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 anxiousness and need are felt without delay. Portraying this idea, nonetheless, took a while because the members ensured it could “strike listeners’ hearts” like lightning.
Though it’s been six years for the reason that 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 id, which put extra stress on the members.
“The method wasn’t too totally different from what we often undergo, however I really feel extra hooked up to this album as a result of we spent a very long time making ready for it. We wished to current our followers with a robust album that really represents CIX, and we felt that now was the right time to take action,” Seunghun advised INQUIRER.internet in an electronic mail interview, recalling the inventive strategy of the group’s file.
“We put a whole lot of effort into each facet, 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 “Dangerous 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 if you transfer like that” within the chorus earlier than shifting into the refrain. This continues with the title observe “Thunder” and “Lovers or Enemies,” earlier than closing off with the ballads “My identify is shadow” and “My Eternal Solar.”
The mini-album may be in comparison with an individual going by way of intense feelings. One second, they’re high quality. 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 file. “The theme of this album is conveyed by way of the speaker’s anxiousness and need intertwining on account of sudden and intense emotional turmoil,” Yonghee stated. With this purpose in thoughts, the quartet dealt with every step of the inventive course of with care.
“We approached every step rigorously, ranging from the tune 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 making certain they might mix nicely 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 file. Whereas the group hopes for good outcomes, exhibiting progress by way of music and performances is what issues to them this time round.
Hyunsuk admitted that stress is fixed of their profession. Regardless of this, paying extra consideration to the current and dealing arduous for the long run is a trait the group makes certain to stay by.
“There’s stress in every part we do, however I attempt to concentrate on the current and work arduous for the long run somewhat 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 at all times need to obtain good outcomes, however I’ve realized that focusing an excessive amount of on outcomes makes it arduous 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 hold bettering whereas maintaining in thoughts the followers who at all times help us.”
Having the mindset of being the “finest” is without doubt one of the issues that CIX does relating to coping with stress. “I at all times step onto the stage with the mindset of ‘I’m one of the best! I can undoubtedly do that,’” BX stated, noting the way it provides him the enhance he wants.
For his half, Seunghun stated he places his all into his efficiency. “Really, I don’t have a selected strategy to overcome nervousness,” he started. “Once I’m nervous, I simply get on stage and pour every part I’ve ready into the efficiency, which helps me push by way of the nerves. Due to that, I believe I give my finest on each stage.”
CIX’s dedication to being at their finest is without doubt one of the explanation why they had been capable of final for six years. Regardless of this feat, the quartet believes that their followers are the rationale why they proceed to stay within the trade.
“I’m happy with each second I’ve spent with FIX. I imagine it’s the followers who at all times cheer for us that make us shine,” Hyunsuk stated.