Nmixx —PHOTOS COURTESY OF JYP ENTERTAINMENT
When the rising K-pop girl group Nmixx learned that they were about to embark on their debut showcase tour, the first thing that came to the members’ minds were their international fans, and the things they needed to do to ensure that they create memorable experiences together.
“I was so excited because I have always wanted to go overseas and meet international fans, especially on our own tour,” the South Korean-Australian member Lily told the Inquirer in an email interview arranged by Live Nation Philippines.
And with their eagerness to connect with their supporters across the globe, it was only fitting that Nmixx—also composed of Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo and Kyujin—called their official fandom NSWER. The acronym stands for “north, south, west, east, route,” suggesting that, one way or another, the group will find their way to their listeners.
“I had high expectations for the showcase tour, and I was very excited thinking about what songs we could prepare to entertain the fans,” Jiwoo said.
Nmixx is behind the hit bops “O.O,” “Dice” and “Love Me Like This.” And Filipino fans can expect to hear these live—and then some—in the upcoming Manila stop of the six-member group’s tour, aptly titled “Nice to Mixx You.” The show will be held on June 30 at the New Frontier Theater (visit www.ticketnet.com.ph).
“We practiced our songs and also two covers for this tour,” Lily said. “We also did an encore at the end, where we tried to change up the vocals from what we usually do.”
“I remember practicing hard for new cover songs,” Jiwoo added.
The Manila concert will be Nmixx’s last for this particular series. Who knows, they may have some time to spare after. So, is there anything the girls hope to see and experience in their visit to the Philippines?
“Fruits! I want to try fruits,” Bae said. “I’m also curious about banana fritters (maruya).”
“I heard there’s a dessert called bibingka in the Philippines. I really want to try it,” Kyujin said. “And I also want to go on a boat in Boracay because the ocean there is so beautiful!”
Nmixx was formed by JYP Entertainment, home of some of K-pop’s biggest acts, including leading girl groups Twice and Itzy.
Strength and happiness
After a lengthy training period (some members like Lily and Kyujin trained for seven and five years, respectively), the girls debuted in Feb. 22 last year with “O.O,” a song that introduced their trademark sound called “mixx pop”—an experimental genre that weaves different contrasting styles and sounds in a frenetic package.
Last March, Nmixx dropped its first EP “Expérgo,” which made it to the 122th spot on the Billboard 200 chart—a feat that bodes well for the group’s commercial performance in the United States.
Nmixx —PHOTOS COURTESY OF JYP ENTERTAINMENT
“It feels like it was a year filled with strength and happiness with the members. Time passed by so quickly, to be honest,” said Haewon when asked about their roller-coaster first year as a group. “I hope we can continue to showcase amazing stages with our strong teamwork in the future.”
“Before the debut, I hoped to create unforgettable memories with the members and fans, and I’m so happy that it actually happened,” Sullyoon said.
Do you think listeners are starting to get used to the concept of “mixx pop”?
Lily: Yes! The more music we make, more and more people will listen. And also, our songs have an effect where the more you listen, the more you like it.
Haewon: You can tell just by how much “Love Me Like This” received a lot of love! I’m confident that more and more people will become addicted to mixx pop.
Do you find performing mixx pop more challenging than regular songs, because you have to switch among different styles and tempo?
Jiwoo: Each member may feel differently, but personally, I don’t think it’s more challenging performing mixx pop because it allows us to show a wider range of styles.
Sullyoon: It was a bit challenging during practice because we had to show different styles within one song.
A lot of people have been praising you for your strong vocals. Do you think this is your biggest strength, or something that will help set yourselves apart from other groups?Bae: I also think vocals are our strength! All of our members are good at singing and have attractive voices, which can be our strong point!
Kyujin: The songs can be a bit challenging, and I can confidently say that we’re capable of doing live performances while doing the choreography!
What kind of support have you been getting from your seniors? Any piece of advice that stood out?
Lily: Ever since I was a trainee, I got good advice from our seniors in JYP. Itzy and Twice sunbaenims (seniors) helped me a lot with my dancing. They also helped me adjust to Korean culture.
Kyujin: Whenever we meet the Itzy sunbaenim, they always check up on us and tell us to stay healthy!
What are your thoughts about your EP “Expérgo”? What are your favorite tracks and why?
Haewon: “Expérgo” is an album that fully embodies the vocals of Nmixx members. “My Gosh,” especially, is the song that I love the most as it showcases a soft and delicate vibe that we haven’t shown before.
Jiwoo: There are five B-side tracks in the “Expérgo” album, and everyone can listen to them without any likes and dislikes because all the songs in this album are diverse and good. And one of the big merits or characteristics is that the songs are all mixx pop! I personally love the song “Just Did It” the most in “Expérgo” because I love the melody part where Sullyoon unnie (honorific meaning “older sister”) sings, “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,” and it’s very exciting.
You guys have different personalities and talents. But what are the things that bind you together and keep everything in harmony?
Sullyoon: Practicing together a lot has been a great help.
Bae: When we stand onstage and hear the cheers from the NSWERs, and when we are together, it feels like we shine the brightest and become one!
What kind of impression do you want to make on people? What messages do you hope to convey with your music?
Sullyoon: I hope many people think that Nmixx is a group with its own unique color.
Lily: I hope that the people who listen to our songs can hear our confidence and gain confidence and strength themselves. INQ