Stray Kids have returned as “Rock-Star” after deep contemplation on bringing something new to the table.
At a press conference on the morning of the 10th to celebrate their latest release, the boys shared, “We’ve come back with an album prepared for our fans amidst our busy schedules.” They added, “If our previous work Five-Star has established Stray Kids’ unique color, with Rock-Star, we wanted to show a more liberated atmosphere.”
The title track “LALALALA” embodies the message that among the various emotions experienced in life, the last choice should be “rock.” Discussing the theme of the album, Seungmin commented, “Being a singer comes with its hardships. There are times I question why I chose this path and feel exhausted.” He continued, “But practicing and dancing with the members always feels new and makes me happy in my music career.”
Previously, Stray Kids solidified their global popularity with last year’s Ordinary and Maxident, and their third full album Five-Star released in June, which all made it onto the Billboard 200. On top of that, they completed a dome tour in Japan. Lee Know expressed gratitude, “All three albums we’ve released so far have reached number one on Billboard 200. It’s all thanks to STAY (fandom name).” He continued, “It was only possible because of those who love and support our music. I don’t know how this album will do, but I hope for good results.”
Bang Chan commented on their Billboard chart success, “It still feels unbelievable. I was speechless when I heard the news in our basement practice room, and I still feel the same way.” Seungmin chimed in, “It’s amazing and an honor to be mentioned alongside Billboard and Taylor Swift. It makes me think we need to work even harder.”
Regarding the secret to their global popularity, Changbin said, “It seems like people really appreciate our own stories and unique presence that we write ourselves.” He vowed, “We will continue to make music with stubbornness and conviction.”
Having returned from “S-Class” to “LALALALA,” Bang Chan shared, “The Five-Star and Rock-Star have a connection. If the last album stamped our ‘Five-Star’ character, this time, we wanted to show a new side of us as free ‘Rock-Stars.’ Even the tracks are arranged freely. You can expect to hear a new side of Stray Kids.”
