As Japanese Pop continues its global ascent, the seven-member boy group BE:FIRST is leading the charge with their diverse sound. Their second album, 2:BE, is a testament to their evolving artistry.
Comprising of members JUNON, LEO, RYOKI, SOTA, MANAT SHUNTO, and RYUHEI, the group recently sat down with The Knockturnal to discuss their latest album, their recent performance in Los Angeles with ATEEZ, and their aspirations.
From topping Billboard charts to performing at BMO Stadium alongside K-Pop group ATEEZ, BE:FIRST has had a remarkable year. We asked the members how they’ve been navigating this whirlwind and if they’ve experienced any notable “firsts.”
The Knockturnal: BE:FIRST, congratulations on your iconic BMO Stadium performance alongside ATEEZ and the upcoming release of your highly anticipated second album, 2:BE. How has this whirlwind period been for the group? Any standout “firsts” you’d like to share?
SOTA: Thank you. It was quite impressive as it was the first time we had the opportunity to deliver our music directly to people overseas. We learned a lot and gained confidence through our experiences during this period, but we also found challenges we had never felt before, so it was a significant experience for us.
And reach people overseas they did! Their latest album, 2:BE, is poised to captivate both domestic and international fans with its diverse soundscape, ranging from the energetic Hype Pop beats of “Slogan” to the powerful Hip Hop rhythms of “Mainstream.”
The Knockturnal: Let’s dive into your upcoming album, 2:BE. With 16 tracks, it’s an impressive body of work! How do you see this album resonating with both existing and new fans?
SHUNTO: With this album, I think we can show BESTY an even newer side of our musicality and breadth. For new fans, this album has more songs that reflect our artistic nature, as we were more involved in the production than in our previous album. It’s an album that gives a comprehensive understanding of our music, and it strongly showcases the BE:FIRST colors, so I want many people to listen to it!
The Knockturnal: Your new album with 16 tracks, each has their own unique identity. From the high-energy opener, “Slogan,” to the heartfelt “Smile Again,” the album showcases your versatility. What were your goals for 2:BE?
MANATO: Following our 1st album BE:1, we have created an album that shows more free and playful BE:FIRST, while keeping genre-defying and uncategorized elements. I would be happy if we could share the essential enjoyment of music and the space we create together with everyone through this album.
Given BE:FIRST’s increased involvement in the album’s production, we asked the members about their favorite tracks and why they resonated with them. Their responses offered insights into the album’s sound and their lasting impressions!
The Knockturnal: Is there a particular track on the album that stands out to any of you? Perhaps a lyric or a personal contribution made it special?
RYUHEI: “Sapphire” has left a notable impression on me. The reason is that there is a huge gap between the passion of the lyrics and the coolness of the track. I really want more people to listen to this kind of stylish song!
BE:FIRST also acknowledged the various artists and influencers who inspired their music, demonstrating their versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences from all around the world!
The Knockturnal: There is so much diversity to each track, so it had me thinking – Were there any specific musical inspirations or artists that influenced the creation of certain tracks on the album?
MANATO: Especially since “Boom Boom Back,” we’ve considered our favorite musical eras and the genres that best represent BE:FIRST. This album features many songs that resonate with specific cultures or times. Above all, many of us were inspired by the music we listened to, from Western music to music from various international influences, when we first experienced music, so we wanted to create songs that could give back to those cultures as BE:FIRST and make it mainstream in Japan.
The Knockturnal: The “Glorious Interlude” is a unique touch. What inspired this addition to the album? It was a stand out track for me since it just added a special flow to the album!
SOTA: I’m glad to hear that. “Glorious Interlude” might be a presentation of not forgetting our original intentions with a sense of revisiting the old to understand the new. It’s a track we added to convey the most important thing as we continue to move forward.
The Knockturnal: With such a diverse range of songs, there must have been creative challenges. What were some of the biggest hurdles you overcame during the album-making process?
LEO: I learned a lot from various vocal directions, such as singing in ways I don’t usually sing or how to use my voice. For me, it was the biggest challenge during the production of this album.
The Knockturnal: BE:FIRST is no stranger to in-sync and high energy performances – With “2:BE” fresh on the radio, which song are you most excited to perform live for your fans, and why?
RYOKI: That would be “Selfish“. MANATO and I created the song with SKY-HI and hokuto. I think the listeners will enjoy the different energies between my rap and MANATO’s flow. I’m looking forward to performing it in front of our fans as I am certain that it will exceed their expectations.
Shifting our focus from their latest album, we sought to uncover BE:FIRST’s potential collaborations and their ambitious goals for the near future.
The Knockturnal: Your collaboration with ATEEZ on “HUSH HUSH” was a huge hit! Are there any other artists, whether in J-Pop or beyond, that you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
JUNON: I wish we could collaborate with The Beatles. I have been and am still listening to their songs frequently, and they will always be a legendary band that I admire. However, to be more realistic, I would love to collaborate with keshi. It would be crazy if we ever made that happen!
The Knockturnal: As BE:FIRST continues to make waves in the J-Pop scene, what does BE:FIRST hope 2 BE working on for the upcoming months?
LEO: I want people to recognize the broad musicality of BE:FIRST and to realize that there are artists like us in Japan through our album 2 BE Additionally, I would be thrilled if this album encourages people to explore and listen to a variety of songs by other Japanese artists beyond 2 BE!
The Knockturnal: Does BE:FIRST have any closing message for BESTY or The Knockturnal until next time?
RYOKI: We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from all our fans, BESTY. Our new album, 2 BE will be released on August 28th. This album will introduce BE:FIRST to those who are new to us. While our dome tour in Japan will kick off at the end of this year, we’re looking forward to the day when we can meet BESTY in the US.
BE:FIRST’s captivating blend of genres and their ability to connect with audiences worldwide have solidified their position as a rising star in the J-Pop scene. As they continue to expand their reach, their music remains both dynamic and sophisticated.
Don’t miss out on BE:FIRST’s latest album, 2:BE. Dive into their diverse sound and experience the energy that has captivated fans around the globe.
Want to immerse yourself in BE:FIRST’s live performances? Check out their recent concert film, BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 Mainstream, now available on Prime Video.
For more of BE:FIRST
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