The wait is over! XEED have finally emerged with their much-awaited second mini-album, BLUE. In an exclusive conversation with View of the Arts, the members of XEED – DOHA, JAEMIN, UO, BAO, and SHUN – offered insights into their latest work, shedding light on its concept, the transformation of their dynamic, and their wishes for the future.

The journey to BLUE started with their first mini-album, DreamLand. DOHA, the leader of XEED, sets the stage for the new release, explaining, “I think it is a concept that meets new colleagues on the way to DreamLand, where long wishes and hopes await”. 

With the addition of two new members, UO and SHUN, XEED’s musical journey takes on an exciting twist, bringing new energy and dynamics to the group. DOHA shares, “When we made BLUE, we felt that three members were somewhat insufficient. We even considered changing the title track, but we believe that we were able to complete it with the addition of two more members”, and JAEMIN adds, “First and foremost, the group has been upgraded both in terms of performance and various aspects, and visually, it is now complete”. Undoubtedly, this expansion opens doors to further creativity and exploration when it comes to music and themes. 

The voices of UO and SHUN now contribute to XEED’s already well-balanced vocals. UO expresses their camaraderie, saying, “I feel at ease now that I have siblings. I want to go step by step towards my dreams with the other members”. SHUN echoes the same sentiment, “I am very happy and enjoy working as a part of XEED”. Listening to what the members had to say shows that this new bond has formed the backbone of their music, radiating warmth in their performances to an even greater extent.

It is said that BLUE is hailed for its tropical and lively sound. The journey to create this specific musical style was a collaborative effort that involved working with various producers and lyricists, including Joombas, 153, Juffie, and JellyMolt. DOHA reflects on the experience, stating, “I really liked all the songs and felt very comfortable recording them, thinking that this was going to be my song [the title song BLUE]”. 

“I think they are really outstanding talents. The songs were great and fun to work on as we recorded the album”, UO adds enthusiastically. BAO also chimes in, expressing gratitude for the collaboration, “I am very happy to have found interesting and wonderful songs, thanks to the composers and lyricists”.

As mentioned by DOHA earlier, the story that began with DreamLand continues to unfold with BLUE, however, JAEMIN elaborates further, “BLUE is a story that depicts XEED’s journey of escaping from the bunker and now heading to DreamLand. Along the way, we meet new connections and the album reveals that XEED has finally become complete”.

Hopes and dreams are themes that have been interlaced into the very fabric of XEED’s music, and the title track of BLUE depicts just that. DOHA finds a personal connection, sharing, “I feel like I am taking one step closer to our dream and approaching it by meeting and receiving empathy and comfort from even more fans than before in DreamLand”.

“It would be great if many people could gain hope through our songs, and I hope they remember us with the sentiment of always being together”, JAEMIN reveals, with UO affirming the alignment between their identity and the lyrics, saying, “The hopes and aspirations, which are the identity of our team, are well incorporated into the lyrics of the title track. So, whenever we sing the song these days, I feel more and more motivated to strive towards our dream”. BAO then adds his perspective, “I am starting to remember forgotten dreams, and my heart becomes more resolute”.

“Now that we are five, we feel confident as we believe and rely on each other to run together with our fans”, SHUN concludes.

XEED’s vocal harmony remains a cornerstone of their musical identity, an aspect that shines brightly on their new release as well. JAEMIN reflects on the collaborative efforts to perfect their sound, sharing, “It has brought a tremendous amount of synergy, and with the addition of new members, our sound has become more diverse and the spectrum has widened, allowing us to take on more challenges”. While BAO adds that, “We tried our best to assign the parts in a way that each member excels in their given parts”.

“We practised a lot! We carefully selected parts that would best complement each member”, SHUN confesses. 

While discussing BLUE, DOHA also explains their hopes for their fans’ connection with the album, stating, “We hope that our fans can feel the excitement and anticipation that we felt while singing BLUE”.

“I hope that BLUE will be heard by more people, and I want more people to listen to XEED’s songs”, JAEMIN candidly expresses himself. 

“I hope the melody stays in people’s heads, and that our fans can sing it even in their daily lives”, BAO shares. Meanwhile, SHUN concludes that, “Since the song has an addictive melody, I believe our fans can feel the same and find it catchy”.

In addition, JAEMIN shares that crafting their distinct sound required meticulous research, ensuring the perfect vocal nuances and atmosphere for each track, with SHUN’s contribution adding depth to the album’s sincerity, “I think the feeling of not giving up on our dreams and finding them again is a bit special. There were various emotions crossing paths, and I tried to convey a hopeful feeling”. 

As XEED has embarked on this new thrilling journey together, their bond has deepened and their unity strengthened thanks to the new addition to the group. DOHA emphasises their shared pain and dreams as the foundation for their closeness, saying, “Because we shared the same pain and dream, and we wanted each other even before we joined, we quickly formed a close bond”. This camaraderie fuels their synergy and teamwork, as JAEMIN notes, “The harmony and chemistry between the members are great, and as we regularly share stories and thoughts, we have developed a stronger relationship than ever before”. UO, BAO, and SHUN agree with the sentiment, highlighting their genuine friendships and supportive dynamic that fosters their growth and connection as artists. 

For those who have been listening to the group since day one, it is clear that BLUE represents XEED’s artistic growth. BAO sees it as a commitment to elevate their musical standards, aiming for even greater creations. SHUN views it as the first step of many, where the seed of hope has just begun to sprout. Looking ahead, their aspirations remain steadfast. JAEMIN shares their goal to present better quality performances and music to their global audience, introducing themselves to different stages around the world. UO envisions their music touching lives worldwide, while SHUN firmly believes that XEED’s persistence will lead them to bloom in the ever-evolving world of K-pop.

While fans know a lot about DOHA, JAEMIN, and BOA, not so much is known about UO and SHUN’s beginnings. UO reveals his childhood fascination with TVXQ, recounting how their performances ignited his passion for becoming an idol. SHUN’s path was similarly kindled by a love for music and dance. However, his decision to join XEED solidified during a pivotal meeting with UO, marking the beginning of his life-changing journey. And when they’re not enthralling the audience, the members find relaxation in diverse activities.

“I really enjoy sports and reading. I have loved sports since I was young, and my interest in reading started four years ago. Just as weight training helps to build muscles in my body, I believe reading helps to strengthen the muscles in my mind. It also greatly helps when creating music”, UO confesses, with SHUN adding, “I mainly spend my time at home watching TV or playing games”.

XEED certainly continues to forge ahead, and with each release, they all grow as artists too. In addition, as they stand united as a quintet, their future shines brighter than ever. 

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}