The group KISS OF LIFE returns this summer having transformed intense effort and sweat into music.
KISS OF LIFE recently held an interview at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of their third single "SWEAT" and discussed various aspects of the new album.
The group's new song "SWEAT" is an Afro-house-based track that combines electronic pop and Latin rhythms. The members used the success of their previous work "Sticky" as a stepping stone to include a deeper message in the album.
Julie said, "Because we confidently and diligently prepared an incredibly good song beyond 'Sticky,' I think everyone can have a hot and fun summer together," and added, "This 'SWEAT' includes a bit more of our narrative, meaning and confidence, so we worked a little more deeply to convey that energy and message to the public."
The defining keyword of this album is undoubtedly "sweat (SWEAT)." It sings of a solid inner self and confidence hidden behind a flashy appearance. Bell explained, "There is a repeatedly appearing line, 'Don't let them see you sweat,' and we likened the surface word 'sweat' to the efforts we make behind the scenes and the traces of effort we have polished ourselves. KISS OF LIFE puts in a lot of unseen effort behind the scenes and sheds invisible sweat, but outwardly appears perfect, which felt similar. We included a message that can give the public courage and an album that gifts confidence."
About the song's mood, Haneul said, "If 'Sticky' feels like dancing in front of a hot beach during the day, 'SWEAT' feels like dancing even hotter under a sunset scene," pointing out the distinction from the previous work. Bell also added about the genre's appeal, "I think this music, which combines Latin and electronic pop, fits us really well with the passionate feeling Latin pop has, and in that sense it's a genre that suits us well and offers many messages and visual elements we can deliver."
The album track "WHAT!," which Bell personally sourced by going out and finding songs, is also noteworthy. Bell replied, "Company considerations and situational factors influence song selection. Although the songs the company first suggested were great, I thought there might be a best song that fit our current situation better, so I consulted nearby composers and producers. After receiving several songs, we chose 'WHAT!' as the one we judged we could best bring to life."
About this powerful EDM track, Bell expressed affection, saying, "It's literally an 'so what' kind of cool and confident charm expressed through EDM, and I thought the cool image this song conveys could make the public feel confident, so it was the perfect song for us."
As the song sings about 'invisible effort,' the members' past hours of sweat and tears were also spotlighted again. Bell said, "I monitor comments a lot, and occasionally one in a thousand says, 'Bell dances well, her lines are pretty.' When I see that, I feel proud because three years ago I was completely clumsy. I started dancing while preparing the KISS OF LIFE team, and originally I planned to be a composer, so I never intended to be an idol."
She added, "So I had to dance under that pressure, and now at the three-year mark it seems the sweat and effort we worked hard on behind the scenes are starting to pay off a bit, so I'm a little proud that I'm not awkward next to members who dance very well."
Natti also said, "I practiced as a trainee for 10 years and was eliminated twice from survival programs, and through that process I shed not only sweat but also many tears. I feel like people are finally beginning to recognize my unseen efforts, so I want to grow even more impressively going forward."
Finally, the members cited their goals for this promotion as "make 'SWEAT' a hit, surpass 'Sticky'," adding, "Even when we practiced we said, 'Isn't this better than Sticky?' Our goal is to achieve better results with each comeback. 'Sticky' reached No. 2 on Melon, and because this new song is so good that it could be a song people want to play all summer, we hope it ranks No. 1 on the digital charts."
[Photo] S2 Entertainment
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