Strolling through Seoul’s colourful streets, I could feel the energy matching my excitement to meet Catch The Young. Inside Evermore Entertainment’s HQ, the band greeted me with that same electric vibe. Formed just last year on November 1, 2023, they’ve already kicked up quite the storm, mixing fresh sounds with a rebellious edge that’s lighting up the scene. These guys aren’t just riding the wave, they’re making it, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the rush. Their debut mini-album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth, not only presents their talents but also shows that the band, in a beautiful way, merges the golden era of Rock and Pop with a fresh, modern twist they’ve coined as Youth Pop-Rock. The album, featuring seven tracks, has connected with fans of ’80s and ’90s music while capturing the hearts of Gen Z listeners.

When I met the band for the second time, their confidence had grown, creating a warm and relaxed mood. But the real climax came after the interview when I witnessed an incredible live session. Even in rehearsal, their presence was one-of-a-kind.

“We naturally gravitate towards making popular music, but we don’t want to confine ourselves to one genre,” said Sani, the band’s leader, explaining their sound. “While rock forms the foundation of our music, we blend it with K-pop elements to create something that can appeal to a wider audience.” Their latest EP, Dream It, explores themes of imagination and endurance. Sani explained the inspiration behind the title track: “The concept for Dream It revolves around the idea of Earth being destroyed within 24 hours. It incorporates elements of fantasy and imagination, allowing us to express ourselves freely yet realistically.” Namhyun, the main vocalist, added, “The lyrics convey a sense of encouragement. I wanted to share a message of hope – that even if the world were about to end, I wouldn’t be afraid as long as I have you.”

Read more – Our first interview with Catch The Young

The message of hope is visible not just in their lyrics but also in their music video. The visual concept for Dream It is vibrant and engaging, reflecting the fantastical theme of the song. “We were constantly thinking about how to make it more fun during the shoot,” Namhyun said. “For example, there was a scene where we were throwing food in the air. In that scene, I threw a basketball with a smiley face on it, while Kihoon cut marshmallows in half, shaped them into horns, made a nose, and wondered what it would be like to throw them. So he did, and it ended up looking fun. That’s how we developed ideas on set. In addition, we incorporated both fantasy and realistic elements, which we also reflected in the outfits we wore. We also thought a lot about mixing animation and VR.”

This imaginative strategy shows the band’s passion for delivering a rich and immersive experience to their audience.

“Since we each play our own instruments, we bring the various qualities of each one into our music,” Sani said. “The instruments we play have characteristics that only we, as musicians, truly understand, and we incorporate those nuances into our sound. This shapes our style and the music we create.” The EP’s tracks, such as Wanna Be with You, explore a range of emotions, from the complexities of unrequited love to the exhilaration of pursuing one’s dreams. “For Wanna Be with You, the song portrays the emotions of one-sided love, with very straightforward lyrics that many people can relate to,” Sani explained.

Beyond the studio, Catch The Young has been making a name for themselves on stage, performing at major festivals like the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival and Jeonju Ultimate Rock Festival. Reflecting on these experiences, Kihoon shared, “Performing on a large stage requires a different level of energy and presence compared to smaller venues. It was great to be a part of these festivals, not just for our fans but for people of all ages who love music. Their energy was incredible.” Junyong, the band’s youngest member, added, “We’ve played at many venues and have been on music shows on TV, so I thought I wouldn’t be nervous. But I was. The sheer size of the stage and the audience brought a whole new level of excitement. I realised I needed to learn how to adapt to such an environment.”

The beginning of September is always a busy time in Seoul, especially with Seoul Fashion Week in full swing. When asked about their experience attending the DUCKDIVE show, Junyong confessed, “It was my first time attending such an event. I was really nervous, shaking a lot [laughs]. Some of our fans came, which was great, but walking down that blue carpet, I was so nervous. The fashion show itself was interesting, especially with the cello players, violins, and DJs. It was an interesting experience.” Jungmo, who seemed more comfortable, added, “I’ve been to fashion shows before, but it was my first time walking down those stairs and the blue carpet. I wore shoes with quite a high heel, and I was worried the whole time that I might fall [laughs]. My toes were tense the whole time, trying to keep me balanced. By the time I reached the bottom of the stairs, I had cramps. I couldn’t keep a straight face [laughs]. Now, I’m confident I can do it like a pro next time. I also loved how the live music complemented the models on the catwalk; I was completely immersed in the show.”

When they’re not performing or recording, the members have their own ways to recharge and find inspiration. “I used to spend my free time practising and exercising, but recently I’ve developed a new hobby – reading books at cafes,” Namhyun shared. “It helps me stay calm and relaxed.” Kihoon, on the other hand, tries to catch up on sleep. “I try to sleep as much as possible, even if I have to force myself. I hate being bored, so when I feel good and healthy, I like doing activities that require a lot of energy, like hiking, swimming, or walking. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy writing music. I often get inspiration while hiking.” Junyong keeps it simple, saying, “I like spending time with my family.” Meanwhile, Jungmo has been exploring new interests. “Recently, I’ve been focusing on myself, like getting new piercings [laughs]. I also enjoy window shopping and have developed an interest in attending exhibitions.” And for Sani, gaming and anime are his go-to pastimes. “I like to play games and watch YouTube. When I have time, I hang out with my friends, but my body doesn’t always agree with that [laughs]. During holidays, I enjoy watching anime.”

Catch The Young is only scratching the surface of their potential. Their ambition suggests that this is just the first chapter of a much larger story ready to reshape the soundscape of modern K-rock.

They’re already working on their next album, with more performances lined up for the end of the year. Sani shared their excitement for what’s to come, “We’re preparing for more festival performances and shows scheduled for the end of the year. Our next show will be in Busan on October 4th, and we’re looking forward to it.” 

Catch The Young’s hard work and talent radiate through every note. From their exciting live performances to their approach to songwriting, the band stands ready to leave audiences breathless. As they continue to evolve their sound, they’re undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.  

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Translator: Roc Lee

We would like to thank Evermore Entertainment for their incredible hospitality and help with the interview.

_{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.}