KATSEYE talk new EP ‘Beautiful Chaos’- “It’s raw, bold, gritty and more mature. It’s a darker side of us”

If you looked at the comments section on their social channels over the past few months, you would be forgiven for thinking that girl group KATSEYE hadn’t released new music in nearly a decade. The group have in fact only been together for just over a year, and yet their fans, known as EYEKONS, have been begging for new music as if they were the Navy asking Rihanna to release R9. Luckily for them, their fans only had only to wait shy of eight months between their first EP ‘SIS (Soft is Strong)’ and their lead single ‘Gnarly’  from their second EP- a hyper-pop fever dream of a track with a brilliantly chaotic, reality-augmenting music video. 

Comprising of members Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae, the group were formed by Hybe Corporation collaborating Geffen Records (part of Universal Music Group) with the aim of creating a girl group made up of members from all around the globe. Using the rigorous K-Pop trainee system-a physically and mentally demanding bootcamp that hones every level of music performance skills to an elite level, the six girls were trained to have pinpoint precision when performing. Hybe’s magic recipe has produced global success story after success story in the form of powerhouse idol groups BTS, TXT, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPHEN and LE SSERFAMIM who have all conquered the charts and music festivals around the world. 

The girls battled it out on a survival show format, called ‘Dream Academy’ which was accompanied by a Netflix documentary ‘Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.’ It was a clever blend of shows like X-Factor with the Netflix touch of gritty gold, that showed the inner workings and production behind the camera. The duel concept paid off, showcasing a much more authentic, if what cavalier side of the music industry, as well as the girls jubilations and frustrations with the process. It ultimately emotionally connected the viewer to the six successful members, Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae. 

When I start the interview, I’m immediately greeted by Yoonchae, sitting in the middle of the group. They are not decked out in their usual Gen-Z maximalist style we’re used to seeing. Instead of the metallic, neons and technicolour, they’ve opted for a chic and understated uniform of all black, with sleek hair and look like they could be about to step out to do a campaign shoot for The Row or a beauty commercial. This wouldn’t be too far-fetched for KATSEYE having already wracked up a slew of brand collaborations and campaigns from Glossier and Fendi. They start poised and polite, with leader Sophia often taking the lead on questions. There is a clear sense of confidence within themselves as a group when they speak about their music and the direction they want to go in. 

This resolve is apparent during the final episode of the Netflix documentary. Even before the final lineup of the group has been decided, the girls are asked their thoughts on picking the name of the group. As they were presented with NEWCRAZY, DREAMSCAPE and KATSEYE as three possible options, they exchanged knowing glances, and raised eyebrows that indicated that there was no chance in hell the other two suggestions would ever be picked. The second they’re left alone by the staff to discuss, they all say ‘KATSEYE’ in unison. Lara lead the charge with a fully conceived idea of their evolution as a group, with Manon ending on aspirations of a stadium tour, to which they’re all aligned on. 

Their second EP ‘Beautiful Chaos’ is a manifestation of their plans. The five track record is bookended by the tougher sounding ‘Gnarly’ and ends with the ‘MIA’ a thumping EDM  hyper-pop hybrid track with Britney Spears-esque heavy breathing and an explosive and gritty sound. 

When I ask them which track they’re most excited about performing live, Manon immediately  says “We all have the same one, I think. Let’s say it on 3, 2 1…” to which they all chorus “‘MIA!’”

“It’s just so so good!” Yoonchae quips, and the maknae (the youngest of the group) isn’t wrong. The song’s deep bass spirals at a breakneck speed, with plenty of production depth, and instrumental sections that tee up a dance break as they sing “don’t put a leash on a bitch.” 

“It’s a banger!” Daniela adds enthusiastically. “It has so much energy and on a stage, with a speakers and the lights and the visuals it’s going to look and sound so so good. It’s such a club song! It’s a getting ready song.”  

Their first track ‘Gnarly’ appeared to be a bit of a departure from their first musical offering with its experimental sound and a-typical song structure. Initially it shocked their fans, but the girls seemed unfazed by the reaction and resistance. They took to social media, laughing it off, saying we would love it after a few listens. They were correct, as the sound and the dance became a viral hit. There is a refreshing confidence in what direction they’re going in and their abilities, which have been honed to an incredibly high level through the trainee process. Their dancing is incredibly clean, precise and electric, the same is true of their vocals. They’re very in-sync, which has often been a hurdle for girl groups in the past. Success is never guaranteed though, and Sophia is very well aware that exceptionally hard work doesn’t always pay off, and so they’re humble about their success so far. 

“It’s still something that catches us off guard when we’re scrolling on our ‘For You Page’ and we see people doing choreography and dancing to our voices. Even seeing TikTok edits, with my voice with an artist I look up to, or it’s the artist themselves doing (the trend) it.  It’s still something that we’re processing. This is somebody I’ve been listening to for years and they’re doing ‘Gnarly.’ It’s crazy.” 

In terms of celebrities who haven’t done the ‘Gnarly’ challenge, which was plastered all over TikTok, with everyone from K-pop idols, parents and fans throwing it back, they’ve got a list of talent they would love to see trying it. 

“That’s a good question! Ooh I don’t know.” Megan ponders. “Charli XCX?” 

Sophia opts for Beyonce, and Lara has a different route.

“Rihanna and A$AP Rocky… TOGETHER,… I’m trying to think of a male rapper.”

Happy as they are to experiment, Megan explains that the group make sure they haven’t abandoned the roots of their sound from their fist EP.

“For our first EP ‘Sis (Soft is Strong)’ We wanted to introduce the freshness of KATSEYE, but with this new EP we’re really excited to show more of the depths of us- the rawness and the realness and that’s really exciting.”

“Honestly, every single song has a different sound” Daniela tells me. “But it kind of comes together. Every song has its individuality, but makes sense together. It’s very…” she trails off thinking off the words…

“Cohesive” Lara nods, finishing Daniela’s sentence.

“That’s the word I was looking for thank you.” Dani continues “It’s raw, bold, gritty and more mature. It’s a darker side of us. Even the colour scheme and the visuals- It’s all bolder brighter and so cool. I can’t wait for everybody to hear all of the songs there is something for everybody. “

Their song ‘Gameboy’ particularly feels connected to their initial music offering. It almost has that shimmeringly gritty British Girl band sound to it, full of summery percussion. Another track from the record ‘Mean Girls’ looks at the many layers and facets of being a woman and sisterhood, as the girls “God Bless” to everyone from ‘sweet’ to ‘thot’ to ‘mean girls’ over a dreamy, fast paced, flurry of a track. The LBGTQ+ community is important to the group and they’re closely connected to it. Lara publicly came out to her fans as queer, followed by Megan who also came out as bi during a live broadcast. They have continued to collaborate with members of the LGBTQ+ community on both their songs and other disciplines including commissioning Gigi good to create custom outfits for them for a live performance. There are organic nods to the community in the lyrics of ‘Mean Girls. The group sing “God bless the T girls, and all the in-between girls” followed by a shout out to the “queen girls.” This inclusion is important and it’s also very fitting for KATSEYE. Their dynamic with each other in the group and their connection with their EYEKONS brings you in and makes you want to be part of the gang. ‘Mean Girls’ and their interactions with their fans, makes it very clear, that everyone is welcome.

‘Mean Girls’ also looks at the microscopic lens the girls are viewed through. The overly opinionated internet is a harsh and critical landscape for a music idol, but the group say they have a solid foundation from their training period that have helped them with this high pressured environment.

“I think we were pretty well prepared!” Megan says.

Lara co-signs this sentiment, nodding stoically as she pushes up her opticals that have slid down her nose as she checks her phone. “I agree.” 

“We had so many amazing instructors and mentors and such a great team behind us that really taught us a lot about what we were to expect.” Sophia explains. “I think a lot of the things that caught us off guard were not things we weren’t prepared for, we just didn’t know how it would feel until we actually experienced it. So we knew that a lot of things were gong to happen, but how we were going to feel whilst it was going to happen and knowing if it was something we were comfortable with or if we loved it or how we navigated it, is something where the learning was on us, but we got a lot of benefits from the training period and people we were surrounded by.” 

They have a candidness and great self-awareness with the inevitable learnings of being in a group.

“I would say, we’re very very supportive of one another.” Sophia continues. “I think that’s one of our biggest strengths too, is how we always hold each other accountable. We’re always communicating, we’re so supportive of one another. We always make sure that we resolve things, once it’s brought up, because we care about each other a lot and that’ something that keeps us going and keeps us together.”

Finding their rhythm with each other has been integral to the group’s success and their bond is very clear. There are moments where I pose a question and Lara or Megan shoots a mischievous glance to one of the other members, as if I have uncovered a private joke, daring the other members to divulge it. They finish each other’s sentences and when they get enthused by a question chirp over one another with glee. They’re so close now, they’ve forged a deep dynamic that’s full of joy, humorous bickering and sisterhood.

‘Since we’re so so close now and we’re so real with each other, we’ve just learned everything about one another. What we love, what we don’t love, our dislikes including our good and bad qualities.” Daniela explains. ‘We’re so close and every day we get closer and closer. We’re stronger as a  group on stage too. As the days go by, our connections are more authentic too- we’re just like sisters.”

“Going off what Dani said,” Megan adds. “I think over the year. We’ve really figured out what works and what each member needs to do our best- including when we’re preparing for a performance, or even in rehearsals, I know what I need to do be able to focus and do my best, or what Yoonchae needs and we know how to work from of that. I know for early mornings, Sophia usually has a lot of energy, but me personally, I don’t have a lot of energy, so we know how to navigate those situations a lot better now. Especially as when we first started out, we were trying to still figure that out, sometimes there would be a clash within those energies, but throughout the year we really learned those nuances about each other that’s help us become more of a family and support one another.” 

KATSEYE are refreshingly honest about their sisterly cat fights in both interviews and on social media. Connecting with their fans is a huge part of their success. They’ll often settle arguments over a live with their fans, and candidly tell anecdotes of both the highs and the lows of their journey. Lara explains the importance of being honest with each other and their fans.

“I feel like it’s really important to us that we’re as candid and authentic as possible. I think, for us, it wouldn’t be very fun if we didn’t really show who we each are individually and also our dynamic as six. We try our best to utilise (our socials), especially Weverse as a place where we really get to talk to our fans a lot. We go live, Weverse DM where we personally talk to our EYEKONS. It’s taken some time, but we’ve really opened up to them, so our relationship with them feels like a literal friendship and I’m not even just saying that. We really talk to them and have fun with them and I feel like I’m in a group chat with my best friends. I really wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

The bond they have cultivated with their fans is so strong that when I ask them divulge anything that their EYEKONS might not know, they struggle. 

“Sometimes I think they know more about us than we do about ourselves” Sophia laughs.

“I agree.” Megan adds “they find out things and then I find out after them…”  

I’m intrigued to know if there is anything that the fan have picked up on that they won’t be able to live down, to which they all laugh and look towards a mortified looking Megan.

“I went live a while ago and I did this face (she demonstrates it for me) and the EYEKONS took a screenshot of it and it and now it’s in every single comment section now about KATSEYE and I see it everywhere. They won’t let me live it down. It’s been maybe a couple of months.” 

“It’s become a meme outside of KATSEYE and EYEKONS.” Sophia says. “I’ve seen people that don’t even know KATSEYE use it It’s an actual meme.  Manon literally said yesterday “They’re never going to let you live this down” and I instant knew what she as talking about!”

“I’m praying it goes away’ Megan laughs, putting her head in her hands. 

“It’s iconic dude!” Sophia reassures her. Since the interview weeks ago, the meme appears to still be going strong, so there is no chance of it going away any time soon. 

“But… something that is really cute that I have noticed (that EYEKONS might not have)” Megan tells me, keen to move on from the meme. “When Yoonchae is learning English and she has so many accents! Some of her words have a Filipino accent to it and words like ‘Bad Girl’ has a little British accent to it. Oh and ‘period!’”

“It’s like really scary (how good) her American accent is!” Lara, who hails from LA says. This talk erupts into playful teasing “Something we sometimes can’t stop doing is a British accent. I will say that I started the trend. I did the British accent, literally every day.” 

“I don’t know about that’ Megan retorts, like sisters playfully bickering with one of her siblings.

“No, I did! I did! Don’t even!” Lara pleads, which sets the group off laughing. “Ok, ok. I started the resurgence of it. We do it (the accent) all day and every day.” 

“I did it with a different crowd the other day” Sophia laughs. “I was like- oh sorry! Wrong crowd and they were like-“what?” I said ‘You guys aren’t in KATSEYE, I forget!’”

I suggest they need to add a British member, but Megan keeps the commitment to the bit.

“We do! We’re all British- we’re just hiding our British accent.” 

Their interest in the UK extends past the accent. I ask them what they want to see when they inevitably head to Britain on tour in the future. 

“I’m weirdly obsessed with the royal family” Manon, who hails from Switzerland, tells me, “so probably I would love to see Buckingham palace” to which Megan begins to formulate a plan with her to go together. 

“The best Indian food (outside of the country) is in the UK, obviously!” Lara exclaims. “I just want to get some really good Indian food” before we both launch into chatting about our favourite South Asian restaurants in the U.K. 

In terms of British music, the group have plenty of favourite artists. When I ask who they like over the Atlantic, everyone turns to Lara.

“Raye!” Which they all agree with “and can I say… Charli XCX?” I wonder why she is reticent to say the BRAT star, but I learn later that the Queen of Lime green had co-wrote their track ‘GABRIELA’ which hasn’t been released yet, so she was erring on the side of caution when it came to spoilers.

 “I have a British artist that I love” Manon chimes in enthusiastically “It’s Olivia Dean! She’s absolutely amazing and incredible talented!” 

“Oh! I have another one!” Lara adds to the list “Lancey Foux!” 

“We loooove Lancey” Megan fawns.

‘Beautiful Chaos’ sound is eclectic as the group’s favourite British artists, but they have threaded cohesive themes and sounds to have a method to the madness. They’re steadily working out what they want their sound to be, and having a lot of fun playing around with different genres. ‘GABRIELA’ is KATSEYE’S ‘JOLENE.’ A latin song about the duality of admiring and fearing another woman, with a music video set to a campy telenovela, with big hair, impossibly difficult choreography, Daniela singing in Spanish and a cameo from Jessica Alba. 

What anchors KATSEYE as they seamless sail through multiple genres is their talent, hard-work and ambition. They’re so good, it’s almost intimating watching them perform. You can’t teach star power, but you can put them all together in the same constellation and watch them put on a spectacular show.