As TREASURE prepares for their comeback a day away, they have raised the heart rate of global fans by personally introducing key points of their new album.
TREASURE will release their mini album [LOVE PULSE] on September 1 at 6 p.m. The album features four tracks, including the title song 'PARADISE,' as well as 'EVERYTHING,' 'NOW FOREVER,' and 'BETTER THAN ME,' capturing various facets of love with their unique sensibility and vibrant energy.
They have added a modern groove to a nostalgic retro mood, attempting a transformation not seen in TREASURE's music thus far. The members noted, "This is an album that will expand the spectrum of TREASURE. We want to connect with relatable stories in a friendly and comfortable way, presenting a different color from what we've shown until now."
Below is a Q&A with TREASURE.
Q. This is your comeback after about six months since the special mini album [PLEASURE]. How do you feel ahead of the release?
Jungkyu: Recently, we showed a different side of TREASURE with fresh and youthful songs, and we've changed it up once again this time. The album is filled with a new concept that highlights music, performance, and visuals, so I think you can look forward to it.
Sojeonghwan: I imagined how happy TREASURE MAKER (the fandom name) would be and worked hard on this. So much so that I feel like we have produced something that fans would truly appreciate. I hope we will have many opportunities to meet directly in the future, so let's enjoy together.
Q. Can you introduce your mini album [LOVE PULSE]?
Yoonjaehyuk: When you listen to the music, you will feel that the title [LOVE PULSE] is truly intuitive. It's literally an album that makes your heart race. To summarize, it is a 'passionate confession to TREASURE MAKER.' It's the first album that sings so fervently about love and happiness, and we hope our sincerity reaches the fans.
Park Jeongwoo: While preparing for this album, I realized how diverse and complex the emotion of love is. From pure and passionate confessions to the poignant moments of parting, I contemplated how to express this in a way unique to TREASURE. The overall mood of the album is vintage and retro, but since each track has its distinct personality, I think it will be enjoyable to listen to.
Q. Was there a particular focus during the preparation?
Jihoon: I thought about getting closer to not just our fans who love TREASURE, but to each and every person in the public. Especially this time, we're putting a lot of effort not just into the title track but also into the other tracks. We've gone through multiple edits and a lot of re-recordings, so I can confidently say these are quality songs. They are all crafted to be enjoyable regardless of when or where, so I hope you will listen comfortably.
Q. What charm does the title track 'PARADISE' hold?
Yoshi: The genre of disco funk, which TREASURE is challenging for the first time, takes the lead. With catchy beats that make you want to move, the brass sounds burst out refreshingly, making you feel as though you've arrived in paradise. I thought that it would fit well when performed live right away, and with perfect balance in vocals, rap, and performance, I'm looking forward to showing a well-structured stage.
Yoonjaehyuk: As the title suggests, 'PARADISE' is about the time spent with a loved one, feeling like a piece of heaven, with a lively yet romantic tone. It feels like it's saying, 'With stars filling the sky, a cool breeze, and all the beautiful things in the world, it's our paradise.' I hope that everyone who listens to this song can fully feel the excitement and happiness that comes with love.
Q. What kind of performance can we expect from the 'PARADISE' stage?
Doyoung: We've prepared a performance that everyone can enjoy corresponding to the refreshing and vibrant atmosphere of the song. There are many movements that intuitively express the lyrics, maintaining TREASURE's unique free-spirited and energetic feel. In the last chorus, there's also a section where fans can sing and dance along, so I want to show that on stage as soon as possible.
Haruto: Since it's a song that playfully conveys the excitement and joy of those in love, we paid close attention not just to choreography but also to expressive acting. We practiced a lot to ensure we could convey bright and happy feelings, as if we had really come to paradise, so I hope you focus on those aspects.
Q. Interest in the music video is also high. Are there any memorable filming episodes or watching points?
Jihoon: It's a story of the TREASURE members traveling together to paradise. Since it has a dream-like fantasy theme, there were many chroma key shoots, and although it felt challenging to act while imagining what you can't see in the set, it was fascinating and fun. The members' visuals were also captured beautifully, so I think you can look forward to that.
Asahi: Just like the title 'PARADISE,' there are many surreal and beautiful landscapes, so it will be fun to discover pretty scenes. There are also individual scenes where each member stands out with clever points. I danced in front of a giant moon, and since I had fun shooting it, I feel proud of how it turned out.
Q. Choi Hyunseok, Yoshi, and Haruto participated in rap making again. What message did you want to convey?
Choi Hyunseok: The rapper line wrote the rap parts for the title track 'PARADISE' and the first track 'EVERYTHING.' Both songs are easy listening music that can be enjoyed without pressure, and I thought the rap should be easy to write too. So, I aimed for lyrics that would resonate without complex modifiers and decorations.
Yoshi: While we have aimed to show powerful and charismatic sides until now, this time I focused on writing lyrics that can excite the listeners according to the mood of the song. It was my first time writing rap for the disco funk genre, and the content was refreshing, which made it fun to work on.
Haruto: I wrote with the imagination that we are in paradise full of dreams and happiness. For some, reality may be hard and difficult, but I wanted to convey a comfort that we should temporarily forget those things and enjoy together in TREASURE's paradise.
Q. The pre-released dance practice video for 'EVERYTHING' received a lot of attention. Can you explain what kind of song it is?
Jungkyu: 'EVERYTHING' is a song we prepared with such high completion and affection that it was a candidate for the title track until the end. It's a retro-based synth-pop song expressed in TREASURE's own style, and while it may initially feel like a bright and exciting song, the lyrics contain a longing heart towards someone you love, which brings a unique twist.
Park Jeongwoo: I'm grateful that many people enjoyed watching the dance practice video. 'EVERYTHING' can be said to be the song where TREASURE's energy is most densely concentrated in this album. It's an atmosphere that TREASURE can digest well, and I especially want to jump around on stage when I think about the attractive sing-along part.
Q. What about the other songs 'NOW FOREVER' and 'BETTER THAN ME'?
Yoonjaehyuk: The third track 'NOW FOREVER' is a song with lyrical lyrics that express a wish for this moment to last forever, blended with an addictive melody. There's a dreamy quality to it, and during the part that shouts 'Forever, right now, forever ever,' you can feel its vigorous energy, making it uniquely charming.
Doyoung: 'BETTER THAN ME' is my favorite track from this album. It stands out as the only ballad genre with a calm mood and is special because it's a mood we've rarely shown. Since it depicts the sorrow after a breakup, I made an effort to comprehend and express the emotions delicately.
Q. The latter half of this year also promises active performances. Do you have any plans or goals for this activity?
Asahi: I plan to work hard again to repay the unwavering love from TREASURE MAKER. Certainly, what I'm looking forward to the most is the concert. The moments of connecting with fans through music are always exciting and enjoyable. We will be preparing hard for the stages of the mini album [LOVE PULSE], so please look forward to it.
Sojeonghwan: After the release, various contents are planned, including the performance video for the title track 'PARADISE' and the music video for the included track 'EVERYTHING.' I am already looking forward to how much fans will enjoy these as there will be plenty to see and enjoy, and although it's busy, it rather energizes us. We want to be TREASURE that gives even more energy to TREASURE MAKER, who are always our driving force.
Q. A word to the fans who always support you.
Choi Hyunseok: The second act of TREASURE has just begun. Starting with the comeback of mini album [LOVE PULSE], we have many scheduled activities including broadcasts and [PULSE ON] tour. I'm preparing with joy thinking about the day we can meet TREASURE MAKER. We will work hard as TREASURE, so I hope everyone enjoys the festival we've prepared.
[Photo] YG Entertainment
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