Nearly a full year after the release of their debut EP, SuperM is back with a new single, the song ‘100’, ahead of a studio album, ‘Super One’, released on sept. 25. The group, consisting of members Baekhyun, Taemin, and Kai, of experienced K-pop groups EXO and SHINee, in addition to Taeyong, Mark, Ten, and Lucas, of NCT 127 and WayV, were about to break big on the US market after its first release last October, the song “Jopping,” but the coronavirus pandemic had other plans.
However, the group has found ways to stay active amid the shutdowns of shows around the world and was the first band from their label SM Entertainment to host an online concert for fans, experiment with AR and engage directly with viewers. Earlier this month, SuperM unveiled an “Super One” launch plan, which launches today in earnest with the release of “100.” Variation connected with the members via Zoom to chat about the dynamics of the group and how the entire album came to be.
The SuperM show at the Forum in February was not long before the full closing of live events in the US. How have you been passing the time over the past few months?
Baekhyun: During this time I was working on my solo album promotions and I was also working on the preparation for SuperM’s album. Besides that, we spent time at home and on hobbies. We could take this time to learn more about things we are interested in, while also looking for ways to improve ourselves.
Speaking of solos, your EP “Delight” was a hit earlier this year. How does it feel to work together again after doing individual activities?
Baekhyun: It’s been a long time since we all came together, so honestly, it’s been really fun. Recently, we have been through our schedules every day together, and I am sure to get more energy when we are together compared to if only to promote. I like to work myself out. We have been in a positive headspace.
You were one of the first artists to stream a concert during COVID, for V LIVE’s “Beyond Live” series back in April. How was that experience?
Baekhyun: It was our first time doing something like that and watching ‘Beyond Live’, so we did not know how many people would be interested, and we were not sure if we could deliver the energy we want. We had our worries in the beginning, but they disappeared once it started. We directed video chat and Q & As with our fans except just performing, so it felt more like a real fan event than a typical concert. It had more of a playful energy because we had the ability to interact directly with the audience. I personally really enjoyed it. I think we could build a stronger relationship with our fans if we added these elements to our live concerts in the future as well.
Your first full-length album, “Super One,” is out this month. Promoting your new album at this time may not be different from the typical promotional scheme you are familiar with, but there are still ways to connect with fans using technology, or these are virtual fan- sign-ups, FaceTime calls, etc. What are you most looking forward to with your album release?
Kai: Our plan is to do everything we can with the tools we have available. We want to try everything there is to meet with our fans and we will definitely give ideas to our promotion team to come up with several different ideas. We like to create our own content and get involved in the process, so we’ve been working to make sure our fans can see different aspects of SuperM. We have been working on this album for a long time and have not seen our fans for a long time, and on top of that, because the situation at the moment is not great for personal connection, we plan to cover all tracks like title tracks and promotion of their.
The teasers for “Super One” focus on individuality and self-reflection. How did the concepts for your individual teasers come to life?
Kai: The concepts for the teasers came from important moments of our lives. Mine is rooted in dance and the thoughts I have about working as an artist. I think we were able to share our individuality and also how these individual thoughts come together for “Super One.”
Can you tell us about the message behind “Super One” as a concept for the album?
Baekhyun: The message for this album is based on hope and together overcoming difficulties. Each individual teaser shows a battle that has been overcome so that we as artists on stage can be happy. The message emphasizes that in difficult times it is important to reflect and identify where you are good at and where you can be in, instead of living. We came together as SuperM after spending some time apart and you will notice that all the songs on the album convey a similar message. I find it great to be together again.
Kai: I think the biggest difference between promotion within our original groups versus within SuperM is the change in our roles. For me, I am one of the younger members in EXO, but in SuperM I am suddenly a senior member with more experience. Taemin was also the youngest in his group, and Baekhyun has become a leader. [Laughs]
Baekhyun: [Shrugs] It just happened.
Kai: Taeyong is also the leader in NCT 127, but in SuperM he is one of the junior members. I think with changes like this there is a shift in energy. It’s absolutely enjoyable to experience different roles while working as a SuperM and it’s a fresh atmosphere. It also helped us become a lot faster.
Note: We wanted to express how, although we are all individually talented and have different qualities, we as one can come together to create ‘Super One’. When we are together, we can overcome difficulties. That is the main message for the album and you will see that in all tracks the common theme is hope. We hope our fans can receive that positive energy.
For the tracks we’ve done, but not officially released, our fans probably already know the songs, but it’s going to be new for them to hear the studio versions, so I think they’ll definitely be looking forward to it. I remember the reactions to the new songs were positive when we thought and they seemed to like them, so I can not wait for them to hear the real audio.
Have you given the younger members any advice now that you are one of the senior members with more experience? Or on the other hand, can the junior members share any memorable advice they have received?
Taeyong: To be honest, instead of giving advice, the older members say and do many things that help us to relax and feel comfortable. For example, if we are nervous before we go on stage, then–
Taemin: “Be nervous”
Kai: We tell her to be even more nervous. Since we have to do good. [Laughs]
Taeyong: This is a good example. They make the mood fun and light while providing us with good energy.
Kai: They always do it well, so there is not much for us to say.
Are there any fun stories behind the scenes of ‘Super One’ that you can share with us?
Baekhyun: When we filmed ‘100’, there was a set made of optical illusions. I’m not sure if this will appear in the behind-the-scenes video for the music video, but on this set, as you move backwards, you get bigger, and when you’re in front, you appear really small, like a mini -my. I thought that was really fun and interesting to watch. It’s the only time Kai and I will appear the same height. [Laughs]
Is there anything else you want to share with your fans and Variation?
Taeyong: We have multiple music videos coming out, so I hope you all look forward to it. We also hope that everyone can continue to care and stay healthy in these times.
This interview has been translated from Korean and edited for brevity and clarity.
