"There are no limits for TWS."
The group TWS (TWS) released the pre-release track "Head Shoulders Knees Toes" from their fourth mini album play hard on the 22nd. It's a new side of TWS we've never seen before. The relentless rush and intense energy delivered through hip-hop sound present a different charm. In addition, the six members (Shin-yu, Do-hun, Young-jae, Han-jin, Ji-hoon, Kyung-min) completed an "another class" performance by performing dynamic group choreography together with multiple dancers.
Reactions were hot as soon as it was released. Global fans who watched the music video poured out praise such as "visuals, vocals, and stage presence are all perfect," "TWS is a hip-hop hotspot," and "I feel the fierceness."
Expectations are growing for TWS's new release as they make a bold transformation after their fresh boyhood days. Through their agency HYBE Music Group label PLEDIS Entertainment, they shared a Q&A about the pre-release song. The fourth mini album play hard, which includes this track, will be released at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13.
Q. Introduction to "Head Shoulders Knees Toes"
Young-jae: "Head Shoulders Knees Toes" is a song in which we burned our passion to prove to ourselves that "there are no limits for TWS." You can feel our explosive energy in the performance as well.
Han-jin: The rhythm is very intense, so it's a song that naturally makes your body move when you hear it. Especially the chorus is highly addictive, so you'll want to keep listening.
Q. Listening points for "Head Shoulders Knees Toes"
Shin-yu: Please watch TWS being obsessed with something, watch our passionate side.
Do-hun: Enjoy the sound that gradually escalates as the song progresses!
Ji-hoon: The six members' energy, and even the grit and daring that come from being together, will be points to appreciate.
Young-jae: In terms of mindset, we approached it thinking, "we will tear the stage apart," "we will really show it." I wanted to show a strong feeling that comes from belief and confidence in what you want to do.
Q. If you had to pick parts to watch in the "Head Shoulders Knees Toes" performance
Young-jae: Since this is the first song in album activities where we perform on stage with dancers, you can feel the grandeur of many people and overwhelming energy. Also, because the nuances and the members' facial acting differ in each part, I think it will be fun to look for those details.
Han-jin: I'd like to point out the chorus first. I think the moment when we all synchronously do the "Head shoulders knees and toes" moves is the most eye-catching scene on stage.
Do-hun: Please focus on the late-stage dance break. The members dance very coolly and with a lot of energy.
Kyung-min: At the start of the second verse the mood suddenly reverses and there's a section where bullets are "?��?" fired, and I hope people find that part interesting as well.
Q. Especially, techniques like the kip-up are also showcased in the dance break
Ji-hoon: It was good to have technical points to show TWS. I know well that TWS is a team that can present impactful performances, and thinking the day would come when we'd show it, I practiced various techniques steadily. I want to continue showing diverse sides on stage.
Q. Points you paid attention to during the recording of "Head Shoulders Knees Toes"
Do-hun: Since this is a song that can show our completely new side, we prepared to leave a strong impression. I thought my first verse rap part was important, and because I wanted to do it well I kept singing and practicing it in our dorm even while touring.
Kyung-min: Until now I mostly showed my voice as a vocalist, but I challenged rap for the first time in the pre-release song. The opening of the second verse is a part where I remain alone on stage and reverse the mood, so I concentrated a lot, and especially for the "raise the dopamine" part I wondered how to express it interestingly and tried adding a cynical feeling as a point. Fortunately, it seems to have been received as fitting the song's mood.
Q. Memorable moments while preparing "Head Shoulders Knees Toes"
Ji-hoon: The performance was challenging for TWS, so we were nervous and had many concerns. Whenever that happened, we would gather as members, reassure each other that we could do it, and talk about ways to do better—I won't forget those moments.
Shin-yu: Since the pre-release song has a passionate and explosive feel, I thought we needed to change our expressions and attitudes from below the stage to naturally express it on stage. I remember talking with the members about that.
Q. Ahead of the comeback, what did you learn from the first tour you finished last month?
Han-jin: I could fully feel the power of facing the 42 fans in person. The cheers heard from below the stage became the driving force that made me sing harder.
Young-jae: It was an opportunity to relearn how to communicate with the 42 fans and how happy the stage is as a space. It was a moment I will never forget and a truly meaningful time.
Kyung-min: My stamina increased a lot, and I learned many ways to immerse myself on stage.
Q. Finally, any hints about the fourth mini album play hard, which is released on Oct. 13?
Shin-yu: I think this album is a stepping stone to show more varied sides going forward. Please look forward to the widening musical spectrum as we grow.
[Photo] Provided by PLEDIS Entertainment.
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