The group 82MAJOR returned with a new release armed with confidence.
82MAJOR talked about their new album at a showcase for their fourth mini album "Trophy" held at Ilji Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 30th.
Marking their second year since debut, 82MAJOR returned with an album intended as a signal for a new leap that will imprint their name on the world beyond a trajectory of growth.
Jo Seong-il said, "My feeling right now is described by a word I made up: 'ttelleunda.' It means being nervous and excited. We worked hard preparing for this album, and because we challenged a new genre and I think our skills have improved a lot, I have high expectations for this album."
82MAJOR's new release Trophy, true to its name, is a concentrated result of 82MAJOR's passion and unwavering confidence. Based on the valuable moments they have created with fans on stage, they declare victory through music to the world.
Notably, this album is a collaboration project in which 82MAJOR members directly participated in song selection and producing, with all members taking part in both lyrics and composition, demonstrating their capabilities as a self-producing idol group.
Jo Seong-il described the album as "an album in which, through new challenges, we more clearly reveal our musical colors. I think listeners will be able to feel our new growth and aspirations."
The title track 'Trophy' (TROPHY) is a tech-house song anchored by an addictive bass line. The lyrics express the ambition to steadily stack trophies, and listeners can feel the members' improved skills. In particular, the narrative proving their confidence comes alive in the music, providing the pleasure of both listening and watching.
Kim Do-gyun said, "Our music is free and filled with confidence. As we make songs, we gain a sense of freedom and confidence, so I hope listeners can feel that freedom and freshness."
Asked about the source of their confidence, Hwang Seong-bin replied, "We enjoy making music and arranging stages together, so it's fun, and we even feel eager to get on stage right before it happens and show the world. I think the source of our confidence is enjoying it and having fun."
Earlier in May, SM Entertainment completed the acquisition of equity in Great M Entertainment, the company to which 82MAJOR belongs, becoming its second-largest shareholder.
Partnering with SM Entertainment for their first comeback, 82MAJOR said, "It is an honor to be able to work with the outstanding seniors at SM. We've heard they will provide a lot of help, and we are grateful. We think the best way to repay that is to work hard in our position and return that with success."
Nam Seong-mo said, "I thought I wanted to learn a lot about the mindset seniors in SHINee have when performing. Seeing how hard they always work on stage, we thought that even as time passes, we want to give everything on stage."
Jo Seong-il also said, "Recently I filmed with senior Hyoyeon on YouTube; she was kind, conducted it well, was beautiful and had an aura. It was an honor to meet her, and if we have the chance, I want to film content with SM seniors."
When asked if there was a trophy they want to hold in the future, Nam Seong-mo said, "If you're a singer, I definitely want to win artist of the year." Park Seok-jun expressed the wish, "Now that we're making a comeback, I want to lift trophies on music shows. I also want to show our stage well at major awards and stages and lift a trophy."
Hwang Seong-bin said, "I want to receive an award that makes aspiring idols watch our stage and want to become a group like us," and Jo Seong-il added, "We talk among ourselves and imagine it would be great if we could win at the Grammy Awards; it would be amazing if that happened during this promotion."
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