Ampersand One has returned to the music scene with a completely different concept.
On the afternoon of the 12th, a comeback showcase for the group Ampersand One's third mini album 'LOUD & PROUD' was held at Sky Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.
The mini album 'LOUD & PROUD' contains an Ampersand One that is confident even in the face of the world's preconceived notions and standards, revealing a bold and daring side that says, 'let them talk.'
On this day, Choi Ji-ho said about their comeback, "We have returned with a completely different concept. We've worked hard in preparing, so please have high expectations," while Yoon Si-yoon noted, "We have grown and become cooler in terms of visuals, style, and skills. I hope the Andeer (fan club name) pays a lot of attention to us."
Brian described the mini album as a 'turning point,' saying, "Until now, we've done many refreshing and cool songs, but this time, we are stronger and have some hip-hop style songs. It's the first time we're showing this side, so I'm nervous, but we've prepared well. Please look forward to it."
When asked specifically about why he described it as a 'turning point,' Choi Ji-ho explained, "For this comeback, we have changed in visuals, performance, and music. We want to challenge various concepts and express that as idols, we can do more diverse and broader music. Also, since we have all become adults, we had a determination to show various concepts."
"What meaning is contained in 'bad angel'?" Kai-rel said, "When you think of angels, you think of a kind and pure image. I wanted to break the preconceived notion that an angel can't be bad. I wanted to convey the message that you can have confidence even if your image isn't perfect."
Visually embodying the atmosphere of 'bad angel,' who among the members is considered the 'concept delivery champion'? Kai-rel replied, "I think Camden fits well. I like the songs in this album, and it seems like he prepared even harder. Confidence is key in delivering a concept, and he usually wears fashionable outfits with confidence and pulls it off well."
Camden, who was pointed out by Kai-rel as the best, said, "I think Brian fits really well. While filming the music video, Brian had an angelic visual, but his expression in the bridge part was so sexy. I thought he suited the 'bad angel' concept the best." Makaya added, "I thought you would mention me," which brought laughter.
The title song 'That's That' is a hip-hop dance song highlighted by its addictive saxophone line and dynamic melody. The lyrics confidently express the message that if we create our own path without worrying about unwelcoming gazes, we can achieve what we want beyond our limits.
Choi Ji-ho described the title song 'That's That,' saying, "The addictive melody in this chorus is the key point. The charm is how well the members' voices blend together," while Camden recalled the first time he heard the song, saying, "When we were touring in the United States, we got the songs for the third mini album. We listened to the demo, and while discussing among the members, we thought 'That's That' should be the title track. While preparing the album, I had a meal with Executive Producer Han Sung-ho, and even then, I strongly appealed for 'That's That' to get pushed as the title track."
The situation was when Yoo Jae-pil, from the same agency, was hosting. When asked, "Weren't you nervous in front of Producer Han Sung-ho?" Camden replied, "I was nervous too, but I felt we had to get 'That's That.'"
What kind of reaction did Producer Han Sung-su have to these members? Camden said, "First of all, when we appealed, the executive producer showed positive feedback. The other title candidate was 'Creak Creak,' and he seemed to be thinking a lot about it."
Camden shared, "There was a fun episode involving the song 'I'm Down' with the executive producer. As he walked into the room, he came in humming 'ba-ra-ba-ra-bam'. That sound is present at the start of 'I'm Down.' He was thinking of all the sounds as he walked and trying to incorporate them into our album, which is touching. I'm always grateful to him," while Kim Seung-mo added, "I would like to take this opportunity to really thank the executive producer."
Camden and Makaya participated in writing lyrics for all the tracks on the mini album. When asked about their focus during the process, Camden said, "After receiving the song, I usually ponder while showering or driving, thinking about how to deliver it to the public. Since the beats were generally fast when getting the songs, I felt confident, and it was easier to write lyrics. A lot of ideas came out for 'That's That,' and I finished 'I'm Down' in one day."
Makaya shared, "It was an honor to be able to participate in all the songs this time. I gain inspiration from many places, and this time particularly through communication with the members. By receiving and reflecting feedback, I thought about how to create a fun album, and through exchanging rap with Camden, we provided feedback to each other, which I believe resulted in better rap."
What does Ampersand One think of being 'unshaken by external prejudices'? Makaya expressed, "I think the world's standards are influenced by paying too much attention to other people's perspectives. I felt that the standards of success in how others view me are important. Ampersand One is different in that we focus only on ourselves and what's most important to us."
As the discussions unfolded, the members' determination regarding this album was conveyed clearly. What kind of evaluation do they want to hear about this album? Kim Seung-mo stated, "I want to make the name Ampersand One memorable and show differentiation. I will work hard to make sure people get familiar with the name Ampersand One."
Makaya expressed, "I want to receive feedback that says, 'Finally, Ampersand One is wearing the right clothes.' We feel that this album is the most confident and fitting, and we want to get that kind of response."
Camden revealed a surprising promise, stating, "I really want to achieve 1st place in music shows once. If that happens, I will wear angel wings matching the 'bad angel' concept and bungee jump, even though I have a fear of heights. Together with the members."
The members opened up about the stages they want to showcase in the future. First, Choi Ji-ho said, "Earlier this year, we did our first Asia tour and North America tour. I was happy to meet our international Andeer who we don't often get to see."
Choi Ji-ho shared, "With many foreign members, communication in terms of language and interactions on and off stage went well. It allowed us to strengthen our bond even more. Hence, I desire stages that are grander. I feel like I want to interact more diversely with global fans."
Makaya, from Sydney, Australia, said, "I still haven't been able to visit the hometowns of the foreign members. I have a strong desire to show a wonderful stage in our hometown," expressing a wish to perform in places like Seattle, USA, and Vancouver, Canada.
Meanwhile, Ampersand One's mini album 'LOUD & PROUD' will be released today (the 12th) at 6 p.m.
[Photo] Lee Dae-sun, reporter
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