EXCLUSIVE
[INTERVIEW] 'I think music is something that I can't leave out in my life,' self-producing group AB6IX on 'THE FUTURE IS OURS : LOST' and their love for music

AKP STAFF

Composed of DONGHYUN, WOONG, DAEHWI, and WOOJIN, AB6IX — one of the most talented self-producing groups in the K-Pop scene, signed under Brand New Music — returned with its highly-anticipated mini-album 'THE FUTURE IS OURS : LOST,' seven months after their previous EP 'TAKE A CHANCE.'

With a triumphant four-year existence in the industry, the talented four-member boy group has already amassed an impressive discography. Having released two full-length albums and seven mini-albums, their musical journey has been marked by their noteworthy achievements. What sets them apart is the fact that all their albums have been self-written and self-produced by the members themselves, starting from their very first album, 'B:COMPLETE,' released in May 2019, up until their recent release, 'THE FUTURE IS OURS : LOST,' proving their unparalleled talents as fourth-generation idols and their love for music.

The quartet's seventh mini-album, 'THE FUTURE IS OURS : LOST,' features the intense alternative pop dance track, "LOSER," that contains a message of salvation, of efforts to find light in the darkness. Member DAEHWI once again participated in writing the song's lyrics.

Focused on presenting AB6IX's own story and the theme of pain in the process of "making the future ours," the new project is meant to play as the turning point of the beginning of the band’s next artistic journey.

Aside from the title song "LOSER," the record also includes four other tracks, titled "BLAZE," "REALITY," "EDEN," and "SUCKER."

In celebration of their highly-anticipated comeback, the members of AB6IX engaged in an insightful conversation with allkpop. They delved into the creative process behind 'THE FUTURE IS OURS: LOST' and expressed their profound passion for music. Keep reading to learn more about the band!

Shout-out from AB6IX to allkpop:

allkpop: First and foremost, we want to congratulate you on your new album! This marks your first new album release in 7 months since 'TAKE A CHANCE.' How does it feel to be back as a group to greet everyone with new music? How did the preparations for this one go?

DONGHYUN: First of all, I'm very thankful that we can greet you with a new album. While we were preparing for this album, we were able to prepare it together with our concert schedule. So I've been very busy every day, and I'm working hard as much as I'm busy.

DAEHWI: It seems like this comeback has been hectic, and I think I had to do well and finish the album well. We came back, and now that we're making a comeback as a group after a long time, I feel very good and I hope it goes well.

WOONG: I'm looking forward to it.

allkpop: From the trailer to the music video, this comeback oozes eerie and goosebump-invoking vibes. Please tell us more about the new album and the process behind its making. Could you please elaborate more on the concept and message the album wants to convey?

WOONG: Actually, I think the song "LOSER" was probably recorded when we were promoting last time. But all of our members were very happy that it became the title song. There are a lot of songs that were not included in the album. So I hope you think that AB6IX is always busy preparing an album 365 days a year.

WOOJIN: In the album, you'll be able to feel a bit different from the title song, including the B-side tracks. "LOSER" has a feeling that the world abandons us, but because ABNEW saves us, we come out into the world and live a new life.

allkpop: You always want to make sure that you put your fans first. What does it feel like to put out new music for everyone to listen to and evaluate or judge, especially your fans? Especially for AB6IX who is known for producing its own music—and you should be proud of yourselves for that because I know that the feeling is different if the members themselves contribute to the songs' creation for their group. What factors do you take into account before releasing new music?

DAEHWI: First of all, to be honest, those who listen to it may be hearing it for the first time, but we made a lot of modifications while working on it, and since we listened to the monitors several times, we were actually tired of our music before we released it. Also, when releasing new music, empathy seems to be the most important factor, and when I get that sympathy, I think that the music is good music. So I put a lot of effort into getting it right.

allkpop: As a producer, I know you want a song to come out as a good one and that it will be well-received by the public. And it's difficult to do that. Could you please walk us through the process of recording the songs? How do the four of you usually work together when you're in a studio?

DONGHYUN: Whether it's a song written by a member or by a producer inside or outside the company, we listen to it again and select good songs to record. When we work on songs, we're working hard in a comfortable space where we can get the most out of our abilities.

WOONG: There was virtually never a time when four of us worked together in one place. But now, it seems that each of us listens very hard to the songs we have worked on and acknowledges them.

allkpop: 'THE FUTURE IS OURS : LOST' marks AB6IX's 7th mini-album. It has just been 4 years since your debut and now you have a total of 7 EPs, not to mention the full albums. How does it feel to be able to produce that much music in such a short period of time, share it with the public, and note that you actually took part in creating some of these masterpieces?

WOOJIN: Now that I always participate in making albums, and whenever I do, I show the results of something, including our efforts so far and the efforts of that moment. I think it will always be an album with a lot of meaning.

DAEHWI: I feel the same way. While preparing for the album, it's nice to put our thoughts into it. I think that's why it's good.

allkpop: Speaking of your debut, AB6IX celebrated its 4th anniversary last May! Congratulations! What do you think has significantly improved a lot in terms of the skills of each member?

DONGHYUN: First of all, I think that performing on stage is the part that improved the most, and things like how to express songs when recording and singing seem to be improving a bit.

WOONG: I think I'm more relaxed now.

DAEHWI: I was going to say relaxation too, but I think I've gotten a little more relaxed, and I want to get to the point where I can play on stage.

WOOJIN: When I write lyrics, I think I try to think a little deeper and in many different ways than before.

allkpop: Out of all your albums and songs released so far, which project do you think represents AB6IX the most?

DAEHWI: Before the release, I thought it was 'BREATHE.' Our first album received a lot of love, but I hope 'THE FUTURE IS OURS: LOST' and "LOSER" become our representative songs.

allkpop: How do you usually work on improving your skills to be a better artist?

DONGHYUN: I think I'm trying to find and listen to a variety of songs.

WOONG: I think I need to take lessons consistently to improve my skills in terms of language and my skills overall.

DAEHWI: I'm trying to live loosely these days.

WOOJIN: I think I'm participating a lot in every aspect in order to repay my fans as much as I can. Whether it's the choreography or the song, I try to show as much as I can.

allkpop: The members come from a variety of musical backgrounds; some of you started into music through a competition, a chorus, a band, or simply through the influences of those around you. What place or role does art or music have or play in your life?

WOONG: I practiced for a really long time to do music, and now I am doing music, and I'll continue doing music in the future, so I think that music is my life.

WOOJIN: In the best times and the hardest times, it's music and what we're doing that exists every moment, so I think it's a field that I really can't leave out in my life.

allkpop: AB6IX is embarking on a tour! That's great news for you, as performers, to be finally meeting your fans around the world and performing in front of them, especially for your fans who have been waiting to see you in the flesh. Share with us what you feel about this tour and how you prepare for your performances. Anything ABNEW should look forward to seeing from your shows?

DAEHWI: It's such a great honor and joy to perform overseas as a singer, and I'm so happy to be able to do it again this time. I don't think our international fans have seen our performance of the songs on our debut album. I don't think you've seen it on stage, but we'll do it this time. Please look forward to it.