Breaking new ground — ARTMS Interview
São Paulo, September 30, 2024.
If like us, you still haven’t recovered from the ARTMS concert, you should know that they were very much looking forward to this event in Brazil.
How do we know?
They had a chat with HIT! just before coming to the country. During the conversation, they talked about important moments in their career, their return as ARTMS, and their expectations for the concert here.
Check out this exclusive interview now.
Time HIT!: “Dall” is an album full of songs of different styles and genres. Considering the group’s lore, what connects all these tracks on this album?
HEEJIN: The last song, “Birth”, has a special meaning. By placing “Birth”, which symbolizes a new beginning, as the final track, it creates a cycle that brings the listener back to the intro, making the album seem like an endless journey. You can interpret the album as a continuous journey with no end.
Time HIT!: In an interview with NME, you mentioned that you now have more freedom in making decisions about the group’s projects, from choosing the title track to the photos for the album. In what ways were the members able to collaborate in the creation of “Dall”?
HEEJIN: The biggest factor was direct communication with our CEO. In addition, we held meetings among the members and kept in constant contact by messaging to share our thoughts and opinions. We exchanged ideas among ourselves and then passed them on to the company. Fortunately, the company was very receptive to our suggestions, which allowed for a smooth and effective collaboration.
Time HIT!: What were the criteria for selecting the concepts for the album’s pre-release tracks?
HEEJIN: We considered a variety of genres for the album. Music is very personal, so we thought a lot about what aspects our fans would like to see from us, which broadened the spectrum. I remember fans found it very difficult to vote because the pre-released tracks had such different vibes. Each song offered something unique, and that made it exciting and challenging for everyone involved.
Time HIT!: “Birth”, “Flower Rhythm”, “Candy Crush”, and “Air” have very different lyrics and visuals. What is the process of transforming the message of the lyrics into the MVs?
JINSOUL: For “Birth”, the music video was created based on fan votes via Gravity, which made it even more special as it marks the beginning of ARTMS. We worked hard to incorporate lyrics and world-building that align with the concept. The other three MVs were recorded in one day, and we tried to combine the different concepts with the songs, allowing us to show a wide variety of styles and moods, all aligned with the overall narrative of the album.
Time HIT!: Regarding the MV for “Birth”, among the images, there are several dark illustrations worthy of a Tim Burton movie. What is the message behind this track?
JINSOUL: Because it’s a short track, it can be challenging to express everything visually in an MV. However, we conveyed the story well through powerful and symbolic illustrations. I hope the message we tried to convey was clearly understood by everyone!
Time HIT!: During the group’s appearance on the “큐레이터 (Curator)” channel, you defined the album’s title track, “Virtual Angel”, as a song about a girl whose heart was closed until she found her first love. With this definition in mind, what reasons opened the members’ hearts for this comeback as ARTMS?
JINSOUL: I think there was great excitement and anticipation at the thought of starting again. Of course, there were concerns, but we were able to open our hearts because we trusted the fans who had waited for us.
Time HIT!: The track “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” featured G-High, who you worked with on LOONA’s “Butterfly”. What were the group’s impressions when listening to this song?
HEEJIN: As G-High was the person who helped us shape LOONA’s musical style, we had high expectations. When I heard “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, I had a feeling of nostalgia. I could clearly visualize the performance of “Butterfly” at the time. As I listened to the song, I immediately thought: “This is definitely an ARTMS track.”
Time HIT!: As part of this project, in addition to ODD EYE CIRCLE’s comeback, HEEJIN has released a mini-album. When can we expect solo projects from the other members?
JINSOUL: There are no concrete plans for solo projects at the moment, but we’re all full of passion and desire to do them, so I think it’s something we can definitely try in the future! If our fans keep waiting for us, I’ll be more than happy to make it happen.
Time HIT!: In relation to ODD EYE CIRCLE’s “Vision Up” album, a tripleS member, Sohyun, wrote one of the tracks. How is your relationship with the tripleS members?
CHOERRY: As colleagues in the company, we want to support and look after each other, even if we don’t meet often due to our busy schedules. I hope that, in the future, we can become close enough to talk comfortably whenever any difficulties arise. I also think we can grow together as artists by collaborating on musical projects and supporting each other along the way.
Team HIT!: The CEO of MODHAUS has promised to give you luxury bags as gifts when you get your first win. What gift would ARTMS like to give the fans after winning this award?
CHOERRY: As much as I would love to give the fans whatever they want, I think the best gift would be a fan song dedicated to the OURIIs. I think that would be something they would love and be grateful for.
Time HIT!: Among the strategies proposed by the ARTMS CEO, one of the best known is to think of content that can go viral on the internet. Do you often see the memes generated by fans?
CHOERRY: I watch fan-made memes and videos quite often. I make a point of checking out reaction videos and challenges made by them, and they give me energy and confidence. Sometimes, when I see feedback or videos from them, new ideas come to my mind too!
Time HIT!: It’s a tradition for the members to travel after the album promotions. However, if someone drops out, they must cover the costs. Has that ever happened before?
CHOERRY: There hasn’t been a situation where someone has missed the trip, but we have a rule that if someone is late, they have to pay a fine. When we go on a trip after this promotion, I’ll keep an eye out to see if anyone is missing!
Time HIT!: What was your most memorable trip?
KIM LIP: Rather than a vacation, it was a trip to an appointment, Greece was the most memorable for me. The recording was one of the most difficult, but that made it even more unforgettable. Greece was a country I had always wanted to visit, and it was so beautiful that I was often trying to capture everything with my eyes. I also remember taking happy pictures with the members by the sea. It was an experience filled with joy!
Time HIT!: If you were planning a trip to Brazil, what places would you like to visit and what would you like to do?
KIM LIP: In the lives, fans have always asked me to go to Brazil, and now that we’re finally going, I’m very excited! I love visiting the beaches of other countries, and I’ve heard a lot about the beauty of Brazil’s beaches. I’d love to visit Ipanema beach and also see the huge Christ the Redeemer with my own eyes. I’m looking forward to taking some great photos and making some incredible memories!
Team HIT!: Although you’ve been through turbulent times in the past, your fans have always been there for you. How did it feel to receive this support during a difficult time?
KIM LIP: I think it’s thanks to the support of our fans that we were able to get up on stage and sing today. Even in difficult times, I endured everything for them, who loved me and waited for me. I wanted to show them that I could overcome these challenges and rise again. Now, being able to debut again, I feel like I’m giving back to the fans who said they gained strength and positive energy because of me. I’m truly grateful for their constant support and encouragement.
Team HIT!: You have a very strong relationship with your international fans. What are your expectations for reuniting with them as ARTMS?
HASEUL: As we start our first world tour as ARTMS, one thing we’ve noticed is that there are a lot of fans who have supported us for a long time, even before ARTMS. That’s one of the reasons we decided to include LOONA songs in our setlist. Whenever the fans sing those songs with us, it’s very emotional for us.
Time HIT!: Talking about international fans, what can Brazilian OURIIs expect from your first performance in the country?
HASEUL: When I think of Brazil, I immediately think of passion, so I think the overall energy of the show will be incredibly high. As it’s the first time visiting Brazil for all of us, we’re a bit nervous, but we’re sure it will be a lot of fun!
Team HIT!: Can you send a message to Brazilian OURIIs?
HASEUL: To our Brazilian OURIIs! Thank you so much for waiting for us for so long. In this concert, we will bring all our passion and love. We promise to take the emotions and energy we felt that day with us forever!
INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS
Team HIT!: HEEJIN, in the video where the group interviews the CEO of the company, Jaden Jeong, you mentioned that you should write a book called “Idol Essentials”, about the essential characteristics that an idol should have. If you were to write an autobiography, what moments in your story couldn’t be left out?
HEEJIN: In the video where I mentioned writing a book called “Idol Essentials”, I think the most crucial moments that can’t be left out are those from my time as a trainee. After the debut, personal growth can become limited as we focus on our group activities. We sometimes joke that the foundation of a trainee carries through to the debut. If I could go back in time, I would prepare even more during that time as a trainee. I encourage everyone to cherish those moments, even if they are challenging. It’s like a nostalgic memory of school!
Time HIT!: HASEUL, in October 2023, you had your first solo performance at “Music Studio 81.8Hz”. How was the experience of performing these shows for four consecutive days?
HASEUL: In October 2023, I performed my first solo show, “Music Studio 81.8Hz”. Performing for four consecutive days was physically challenging, but as the shows went on, I realized that it became more fun and even my condition improved. I also noticed a big difference in how I connected with the fans during my solo show compared to those with ARTMS. It was a very unique experience, and I learned a lot from it.
Time HIT!: KIM LIP, you’ve mentioned before that there are several old tracks that have never been released. When will fans get the chance to hear them?
KIM LIP: It’s hard to say exactly when fans will get the chance to hear these unreleased tracks, but we always try to come back with amazing albums. I hope these songs find their perfect place in our future releases. If you keep following ARTMS and our albums closely, the day may come when you can hear them! Please continue to support and love us!
Time HIT!: CHOERRY, in the MV for “Birth”, there’s a scene where you represent a seed that soon blossoms. What role do you play in the rebirth of this phase of the group’s career?
CHOERRY: In the music video for “Birth”, I felt that I was reborn not as the CHOERRY of LOONA, but as the CHOERRY of ARTMS. With so many changes, I believe that in this new phase of our journey, I give my older members a lot of hope and energy as I blossom in this new role.
Time HIT!: JINSOUL, despite doing an excellent job as a rapper, you cried when you made your debut in this role. What lessons did you learn from that episode and what advice can you give to anyone going through a similar situation?
JINSOUL: Through this experience, I realized how passionate I was about singing at the time. Thanks to this motivation, I got good parts in both rap and vocals. Although I still feel I have flaws in rap, I’ve developed a mindset where I’ve learned to enjoy it too. I want to inspire others not to feel discouraged by their limitations. Exploring different areas and taking on challenges is very admirable!
(Source)
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