[Mini Interview] EPEX Talks About Their Latest Comeback and Where They Found Their Inspiration to Keep Going

Welcome back #SoundLovers! We are back with our second mini interview! This time we had the opportunity to speak with the members of EPEX, and get to know more about their latest comeback -- and final chapter of their 'Bipolar' series -- and where they have found some of their inspiration -- while sharing some laughs.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with the group, or their 'BIPOLAR' series' concepts, you may find the variations of sound shocking as they encounter each title track independently. However, the variations of the title tracks is part of what adds to EPEX's charm. Another aspect of their charm is the topics that the eight-member boy-group under C9 Entertainment consisting of WISH, KEUM, MU, A-MIN, BAEKSEUNG, AYDEN, YEWANG, and JEFF have chosen to express and explore -- the struggles and challenges that teens face in a competitive and oppressive society. The group made their debut with their EP BIPOLAR Pt. 1: Prelude of Anxiety, where they showcased an electro hip-hop title track -- "Lock Down" -- that tackles the potential negative effects that social media can have.

After performing the "Lock Down," for SBS MTV's "THE SHOW," they were nominated for 1st place just 15 days after their debut, making them one of the most anticipated groups of 2021. EPEX achieved the No. 1 album sales among K-POP idols who debuted in 2021 and were chosen as a global super rookie in the 'Hanteo Global K-pop Report' released by Hanteo Chart, standing up as a fourth-generation group representative. The group went on to also win the 2022 Hanteo Music Awards Emerging Artist Award, the 29th Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards Rookie of the Year Award, the 31st High1 Seoul Music Awards rookie of the Year Award, and the 5th Korea's 2021 Youth Day Ambassador.

Next in the series is title track"Do 4 Me" from their second mini-album, BIPOLAR Pt. 2: Prelude of Love. For this album, the group tackles the feelings of falling in love for the first time with a more colorful and vibrant dance track in comparison to their debut title track. The third release in the series is the group's title track "학원歌 (Anthem of Teen Spirit)," which is found on the 3rd EP, "Prelude of Anxiety Chapter 1. '21st century boys'." This title track begins to explore the rebellion and determination that teens must face to overcome obstacles. The first express the need to stay focused, the irony of being together while feeling alone, and the idea of their sense of safety being shattered with another electro hip-hop sound. The 4th EP, Prelude of Love Chapter 1. 'Puppy Love' introduces title track, "사랑歌 (Hymn to Love)," which gave us a very loud proclaim to love as it talks about two lovebirds expressing their honest emotions to each other. The 5th EP, Prelude of Love Chapter 2. Growing Pains, introduces title track, "여우가시집가는 날 (Sunshower)," where the group begins to #ZENITH -- the name of EPEX's fandom -- through the emotions and realities of young heartbreak. This finally brings us to the group's most recent comeback and 6th EP, "Prelude of Anxiety Chapter 2. 'Can We Surrender?' and title track "Full Metal Jacket."

This EP details the dark and uneasy realities that boys face when they reach the end of their limits, and wraps up the emotions of adolescent anxiety and first love that were narrated through Prelude of Anxiety and Prelude of Love series. The EP includes four new songs, all composed and arranged by KZ who has been working EPEX through their career. The title track, "Full Metal Jacket '' expresses the range of EPEX's artistry while also serving as a metaphor about the danger of violence and the loss of humanity. "Surrender" talks about putting an end to oppression through groovy electronic bass and powerful drums. "Hit the Wall" is an EDM track mixed with hip-hop that delves into the efforts that young people make to set their own standards while trying to overcome challenges in their way. The final song, "No Roof," has a funky bass and synth sound empowering the listeners to believe in themselves no matter what.

Check out our mini interview with the members below as we talked about where they found some of their inspirations to never give up, below.

K Fuse: You had a major debut during times when many things were uncertain, even during the rising cases of COVID. But now, we are here 2 years later, 1 Digital single and 6 EPs. Where did you find your inspiration to continue during such uncertain times?

AYDEN: As we prepared for our comeback, we studied stages performed by other artists and envisioned ourselves sharing the stage with them. This process not only improved us individually, but also enhanced our teamwork.

K Fuse: Which member do you think has shown the most growth since debut? Why and or how?

JEFF: In my personal opinion, the most noticeable improvement has been in how we come together as a group.

AYDEN: I believe it is BAEKSEUNG because I've noticed a significant transformation in his appearance. He now gives off a very mature and manly aura.

Connect with the Members of EPEX