Emerging from the Mnet survival program, the band Heartswave is gearing up for their debut with a strong resolve and ambitious goals.
Kakao Entertainment revealed a Q&A session with Heartswave members on the 6th, just two days before the release of their first mini-album, 'The First Wave'. Members Yoon Young-jun (keyboard), Lian (vocals), Dane (bass), K-Ten (guitar), and Hagiwa (drums) introduced their music and team identity, expressing their aim to become leaders in the global band scene, not just in Korea.
The album features six tracks, including the title track 'NINETEEN', which all members contributed to writing, and 'Eoribori', a song by Lian and Dane. Heartswave stated, "We wanted to showcase another aspect of our youth," adding that "the diverse perspectives of the members have broadened the scope of our music."
Heartswave's debut stage, marking the start of their wave, will be unveiled at a fan showcase on the debut day, the 8th, at 8 PM at the Oil Tank Culture Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul. They plan to continue their active promotions through various music shows and festivals.
Heartswave's first mini-album 'The First Wave' will be released on the 8th at 6 PM both online and offline.
Below is the Q&A with Heartswave
Q1. How do you feel about your debut?
A1. (Dane) After ranking first in our positions on 'Steel Heart Club', we are finally debuting together as a band. We've been preparing for this debut with a lot of thought and effort to meet the expectations of our fans who have supported us. As we approach our debut, we feel excited and cherish the journey we've been through. We want to repay the long wait with performances that reflect our sincerity and energy. We aim to continue growing as a team.
Q2. What unique color and message does the title track 'NINETEEN', which all members participated in writing, convey? Any memorable episodes from working on the album, especially the track 'Eoribori' by Lian and Dane?
A2. (Lian) 'NINETEEN' is about showcasing a different side of our youth, distinct from what we showed on 'Steel Heart Club'. We wanted to visualize youth through various points. 'Eoribori', created with Dane, captures the ambiguous yet exciting emotions of that age, expressing feelings on the boundary between a crush and love. We decided on the title 'Eoribori' as it best fit the song.
Q3. You've received love calls from major festivals at home and abroad. What kind of performances do you want to deliver on stage, and is there a particular stage you aspire to perform on?
A3. (Yoon Young-jun) We want to create performances that are not only good but also memorable. We aim to deliver a stage where even first-time viewers can naturally immerse themselves. Ultimately, our goal is to perform on big stages like Glastonbury and Coachella, sharing our music with the world.
Q4. What sets Heartswave apart in this era where many bands are gaining popularity?
A4. (Yoon Young-jun) Each member of Heartswave has a distinct personality, making it fun to watch each one individually. Together, we create a synergy that amplifies our charm two or threefold. We believe that if you watch our performances, you'll resonate with our unique color.
Q5. With members ranging from K-Ten (19) to Hagiwa (3, maintaining a mysterious concept) and the eldest Yoon Young-jun (25), how did you incorporate each member's distinct personality and charm into the album?
A5. (Hagiwa) The diversity in age and background among our members is a charm of our team. K-Ten brings energy and trendiness, while Yoon Young-jun adds stability and musical depth. I believe I add a unique character not found in other bands. While writing the lyrics for 'NINETEEN', we discussed how to merge our individual personalities into one wave, which broadened our musical scope.
Q6. How satisfied are the members with the team name Heartswave, which was suggested by K-Ten? What identity does the name convey?
A6. (Hagiwa) We were all satisfied with the name from the start. Combining 'heart', 'Hertz', and 'wav' (wave), it encapsulates our music and identity. It signifies our desire to convey emotions and energy as 'sound waves' worldwide. We aim to become a team that creates a big wave with our combined personalities.
Q7. After participating in 'Steel Heart Club', how have you prepared for debut as a team, and in what ways have you grown?
A7. (Lian) As a team formed through a survival program, we were all ready to grow from the beginning. Although it wasn't easy, our strong will to improve and develop allowed us to significantly enhance our skills and performance through consistent practice. We've become more cohesive as a team.
Q8. What are your goals post-debut? How do you want to be remembered by the public?
A8. (K-Ten) Our goal is to lead the global band scene beyond Korea. We want to spread joy and love through music and contribute to making a better world. We hope to be remembered as a band that many can relate to and find comfort in. Please listen to our debut album 'The First Wave' and look forward to our future activities.
[Photo courtesy of Kakao Entertainment]
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr