CIX. Picture: Courtesy of C9 Leisure
One of many key themes in CIX’s seventh mini-album “Thunder Fever” is the depth of an individual’s feelings when nervousness and want are felt directly. Portraying this idea, nonetheless, took a while because the members ensured it will “strike listeners’ hearts” like lightning.
Regardless that it’s been six years because the debut of CIX — consisting of BX, Seunghun, Yonghee, and Hyunsuk — the Ok-pop boy group had the mindset of a rookie within the manufacturing of “Thunder Fever.” It was a mini-album meant to reintroduce the quartet and their identification, which put extra strain on the members.
“The method wasn’t too totally different from what we often undergo, however I really feel extra connected to this album as a result of we spent a very long time getting ready for it. We needed to current our followers with a robust album that actually represents CIX, and we felt that now was the right time to take action,” Seunghun informed INQUIRER.web in an e mail interview, recalling the artistic strategy of the group’s document.
“We put a number of effort into each side, together with recording, our first abroad MV shoot, and refining the choreography to the smallest particulars,” he continued.
“Thunder Fever” kicks off with the groovy “Unhealthy Strikes” with the catchy “I don’t like the way in which you movin’ / I don’t like the way in which you groovin’ / I don’t prefer it once you transfer like that” within the chorus earlier than shifting into the refrain. This continues with the title monitor “Thunder” and “Lovers or Enemies,” earlier than closing off with the ballads “My title is shadow” and “My Eternal Solar.”
The mini-album may be in comparison with an individual going by intense feelings. One second, they’re nice. But it surely drastically adjustments each time they probability upon one thing or somebody they really feel, which CIX made certain to convey all through the document. “The theme of this album is conveyed by the speaker’s nervousness and want intertwining as a consequence of sudden and intense emotional turmoil,” Yonghee stated. With this objective in thoughts, the quartet dealt with every step of the artistic course of with care.
“We approached every step rigorously, ranging from the track choice stage,” BX recalled. “The members and our firm had many discussions to decide on songs that also felt like CIX whereas exploring types we hadn’t tried earlier than, all whereas guaranteeing they might mix effectively collectively within the album.”
Enchancment over outcomes
“Thunder Fever” is a special route from the standard releases of Ok-pop boy teams. Whereas others opted for the noise- and youth-inspired genres, groove is the obvious focus of CIX with the document. Whereas the group hopes for good outcomes, displaying progress by music and performances is what issues to them this time round.
Hyunsuk admitted that strain is fixed of their profession. Regardless of this, paying extra consideration to the current and dealing laborious for the longer term is a trait the group makes certain to dwell by.
“There’s strain in all the pieces we do, however I attempt to concentrate on the current and work laborious for the longer term fairly than feeling overwhelmed by it,” he stated.
CIX in an idea picture for his or her seventh mini-album “Thunder Fever.” Picture: Courtesy of C9 Leisure
In the meantime, Yonghee stated the group makes it some extent to “benefit from the course of,” noting how the help of their devoted followers (or FIX) reminds them of the fruits of their labor.
“I all the time wish to obtain good outcomes, however I’ve realized that focusing an excessive amount of on outcomes makes it laborious to benefit from the course of,” he admitted, when requested if the group nonetheless feels pressured to seek out the steadiness between creating music for the charts and themselves. “Album promotions are additionally about creating reminiscences with our followers, so I attempt to preserve enhancing whereas conserving in thoughts the followers who all the time help us.”
Having the mindset of being the “finest” is likely one of the issues that CIX does in terms of coping with strain. “I all the time step onto the stage with the mindset of ‘I’m the perfect! I can undoubtedly do that,’” BX stated, noting the way it provides him the increase he wants.
For his half, Seunghun stated he places his all into his efficiency. “Really, I don’t have a selected approach to overcome nervousness,” he started. “Once I’m nervous, I simply get on stage and pour all the pieces I’ve ready into the efficiency, which helps me push by the nerves. Due to that, I believe I give my finest on each stage.”
CIX’s dedication to being at their finest is likely one of the explanation why they had been in a position to final for six years. Regardless of this feat, the quartet believes that their followers are the explanation why they proceed to stay within the trade.
“I’m pleased with each second I’ve spent with FIX. I imagine it’s the followers who all the time cheer for us that make us shine,” Hyunsuk stated.
