a musician.

“On ‘Superstar K,’ we mostly performed cover songs. This is the first time that I’m coming out with songs that I helped to create, with my stories, with the kind of music I hope to keep performing in the future,” Kim said at a press showcase at M Cube in Seoul on Thursday.

With the exception of just one track, all the songs feature lyrics or music written by the young star himself. Kim said that he withdrew himself from the public eye while working on the album to eliminate any distractions from his songwriting.

“My team and I went into the mountains for a while, just to relax, have some barbecue and write songs,” he said. “I think this EP will have a big impact on establishing my signature style.”

According to Kim, that style would be “based on folk rock, but with a stylish British band sound. I want that trendy sound, while maintaining the sincerity of folk lyrics.”

“I’d like to follow in the footsteps of Yi Sung-yol,” he said, referring to the modern rock singer.

The first single, “Stay with Me,” is a sweet folk rock number with an easy rhythm created with electric guitar and drums. Kim Feel remains true to the soulful style that won him the attention of judges on “Superstar K6,” never straining as he moves through the notes.

“It’s a song about a guy and a girl just before they feel that spark. The guy wants to tell her how he feels, but he’s too shy. Throughout the song, you can see him overcoming his fear to approach her,” Kim explained.

There is no one genre that encompasses the entire EP, with the tracks ranging from electropop (“True Love”) to funk and soul (“Lose Control”).

“Through this album, I wanted to show that there are so many different kinds of music out there that can be performed on the air,” he said.

“‘Superstar K’ was an important opportunity for me to assess where I was musically, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said. “I’m thankful that I’m able to continue performing music. I hope a lot of people will enjoy this album, and remember me as someone who is true to himself in his music.”

By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)