Rising group 82MAJOR continue their ascent with mini album Trophy, showcasing their signature genre-defying sonics and impressive choreography.
Having carved out a space for themselves with their refreshing blend of hip-hop, R&B and pop, the charismatic six-piece consisting of Nam Seong-mo, Park Seok-joon, Yoon Ye-chan, Cho Seong-il, Hwang Seong-bin, and Kim Do-gyun, continue to grow in confidence and expand their influence to global stages.
In conversation with Earmilk, 82MAJOR dives into the creative process behind their mini album, experimenting with new sounds and how they’ve evolved since their debut in 2023.
- What is the message/inspiration behind your mini-album ‘Trophy’? Take me through the creative process for this project?
Seongbin: This album was inspired by the "trophy" that we held in our hands after the competition. We wanted to express the meaningful moments that we create by walking our own path without being swayed by other people's standards. What we want to convey through music is passion and confidence, so we wanted to send a message that we should create our own "trophy" in our respective places.
Seongil: We actively discussed with the members from the beginning of the songwriting stage, and focused on capturing the confidence of 82MAJOR. Since it's a new tech house genre, we rapped in various tones at first. I think the members listened to each other and gave feedback to find the best tone for the song. I think it would be nice if the fans looked forward to our new attempts.
2. How would you say your sound has evolved since your debut, and where do you hope to see it go from here?
Seongil: I feel relaxed. I was only nervous on stage when I debuted, but now I can feel that we are making the stage together by communicating directly with our fans. I think I improved by learning how to communicate with my fans through many experiences!
Dogyun: I want to deliver our music to more people in the future. I also want to take on a genre challenge! To that end, we are working hard to show new sides in terms of performances and concepts. Oh, and most of all, I want to be a team that can be with our fans for a long time!
3. What genre or concept would you love to experiment with in the future?
Seongil: I want to try the R&B genre. I love R&B so much that I recommend it to my fans a lot! I think I can show you a different side of me.
Seokjoon: I want to try various genres, not just one genre. Especially, I want to try Afrobeats music. I'm looking forward to how it will turn out when it meets 82MAJOR!
Seongbin: I want to make an album on the theme of 'Freedom'. I think each individual feels differently liberated, but I want to express a different feeling on the same topic with a song.
4. Who inspires you both professionally and on a personal level?
Seongbin: I think I am influenced by the songs of many artists. I usually learn new messages and new ways of expressing myself by listening to a lot of music. I also try to express the story I want to tell in my own way! And I get inspired by the stories I share with people around me! You learn new things from the experiences and thoughts of others.
Yechan: Honestly, probably my brother. His professional attitude is always something I look up to, and he's my big bro! I feel like most younger siblings will understand what I mean.
Dogyun: I personally get inspired by my father. I keep learning a lot from him, and I'm also trying to become a father I respect.
5. What’s been the most surreal moment of your musical journey so far? What’s on your bucket list?
Seongil: It's during the concert! Every time we have a concert, we are amazed by the loud cheering of our fans. I've always dreamed of a concert filled with our fans since our debut, but to experience it, I couldn't believe it. And my bucket list is that someday, 'll make a song with the lyrics of what my fans say. I get comfort from what they usually say, and I want to make it with that message.
Yechan: Being on the Billboard charts has always been a dream of mine since as long as I can remember, but as of right now, my bucket list consists of getting first place on any music show, selling out our next concert, and hopefully performing at a bigger venue, and so much more.
Seongmo: My bucket list is to receive the 'Singer of the Year' award. I hope 82MAJOR and our music will be loved by many people!
6. Finally if you had to describe 82Major’s music in 3 words what would they be and why?
Dogyun: 82DE, 82MAJOR, stylish
It's because we make great music for us and our fans.
I think these are the most important parts when working on music. Whether it's music that we want to do, whether our fans will like it, and if it's cool!
Seokjoon: Heung (exciting), dance, cool
Because 82MAJOR's music is exciting, and there's a dance performance you can't take your eyes off. And it's literally "cool."
Seongmo: New, challenging, unpredictable
I like to challenge myself to something new that I've never seen before. I'm trying to show a lot of people a fresh charm! I'm always trying to show you a variety of charms, so please keep an eye out.
Connect with 82MAJOR : Instagram
