The group BABYMONSTER, a day before their comeback, personally shared the main points of the new album, raising global fans' expectations.
BABYMONSTER will release mini album 2 [WE GO UP] at 1 p.m. on the 10th. The mini album includes four songs in total: the title track "WE GO UP", "PSYCHO", "SUPA DUPA LUV" and "WILD", and they showcase an expanded musical spectrum with their explosive energy and overwhelming skills.
BABYMONSTER is armed with a strong hip-hop–based sound, even more dynamic performances and a conceptual music video than before. Despite the busy schedule of their first world tour, they have run without rest and said they are determined "to go higher with our own colors."
Below is a question-and-answer session with BABYMONSTER.
Q. It's been about three months since the digital single "HOT SAUCE." How do you feel ahead of the release of mini album 2 [WE GO UP]?
Luca: I'm really curious about the reactions from fans and the public, and I can't wait to be on stage.
Parita: We packed lots of cool moments and great songs, so I hope Monsteez really enjoy them.
Asa: I went back and forth between excitement and nervousness many times while preparing the album. I'm very eager to see how people will listen to it.
Ahyeon: I'm glad my personally favorite songs are included, and I'm curious how people will react to the stage we'll present.
Lora: I'm already excited to meet fans with new songs after finishing the world tour.
Chikita: I really wanted to show it to you quickly, so I'm happy the day has finally come.
Q. Please introduce mini album 2 [WE GO UP].
Ahyeon: I think it's an album in which all the members expressed what they want to achieve as artists. As the title suggests, it contains our will to go higher with our own colors. While preparing for this promotion, I realized anew that I genuinely enjoy music and the stage.
Q. What was the main focus while preparing this album?
Lora: We've tried to present new sides we haven't shown before. The new tracks have a different feel from the music we've done so far.
Asa: To show that newness, I focused on expression. More than just singing well, I wanted to put the song's mood and message into my voice. The members and I practiced a lot on detailed parts to convey the emotional line well.
Q. What was your first impression when you heard the title track "WE GO UP"?
Chikita: It was "This is really us!" The energy overflows, and my body naturally moved as soon as I heard it. While recording, I thought, 'This will be even more exciting on stage.' It's hip, energetic, and full of listening pleasure and style.
Q. What charms does the title track "WE GO UP" have? Is there a killing part you personally like?
Ahyeon: When you listen to this song, you feel like you want to keep running. Things I worried about while preparing the album seemed to fly away thanks to the strong beat. The killing part is the chorus, but personally I like the rap at the very start of the second verse. It's like a small "kick" part.
Lora: Probably the chorus. It feels like the moment a fight begins in a movie, and once you get to that part you'll be fully immersed in the song.
Q. Please introduce one song each among the title contender "PSYCHO" and the tracks "SUPA DUPA LUV" and "WILD."
Asa: "PSYCHO" has an appealing strong beat and unique hook. It's a song that can show our rougher charm and powerful performance, so I think fans will like it a lot on stage.
Parita: I personally like "SUPA DUPA LUV" and listen to it a lot. Unlike the other tracks, it has a wistful and atmospheric feel that draws you in the more you listen.
Luca: "WILD" is a dance song but its genre is country pop. Although we've done various styles before, the country sound is new for us, so I think listeners will sense a fresh charm.
Q. Please introduce the "WE GO UP" performance. How does it differ from previous songs?
Asa: "WE GO UP" is an energetic and powerful song. With impactful rap and performance, it seems we can show a fiercer charm than our previous songs.
Ahyeon: Every movement in the choreography has weight. The formations are arranged so that each part can fully show its own feeling, so all members look relaxed. While dancing together, I felt the members looked really cool.
Q. What is the signature move in "WE GO UP"?
Parita: There are so many attractive points, but if I had to pick one, it's the part in the chorus where you raise your right arm high and make the number 1 with your hand.
Lora: As Parita said, there are many moves that express going higher, like the title "WE GO UP." I hope people enjoy finding those points while watching our stage.
Q. You teased a very conceptual MV. Can you give a little spoiler before its release?
Luca: We filmed an action scene for the first time. I think a very cool music video will come out.
Chikita: This music video contains many movie-like scenes. I think Monsteez will imagine even more fun things than us when they watch it.
Q. What goals or plans have you set for this promotion?
Luca: Like the meaning of the title track "WE GO UP," I want to achieve good results. I hope not only the title track but also the other songs will be loved by many people.
Parita: I want to make more people remember the name BABYMONSTER. And since the year-end is approaching, perhaps we'll have a chance to show our presence on big stages like last year (laughs). This comeback carries great expectations in many ways.
Q. What label or impression do you want to earn from this promotion?
Asa: I want to be called "an artist who truly enjoys herself" on stage. I hope fans feel that I'm happiest when performing. I also want to be remembered as Asa who makes viewers excited and feel good.
Ahyeon: I hope people recognize that "they worked hard this time too." I believe that if we prepare diligently, we can ultimately create good results.
Chikita: I definitely want to be called a "stage master." We prepared hard so that when we go on stage Monsteez' eyes will be fixed on us.
Q. Through your first world tour "HELLO MONSTERS," you met about 300,000 people across 20 cities and 32 shows. How did it feel to connect with global fans, and did you notice anything in particular?
Luca: I felt firsthand that even with different languages and cultures, music alone can connect with the audience. The support sent from each country was always a great strength, and because we receive so much love, I felt we must grow to repay that with even better performances.
Ahyeon: I was happy to stand on the stage I wanted to, and I hoped such moments would continue. Because the tour was long but felt short, everything sometimes felt like a mirage. Sometimes that thrill from then becomes the driving force that moves me now.
Chikita: It still feels like a dream. When I heard fans' voices and cheers directly on stage, I realized I'm an artist. I felt that hearts connect even if languages differ. So I want to meet Monsteez in more places around the world.
Q. A word for the fans who always support you.
Parita: Monsteez! Finally our mini album 2 is out. I'm so excited for this comeback, and I want to meet and communicate with you soon.
Asa: Thank you so much for always being by our side. We were able to prepare this stage energetically thanks to you. We'll repay you with an even better self, so please show lots of interest. We love you.
Lora: I'm happy to meet fans soon with this album. This year, I hope you end it powerfully with BABYMONSTER and [WE GO UP].
[Photo] Provided by YG Entertainment.
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