From left are Okay-pop woman group aespa members Giselle, Winter, Karina and Ningning. Courtesy of SM Leisure
By Pyo Kyung-min
Okay-pop sensation aespa is about to make waves once more with its new single “Whiplash,” an EDM-driven techno observe freshly dropped Monday. In a preview unveiled by SM Leisure, the quartet revealed the artistic course of behind its signature sound.
“Whiplash” is aespa’s fifth mini-album, marking the group’s first musical comeback in 5 months for the reason that smash success of “Supernova,” the lead single from its debut full-length album launched in Might.
The six-track launch contains the eponymous title observe, “Whiplash,” which delves into the EDM and techno style — a primary for the group. In a departure from the high-energy visuals of earlier hits like “Supernova” and “Armageddon,” “Whiplash” presents a extra “minimalist” efficiency, in accordance with SM, highlighting the group’s “smooth choreography and dynamic stage presence.”
Different highlights within the album embrace the hip-hop dance observe “Kill It,” the atmospheric R&B track “Flights, Not Emotions,” the self-love anthem “Pink Hoodie,” the choice R&B observe “Flowers” and the pop-rock breakup track “Simply One other Woman.”
The 4 members — Karina, Winter, Giselle and Ningning — mirrored on the album’s creation, sharing private anecdotes and discussing their hopes for the mission in an interview launched by their company.
Beneath is an excerpt from the interview. It has been edited for size and readability.
Okay-pop woman group aespa unveiled “Whiplash,” Monday, marking the group’s fifth mini-album since its 2020 debut. Courtesy of SM Leisure
Q. What was crucial side you targeted on whereas making ready for this album?
Karina: I feel I used to be most involved with learn how to specific the rhythm of the title observe, “Whiplash,” by the music video and choreography.
Winter: We labored arduous on each the efficiency and the track, in fact, however I additionally contributed plenty of concepts to match the visuals with the album’s idea.
Giselle: I paid probably the most consideration to the recording course of. There’s at all times one thing particular to concentrate on with every comeback, and for this one, I put plenty of effort into the recording. Although there are nonetheless components I want I may enhance, I labored arduous, so I hope you take heed to it lots!
Ningning: Since this choreography is a brand new type in comparison with our earlier ones, I targeted extra on the poses and angles.
Okay-pop act aespa not too long ago hit a profession milestone with “Supernova” from its Might “Armageddon” album. Courtesy of SM Leisure
Q. What can followers count on from the “Whiplash” efficiency?
Karina: I assumed it was most vital to specific the rhythm, so I attempted to convey that by linear actions like extending the arms.
Ningning: You possibly can count on a cool efficiency that’s true to aespa’s type, enhanced by styling that completely matches the track.
Q. What ought to viewers concentrate on when watching the “Whiplash” music video? Do you’ve gotten any memorable moments from the shoot?
Winter: It’s a bit extra stripped down in comparison with our earlier music movies, however nonetheless filled with cool and refined moments. We additionally shot within the U.S., and I keep in mind how a hairpin I wore matched my outfit so nicely that I stored it on all through the shoot. We laughed lots after we noticed it in the course of the video monitoring later.
Giselle: The general idea of the music video has a techno vibe, with modern and conceptual parts that make it enjoyable to look at. I additionally discovered it attention-grabbing to work with numerous props and I keep in mind how surprisingly troublesome it was to deal with the precise filming tools. This was additionally my first time making an attempt toned-down make-up in a music video, which was a brand new and fulfilling expertise.
Okay-pop group aespa’s new launch, “Whiplash,” features a whole of six tracks spanning totally different genres. Courtesy of SM Leisure
Q. Moreover the title observe, what’s your favourite track from the album?
Karina: “Flights, Not Emotions.” The vibe of the track is so good that it makes me wish to go for a drive at a trip spot straight away.
Winter: “Flights, Not Emotions.” It’s a track that feels totally different from something we’ve sung as aespa earlier than. I like each the lyrics and the melody and the extra I take heed to it, the extra I prefer it!
Giselle: I used to be amazed by how a lot I favored “Flights, Not Emotions” even once I first heard the demo. I assumed, “We simply have to nail this one.” Personally, “Simply One other Woman” can also be a track that fits my style.
Ningning: “Flights, Not Emotions.” It feels therapeutic once I take heed to it, and it matches my ordinary music preferences.
Okay-pop woman group aespa not too long ago concluded its Asia tour, “2024 aespa LIVE TOUR — SYNK : PARALLEL LINE.” Courtesy of SM Leisure
Q. What sort of success do you hope to attain with this album?
Karina: Fairly than specializing in success, since I personally love “Whiplash” a lot, I simply hope extra folks come to know and find it irresistible.
Winter: I noticed followers’ reactions saying that “Supernova” helped them get by robust occasions. I hope this album may be one thing that helps many individuals of their each day lives, too.
Giselle: I like each track on this album a lot that I hope it receives much more love than “Supernova.”
Ningning: Greater than outcomes, I simply hope folks take pleasure in each our music and performances collectively.
Q. Do you’ve gotten any message on your followers?
Karina: Thanks at all times for loving our music. To repay your help, we’ve introduced music that can make you wish to dance, so please give it numerous love and blow off some steam with “Whiplash.”
Winter: We’ve ready songs that basically present aespa’s distinctive colours, so please sit up for it and take heed to it lots!
Giselle: We’ve come again rapidly with this new album, and we’ll hold bringing you nice outcomes, so keep tuned!
Ningning: We labored arduous with the members and employees for this album, so I hope MYs (aespa’s official fandom) can wrap up 2024 nicely whereas listening to it. We’ll hold working arduous to convey you even higher music!
