Sustaining longevity in any music scene is difficult enough, least of all in the competitive world of K-pop – and yet veteran group VIXX continue to defy the odds.
Breaking out in 2012 with an electrifying balance of art and pop, it wasn’t long before VIXX developed a sharp reputation as ‘concept kings’ via theatrical music videos and musical-esque stage performances, with some of their most famous moments being depictions of cyborgs, disturbing voodoo puppet dolls as well as Jekyll and Hyde. Delivering a consistent stream of hits over the years – like 2017’s beloved “Shangri-La” – conceptual art has always remained at the core of VIXX’s offerings, which is no different for their latest mini-album CONTINUUM.
Highly anticipated by fans after a lengthy four-year wait for a new body of work, the five tracks of CONTINUUM operate within an overarching theme of continuity, taking shape as a collection which conveys both the personal and musical growth of the trio: “Through this album, we were able to look back on each of our own paths, as well as the path we’ve walked as VIXX,” group member LEO stated.
Led by the R&B-driven “Amnesia”, the track is a true comeback in every sense of the word. Layering dreamy vocal chops with snappy drums and guitar loops, the production dramatically escalates to its hard-hitting chorus, defined by intense electric guitars and soaring vocal harmonies. Proving to still be the ‘concept kings’ but in a matured and elevated capacity, “Amnesia” delivers a lore-fueled cinematic music video, deeply connecting with the song’s lyrical tale of a surreal and distorted romantic experience whilst they also seek to repair a destroyed ring-like object.
Celebrating “Amnesia” and the release of CONTINUUM, we caught up with LEO, KEN, and HYUK to talk about the layered themes and multiple meanings of their latest comeback, their experiences working as a team to prepare new music, as well as their reflections on their decade-long careers in K-pop.
Watch the visuals for “Amnesia”…
Read the interview…
Hi VIXX and welcome to Wonderland! First of all, congratulations on the release of CONTINUUM. How do you feel about finally releasing your new album to the world?
LEO: It’s our first album in 4 years, and we’re so excited because we can prepare for a concert with the album!
KEN: I’m so excited because it’s been a while since I had a chance to fill the end of the year with good songs, good performances, and good memories for our fans, Starlight!
HYUK: On one hand, I feel sorry that the fans had to wait extensively for our comeback, but I’m very excited to showcase VIXX’s new songs again after considerable personal growth through individual activities.
This is your first comeback in about 4 years. How do you think each of you have grown during the hiatus, personally and as an artist?
LEO: I felt a lot of pressure when I was on stage alone, but I also had a lot of passion to learn, and I think I’ve become stronger because of that effort and passion.
KEN: As I recognised my shortcomings and worked hard on this album, I’ve observed considerable growth in my expertise and maturity through numerous discussions with the members about aspects like the concept we wanted to portray, musicality, and thoughts related to the song and choreography.
HYUK: As I have grown a lot, both externally and internally, I think I have found the direction I want to go and I have confidence in my identity. I was the youngest member who didn’t have many parts, but now I think it’s a relief that I can contribute to the stage musically and performance-wise.
What is the theme or message that runs through the five songs in this album? Also, what is a recurring motif or story that unites these songs?
LEO: I think the keyword “continuity” is important. It’s an album about the path VIXX has taken so far and the path that will continue indefinitely. Please listen to it while thinking about how we have grown over the past four years and what you can expect from now on.
KEN: On one hand, I think this album represents VIXX itself. From the title track that expresses precious memories and values that we don’t want to forget, to the three tracks that clearly show each member’s color, to the fan song that we really wanted to deliver to our fans, I think it’s an album that contains everything about VIXX!
HYUK: We even participated a lot in the process of making this album. We worked hard to show VIXX’s sincerity, from selecting songs to planning and filming music videos to introducing the album. I think it would be good if you take a close look at VIXX’s “sincerity” and “world view” from it.
I’m curious if you’ve tried any new sounds in the process of working on your comeback after a long time, and if so, how did you work on it?
LEO: In the past, VIXX was known for being “concept idols” that matched our sounds with various concepts, but in this album, we tried to capture VIXX’s own color.
KEN: We’ve grown a lot both individually and as artists through our individual activities. We wanted to bring out the new vocal and performance details while clarifying the message we wanted to convey, so I think we tried various things not limited to a specific sound.
HYUK: Starting with the title track, all the songs in this album are songs that we tried to understand and express in our own way. In any genre, we tried to make it a “VIXX-like” song, incorporating our musical strengths and values.
Out of this album’s songs, what song did you especially want to play for your fans?
LEO: I think it’s the fifth track, “If You Come Tonight.” It’s a song written as a fan song, and it’s a song about how thankful we are for each other, we wanted to let you know our true feelings as a singer because we cherish and miss Starlights.
How did you support each other during the creation of CONTINUUM — were there any specific moments during this comeback where you had to overcome challenges as a team?
VIXX: There were differences of opinion due to our varied tastes in music, compounded by the time constraints and physically demanding schedule of our simultaneous comeback preparation. However, the sheer happiness of reuniting and collaborating as VIXX after an extended hiatus was a remarkable moment for us. Because we usually talk to each other and know each other so well, we were able to prepare well, supported by the uplifting presence of the members and the fans who were waiting for us.
How do you think the R&B-based sound of the title track “Amnesia” shows VIXX’s musical growth?
VIXX: In this album, we wanted to show the ‘most VIXX-like’ side, not limited to the genre and style. Especially in the case of “Amnesia”, I chose it because it emphasizes the vocals, one of the best strengths of the members. At the same time, it’s a sound that indicates VIXX’s current situation. While working on the song, I tried to capture VIXX’s identity in the song as much as possible by exchanging opinions with the composer.
How do you think the title song shows each member’s charm and identity within VIXX?
KEN: As I mentioned earlier, we actively exchanged opinions with the composer while working on the song, reflecting our understanding and ability to express each of our parts and the overall flow of the song. The topic of ‘memory loss’ aimed to portray the connection between VIXX and Starlight through the story of cherished individuals we are unwaveringly committed to and instinctively drawn to, even amidst losing all memories.
VIXX is a group that is especially well-known for its visual storytelling, video, and in-stage concepts. Can you explain the symbols and meanings behind the visuals in “Amnesia” and the overall direction of this comeback?
VIXX: If it’s the overall direction of this comeback, we wanted to focus on the music, stage, and universe of VIXX. The title song, “Amnesia”, is about limitless possibilities and journeys, and we wanted to express the beliefs of VIXX in a more cinematic way. The ring in the music video symbolises VIXX’s world. As the ring broke, each member forgot about the important values in their different dreams. After recovering their memories, the ring joined together representing how VIXX reunited as one. So, we think it would be easier to understand if you watch the music video with that in mind.
“If You Come Tonight” is a song that demonstrates how much VIXX loves their fans, Starlights. How do you think Starlights’ relationship with you has influenced your music and activities so far?
LEO: Fans inspire us to be better individuals, and they perceive us as such as well. Through this interaction, VIXX and Starlights can grow, producing better music and making more precious memories.
KEN: I believe fans consistently encourage and motivate us. This album also played a pivotal role in driving us to not disappoint our fans in the future, motivating us to strive harder and become more ambitious in delivering better performances for them.
HYUK: With the theme revolving around “instinctively rediscovering cherished things despite memory loss,” and the messages embedded in our songs, we consistently draw energy and inspiration from Starlights, so we do our best to make good memories for Starlights whenever we work on music or do activities.
LEO contributed to the lyrics of two songs, “If You Come Tonight” and “Chemical.” I’m curious about your process in working on these tracks. What aspects do you prioritise when writing lyrics?
LEO: While the message of the lyrics sometimes changes from time to time, in the case of “If You Come Tonight”, the main message is a message that we couldn’t tell the fans during the break. We tried to express all the emotions we wanted to tell our fans through “If You Come Tonight” – not only how grateful we were to Starlights, but also how much we wanted to have a good time with Starlights.
“Chemical” is a song that compares the feelings of falling in love between a man and a woman to a ‘chemical’, and it’s a track that expresses me in this album. I tried to show my colour and musicality while writing the lyrics and recording the song. The melody of the chorus was so addictive that I advocated for it to be the title song. Ultimately, I thought that “Amnesia” fits the title track of this album more, but it’s a good song, so I hope you listen to it a lot!
HYUK, you participated in writing and composing “LILAC”. How did you approach creating this particular track, and did you encounter any difficulties during the overall production of the song?
HYUK: There are songs in this album that capture each member’s identity and colour the best, and “LILAC” is the song that expresses me the most. Thinking about how to express myself, I chose this genre that I wanted to try as a member of VIXX. I tried to create a more entrancing and calmer atmosphere compared to “Amnesia” and “SAVAGE” through images and expressions that symbolise innocence such as flowers and butterflies.
The music industry is constantly changing, and even compared to VIXX’s previous promotions, the TikTok challenge is now a must for the song’s popularity. How are you adapting to the change and growth of the industry? And how are you coping with the challenges and burdens that come with these changes?
LEO: Through this comeback, I realised that there have been so many changes in the industry, starting with the challenge. As for TikTok, it’s such an unfamiliar world that I feel intimidated, but I’m trying hard to follow along with the members.
HYUK: This is my first time doing a challenge with other artists, so I feel quite a bit of pressure, but I’m going to do my best. I think it’s an opportunity to learn from the MZ Generation who are well aware of the times.
Is there anyone in particular who you’d like to film TikTok challenges with?
KEN: I want to film the “Amnesia” challenge with B1A4’s Sandeul and BTS’ JIN of the 92-Line!!
When you look back on your career, what moment would each of you be the proudest of?
LEO: It’s hard to choose because we have so many proud memories of our performances and fan concerts. But to choose just one moment, we participated in an event called the Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day Concert in the U.S. It was very impressive to be able to participate in an event with Usher there and even greet Usher, so it remains a very good memory.
KEN: I remember being on the same stage with many seniors whom I looked up to since I was young; TVXQ, Monday Kids, Hwanhee, and many more. It was so nice to be able to perform with the seniors I’ve admired since I was young while having fun with my fans!
HYUK: It brings back memories of the year-end performances that remain ingrained in many people’s minds as VIXX’s legendary performances. We took immense pride in presenting songs like “Shangri-La” and “Scientist” in performances tailored to match these year-end shows.
Also, what do you think is an important factor in VIXX’s identity that contributes to consistent enthusiasm and support from fans?
LEO: I think the reason why VIXX is still loved so much is because of the unique role and position that only VIXX can fulfil. Our strengths in vocals and performance, coupled with our values and musical tastes, combine to create a musical trajectory that is exclusive to VIXX. Our identity as VIXX appears well-defined because our members grasp precisely what sets us apart.
I want to ask all the members: What is the biggest driving force to continue your career as VIXX?
LEO: I think all of my happiest moments during the 12 years were with the members. I want to share that happiness with the members in the future, so I want to be on stage as VIXX for a long time.
KEN: I already feel that my identity itself is indivisible with VIXX. Without VIXX and Starlights, “Lee Jae-hwan” and “KEN” would have become very different people now, so I always think of them as my every reason to keep being active!
HYUK: I’m always grateful to the members and fans because I learned a lot and was influenced by VIXX. We all care about each other and our fans, so I think we can overcome any difficulties by putting each other first and continuing our activities as VIXX.
Can you share anything about your upcoming plans — perhaps an international tour?
VIXX: Actually, it’s just been revealed that we’re going to continue VIXX LIVE FANTASIA CONTINUUM overseas. After the concert in Seoul, we’re going to visit Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Kaohsiung to have fun with the Starlights, so please show a lot of interest!
Lastly, how do you want to be remembered in the future?
LEO: I’m sure all the members feel the same way. Rather than accomplishing achievements and accomplishing something, I want to be remembered as an artist who has been able to enjoy our performances on stage for a long time with our fans. I want to continue our activities for as long as possible and continue the path we have taken.
KEN: If someone thinks of VIXX, I hope they remember our love for our fans and the memories we made while spending time together. I hope we can fill up the memories of VIXX with precious memories that Starlights made while enjoying our performance and good days together!
HYUK: I want to be remembered as the expression ‘VIXX-like’ that I tried to express through this album. My goal is to make sure that we continue to make ‘VIXX-like’ music while continuing our activities in various styles and genres while maximising our own musicality, strengths, and colour.
This interview was translated from Korean to English.