EXCLUSIVE
[INTERVIEW] NOMAD on debuting with self-titled EP: "We want to become a new wave in the Korean music industry"

AKP STAFF

After building anticipation with their three pre-releasing singles "Eyes On," "Eyes 2 Eyes," and "Automatic," new K-pop boy group, NOMAD will finally debut with their self-titled album on February 28.

NOMAD, short for "Need Our Microphone And Dance," boasts talented individuals DOY, SANGHA, ONE, RIVR, and JUNHO, who are more than ready to showcase not only their skills in singing, dancing, and rapping but also in producing their own music.

The quintet's first mini-album 'NOMAD' is filled with K-R&B and hip-hop tracks "No Pressure," "California Love," "Oasis," "Automatic," "Let Me Love You," "Lights On," and "Eye 2 Eye." Notably, the group's leader, DOY took part in the production of all tracks that conceptualized their album. "I think our first mini-album is an album with the identity of NOMAD," he said.

Ahead of the album's release, the members caught up with allkpop to talk about their debut, album preparations, first impressions, and more. Keep reading to learn more about NOMAD!

Shout-out from NOMAD:

allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your debut! How are you feeling now that you've finally debuted after all the training, and is there anything you're expecting as idols in the industry?

DOY: The debut doesn't feel like a literal "goal" to me, but rather, as I've mentioned to you, it's just beginning. I can't wait... I'm excited rather than nervous. And I can lay out a big picture. I'm really looking forward to it.

allkpop: Since you're just a new group, tell us more about yourself. It can be a fun fact or your current hobbies.

ONE: These days, I'm into the history of Western philosophy. I'm currently reading 'A History of Western Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell.

JUNHO: Me and members are sometimes playing ‘Rummikub’ during our break time. Actually, we don't have much free time because our debut is close, but we relieve our stress from time to time.

allkpop: Tell us more about the album and the tracks in it. What do you hope to convey to the listeners with ‘NOMAD’?

SANGHA: The first mini-album is composed of songs about the love experienced by those in their 20s and the bright future they will create for themselves. In itself, it is a story and message from NOMAD.

allkpop: How did the selection process for the tracks of your debut mini-album go? Did you have a hard time choosing the perfect tracks to put in this album?

DOY: The top priority was to choose a song that matches the color of NOMAD. So first, I reviewed each demo song, considering the characteristics of each member's character and vocal. Then, when I imagined the outcome of a stage performance or video, I selected songs with the best pictures. Thinking about this standard, I was able to make an EP right away without much thought. We put the track list in the best order to listen to it in a row. That's why I think our first mini-album is, of course, an album with the identity of NOMAD.

allkpop: Are there any memorable and fun behind-the-scenes stories, from the concept photoshoot to recording songs and music video filming?

RIVR: When we were shooting the concept photo, there was a graffiti wall that included some spoilers. I felt like it was a very ideal place for expressing our first mini-album.

allkpop: What were your first impressions of each other?

DOY to SANGHA: In the process of forming a team member, I saw a picture of SANGHA and contacted him to have a meeting. When I first met him, he looked prettier than I thought. So, at first, I thought he didn't match well with NOMAD's color. However, I decided to work together because I thought he had the charm to change the mood of NOMAD.

SANGHA to RIVR: He looked very cold when we first met in the accommodation. But now I know he is a warm-hearted man.

RIVR to ONE: He looked very strong even though he was wearing dandy clothes. I felt like I would lose if I fought with him because he was muscular.

ONE to JUNHO: Four members were in the dorm together, and JUNHO came. He seemed like a quiet person. I didn't know at first, but at some point, I met his eyes, and I recognized he was handsome.

JUNHO to DOY: When I first met DOY, I was just 20 years old. At that time, DOY seemed very mature. He looked cool because he seemed like a person with clear ambitions and beliefs.

allkpop: What are your hopes and short- and long-term goals as NOMAD?

DOY: Our short-term goal is to be recognized not only with an album but also as an R&B hip-hop crossover group that consistently delivers good music to my fans in various ways. In the mid- to long-term, there are goals we want to achieve from charting on the Billboard 200 to the Hot 100 chart, from the Grammy nomination to the performance. Furthermore, I want each member to be able to make various music and art genres in their own colors without restrictions. I hope that the members will gather and become artists who make the stage as NOMAD. I think that our journey is going to be really fun and cool.

allkpop: There are a lot of groups in the K-pop industry, so I was wondering how you plan to stand out from others? What is it that people should look into NOMAD?

DOY: We self-produce our own music. NOMAD wants to be considered as an artist who is "music-minded," "not limited to the genre," and "has a lot of music to play." We pre-released five tracks, and through these attempts, NOMAD wants to become a new wave in the Korean music industry.

allkpop: Lastly, please leave a message to allkpop readers and your fans.

JUNHO: Dear allkpop readers, thank you for your interest in NOMAD! We have our debut

showcase on February 28. You can watch it online, so check out our official fan platform. Please listen to our debut songs "No Pressure" and "California Love," which will be released on February 28 at 6 PM (KST)!