After two years of thrilling accolades and performances, boy group ASC2NT has announced their return with STILL: I, the group’s first mini album.
Members KARAM, JAY, REON, KYLE and HYOWON worked together to produce five unique songs for the album. With “STILL ROSE” being their title track, the track list includes “The Boy In The Mirror,” “Purple Rain,” “Full Moon,” and “Replay.” ASC2NT released preview teasers on their social media, showcasing the sharp knife-like choreography for “STILL ROSE,” a song that contains modern house beats paired with an addictive up-tempo melody.
Now, the charming members of ASC2NT took the time to greet fans, share the process of making their album and reflected on some important highlights from their career. Check out their song “STILL ROSE” and dive into their exclusive interview with ZAPZEE.
Q. ASC2NT returned with mini album STILL: I and title track “STILL ROSE.” Why was this song chosen as the title track? How does it represent the new version of ASC2NT?
KARAM: We chose “STILL ROSE” as the title track because it seemed to be a song that revealed the message that the mini album Still: I was trying to convey the best. I think ASC2NT can show fans a beautiful and gentle image that we never showcased before.
Q. Members KYLE, KARAM and REON worked on the lyrics for “Purple Rain.” Was It difficult to come up with lyrics, or did the group have similar styles in writing?
REON: Actually, the lyrics for “Purple Rain” were not discussed and written by the three of us at once. We wrote the entire song by ourselves and sent it to the composer, Kang Ji Won, separately. The composer chose the best parts for each member, and later we discovered the lyrics each member wrote were included in verse 1, chorus, and verse 2. We didn’t even discuss and think about what to write beforehand, but strangely, when we put the song together, the flow was perfectly connected as if it were written as one whole song from the beginning.
Q. ASC2NT’s choreography for “STILL ROSE” looks uniquely different and more intricate than usual. Can you tell fans about the making and the learning process of the choreography?
JAY: We put the most effort into matching the overall narrative of the choreography. I thought that the key to this choreography was delicate motion and delivering a story beyond just ‘powerfulness’ by merely performing big and strong movements. We practiced while keeping in mind why each movement flows and is so connected.
Q. Which one of your MVs has been the most fun to film so far?
JAY: I really enjoyed the MV for “Replay” that was released in December last year. In fact, we all wore thin outfits in the really cold winter weather at that time. We took the pictures and felt anxious, but I remember how we focused and relaxed and relied on each other to forget the shivering cold.
KYLE: The pre-release song for our second single, CONVERSION PART.1, and the music video for “Your Echo” are the most memorable. ASC2NT went to the beach to film, and it was our first time going to the beach with all the members, so everyone was very excited. It felt like we were traveling together, rather than working. Especially in the evening, I remember having fun with the members lighting fireworks, and I think the energy on the set was the best because of the free atmosphere.
Q. For new fans of ASC2NT, which of your songs do you think best represents the group image and why?
REON: I really want to recommend “You Already Have My Heart, My Dear” from CONVERSION PART.2. Actually, as soon as I received the guide song, I felt positive this was our song. I think the lyrics and strong charm of ASC2NT are embedded in this song. Like the title of the song, it conveys our hearts to the fans. If you’ve just started to get to know us, you will be able to feel closer to ASC2NT’s true feelings through this song.
HYOWON: I’d like to recommend “DON’T MOVE,” the title track of CONVERSION PART.2. I think it’s the most intense song that showcases the capabilities of ASC2NT. Our vocal colors, ranging from solid high notes and unique raps to charming low notes, are all contained in that one song. I think it will be the perfect introduction song for those who want to feel ASC2NT’s broad musical spectrum at once.
Q. Are there any K-Dramas you are interested in lately?
KARAM: I like the pace of The Art of Sarah and how the deep insight into social intricacies makes it a fascinating plot.
HYOWON: Actually, I’m not the type to watch dramas, but there’s a recent movie I really want to watch called Once We Were Us. I’m not familiar with the romance melodrama genre, so I wonder if I can relate to these emotions, so I’d like to watch it if I have time.
>> Exclusive Interview: ASC2NT Shed Youthful Image For Chic Visuals With New Album and Asia Tour
What did you think of this wonderful boy group? Will you be adding ASC2NT’s new songs to your playlist? Show your support for them in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow ASC2NT on their social media and follow ZAPZEE on Instagram and Twitter for more exclusive K-Pop interviews and news updates.
