Rising K-Pop septet WHIB showcase a seamless blend of bold sonics, explosive performance and emotional resonance on their latest release, The 1st Mini Album : ROCK THE NATION. A five-track collection built on commanding, expansive soundscapes, the band draw us into a world of rising waves of emotion underpinned soaring vocals and aggressive rap delivery.
Shaping a distinct identity that charts their journey forward, the group who have steadily momentum through consistent music releases capture these of self-confidence, charm and celebrating your identity. Consisting of Kim Jun-min, Ha Seung, Jin Beom, Yoo Gun, Lee Jung, Jae-ha, and Won Jun, the emerging group forges ahead with determination and passion for their craft at the forefront.
In conversation with Earmilk, they dive to their mini album, how their sound has evolved, rewarding moments from their career and more.
Take me through the creative process behind ‘The 1st Mini Album : ROCK THE NATION.’ What is the message/inspiration behind it?
LEEJUNG: There is a saying, "Even a worm will turn when trodden upon." It means we will not quietly disappear into indifference. Even if the path ahead is uncertain, this stage embodies our determination to keep dancing until our bodies break.
How would you say your sound has evolved over time?
HASEUNG: We really paid attention to every little details in our music, and I think that’s helped us develop a more defined sound as WHIB.
Of the five tracks, which one would you say is your personal favourite and why?
KIM JUNMIN: It’s "ELEVATE."
HASEUNG: It’s "ELEVATE."
JINBEOM: It’s "Who’s the Next."
UGEON: It’s "No Shine."
LEEJUNG: It’s "ELEVATE."
JAEHA: My favorite song is "Who’s the Next" because I like my part in this song.
WONJUN: It’s "ELEVATE."
Who inspires you both professionally and on a personal level?
KIM JUNMIN: I tend to be motivated by myself rather than by others.
HASEUNG: The members as a whole inspire me, and I think that’s what keeps me moving forward.
JINBEOM: It’s the members and myself.
UGEON: It’s the person I envision myself becoming in the future.
LEEJUNG: I get bright energy from our youngest member, and I learn a lot about responsibility from our oldest member. Even when things are tough, I draw the strength to keep walking steadily from my fellow members.
JAEHA: I think it’s my members because we live together, so we talk about a lot of things such as our choreography and our vocal skills.
WONJUN: I think I receive inspiration and learn a lot from everyone I meet.
If you could experiment with any concept or genre in the future, what would you be most keen to try?
KIM JUNMIN: I want to create more performances featuring music with dark synth sounds or a deeper concept that feels calm yet cool.
HASEUNG: I want to keep pursuing music with new sounds by mixing various genres together.
JINBEOM: I want to show off a sexy mood through a dark concept.
UGEON: I’d like to try a song that is grand and gives people confidence—something like a theme song for a gaming festival.
LEEJUNG: There is a song called "Pink + White" by Frank Ocean. At first, it was a bit difficult for me to get into, but lately, it’s the song I’m most obsessed with. I want to try genres like Alternative R&B or Soul with philosophical and honest lyrics.
JAEHA: I wanna try some powerful songs with powerful performances.
WONJUN: I want to perform songs where we can just have fun and play freely on stage.
What’s been the most rewarding moment of your musical journey so far? What’s on your bucketlist?
KIM JUNMIN: Thinking more deeply about my own individuality.
HASEUNG: I felt a great sense of fulfillment watching the members find their own unique colors while preparing for this album. As for my bucket list, my dream is to go to Coachella and showcase WHIB’s distinct music.
JINBEOM: My most rewarding moment is hearing the fans' cheers just as a song finishes. My bucket list item is to go on a trip with all the members.
UGEON: I felt the most rewarded when I heard the loud cheers from so many fans while we were performing during our Fan-Con. One of my bucket list items is to hold a concert in front of tens of thousands of fans.
LEEJUNG: I vividly remember our Fan-Con in Japan because the number of fans had grown so much, and they enjoyed the performance while standing the whole time. Rather than just hitting a specific chart, my bucket list is to become a global artist, perform for diverse people in more places, and continue to learn.
JAEHA: My most rewarding moment is when we go to a festival or an award ceremony with a lot of audience.
WONJUN: I think the most rewarding moments are when I’m on stage performing a cool song and looking out at our fans.
If you had to describe your current sound in three words what would they be and why?
JINBEOM: Patience, encouragement, and love. I explored our music and performance with patience, and I believe that thorough exploration has led to these encouraging results. Lastly, AnD, I love you!
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