Last month, KEYVITUP became the newest addition to the 5th generation scene of K-pop with their debut, self-titled EP, KEYVITUP.
Introduced by iNKODE Entertainment (a label co-founded by K-pop veteran Kim Jaejoong), the group consists of five members: HYUNMIN [Leader/Lead Vocalist], TAEHWAN [Main Vocalist], SENA [Visual/Sub-Vocalist], JAEIN [Main Dancer/Sub-Rapper], and RUKIA [Main Rapper/Sub-Dancer]. Their team name is meant to symbolize unlocking a door to new musical possibilities, aspirations, and growth. Having gained momentum since their pre-debut content, KEYVITUP is now ready to share their artistic vision with the rest of the world.
Photo Credit: iNKODE Entertainment
The debut EP incorporates a mirage of different genres that form the group’s multi-faceted sonic identity. They first released “BEST ONE” as their lead single, which showcased their dance capabilites and teased at an impressive stage presence. The title track, “KEYVITUP”, follows an old-school hip-hop rhythm fused with a modern bass beat to capture the essence of who the group is—a trend-setting, fresh take on contemporary pop music. Following that, “SHOW ME SOMETHING” is led with a catchy chorus and unique instrumentation that’s bound to make a lively performance number. Amidst a vibrant music video, “LEGENDARY” explores the themes of individuality, ambition, and creating your own legacy. The EP then finishes off with “POLAROID”, an introspective, vocal-focused track that relays the team’s camaraderie and strong bond to their fans.
All the members are additionally credited as lyricists across the mini-album, allowing for listeners to get a personalized perspective through their songwriting contributions. Overall, it’s a first-rate introduction to a group that’s on their way to make waves in the K-pop industry.
Photo Credit: iNKODE Entertainment
Having just performed at KCON Japan, they are set to continue promotions in Seoul through the summer, and will then perform at KCON LA on August 14 and 15 (more information about that can be found here). Despite only recently debuting, it’s clear that the five members are raring to expand and showcase their artistry within the realm of K-pop and beyond.
KEYVITUP had the chance to speak with The Knockturnal about the EP, introducing their sound as a group, and plans for the future. Read through it below or watch it on YouTube.
To start, could you guys introduce yourself?
JAEIN: Hello, I’m JAEIN and I’m the main dancer and sub-rapper.
TAEHWAN: Hi, I’m TAEHWAN! I’m the main vocalist and the eldest member of this group.
HYUNMIN: Hello, I’m HYUNMIN, the group leader.
RUKIA: Hi, I’m the team’s maknae, RUKIA. I’m the main rapper and sub-dancer!
SENA: Hello, my name is SENA. I’m the sub-vocalist and visual.
If you could all describe your group with one word, what would it be?
TAEHWAN: I think we would collectively say that we would describe ourselves best as a “color palette”. While each member has their different, distinct color, when we harmonize and collaborate, all our colors become a unique one that aims for a single goal, for which we are all in harmony and unison of.
That’s a good one! So, the debut album is always super important for showing the world your colors and giving a taste of who you are as a group. How would you describe your musical sound as KEYVITUP to new listeners and with this EP, what was the main message, story, or concept you wanted to send?
TAEHWAN: While the sound of the KEYVITUP EP itself is rooted in old-school hip-hop, we fused our own contemporary sophistication to it as well. And because all five members also contributed to the songwriting process, our distinct personalities and messages are directly embedded in each of the songs and the core meaning of this album. We wanted to personalize and showcase our diverse charms, talents, and uniqueness. Hopefully, we convey the dedication we put into each of the songs to our listeners.
I saw the music videos for “Best One” and “KEYVITUP”, they were both really cool to watch. How did you guys find filming for them for the first time? Was there anything interesting or anything challenging?
HYUNMIN: Actually, the hardest part was probably adapting to the new environments that we haven’t choregraphed in before. We would shoot in studio sets or in nature, which were environments that were a bit of a challenge to dance in. I also had to do a lot of wardrobe changes with very fancy and sophisticated outfits, which I wasn’t used to, but we all put in a lot of effort and dedication into it so that we could showcase a lot more of our charms to the fans.
And now that you’ve officially debuted, you all are going to be together for quite some time. How do you guys keep the friendship going even between all the recording sessions and dance practices? Is there anything specific you all do to maintain that team bond?
TAEHWAN: The key to keeping everyone together is communicating well with each other. For example, we might have some minor differences or conflicts as a group. But even between our busy schedules, we’ll always manage to find a window of time where we can speak honestly about the conflicts and sort it out together, especially before going into any performance because we want to make sure that we put in a unified effort for it as a group.
As you move forward in your musical career, is there any interesting concept that you want to try for future projects? Any artist or groups that you’d like to possibly collaborate with?
JAEIN: When the members are all a bit more mature, we would love to try out more sexier concepts. And for an artist to collab with, I personally really look up to Justin Bieber. If there’s any chance for it in the future, I would love to collaborate with him.
That would be really cool to see! And speaking of the future, you guys will be coming to the States this summer for KCON LA, which is super exciting. There’s always so many people attending and so many other artists as well. What are you looking forward to most with KCON?
RUKIA: For me, this would be my first time going to L.A., so it’s both an honor and a very nerve-wracking happiness to see fans and connect with them for the first time in America.
That would be a great opportunity for your international fans to see you in person. Lastly, to wrap it up, any message or last words for your new fans?
SENA: It’s an honor for a lot of fans to anticipate us this much, and we hope to grow into a more mature side going forward!
KEYVITUP is now available on all streaming platforms, with official music videos for “Best One”, “KEYVITUP”, and “Legendary” out on YouTube.