Newbeat takes the arduous highway to ‘Louder Than Ever’

 
100 rounds of choreography, 100 vocal takes per verse and a 100-kilometer (62-mile) march throughout Korea: Newbeat is taking the arduous highway — actually. 
 
The rookie boy band is carving out a definite path for itself within the Ok-pop scene — normally outlined by its shiny perfection — all whereas eyeing the U.S. market with bright-eyed ambition.
 
“We’re a crew constructed on camaraderie,” mentioned member Jeon Yeo-yeo-jeong throughout an interview with the Korea JoongAng Day by day in western Seoul on Oct. 28, forward of the discharge of Newbeat’s first EP, “Louder Than Ever.”
 

A teaser picture for boy band NewBeat’s first EP, ″Louder Than Ever″ [BEAT INTERACTIVE]

 
“Wanting again, I spotted that we’ve been on a journey most individuals would take into account too troublesome or keep away from,” Jeon continued, “however we love the problem. We are the type of crew to take the tougher path, even when it appears dangerous or exhausting.”
 
Jeon’s confidence comes from Newbeat’s trajectory, which has certainly been distinctive, particularly because the boy band is competing with these from greater companies within the more and more capital-driven Ok-pop business.
 
Newbeat debuted in March beneath the company Beat Interactive as a septet, with members Jeon, Park Min-seok, Hong Min-sung, Choi Web optimization-hyun, Kim Tae-yang, Jo Yun-hu and Kim Ri-woo
 
Earlier than its debut, the group busked throughout 14 cities in the US, performing dance covers on the streets. The members additionally launched into a 100-kilometer highway journey on foot from Gangwon to Seoul, a three-day journey, as a team-building train.   
 

A promotional picture for boy band NewBeat’s first EP, ″Louder Than Ever″ [BEAT INTERACTIVE]

 
Each of these ventures not solely introduced them nearer but in addition made them extra resilient, prepared for something that life throws their method.
 
“Once we get exhausted, we all the time remind one another, ‘We did the 100-kilometer march. That is nothing in comparison with that,’” mentioned Kim.
 
With a smile, he added, “However, nicely, if I got the selection to do it once more, I in all probability would not take it.”
 
Newbeat debuted with a full-length album, “Uncooked and Rad” — an more and more uncommon transfer for a rookie group. For his or her debut showcase, the members carried out the album’s lead observe, “Flip the Coin,” whereas carrying small horns on stage, symbolizing their daring, mischievous individuality.
 

Members of boy band Newbeat carry out the band’s track ″Flip the Coin″ in the course of the band’s debut showcase held on March 24 on the Ilchi Artwork Corridor in southern Seoul. [YONHAP]

 
“Louder Than Ever” comes about seven months after “Uncooked and Rad” and continues that narrative of unapologetic uniqueness.
 
“With our earlier observe, ‘Flip the Coin,’ we wished to ship a message that being completely different doesn’t imply being fallacious,” defined Jeon. “We develop on that message on this new album.”
 
“Louder Than Ever” options the twin lead tracks “Look So Good” and “Loud,” together with B-sides “Pure” and “Unbelievable.”
 
“Look So Good” leans right into a retro, Y2K vibe, with lyrics about self-confidence and self-love. “Loud,” alternatively, is an intense pop-rock track with bass home influences.
 
The album was produced by Neil Ormandy, identified for his works with Bebe Rexha, Zara Larsson and Kelly Clarkson, and was recorded in the US. The lyrics are predominantly in English.
 
Efficiency-wise, Newbeat pushed itself tougher than ever. Within the hours main as much as the interview, the members mentioned that they had stayed up all evening perfecting their choreography. There was nobody respiration down their necks; it was a alternative they made themselves on the encouragement of Choi, the crew’s designated “observe chief.”
 

Members of boy band Newbeat carry out the band’s track ″Flip the Coin″ in the course of the band’s debut showcase held on March 24 on the Ilchi Artwork Corridor in southern Seoul. [YONHAP]

 
Such sleepless nights are nothing new for the rookies. Earlier than their efficiency at KCON LA 2025 in August, the members challenged themselves to run by way of the choreography for the group’s August digital single “Cappuccino” 100 occasions.
 
“After hitting that 100-round mark, we turned extra resilient,” mentioned Jo.
 
And the members have stored that self-discipline for his or her new songs.
 
“When our observe drags on and all people grows drained, we inform ourselves, ‘Let’s name it a day after only one extra spherical,’” mentioned Park, the group’s chief.
 

A promotional picture for boy band NewBeat’s first EP, ″Louder Than Ever″ [BEAT INTERACTIVE]

 
With a smile, he added, “After that, somebody says, ‘Let’s just do three extra. After three extra, we’ll be capable of carry out at Coachella.’”
 
Beat Interactive was not too long ago acquired by Hanchang, a broadcasting gear producer. Hanchang’s Kim Se-hwang, the pinnacle of the corporate’s leisure enterprise and a legendary guitarist of the disbanded Korean rock band NEXT, performed the guitar for “Louder Than Ever.”
 
“One piece of recommendation from Kim [Se-hwang] that actually caught with me was that we have to sing a verse no less than 100 occasions, even 1,000 occasions, to make it really ours,” mentioned Kim Tae-yang.
 
Now eight months into their profession, Newbeat is slowly however certainly adapting to its busy schedule because it begins to tackle greater levels, acting at KCON LA Japan in Could and KCON LA in August. Having seen firsthand their viewers develop, the members say they really feel a higher duty to make their fandom, now formally named Neuro, proud.
 
“Once we had been trainees, we didn’t have a fandom to observe and instantly assist us,” recalled Jo. “After assembly followers in individual and receiving fan letters and messages, I’ve began to really feel a stronger sense of duty and ambition to make them pleased with nice performances.”
 
“The second that stood out to me was after I noticed our followers on the KCON LA venue carrying the beaded bracelets we made throughout our U.S. busking promotions final 12 months,” Jeon shared.
 
“One 12 months is a very long time, however they remembered us and stored our items. I’m actually grateful for that.”
 
For Park, this 12 months marks a brand new starting.
 
“Newbeat is sort of a new household to me,” he mentioned. “Past simply listening to our music, I want the message [of embracing one’s true self] reaches listeners.”
 

BY SHIN HA-NEE [[email protected]]