Music Creates New Dream, better known as MCND, is a five-member South Korean boy group comprising Castle J, BIC, MINJAE, HUIJUN, and WIN. They debuted in 2020 with the hit single Ice Age and quickly adapted by pioneering online fansign events due to COVID-19 restrictions, continuing to build their presence in the K-pop industry. In January 2021, MCND made a strong comeback with their third EP, MCND Age, which was followed by another release that year, The Earth: Secret Mission Chapter 1. In 2022, MCND ventured into international touring, beginning with their first European tour in February and a North American tour later that year. In July, they released their fifth EP, The Earth: Secret Mission Chapter 2, and went on their first Asia tour in November, performing in the Philippines.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, MCND continued their global tours, including a great performance in London in January 2024. Despite not yet having their own concert in Korea, they have successfully gained a significant international fan base, reflecting their growing global appeal.

Recently, MCND released their sixth EP, X10, which features five well-produced and vocally impressive tracks. Just a few days after unveiling their new music, the group sat down for an interview with View of the Arts to discuss the album and their experiences during the world tour, including their return to London.

View of the Arts: You’re back with your sixth mini album, X10, following an intense world tour. I appreciate how this mini-album was introduced to the public, particularly the creative use of the heart-shaped lace track. Before delving into the songs, could you share the background of X10?

MCND: It’s an album about adventures into the unknown world that started with the ODD-VENTURE album released in November last year. X10 is an archery term that refers to perfectly hitting a target right in the middle. This album contains MCND’s passion and teamwork to reach the goal (X10) when the five of us work together, no matter what obstacles appear in our way.

View of the Arts: Let’s discuss the first track of the mini-album, X10. Castle J, you collaborated with various artists, including the 153/Joombas and ONCLASSA teams, during the songwriting process. Could you provide insight into the song’s lyrics and their meaning?

Castle J: I think it’s a song that shows MCND’s unique genre. It highlights our teamwork through its strong beat and relentless drive towards our goals. In particular, the lyrics convey our confidence and determination, making them a standout part of the song.

View of the Arts: The next track is Tuning, co-written by Team 153/Joombas and Castle J. However, rather than talking about the lyrics, I would like to talk about the musical direction you pursued. What was the creative process behind this song?

MCND: It’s a song that presents MCND’s passion and persistence. We are free-spirited and always strive for more sophisticated music, almost as if we’re playing. This song represents the musical direction that we believe is best for us.

View of the Arts: Next, let’s talk about Out Louder, particularly the impressive vocal arrangement. When collaborating with producers, how did you decide on the line distribution? Was there ever a consideration to incorporate other members’ lyrics during rap sections?

MCND: By arranging the existing songs into a vocal version, we felt we could show our various charms. We each sang the parts that best fit our voices. While studying our vocals, we wanted to highlight these different qualities, so we trained hard to improve our vocal skills [as well]. 

View of the Arts: Girl Friend is a very different song compared to the others; with its beautiful melody and subtle lyrics, one wants to listen to it non-stop. How was the making process for Girl Friend? And since it was composed by JJ Evans of 153/Joombas, what kind of emotions does this song evoke personally?

MCND: Girl Friend was carefully arranged to express feelings of affection, reminding us of adolescent love. We believe it emits a gentle serenade that summarises MCND’s sentimentality.

View of the Arts: Your mini-album ends with TOP GANG Vol.2, which was entirely written by the group. It was also arranged and composed by Castle J. Let’s talk about the lyrics. How was it for you to write it all together? Were there any creative differences along the way?

MCND: TOP GANG presents MCND’s growth since our debut five years ago. In making TOP GANG Vol.2, which involved all members, we put considerable effort into making each part reflect our styles and colours, showing our evolution as a group.

View of the Arts: I remember seeing you in London in 2022, then again in January of this year. It was great to see you perform live again. What was the reaction after the world tour, including the European tour? How was London?

MCND: It was a wonderful experience to perform at the same venue in London again in 2024, revisiting the fond memories from our first European tour in 2022. We are grateful for the warm welcome and the enthusiastic cheers from the audience. These moments have left us with lasting memories. Looking ahead, we would like to visit more countries and continue performing in the future.

View of the Arts: During your world tour, you’ve performed in numerous countries, too many to count individually. However, when reflecting on the tour, can you identify one aspect you particularly enjoyed about each country you visited?

Castle J: For me, San Francisco stands out. I have fond memories of riding a Ferris wheel with the other members in the U.S. It was a fun experience. After the tour, I indulged in delicious food and enjoyed some shopping too. 

MINJAE: The beginning of our ODD-VENTURE tour in Greece was unforgettable. It had been a while since our last concert, so the experience was particularly memorable. Plus, it was my first time visiting Greece, which made it even more special.

HUIJUN: England holds a special place in my heart. Performing there again was fantastic, and reconnecting with our British fans, the GEMs, was a highlight.

View of the Arts: When I listen to music, I see shapes and colours. When you’re listening to your favourite song, what happens in your mind, and how does it affect your approach to creativity?

BIC: Listening to my favourite song fills me with excitement, and I want to share that feeling with others.

WIN: Music inspires me greatly, especially when I’m writing songs. It’s a continuous learning process for me.

View of the Arts: When you are not working, what do you do to relax? 

Castle J: I enjoy shopping as a way to unwind and experience new things.

BIC: I find relaxation in playing games, a method I use to relieve stress.

MINJAE: Travelling is my preferred way to relax during vacations.

HUIJUN: Spending time with my family brings me peace and relaxation, especially when we go on trips together.

WIN: Riding my bike and immersing myself in nature helps me unwind and recharge.

View of the Arts: You are promoting your new mini-album now. What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Castle J: Our goal is to gain recognition for our music and establish ourselves as artists in the industry.

BIC: I aim to connect with fans worldwide, showcasing our diverse talents and charms.

MINJAE: We’re working hard this year, so stay tuned! If the opportunity arises, I hope to embark on a tour [again]. 

HUIJUN: I aspire to travel the world and perform, demonstrating our growth since our last tour.

WIN: While we haven’t had a concert in Korea yet, it’s a goal I’m eager to achieve.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of TOP Media

_{View of the Arts is an 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.}