#SoundLovers!!! We are back with another exclusive interview!
In honor of their 100 days since debut --- We are beyond thrilled to introduce you to a fun and energetic group called CATCH THE YOUNG! This is a group that is sure to grab your attention, as their bright and youthful sound feels like a breath of fresh air. Catch The Young has already created their own unique sound of Youth Pop-rock by capturing the essence of the 80s and 90s musically and creating a song for the listeners of today.
The five-member boy band consisting of Sani, Jungmo, Kihoon, Namhyun, and Junyong, made their official debut on November 1, 2023, under EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT with their first mini album titled, 'Catch the Young : Fragments of Youth.'
For those who are just now meeting the group for the first time, take a moment to get to know them more with our interview below as they talk about how they started, their dedication to their creative process, their first fan meeting, and their goals for 2024!
K Fuse: First, and foremost, we want to thank you for taking the time to talk with us here at K Fuse, and to share your story with our readers.
K Fuse: Catch The Young is a rather unique name. Is there a special meaning behind your group name? What inspired the group name choice?
Kihoon: The name "Catch The Young" literally means telling the story of youth and conveying the energy of youth. It represents the intention to make music that allows people to feel various emotions and energy related to youth.
K Fuse: Some of our readers may be discovering Catch The Young for the first time, and may not realize that Catch The Young did start out as the five piece quintet that we see before us. For Kihoon, Sani, and Namhyun, you have been with each other since 2021. Was there ever a time you were anxious about debuting? And what motivated you to continue to pursue a career in music with all the member changes that occurred?
Kihoon: I was the first to join the company. There were definitely moments of uncertainty with each change that occurred. However, the anxiety of not debuting was overshadowed by the anxiety of going through the process of harmonizing again. Having new colleagues to make music together with was significant source of strength for me.
Sani: If I said there was no anxiety, that would probably be a lie. It was likely a bit different for me, with the anxiety being more about the process of making music and being in a band rather than the uncertainty of debuting or not.
K Fuse: For Jungmo and Junyong. Were there any challenges joining into a group that had already been training alongside each other for the last two years? Or did it seem to be a smooth transition for everyone?
Jungmo: When I joined the team, it was right before the first concert (March 2023) which was held even before the debut. To be honest, I didn't have time to think about the other members in detail. I had to complete the songs prepared for the concert immediately upon joining. Catch The Young is a team that turns every cover song into our style, so the focus was on doing that together and feeling the pressure to do it perfectly, leaving no room for other concerns.
Junyong: I joined shortly after Jungmo, and since I'm still a student and the youngest, the older members took care of me in various ways. So, I didn't feel an significant difficulties.
K Fuse: There are a lot of references to the term "youth" in your songs. Could you share with our readers what significance the term "youth" holds for you?
Sani: The term "youth" hold significance for us because we wanted to create songs that everyone can relate to. Youth is a universal experience, and it encompasses not only the challenges and anxious emotions but also the positive ones -- like overcoming challenges and exuding energy. By incorporating the them of "youth" in our music, we aim to connect with people of all ages, providing a source of empathy and strength through shared memories and experiences of the past and present.
K Fuse: "My Own Way" talks about moments of growth by overcoming the fear of the vague future. Are you the type of person who worries about the future? Or are you ready to take on whatever the future has in store for you?
Jungmo: There are times when the uncertainty of the future can be daunting, but I try to approach it with a positive mindset. I believe in facing challenges head-on and overcoming them. Even though worrying won't change anything, I think it's essential to quickly identify what I can do and make the right decisions. I've found that taking action rather than being paralyzed by worries is a better way to handle things.
K Fuse: At what point did you start writing and creating your own songs?
Sani: All of us have been interested in music since we were young. For me, it started around the age of 14 when I discovered a Japanese band called One OK Rock. I was captivated by their music, and that inspired me to start playing instruments. As I delved into playing instruments, I naturally began writing songs.
Kihoon: My interest in band music sparked when I coincidentally watched a drama as a child. lather, when I decided to stop playing sports, I picked up the guitar seriously and naturally started writing songs.
Namhuun: When I was young, listening to songs of Park Hyo Shin gave me comfort. I used to think it would be great to create songs that could provide solace like his music, and during my preparation for university of music, I officially started my journey in music.
K Fuse: All of the member participated in composing the title tracks. What was the writing process like for you? Did you ever have a difference of opinions?
Sani: The writing process was a collaborative effort where all members' opinions needed to be considered. Since we didn't have a strict time limit for completing each song, we had the flexibility to continuously refine and adjust the songs. The album creation wasn't a short-term process; instead, it involved working on songs we had started earlier, refining them through rehearsals, modifying sounds, and aligning harmonies. The variety of opinions naturally came into play, and we spent time coordinating and discussing different perspectives.
Namhyun: In this album, except for "YOUTH!!!," most of these tracks were not created recently; they were songs we had been working on earlier and consistently refining over time. Since there isn't a definitive answer for the final outcome, ongoing adjustments were necessary to strive for the best, making that aspect a bit challenging and demanding.
Jungmo: The process of refining the songs involve some steps such as arrangement and modifications, but as a band, aligning our instruments and vocals plays a crucial role. We spent a significant amount of time rehearsing together, fine-tuning the songs through the interplay of instruments and vocals. Rather than encountering differences in opinions among members, our focus was more on merging our individual thoughts into a better direction.
K Fuse: Let's talk about your most recent event. On December 24th, you held your first concert since your debut -- Santa The Young. Were there any special moments you shared with your fans?
Namhyun: The entire performance on that day felt like a special moment. It was our first solo concert after debut, and being on stage on Christmas Eve made it even more extraordinary. Everything about that day was special, especially the fact that we could connect with the fans at eye level and even make eye contact while singing.
Junyong: Oh! And it was a White Christmas Eve. Performing on Christmas Eve when the whole world is covered in snow is not an experience you can easily have. So, it was a special moment shared with our fans on a special day
K Fuse: Do you have any pre-show routines that you have already developed?
Jungmo: We gather and shout words of encouragement to each other, saying, "Let's have a great performance!" Of course, new routines might develop over time?
Sani: While what Jungmo mentioned is a routine we do right before a performance, there's also another routine related to the performance itself. before the show, we not only rehearse, but also have as many run-throughs as possible. That way, we can deliver a more flawless performance.
K Fuse: Although you just made your debut in November, we are curious if you have any plans to release a full album?
Sani: We haven't discussed the idea of a full album, yet. While we are preparing for the next album, the current trend in K-POP seems to favor frequent releases of mini-albums for continuous activities. However, for us, it's not about engaging in activities frequently, but rather, the most crucial aspect is whether we have created music that satisfies us. I think the transition to a full album will occur after we've prepared music that satisfies all of us to a certain extent.
K Fuse; Who are some of your role models?
Sani: I discovered the Japanese band ONE OK ROCK when I was 14, and they became my first love-like band that captured my hear instantly. Later, after starting to play instrument, I also came to like The Charm Park, an their music style resonated well with mine, so I respect and have been influence a lot by them.
Namhyun: My role model is Park Hyo Shin. The starting point of my music journey was listening to Park Hyo Shin songs, where I received a lot of comfort. Wanting to convey comfort to others through music led me to start singing.
Junyong: My role model is Crush. Even though he is a solo artist, I was impressed with his performances where he takes control of the stage during concerts. I aspire to create such captivating performances.
Kihoon: As I started playing instruments, I began to like guitarist John Mayer, which sparked my increased interest in playing instruments. However, my current role model is Ritchie Kotzen.
Jungmo: Being a drummer, I have been mostly influenced by drummers Larnell Lewis and Aaron Spears when it comes to drum sounds.
K Fuse: Are there any other instruments that you would like to learn to play / or a skill you would like to master?
Kihoon: I've always wanted to try dancing and acting. Currently, I am learning dance as I prepare for our album, and I would like to explore acting as well. If the opportunity every arise, I might even consider appearing in a drama. Above all, learning acting could be beneficial, especially when shooting music videos.
Sani:I have learned various musical instruments, but I haven't properly delved into the world of wind instruments. I'm interested in learning instruments like the trumpet to add more diverse sounds to our music.
Junyong: I still feel that my skills are lacking compared to other members, so I'll put more effort into polishing and improving my piano skills.
K Fuse: What goals would you like to accomplish in your first year as "Catch the Young?"
Sani: I aspire to win the Rookie of the Year award at music award ceremonies and acquire the title of "Super Global Band."
Kihoon: I'd love to hear people saying, "A new global band has emerged: Super Global Band - Catch The Young!" Also, we aim to make it into the Billboard Hot 100, while achieving this may not be possible with just one album.
Namhyun: Although it might be challenging right now, I dream of standing on global festival stages like Lollapalooza. Before gracing such stages, within one year, I want to hold our own concerts in Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America.
K Fuse: Thank you, again, for taking the time to talk with us here at K Fuse. We are looking forward to watching you grow as individual artists, and as "Catch the Young!" Before we go, is there a message that you would like to leave for your fans, and our readers?
Catch The Young: Catch The Young is dedicated to creating music that resonates with youth and exudes vibrant energy. We strive to deliver performances that transmit this energy to our audience. While we acknowledge there are many fantastic songs out there, we believe that we bring something unique that can awaken the youthful spirit within your hearts!
SO DON'T HESITATE! JOIN US IN EMBRACING THE ENERGY THAT CATCH THE YOUNG CONVEYS THROUGH OUR MUSIC! LET'S HAVE A GEAT TIME TOGETHER!
Thank you to Evermore Entertainment and the members of Catch The Young for this fun experience!
Join us in wishing Catch The Young a Happy 100 days! By using the following hashtags:
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