On March 24, NEWBEAT made a dynamic debut with their first full-length album ‘RAW AND RAD.’ With the title track ‘Flip the Coin’ and the previously released singles ‘JeLLo (Sleepers)’ and ‘HICCUPS,’ the group has already made an impact in the K-pop industry.
Having started their journey through diverse experiences like a busking tour, both internationally and domestically, to serving as backup dancers for A.C.E., NEWBEAT’s debut is not typical of a K-pop group. However, that has only added to the excitement surrounding their debut. Member Park Minseok shares how their previous experiences have helped them prepare and grow as they get ready to debut. He also expresses the excitement that comes with this moment.
As rookies, every moment is so new to us, and we’ve been experiencing and finding the fun in growing from these challenges. We put all our effort and practice into this album with our whole heart.
— Park Minseok
Their pre-release tracks, ‘JeLLo’ and ‘HICCUPS,’ introduced listeners to NEWBEAT’s genre-blending artistry. ‘JeLLo’ leans into a playful, kitsch-inspired sound, while ‘HICCUPS’ showcases an energetic old-school hip-hop vibe. Choi Seohyun expresses how they wanted to showcase various aspects of themselves through the song.
For each track, we are conveying different stories, which shows our efforts to make diverse music. “JeLLo” focuses more on silly, kitsch, and warm emotions and vibes, while “HICCUPS” covers an unexpected energetic vibe and unique sounds. We wanted to convey our diverse musical styles.
— Choi Seohyun
Member Jeon Yeoyeojeong also addresses how the release of their pre-release tracks affected their anticipation for the debut, sharing, “These two pre-release tracks were released first to show our universe story, or our lore, and the charm of the members. I think our fans were able to get an idea of who we are and what charms we have. We have so much more in our pocket, so I want to build more anticipation for what’s to come.”
Yeoyeojeong also expands on how their group’s mascot, Neurocorn, embodies their core message of embracing individuality. He explained, “The story starts with a unicorn without a horn that starts to think and explore why it doesn’t have a horn like other unicorns. Later, the unicorn comes to the realization that it’s not wrong to not have a horn and everyone is different.” This theme is deeply woven into their music, symbolizing their raw authenticity and fearless approach to their craft.
For their debut album, ‘RAW AND RAD,’ the title track, ‘Flip the Coin,’ serves as a bold declaration of their ambitions. Park Minseok describes the album in a single word— “flip.” He further expands, “It doesn’t merely mean to flip a coin; it also expresses our desire to flip and change the K-pop industry and the whole world with our talents and performances.”
As their journey unfolds, NEWBEAT is ready to take the K-pop world by storm, with their eyes set on the Rookie of the Year Award. Armed with raw passion, radical energy, and an unshakable belief in their music, their debut is only the beginning. With their unique sound and sincere storytelling, they are undoubtedly a group to watch.
NEWBEAT is a seven-member group under BEAT INTERACTIVE, consisting of Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo. In July and August of 2024, the group held a busking tour, ‘HIGH&LOW Donuts,’ where they collaborated and performed with multiple dance crews in the U.S. Previously known as HinLOVE, the members have participated in music videos and performances for A.C.E at KCON LA and other stages.
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Photo Credit: Beat Interactive
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