Stray Kids Soar to New Heights with Ambitious "ATE" Album
Stray Kids, the eight-member K-pop powerhouse, have returned with their 9th mini-album "ATE," showcasing their unwavering ambition to expand their musical horizons and captivate a broader audience. The group's leader, Bang Chan, expressed their dedication to this new release, promising a distinct and refined sound that will delight their loyal fanbase.Stray Kids Unleash Their Versatility and Ambition with "ATE"
Blending Latin Rhythms and Bold Lyrics
The title track, "Chk Chk Boom," is a testament to Stray Kids' musical versatility. Combining Latin-inspired hip-hop rhythms with catchy melodies and bold lyrics, the song represents the group's desire to push the boundaries of their sound. The producing team, 3RACHA, comprising Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, have meticulously crafted all eight tracks on the album, including the title track, showcasing their exceptional songwriting skills.
Exploring Restrained and Latent Energy
In contrast to their previous work, which exuded explosive and exuberant energy, the members of Stray Kids have intentionally sought to convey a more restrained and latent energy in their latest release. As member Han explains, "While our previous work expressed explosive and exuberant energy, this time we wanted to convey restrained and latent energy, while still keeping it engaging. We also expanded the genres of the B-side tracks to make the album more diverse."
Attention to Pronunciation and Latin Influences
Changbin, another member of the 3RACHA producing team, delves deeper into the Latin influences present in the title track. "In our previous title tracks, I focused on writing fun, witty lyrics, but for this one, I paid special attention to pronunciation so as to bring out a Latin flavor even in the parts where we rap in Korean. There's a lot of Spanish in it as well."
Collaborations and Global Acclaim
The music video for "Chk Chk Boom" has garnered significant attention from K-pop fans, thanks to the inclusion of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Stray Kids have maintained a special connection with Reynolds since their Deadpool-themed performance on the "Kingdom: Legendary War" competition show in 2021. The members described the experience of filming with Reynolds and Jackman as "incredible" and "surreal."Furthermore, Stray Kids have contributed to the soundtrack of the recently released movie "Deadpool & Wolverine," in which the two actors starred. Member Felix also shared that the group has received praise from renowned artists such as Pharrell and Childish Gambino, who have encouraged them to stay true to their musical pursuits while enjoying their journey.
Unanimous Contract Renewal and Continued Commitment
Stray Kids delighted their fans by announcing that all members had renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment, solidifying their commitment to their musical journey. As leader Bang Chan expressed, "I was eager to share the good news of our unanimous contract renewal with our fans. I'm especially grateful to the members for making this decision together. We've been telling our unique story since before our debut, and there is still much more that we want to show."The members of Stray Kids have also expressed their strong desire to achieve even greater success as a team. Changbin stated, "Each of us has a strong desire to achieve a lot as a team," while Felix and Seungmin described the group as their "family" and "the entirety of our youth," respectively, showcasing their deep affection for Stray Kids.With their third world tour, "dominATE," scheduled to kick off in August, Stray Kids are poised to expand their global reach, performing in various countries across Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. Additionally, the group is set to take the stage at the prestigious Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, further solidifying their status as a rising force in the K-pop industry.
