If HYBE Labels’ “multi-home, multi-genre” technique has already begun reshaping pop via its U.S. and Japan branches with acts like KATSEYE and &TEAM, the corporate is now extending that blueprint to Latin America with its latest mission, SANTOS BRAVOS.
Fashioned via a televised actuality collection of the identical identify that aired from August to October, the five-member boy group — Drew, Alejandro, Kaue, Gaby and Kenneth — represents HYBE’s most formidable localization effort but. The band’s launch suggests the technique is paying off: SANTOS BRAVOS debuted with a live performance in Mexico, promoting out each seat and positioning themselves as early international contenders.
Its debut builds on the momentum of HYBE’s abroad models. U.S.-based international woman group KATSEYE has surged to the forefront of pop, dominating worldwide charts and securing two nominations on the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards, whereas Japan’s &TEAM has climbed to million-seller standing in each Korea and Japan. HYBE Latin America goals to carve out its personal lane, pairing the area’s rhythmic traditions with the performance-driven precision of the Okay-pop system.
SANTOS BRAVOS, in keeping with the corporate, is designed as an “idol-type” act with polished vocals, tight choreography and charming visuals aligned with Okay-pop, but nonetheless rooted in Latin heritage. The group’s cultural mix, mixed with HYBE’s international manufacturing, has led early observers to name them potential cross-continental “tremendous rookies.”
Under is a Q&A with SANTOS BRAVOS, offered by the company, that has been translated and calmly edited for readability.
From left are members of boy band SANTOS BRAVOS: Kaue, Drew, Gaby, Alejandro, and Kenneth. Courtesy of HYBE Labels
Q. What was the primary emotion you felt in the mean time of your debut?
Alejandro: Gratitude. I instantly considered my household and everybody who believed in me earlier than this dream grew to become actual.
Gaby: It felt like electrical energy operating via me. I simply needed to get on stage immediately.
Kaue: I used to be nervous however in a great way. I felt the duty of representing one thing greater than myself.
Drew: Reduction, actually. We labored so laborious towards one dream, and the debut made it really feel full.
Kenneth: Pleasure, not simply in myself, however in our group and what we hope will develop into a brand new chapter in Latin music.
Q. The audition collection was greater than a contest, however a development course of. What modified probably the most for you?
Alejandro: I gained confidence. I used to doubt myself onstage, however I discovered to not.
Gaby: Self-discipline. A structured schedule pushed me previous my very own limits.
Kaue: Realizing I will be susceptible and robust on the similar time.
Drew: I found I’ve management not via being loud, however by realizing when to step ahead or step again.
Kenneth: I grew to become somebody who listens higher. My ear opened to music, to the coaches and to my fellow band members.
Q. How acquainted had been you with Okay-pop earlier than becoming a member of this system?
SANTOS BRAVOS: Debuting beneath HYBE Latin America felt like an not possible dream. We at all times admired the extent of Okay-pop efficiency, however changing into a part of that as a Latin group was one thing we by no means imagined.
Q. What stood out to you in regards to the Okay-pop coaching system in comparison with what you had been used to?
SANTOS BRAVOS: The eye to element. Nothing is neglected. Each gesture and look has which means. And you do not follow till it is “ok” — you follow till you attain excellent. Teamwork can be emphasised in a giant means.
International boy group SANTOS BRAVOS / Courtesy of HYBE Labels
Q. The group is formed by Okay-pop’s strategies however born from the Latin music market. What units SANTOS BRAVOS other than conventional Okay-pop acts?
SANTOS BRAVOS: Whereas we purpose for the perfection of Okay-pop in dance and vocals, our storytelling comes from Latin custom. Our variety can be key. We communicate a number of languages, come from totally different backgrounds and exist to attach totally different worlds.
Q. What musical route do you want to discover as you go ahead as a gaggle?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We wish to fuse Latin rhythm with international pop in new methods. From high-energy dance tracks to emotional ballads, we’ll experiment with out limiting ourselves. We wish to create surprising music that surprises folks.
Q. Do you have got any position fashions?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We admire artists like J Balvin, BTS and Rosalia. J Balvin introduced Latin music to the worldwide stage. BTS confirmed how follow and teamwork can create affect past music. And Rosalia breaks molds and reinvents genres, which is de facto inspiring.
Q. What targets do you hope to realize as a gaggle?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We wish to be pioneers who encourage the subsequent era to dream greater. We hope to develop into a cultural bridge between Latin America and the world. Think about an enormous stadium singing in Spanish. That is the dream.
Q. Lastly, is there a message you wish to give followers who watched you from the very starting?
SANTOS BRAVOS: Each remark and each message of assist made our debut potential. We hope we make you proud. That is only the start, and there is a lot extra to point out you, so please stick with us.
