[INTERVIEW] NEWBEAT MAKE A 'RAW AND RAD' DEBUT • POP TOKKI

Beat Interactive’s new boy group NEWBEAT has officially debuted with their first full-length album ‘RAW AND RAD.’ After two pre-release singles, “JeLLo (Sleepers)” and “HICCUPS,” the group released nine more tracks—making a bold move by debuting with a full-length album, rather than an EP. The star of this release is the title track, “Flip that Coin,” a Hip-Hop inspired song that depicts how different viewpoints influence our views by symbolizing what we perceive to be good and bad, or the “front” and “back” of a coin.

NEWBEAT_MAIN_Group photo_VFX — Courtesy of Beat Interactive

‘RAW AND RAW’ represents the bold spirit of the NEWBEAT members who look failure in the eye and refuse to falter as they push forward. We got the chance to chat with the NEWBEAT members ahead of the release of ‘RAW AND RAW,’ to learn about their standout tracks and signature sound. Check out what the members had to say:

POP TOKKI: If you could choose one ‘RAW AND RAD’ track to represent each member, which ones would you choose and why?

Kim Riwoo: I think it’s “We Are Young” for me. I’m the youngest in the group, and the song is very bright and hopeful; it depicts the journey to chase our dreams and future. I also have a bright personality, so I think it suits me the most.

Choi Seohyun: I would choose “HICCUPS” for myself because I think I suit old-school hip-hop genres and styles. I find my strength in showcasing powerful yet freestyle-like performances, and I think this song best expresses who I am as a performer.

POP TOKKI: How would you describe your sound as a group—what makes NEWBEAT’s music unique?

Park Minseok: Like our debut album’s title, ‘RAW AND RAD,’ we are conveying the duality of our wild and soft sides. In addition, we’re mixing that concept with old hip-hop sound, creating mysterious and charming vibe overall. We wanted to portray our versatility as a group by including diverse genres, so I think that expresses our unique sound.