HORI7ON on setting sail as a global pop group: ‘We’re setting a standard’

HORI7ON’s journey is nothing short of astounding. Fresh on the heels of “Dream Maker,” a reality show formed by ABS-CBN, MLD Entertainment, and Kamp Korea, the seven-piece boy band immediately got to work as they built a stable fanbase in their home country before setting sail to South Korea.

The leader and main vocalist, Vinci Malizon, couldn’t help but look back at the past 100 days leading up to their official debut last July 24. His expression during an exclusive virtual interview with INQUIRER.net, was one filled with pride and a seeming moment of disbelief — as if he can’t help but marvel at how far the group has come.

“The past 100 days [have been] very rigorous, and constant ‘yung training namin everyday up to our debut,” he recalled, while Jeromy Batac, Marcus Cabais, Kyler Chua, Reyster Yton, Kim Ng, and Winston Pineda nodded in agreement. “Sana nakita ‘yun ng lahat ng mga tao, sana na-witness ng mga tao ang improvement namin.”

The group was formed with the purpose of being “trailblazers,” as Vinci pointed out. It’s been a few weeks since they made themselves known to the public. But apart from their powerful performances and magnetic charm, they radiate an aura of innocence throughout the chat. It’s as if it was a reminder that they’re young boys with a dream.

‘Trailblazers’

The septet made it clear that they’re neither a K-pop nor a P-pop group. Instead, they’re a “global pop group” determined to make their own standard. “Kami ‘yung trailblazers of being a global pop group coming from the Philippines. We’re doing many things that [are] new. We’re setting a standard na kami lang ang makaka-taguyod,” Vinci told INQUIRER.net.

He went on to say that HORI7ON doesn’t have any competition — except themselves. They are just simply doing their best to set the bar for themselves and to show that they are a group that one needs to look out for.

For one thing, the group is a labor of love between ABS-CBN in the Philippines and MLD Entertainment in South Korea. Choosing from a number of hopefuls is not new in the music industry, but Marcus believes that coming from a “collaboration” between two countries is what separates them from their peers. “We were the lucky seven members who were voted by the viewers, whom we now call as Anchors,” he said, referring to their dedicated fans.

“What makes us unique is that we came from a survival show in the Philippines, and South Korea [stepped in] in a [form of] collaboration to make us. This is HORI7ON. This is what makes us, us,” he continued. “And it’s really cool that we came from a survival show because we started this journey dati pa, and we really had good chemistry. We’ve come a long way.”

Taking on the reins of being HORI7ON’s central anchor, Vinci said he wants HORI7ON to be a group whom “other people look up to. “We want to be idols who give their best in every performance and always offer new things on the table,” he stated with a smile.

Winston, the group’s vocalist, then chimed in, saying he wants the group’s journey to be seen as an “inspiration” for singers to “keep chasing” for their dreams, just as they are reaching theirs.

Bringing ‘Friend-SHIP’ to life

While on the topic of the HORI7ON’s story, the conversation then shifted to their first album, “Friend-SHIP,” which is considered to be an impressive feat for newcomers. Other groups choose to take the safe route with a single album containing a public-friendly song and an accompanying single. Some go for a mini-album, as a way of slowly establishing their identity among music circles.

But the group shattered expectations with a studio album with 21 songs done in Korean, English, and Filipino. As if they’re making a statement that they have so much to offer.

“[Our album] has endless styles. But if I can [summarize it] in one word, it’s dynamic,” Vinci said. “We want to show the different sides that we can offer, and we can all excel at. The younger ones will show the brighter side while the hyungs (or older brothers) will show the darker and sexier concepts. I think that’s the strength of HORI7ON.”

To put the group’s ages in context, Vinci was referring to Jeromy and Marcus as the “bright” younger members; while he, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, and Winston are the “hyung line.”

Putting together an album, especially with 21 tracks, is considered to be one of the most difficult parts of being an artist. But they believe that it has been a “memorable” experience, with everyone having their own highlight.

“We really had a long time in the studio working on all of our songs, and that is [such] an experience,” Vinci began, while noting that he’s in charge of “belting the high notes” in the group. “Feeling ko na, ‘Wow, another day. Another high note,’” he quipped, which made his bandmates laugh in response.

Kim, on the other hand, agreed with the older member’s answer, while sharing that they would help each other with lines before recording. “Kapag nahihirapan ako sa part ko, nagtutulungan kami para magawa namin nang maayos. Para makita na solid ang ‘friendship’ namin.”

Of the recording process, Jeromy pointed out that working with their senior labelmates, namely Haeun of LAPILLUS and TFN’s Leo and Noa, was his favorite moment. Kyler, meanwhile, said the solo songs were admittedly a challenge, saying he made sure that every performance was “perfect,” in hopes of a “good outcome.”

Marcus and Winston went on a different route, as they dove into the creative process of their album, while putting emphasis on their choreography and lyrics. “We practiced many songs. It was really fun to learn new choreos for our new songs,” the former shared.

“Actually, sometimes, we help out with the choreography when things aren’t final yet, which is always so fun. We always do our best when we create our choreos, especially in making it as synchronized as possible, so it looks good,” he further added.

“Nagkaroon kami ng privilege to input lyrics for ‘Mama.’ Nagkaroon din kami ng privilege to do something na makakatulong sa mga nagtuturo din sa’min,” Winston, on the other hand, said.

Huge smiles were then seen on HORI7ON’s faces when Reyster spoke about their teamwork behind the scenes, as he let the writer in the group’s motto. “Kapag nahihirapan kami sa training, nandito kami [para sa isa’t isa]i. Ang line namin is, ‘Fighting lang palagi,’ the lattermost which was said in unison, before collapsing into laughter.

Moving forward

HORI7ON’s debut came at a time where P-pop and K-pop is at its peak. And while competition grew more intense, Vinci sees their position as a “privilege,” as well as an opportunity to show what sets them apart as a global pop group.

“We can incorporate different languages in our songs, and we can make Tagalog, Korean, or English songs. Moving forward, we can always have something new to offer because we can showcase so many sides in this album,” he further added.

Throughout the chat, the septet believes that they still have a long way to go. But it doesn’t stop them from setting their sights on what lies ahead of their career. For Reyster and Jeromy, they’re excited to have their first world tour.

Vinci, on the other hand, caused his bandmates to elicit rave responses, with the mention of being a “one million seller,” a jargon used in K-pop to signify that a group’s album sold over one million copies.

Meanwhile, Winston, Kim, Kyler hope that HORI7ON would be “stronger in three to five years,” the lattermost of which, adding that he wants to “improve [himself]” in the days to come.

Despite being the youngest, Marcus didn’t allow his age to stop him from dreaming big. “I hope in three years, HORI7ON will be a big name that everyone knows. I [also] hope we’ve proven that Philippine talent can do well on the global stage,” he said while his bandmates smiled in what seemed to be a display of mutual support.

With their big smiles, it’s clear that HORI7ON is determined to carve a path for themselves in their path to stardom. Even so, they remained as humble as ever, excitedly thanking the writer for dedicating her time for them. EDV

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