Stray Kids talk about making history with their new album ‘KARMA’

Stray Kids are arguably the hardest working act in the music world right now and it’s clear the musical juggernaut has no plans of slowing down. As they wound down their gargantuan dominATE stadium world tour, the octet still found time to release their new album ‘KARMA,’ forged from late night writing sessions in hotel rooms around the globe, crafting their album in-between sound-checks and performing to tens of thousands of STAY each night. Their incredibly work ethic paid off, and earned the K-Pop idols their seventh consecutive debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart- the first artists in history to achieve such a feat. Driven by their incredibly driven leader Bang Chan, the group, consisting of Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, Felix, Seungmin and I.N, continue to explore things sonically with ‘KARMA.’ 

Anchoring the centre of the album is ‘Half Time’ with all the markings of a classic, maximalist, Stray Kids’ song. The track has a melody that playfully hops around, plenty of percussion and American football sound effects woven in (should we start manifesting a Super Bowl halftime show now?) Having a song that has a strong sonic DNA of the group’s discography allows them to branch out in a kaleidoscope of musical genre directions for the rest of the album. Their whimsically bonkers lead track ‘CEREMONY’ has a live-performance-crowd-pleaser written all over it.  A particularly successful experiment has come in the form of punk-rock. ‘In My Head’ has a noughties skater punk-pop, Greenday or Blink 182 rocky-angst to it, which suits the group’s sound well, with crashing guitar riffs and existential lyrics. ‘MESS’ continues the forlorn mood with a sweeping rock ballad of longing. 3RACHA (the production and sub-unit, comprising of Bang Chan, HAN and Changbin) continue to refine their RnB prowess, with the really accomplished rap track ‘CREED’ full of production depth, cranking sound and a more mellow rap style. For all the exploration, like the message that runs through a stick of seaside rock, Stray Kids make sure to continue reflecting their journey. ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Ghost’ both follow the group’s journey of overcoming trials, hurdles with determination and drive- key pillars and manta of Stray Kids. 

September is a busy time for the Kids. The Sunshine Twins HAN and Felix have celebrated their birthdays this week and Seungmin’s birthday falls a week later on the 22nd.The first month of autumn also marks the beginning of fashion week season, so we expect to see several members to migrate to Europe for their solo brand ambassador obligations before they flock back together to their award-winning, record breaking formation. Several members of the group are now installed at luxury brands: Bang Chan for Fendi; Lee Know for Gucci; Hyunjin for Versace; Felix for Louis Vuitton; Seungmin for Burberry and I.N for Bottega Veneta. AMonst all the work, the group also don’t forget to have plenty of fun whilst travelling the world together in close quarters, whether Seungmin is sticking a kiwi-fruit sticker on Hyunjin’s newly buzzed head or Changbin continuing his bold quest to be king of Aegyo, the group have made sure to share the more playful side of their tour on social media. During their incredibly busy schedule of travelling the world making music and making history, Stray Kids found a little bit of time to talk to us about the new album and core memories formed on tour. 

‘KARMA’ is your seventh consecutive number one on the Billboard 200 chart, breaking a record as the first act to do so in the chart’s 70 year history! When you first formed as a group, did you ever think you would be breaking these kinds of records? How does it feel to have sold out so many stadiums for your tour all around the world?

Seungmin: We never imagined this when we first debuted, and even now, it still feels like a dream. Performing the music we love in front of so many fans in huge stadiums is truly incredible. We’re so grateful for all the support from STAY, and we sincerely hope moments like this continue for a long time.

Is there any memory or milestone when you first started out that you always will remember? It may feel very small now, but at the time seemed huge at the time.

Hyunjin: One moment I’ll never forget is when we first released “God’s Menu”. It’s one of our earlier songs that got a really positive reaction from the fans and public. I think it was the first time we truly felt a sense of accomplishment. Looking back now, it might seem small, but at the time it meant so much to us.

You’re used to achieving your goals. Have you got any milestones that you would like to achieve? Like playing at a certain festival, or with an artist, or a particular place?

HAN: If I ever get the chance, I’d love to perform on a stage like YUNGBLUD. I’ve always been a fan of his music, and the energy of his performances is something I really admire. It would be amazing to share the stage with him someday.

‘CREED’ and ‘CEREMONY’ continue with your experimental songwriting style with progressive rap and hip hop and ’In My Head’ has a Noughties Emo-punk/Greenday vibe to it. What genres have you enjoyed experimenting with the most for this album?

Changbin: I’d say it’s the song “Phoenix”. It was a really fun challenge because we tried to combine drum and bass with EDM in a single track, experimenting with new sounds and energy.

What would you say is essential or a trademark that makes a Stray Kids song?

I.N: I think our music has hooks that make people want to sing along to it at least once. Catchy lyrics and distinctive melodies are definitely some of our signature traits.

‘In My Head’ has a really strong emo-pop-punk style. The lyrics deal with feeling frustrated. Do you often get frustrated? What gets you frustrated and how do you solve it/clear your mind?

Lee Know: I see frustration and feeling stuck as natural things that come when you’ve been working hard. When that happens, I try to relieve it through exercise or other ways to clear my mind.

Do any songs make you super-emotional when you perform them live?

Felix: the song “Stray Kids” really makes me emotional. When I perform it, I can’t help but think back on our journey as Stray Kids and all the moments we’ve shared so far, which makes me really immersed in the feelings of the song.

The lyrics for ‘0801’ seem very connected to STAY. Was that the intention? Can you explain more about the song? What’s the significance of the numbers ‘0801’ in the song title?

Bang Chan: 0801 represents the 1st of August which is the “birth date” of our fandom, STAY. A song completely dedicated to STAY, I really wanted to express how we will always stand by them and that we will also be their strength when needed. A special little birthday gift for STAY because they have done so much for us.

You have just finished your dominATE world tour, do you have a particular favourite memory with another member from this tour?

Bang Chan: We can get extremely busy when we’re on tour but for 3RACHA, our producing team, it can get even more hectic because we have to make or fix projects on the go. But as veterans of our roles, we were able to make a lot of songs such as “CREED” for the album “KARMA”, all possible in the hotel room.

Felix: I have a fun memory of playing computer games with the members while preparing backstage for the concert. 

Changbin: I went for a walk around Europe with Seungmin. It was really nice and refreshing to explore a new place together.

What do you like doing with your free time? Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests since being on tour?

Hyunjin: I usually spend my free time drawing or visiting exhibitions. Drawing in new places gives my art a fresh perspective, and it’s also fun to see artworks I don’t normally get to see.

HAN: While on tour, I started going for walks, and now I think I’ve picked up a hobby of strolling around or enjoying a good matcha latte at a nice café.

Lee Know: I really enjoyed running around and exploring the countries we visited on tour. It felt so refreshing!

Is there anything that another member used to do on tour/travelling that you miss?

Seungmin: I  hope Changbin’s loud talk and actions never go away. They keep things lively and there’s never a dull moment!

I.N: During the tour, I often went swimming with Hyunjin, and now that we’re back in Korea with less time to swim, I really miss those moments we spent in the pool together.