Written by Nina B. | Interview: BR
Welcome back #SoundLovers! We had an opportunity to catch up with MCND about their latest comeback, 'X10.'
After 4 long years of captivating new fans and old fans with their versatile discography, MCND (shorthand for Music Creates New Dreams) has returned with their new album ‘X10’ featuring 5 new songs. MCND debuted on February 27th, 2020, under the company TOP MEDIA -- consisting of members Castle J, Bic, Minjae, Huijun, and Win -- with their debut album “Into the ICE AGE,” and have been putting out hits ever since. After their last album was released on November 22, 2023 and their successful tour took place in 6 US cities with Studio Pav their fandom GEMS patiently waited for the group's return. With all the members taking part in assisting with the writing and creation of the album, the big day finally arrived that their newest album would soon be up for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. On May 21st, 2024, ‘X10’ made its way into the streaming platforms for all to hear and appreciate.
The ‘X10’ album opens up with the title track “X10” following along with the same name as the album. We are greeted with a western-esque vibe like a scene straight out of an old Wild Wild West black and white film from start to finish. As a fellow Southerner, it felt like a perfect mix of a western-sounding backtrack to also adding their own flare of their hip-hop that they are familiar with experimenting in. This song has the perfect vibe to it to be the perfect fit for an opening song to be played as they make their grand entrance when they go back on tour again in the future.
“Tuning” taps into the more familiar hip-hop style they’ve done in their past albums that fans are familiar with hearing. The catchy background beat is followed along by the catchy chorus of
“Ayy-yi-ayy-yi-ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy (Tuning)”
With the utilization of a repetitive chorus, we have Huijin doing the continuous chorus lines followed by Win's deeper tone doing the ad-libs, it created an enjoyable experience making this song a very playful hype song to turn on and catch yourself dancing along with. The third track on the album “Out Louder” matches its title perfectly with an electronic bubbly backtrack that makes you want to follow along and sing louder. The members' rapping and singing talents are highlighted throughout this song, allowing each member the opportunity to shine brightly for new fans and old GEMS to appreciate just how skilled they are. Stunning fans with an all-English track “Girl Friend,” has the essence of a summer love story. Using the electronic beat in the background again, this cute love song is a song you can’t help but smile at when streaming it. To close off their highly anticipated album, MCND surprises fans with part two of their pre-release track “TOP GANG'' with the same title as “TOP GANG Vol.2.” With an opening suspenseful intro with various sound effects, you immediately find yourself hooked to knowing what is going to take place in the song. Following the viral hip-dance vibe songs that are trending at the moment the chorus has the last effect that those trending audios have on TikTok that you randomly find yourself humming to throughout the day and do the hip-dance along with it. This track is extremely memorable and you just can’t erase hearing it because of how fresh it is being done in the K-Pop scene.
Now that we have taken a moment to learn about 'X10,' here's what the members had to say about their latest album:
K Fuse: Some of our readers may be meeting you for the first time. Could you take a moment to introduce yourself?
Castle J: Hello! I'm MCND leader, Castle J! I'll hit your hearts with great teamwork!
BIC: Hello, I'm BIC, the main dancer of MCND! I'll hit our group, MCND, in your hearts!
Minjae: Hello, I'm MCND's vocalist and dancer, Min-jae! I'm practicing guitar these days. I really want to practice hard and show it to GEM.
Huijun: Hello, I'm HUIJUN, who is in charge of MCND's voice! I've tried many different things in this album. Please listen to it a lot.
WIN: Hello, I'm MCND's youngest, Win. I'll do X10! I'll do my best. Please show a lot of interest.
K Fuse: You just released your 6th Mini album, [X10] – CONGRATULATIONS! Could you tell us a little bit about the inspirations behind the album?
MCND: I was most inspired by teamwork. Is there a word that expresses our MCND the most? I thought, but the word teamwork, which is a strength, can express us well, so I was most inspired by teamwork
K Fuse: All of your albums carry a message of encouragement and empowerment. What message do you hope [X10] gives to listeners?
MCND: We wanted to express various stories with our music. For "X10," we included teamwork, passion and perseverance. For "Tuning," and for "Out Louder," we expressed our commitment to explore the wider world. "Girl Friend" is a serenade unique to MCND, and the last song, "Top Gang Vol. 2," is the song that contains our story the most.
K Fuse: How does [X10] convey MCND's growth since pre-debut?
MCND: Since it's our 5th year since our debut, I think it's the album that contains the most stories. Each track has a different message, so I think that's why 'X10' conveys various messages.
K Fuse: You are always actively involved in the creative process of the album. Did you have any memorable moments while making the album?
MCND: For "Top Gang Vol. 2," we tried really hard to contain our own stories. So the members worked hard to write a lot of stories about themselves for this track.
K Fuse: What are your goals for the remainder of 2024 ?
MCND: Our goal is to meet GEM all over the world, and express our various stories in songs to GEM.
K Fuse: GEM asked, "Did you develop any pre-show rituals?"
MCND: Before the concert starts, we always shout, "FIGHTING" among the members and go to the concert. That way, I think it makes the concert more energetic.
K Fuse: Lastly, is there a message that you would like to leave a message for GEM?
MCND: GEM! Please listen to this X10 album a lot, and you know that health is the top priority, right? And we'll be there to meet everyone when we have a chance this year, so please wait a little bit until then.
Each song in the album flows perfectly together like a puzzle piece with the other songs before it, making the completed puzzle. While this is only MCND’s first album in 2024, GEM are anxious to support MCND through any and every endeavor they wish to engage in this year!
Be Sure To Follow MCND As They Continue To Share Their Stories With Listeners Worldwide Through Their Music!
K Fuse would like to thank TOP Media's Marketing and PR Team, as well as the members of MCND for taking the time to talk with us about [X10], and allowing us the opportunity to share the member's stories, with our #SoundLovers and fellow #GEM.
such a great interview :)
GEM is very proud of MCND