#SHOWBIZ: CRAVITY aspire to be K-pop masters

New Straits Times

11 hours ago

RISING K-pop sensations CRAVITY recently made their Malaysian debut at the K-pop Masterz concert series.
The show was held at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
CRAVITY, a nine-member group, debuted in 2020 and were quickly dubbed "Monster Rookies" by the South Korean media.
Known for their energetic performances, captivating stage presence and unique musical style, the group consists of Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung and Seongmin.
They shot to fame with tracks such as 'Break All The Rules' and 'Cloud 9', earning several Rookie Of The Year awards at South Korean music shows.
BILLBOARD
Formed by Starship Entertainment, they debuted on April 14, 2020, with their extended play 'Season 1. Hideout: Remember Who We Are'.
CRAVITY subsequently became the first 2020 rookie artiste to debut on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 and earned "New Artiste of the Year" at the 12th Melon Music Awards, "Best of Next" at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and "Rookie Award" in the 4th Soribada Awards.
UNIVERSE
In a recent interview to mark their debut performance in Kuala Lumpur, Woobin said that Jungmo, Wonjin, Minhee and Hyeongjun participated in the show Produce X 101 in 2019, representing Starship Entertainment.
"We officially became CRAVITY in March 2020. CRAVITY's name is an amalgamation of the words 'Creativity' and 'Gravity' that implies bringing you into our universe with our unique charm," he said.
UPBEAT
When asked to describe their music, Woobin said: "It's infectious, upbeat and inventive, a blend of K-pop, hip-hop, EDM and pop, with catchy melodies and powerful vocal and rap performances."
Wonjin said: "Our music showcases a range of themes, reflecting the experiences of youth, personal growth, empowerment and self-confidence."
Allen described their major musical influences as boybands Shinee, BTS, Monsta X and NCT, as well as international solo artiste Lauv.
CRAVITY's recent concert might be their first in the country, but Jungmo said that they had visited KL in the past.
"A few years ago, we visited Malaysia for the first time — the weather was amazing, the atmosphere was so nice, and the people's reactions were incredible.
"We made so many happy memories, and personally, it's a place I'd love to visit again."
All of the band's members had dreamed of becoming successful artistes.
FIRST
Wonjin said: "Music is the first thing that perks me up every morning, likewise my bandmates."
"It's like food for my soul," added Allen.
Wonjin added that while all of them are into dance music and pop, he personally prefers R&B music.
"I love the chill vibes when I listen to this genre of music," he said.
ROCK
Allen said: "For me, rock and hip-hop any day. They are cool and fast."
Have the boys dabbled in acting?
"Not yet, but we would love to try acting in future. For me, starring in an action movie is great," said Serim.
What was their best experience in a concert to date?
Seongmin said: "That was during our recent concert 'Beyond Your Memories' in Seoul. Everyone sang and danced, and it was a truly nostalgic moment."
TOUR
Whenever they go on a world tour, the boys feel very excited.
According to Jungmo, the most exciting thing about a world tour is visiting different countries, learning different languages and getting to know different ways of life.
"We love discovering new things," he said.
All members of the group now write music, and they are proud of "standing on their own feet".
Woobin said: "At first, only the founding members could write music. Now all of us do. For our second album, all of us wrote at least a song."
PILOT
What would they have been if they had not become singers?
"If I were not a singer, I would have been a basketball player," said Wonjin.
"I'd be a pilot as I love flying," said Allen.
TRACKS
When asked about their new album 'Dare To Crave', Hyeongjun said that it has 12 songs.
"Besides the first single 'Set Net Go?!' about determination and the will to succeed, the other songs include three unit tracks," he said.
Allen said: "It symbolises the audacity of embracing one's desires and instincts."
As for the unit tracks, they explore personal aspects of their shared identity.
BLURRED
Woobin said: "I produced 'Rendez-vous' about encounters that awaken blurred emotions.
Serim said: "I composed 'Marionette' about complex feelings and intense relationships."
Wonjin said: "And I came up with 'Wish Upon A Star', a soft and reflective song about promises kept after a long wait.
"As for 'Set Net Go?!' it encapsulates youthful energy and invites fans to surge forward through life's challenges."
FOOD
Who is the greatest musician or singer they have worked with?
"Singer and music producer Brother Su is a great person I have worked with. He bought me lots of delicious food, helped me sing better and guided me in my career"" said Wonjin.
"Joohoney of Monsta X helped us a lot, he is full of brilliant musical ideas and brings such great energy to us," said Allen.