연합뉴스
| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-07-01 09:08:13
SEOUL, July 1 (Yonhap) -- "In contrast to our usual 'strong' image, this time we're showing a refreshing 'hot girl' vibe. It's the first time we're smiling while singing on stage, so this song holds a lot of meaning for the members." (NATTY)
Since their debut with the self-titled album "KISS OF LIFE (KIOF)" last July, girl group KISS OF LIFE has been running non-stop over the past year. True to their name, they have breathed new life into the stagnant K-pop market, releasing two mini-albums and a single within less than a year, impressing music fans with their solid skills.
On the first anniversary of their debut, KISS OF LIFE released a new digital single "Sticky," throwing down the gauntlet for the sizzling summer music scene. Recently, we met the group, who have returned with a more carefree charm than ever before, at a café in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
Member JULIE said, "Up until now, we've left a strong impression with our hip-hop-based intensity, but this time we wanted to show a brighter, more feminine energy."
The single's title track "Sticky" stands out with its refreshing and addictive melody, appealing string sound, and Afrobeat rhythm groove. The cool voices and healthy energy of the KISS OF LIFE members are a perfect match for the summer season.
KISS OF LIFE filmed the "Sticky" music video in Warsaw, Poland. The video captures the members' relaxed and bright energy and free-spirited atmosphere using a 'one-take' shooting technique.
Member BELL shared, "After filming the music video, we had a meal together, and I was so happy that I almost cried. It was a moment of pure, unburdened happiness. While we've always tried to look cool, this time, it's about being natural."
The group's natural and free atmosphere evokes images of butterflies fluttering without a fixed destination. BELL shared that during a tough period, she told their agency's creative director, Ha In Lee, that she wanted to live like a butterfly without a set destination. The agency took this to heart and made butterflies the theme for this single's artwork.
"I've loved butterflies since I was young. I even covered my room with butterfly stickers because I liked them so much. My father (singer Shim Shin) is also a free-spirited artist like a butterfly," BELL said. She added, "While I said a butterfly has no set destination, there is a goal. We've released a lot of music and made comebacks within a year, and our debut anniversary is approaching. We have ambitions and passions, and there are still many things we haven't achieved, so we want to continue happily working towards those goals."
JULIE candidly expressed, "I hope 'Sticky' becomes a hit. I want us to win a lot of first-place awards," she said with a laugh. NATTY also expressed her bold ambitions for their first anniversary, saying, "I hope KISS OF LIFE becomes the 'Summer Queen' that people think of when they think of summer."
This spring, KISS OF LIFE performed at various university festivals, showcasing their live performance skills and generating buzz. The experience of eliciting cheers from a general audience, not just fans, was significant.
BELL recalled, "We connected with many students on stage. Every time we heard compliments about our live performances, it felt incredibly rewarding. I even kneeled on stage to enjoy the moment."
The new single also includes "Te Quiero," a song co-written and composed by BELL. While the title track captures the vibe of a summer day, this song exudes the heat of a summer night with its Latin flavor.
"If I had to express KISS OF LIFE in one word, it would be freedom. The music we pursue, our direction, and the messages we want to convey all stem from freedom. We're still in the process of finding our direction, experimenting freely with many genres and styles within music." (JULIE)
"Freedom is also a refuge. Our group name means 'artificial respiration,' right? We hope that when people are tired and need courage and confidence, they turn to our music and performances." (BELL)
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]