NEWBEAT Talks Music, Influences, and Fun Facts
interview
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interview ✦
Formed by Beat Interactive, the very label that propelled A.C.E onto the global stage, a new sonic force is emerging known as NEWBEAT. This seven-member collective, comprised of Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong (a familiar face from TO1), Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo—aspires to follow in their former labelmates’ footsteps while carving a distinct path steeped in a "new nostalgia" that deftly blends the raw energy of 90s hip-hop with a contemporary K-pop edge.
Photo Credit: Beat Interactive
In the days leading up to their official debut, NEWBEAT offered fans a slow-burning rookie era ignited by the release of 90s-coated hip-hop tracks like "JeLLo (Sleepers)" and "HICCUPS." These songs became a tantalizing preview of their dynamic debut album, RAW AND RAD, a project spearheaded by the group’s explosive title track "Flip The Coin". Now, on the heels of RAW AND RAD, the members of NEWBEAT are opening up to us about their debut chapter, random facts about the roster, and more.
Your goal to curate "New Nostalgia" is an exciting concept. How do you, as individual members, personally connect with the 90s hip-hop influences in your music? Are there specific artists or tracks that you drew inspiration from?
Choi Seohyun: I especially listened to Ready to Die, an album by The Notorious B.I.G., a lot. I think there is a sense of unity in the music around that time, allowing people to connect sincerely in any circumstances. It would mean a lot if such emotions came naturally through our music, because I chose this career with that goal. If we could deliver similar sentiments in NEWBEAT’s music, I’d be happy.
Beat Interactive has a reputation for cultivating artists with distinct identities, as seen with A.C.E. How does NEWBEAT feel they are continuing or evolving that legacy?
Park Minseok: We, as NEWBEAT, always believe that we’re ‘not wrong, but different from others.’ In order to convey that message in our music, we’re taking on various genres. We hope to solidify our unique color by trying various genres, such as easy-listening tracks and songs with strong characteristics.
Photo Credit: Beat Interactive
From being backup dancers for A.C.E to your own busking performances in the U.S., you've had a unique pre-debut journey. What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from these experiences, and how has it shaped your approach to your official debut?
Hong Minsung: By working with A.C.E, our senior artist, we learned the stage manners, interaction with fans, and professionalism in truly enjoying the stage. Last year, before our debut, we learned a lot by performing as dancers for A.C.E, which allowed us to explore the stage and get into the mindset of an artist.
Your first two releases, "JeLLo (Sleepers)" and "HICCUPS" both have very distinct retro-hip-hop vibes to them. As a whole, how would you describe the overall narrative or emotional journey of RAW AND RAD?
Choi Seohyun: “JeLLo” and “HICCUPS” are based on the old-school hip-hop style, but RAW AND RAD is not necessarily focusing on one particular genre. The overall album carries diverse moods and emotions, moreover, we prioritized the ‘message’ we wanted to convey through this album. I believe you’ll be able to resonate with our album more if you listen closely to our message ahead of the music.
Photo Credit: Beat Interactive
The album title RAW AND RAD suggests a duality. What does "RAW" represent to NEWBEAT, and what does "RAD" represent? How do these concepts intertwine in your music?
Jo Yunhu: Just like our title track “Flip the Coin,” I believe there is always a duality in the world. For example, “RAW” represents the raw sincerely, and “RAD” represents rad and confident energy. Just like we’re living with such mixed feelings, we wanted to send across the message of ‘being different doesn’t mean you’re wrong.’
You've been stylistically compared to groups like NCT 127 and MONSTA X. While those are high compliments, how do you see NEWBEAT carving out its own unique space in the K-pop landscape, especially within the hip-hop influenced genre?
Kim Taeyang: We truly respect the senior artists and learn a lot from them, but I believe there are NEWBEAT’s unique emotions and expressions that are different from those of the senior groups. We will work hard to showcase our colors naturally throughout more performances in the future.
Photo Credit: Beat Interactive
Your pre-debut activities have already created a strong connection with fans—and listeners are already excited to get to know the members behind NEWBEAT. That being said, what’s one quality about each of you that people might not be aware of just yet?
Park Minseok: I’m in charge of the heart and mint green color in NEWBEAT! I like watching dramas and movies, as well as eating. I also enjoy organizing and cleaning, so I take care of cleanliness in our dorm. Shopping is one of my other hobbies, too!
Hong Minseong: I love dancing and rhythms, and I’m learning something new every time I prepare for a performance. I’m new to B-boying, but I really want to improve myself all the time.
Jeon Yeoyeojeong: My appearance may seem cold, but in fact, I rarely get mad and I’m a very cautious person with a lot of thoughts. If you see me long enough, your impression of me will change a lot.
Choi Seohyun: When I was young, I was a baseball player. I prefer watching the game to playing now, so I try to catch up on all baseball game highlights amid busy schedules.
Kim Taeyang: I used to play badminton when I was a kid, and now I think my charming points are clean vocals and a stable voice. I hope to share my voice with everyone in various songs!
Jo Yunhu: I have a lot of affection for people, and I can’t watch sad movies well because I empathize a lot. I can also read the room quite well, so I want to read my fans’ minds well and bring comfort to them.
Kim Riwoo: I am pretty tall, and I have heterochromia; my left eye color is brown, and my right eye color is black. I also have a mole under the right eye. These are my unique points!
