CIX. Image: Courtesy of C9 Entertainment
One of the key themes in CIX’s seventh mini-album “Thunder Fever” is the intensity of a person’s emotions when anxiety and desire are felt at once. Portraying this concept, however, took some time as the members ensured it would “strike listeners’ hearts” like lightning.
Even though it’s been six years since the debut of CIX — consisting of BX, Seunghun, Yonghee, and Hyunsuk — the K-pop boy group had the mindset of a rookie in the production of “Thunder Fever.” It was a mini-album meant to reintroduce the quartet and their identity, which put more pressure on the members.
“The process wasn’t too different from what we usually go through, but I feel more attached to this album because we spent a long time preparing for it. We wanted to present our fans with a powerful album that truly represents CIX, and we felt that now was the perfect time to do so,” Seunghun told INQUIRER.net in an email interview, recalling the creative process of the group’s record.
“We put a lot of effort into every aspect, including recording, our first overseas MV shoot, and refining the choreography to the smallest details,” he continued.
“Thunder Fever” kicks off with the groovy “Bad Moves” with the catchy “I don’t like the way you movin’ / I don’t like the way you groovin’ / I don’t like it when you move like that” in the refrain before shifting into the chorus. This continues with the title track “Thunder” and “Lovers or Enemies,” before closing off with the ballads “My name is shadow” and “My Everlasting Sun.”
The mini-album can be compared to a person going through intense emotions. One moment, they’re fine. But it drastically changes whenever they chance upon something or someone they feel, which CIX made sure to convey throughout the record. “The theme of this album is conveyed through the speaker’s anxiety and desire intertwining due to sudden and intense emotional turmoil,” Yonghee said. With this goal in mind, the quartet handled each step of the creative process with care.
“We approached each step carefully, starting from the song selection stage,” BX recalled. “The members and our company had many discussions to choose songs that still felt like CIX while exploring styles we hadn’t tried before, all while ensuring they would blend well together in the album.”
Improvement over results
“Thunder Fever” is a different direction from the usual releases of K-pop boy groups. While others opted for the noise- and youth-inspired genres, groove is the apparent focus of CIX with the record. While the group hopes for good results, showing growth through music and performances is what matters to them this time around.
Hyunsuk admitted that pressure is constant in their career. Despite this, paying more attention to the present and working hard for the future is a trait the group makes sure to live by.
“There’s pressure in everything we do, but I try to focus on the present and work hard for the future rather than feeling overwhelmed by it,” he said.
CIX in a concept photo for their seventh mini-album “Thunder Fever.” Image: Courtesy of C9 Entertainment
Meanwhile, Yonghee said the group makes it a point to “enjoy the process,” noting how the support of their dedicated fans (or FIX) reminds them of the fruits of their labor.
“I always want to achieve good results, but I’ve realized that focusing too much on outcomes makes it hard to enjoy the process,” he admitted, when asked if the group still feels pressured to find the balance between creating music for the charts and themselves. “Album promotions are also about creating memories with our fans, so I try to keep improving while keeping in mind the fans who always support us.”
Having the mindset of being the “best” is one of the things that CIX does when it comes to dealing with pressure. “I always step onto the stage with the mindset of ‘I’m the best! I can definitely do this,’” BX said, noting how it gives him the boost he needs.
For his part, Seunghun said he puts his all into his performance. “Actually, I don’t have a specific way to overcome nervousness,” he began. “When I’m nervous, I just get on stage and pour everything I’ve prepared into the performance, which helps me push through the nerves. Because of that, I think I give my best on every stage.”
CIX’s dedication to being at their best is one of the reasons why they were able to last for six years. Despite this feat, the quartet believes that their fans are the reason why they continue to remain in the industry.
“I’m proud of every moment I’ve spent with FIX. I believe it is the fans who always cheer for us that make us shine,” Hyunsuk said.