xikers Expands Their Arsenal with [HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT]

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Formed in 2023 under KQ Entertainment, the unique stylings of K-pop group xikers have quickly garnered attention for their consistency across four mini-albums to date which have already surpassed more than 750K albums sold, generated more than 100M views, led to various “Rookie of the Year” nods, and more importantly, earned them the love of millions.

Their latest release, the mini-album titled [HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT], serves as yet another testament to their artistic growth and experimentation thus far, featuring six tracks that explore a variety of concepts intended to blend a series of genres and moods. From the mysterious and dark tones of the title track “위치 (WITCH)” to the playful and dramatic elements that inspired the narrative of this particular era, xikers makes sure to push the boundaries of their recognizable sound with ease.

Now, to celebrate the group’s impactful fourth drop, the 10-member powerhouse group is opening up to us about the creation of [HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT] and the priceless memories that came from this chapter of their shared journey.

xikers (KQ Entertainment) 

Your new mini-album [HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT], features six tracks. Can you tell us what styles or concepts you explored in this album?

MINJAE: Fun fact, even though it’s rap, when I was working on the title track, I worked on it thinking that I was writing lines for a drama or movie. In terms of concepts, we’re always exploring new ones, and overall, we really focused on showing a multitude of styles within this album.

What messages or emotions do you hope to convey through the songs in this particular mini-album?

JUNMIN: We’ve worked hard on every single album, and this is another album that was special. We practiced nonstop every single day so that we could show everyone 58,000% of our live and performance skills through it. Our skills have significantly grown since our last stages, and it’s this growth and determination of xikers that we want to share with everyone through this album.

When it comes to your title track “위치 (WITCH),” how would you describe the mood of the track – and how does that mood compliment the sound or choreography?

HUNTER: The mood of the song is very mysterious and dark, but also has a sense of playfulness. When I first heard the song, the instrumental sort of reminded me of a circus, or better yet, that moment in video games when you’re facing the final boss. The choreography actually amplifies the mysterious and dark mood with all the dance move references to haunted houses and ghosts. Visually and audibly, it makes the audience feel like they’re in our “TRICKY HOUSE”.

How did you approach the songwriting and/or recording process for this album compared to your previous releases?

SUMIN: I’d say I adjusted my vocal tone a bit for this release. Rather than focusing on a settled matured tone, I worked on giving a more refined sound while recording.

YECHAN: This time, I really set my sight on writing a rap that would stay stuck in your mind as soon as you hear it for the first time!

xikers (KQ Entertainment)

What’s something you’ve each taken away from the [HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT] era that you’ll cherish as an unforgettable experience?

YUJUN: There are so many wonderful experiences each album, event, tour, and promotional activities have given us. Each one is a special memory and this era has been just as exceptional because it’s yet another new kind of experience with road𝓨, who continue to cheer us on. Whenever we take the stage, they’re always cheering for us, from both overseas and here in Korea. I’m so thankful for that because each one of them makes this era so special.

SEEUN: This album has given us so many unforgettable moments because the title track “위치 (WITCH)” and the b-side “Bittersweet” are songs that are strongly tied to our group narrative, and are such immersive experiences. That feeling and those moments are truly special.

Conversely, what do you hope fans will take away from [HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT] once they’ve had a chance to listen to the entire album?

JINSIK: That’s easy! We hope that when you listen to this album, you can really feel how xikers coded it is once you take a listen to it. The xikers sound that you can trust and listen to!

Looking to the future a bit – what are some of the group’s primary goals that you’d like to manifest for xikers?

HYUNWOO: There are so many goals that we have in mind, so it’s hard to share just one, but personally, I’d love for us to be able to hold a concert at a huge venue one day together with all our road𝓨.