Get to know Catch The Young as they invite listeners on a profound musical journey with their latest release, "Fragments of Odyssey."
As Catch The Young returns with their highly anticipated second mini album, "Fragments of Odyssey," they invite listeners to join them on a captivating exploration of life's myriad emotions. Drawing parallels between life and an epic odyssey, the group's seven-track offering promises to take listeners on a profound musical voyage. Comprising members Jungmo, Kihoon, Sani, Namhyun, and Junyong, Catch The Young made waves with their debut mini album, "Fragments of Youth," released on November 1, 2023. Now, with "Fragments of Odyssey," they continue to showcase their unique ability to blend storytelling with musical innovation.
In this media roundtable interview, Catch The Young offers insights into the creative process behind "Fragments of Odyssey," drawing parallels between their musical narrative and the adventure of life itself. From Sani's resonant bass lines to Kihoon's dynamic guitar melodies, Namhyun's soul-stirring vocals, Jungmo's rhythmic beats, and Junyong's atmospheric keyboard compositions, each member contributes their unique perspective to the collective journey.
As they discuss the inspirations and aspirations that fuel their music, Catch The Young provides a glimpse into the heartfelt storytelling that defines their artistry, promising a captivating listening experience for fans, old and new alike.
Congratulations on the release of your second mini-album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Odyssey. What did you enjoy the most during this comeback: writing lyrics, creating the music video, or learning something new in the music-making process?
Junyong: The filming of the music video for the title track of this album, "Voyager," was the most enjoyable for me. It was also the most challenging and demanding. The shoot day was very chilly, and there was a scene where we all ran together, which helped us warm ourselves up and energize as a team. It was quite memorable.
Your previous album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth, signaled youth and the start of your band's journey. Now, Catch The Young: Fragments of Odyssey and the title track, “Voyager,” seems to portray an adventure and the evolution of that journey. Can you share how this album aligns with your band’s distinctive style and the deeper significance behind your band's name?
Sani: Our second album encompasses various elements of the youth pop-rock genre. Tracks like "Sentimental Journey" capture the youthful spirit, "Voyager" and "Always, Forever" highlight the 'pop' element, and "The Legend" embodies the essence of 'rock.' This album showcases the colors and strengths of Catch The Young. Compared to our debut album, I believe we have grown and evolved significantly in terms of our music.
Namhyun: The current moment represents the youngest phase of our lives, and we aimed to capture this by likening youth to a journey, an odyssey. Through the tracks of the album, we expressed the feelings and experiences that one encounters throughout their youth.
Could you share with us some fun or memorable moments from the album preparation process?
Namhyun: While filming the music video for "Voyager," there was a scene where we all ran together simultaneously. We had to shoot the scene multiple times, making it physically demanding. Additionally, the weather wasn't favorable, and there was mud on the set. However, stepping on the mud and running through it created a great memory. During the chorus recording for "Voyager," there was a part where we all sang together, so we entered the recording booth as a group to record that segment. It became a fun experience, especially when someone made a mistake, and we all tried to figure out who it was, sharing jokes.
If you could choose only one favorite song from the mini-album, which song would you choose and why?
Sani: I like the first track, "Sentimental Journey." It has this refreshing, new beginning vibe that I find captivating, especially with its fantastic intro.
Namhyun: I have to mention "The Legend" as well. It's in a genre we haven't explored much before, and I believe it's going to be incredibly fun to perform live at a festival, for instance. That's why it's my favorite track.
Out of all your song releases, which song do you relate to or find resonates with your personality?
Sani: I think it is the third track, "The Legend." The song embodies a fiery spirit, burning brightly and then fading away, and I think it is quite like my personality.
Kihoon: I think it is "Light on Me (1101)". I try to be a person that others can rely on, so I choose this song.
Namhyun: "The Legend" is my favorite, but the song that resonates with my personality is "Stay By My Side." It is one of the songs that I can easily immerse myself into without trying. Also, I think the song's vibe is quite similar to my own.
Jungmo: For me, it is the first track, "Sentimental Journey." The beats from a synth-pop are somewhat like my bubbly personality.
Junyong: I also choose the first track, "Sentimental Journey." Its rhythmic electric sound and energetic drums resonate with my bubbly personality. The lyrics, especially about moving forward without fear, resonate with me as the youngest member of the group.
What is your favorite lyric from all the tracks on the album?
Junyong: In the opening track of the album Sentimental Journey, there's a line that goes, 'I wanna fly away / Without fear.' This lyric symbolizes the start and speaks about moving forward without being afraid, making it my favorite part of the song.
Sani: In the fifth track of the album, "About Us," there is a part that goes 'No matter what days may come / We'll be together, I promise.' I think it is very hopeful, so it is my personal favorite.
Namhyun: In the bridge of our title track, "Voyager," there's a line that goes, 'I want to gather my colors / And show them to you before they disperse.' This line reflects our desire to share our emotions with our fans before they fade away, making it one of my favorite parts.
Kihoon: The sixth track of our album, "Light on Me (1101)," concludes with the lyric, "Be my light." While it may seem like we're asking the listeners to be our light, it's also about us being their light. I believe these words offer comfort and courage, making it my favorite lyric.
Jungmo: I also resonate with a part from the sixth track of the album, "Light on Me (1101)", where the lyric goes 'Now I came to understand you / Better than before.' Among the myriad emotions in a relationship, understanding and being understood stand out as crucial. I believe this mutual understanding, both with our fans and among ourselves, creates a unique bond between us.
Among all the members, who do you think has improved the most since training and up to this date?
Sani: I believe it's me. I started as a trainee at 19, and since then, I've grown into a completely different person with many changes. Knowing myself best, I choose myself.
Kihoon: I also believe it's me. As Sani mentioned, we spent the longest time as trainees in this company, dedicating ourselves to practice and improvement.
Namhyun: I also believe it's me because I grew up in rural areas without prior city experience. Debuting as part of Catch The Young and releasing an album marked my first steps in the music industry, and through continuous experience, I've seen significant improvement in myself.
Jungmo: To sum up, all the members have improved significantly, and each of us has our own perspective on this journey; thus, the answers.
The members wrote all the songs in this album. Out of all the songs, which song do you have more affection for or song that holds a special meaning to you?
Kihoon: When I get stuck, I often pause because I worry that referencing other material might lead me to mimic it. Instead, I prefer to channel my emotions into the songwriting process. When working with Sani, he wrote the first verse of the song "My Own Way." He said he was not going to work on this song anymore, but I decided to complete the song and develop it into the final version. This is an example of how I work.
The word "odyssey" roughly translates to "a long journey or voyage." can the members tell us about any journeys they'd like to take in the future, either traveling solo or as a group for leisure or tour?
Kihoon: We have a dream to go on a world tour together. As for leisure, I talked with Junyong and Jungmo about going on a camping trip, getting some rest, and enjoying nature.
Sani: I would love to visit Switzerland. I once saw a video about Switzerland, and it was a very beautiful country. Also, I enjoy the quietness, and Switzerland seems like a tranquil country. So, if I get a chance, I would love to visit Switzerland.
Youth appears to be a recurring theme in your music. What advice or message would you offer your younger selves?
Namhyun: When faced with choices, there were times when the fear of the unknown held me back. So, I want to tell myself not to be afraid and to make the choice.
Jungmo: To my younger self, I would advise to simply enjoy youth. There's a lot to learn and experience in innocence and playfulness, which shape who we become. Embracing those moments of play and enjoyment can teach valuable lessons and contribute to personal growth, so I would advise myself to spend more time playing and simply having fun.
Sani: I would advise my younger self to invest in Bitcoin and start practicing vocal techniques early, taking
advantage of the vocal chord structure before it changes during adolescence.
Kihoon: I would also advise myself to invest in Bitcoin.
What has been the most difficult thing in preparing for your first comeback compared to your debut?
Kihoon: We wanted to show a more mature, evolved version of ourselves, so we were really sensitive and focused during the album production period. I think that was the challenging part.
Jungmo: I agree with Kihoon's point. One of the toughest challenges for us was the burden and pressure of presenting ourselves as a group committed to constant improvement in our debut album. Demonstrating this was particularly challenging.
Namhyun: Under pressure, we did not lose the excitement when preparing for the second album. As much as we announced ourselves to improve, I think we are ready for that, which I'm very excited about.
What do you think is Catch The Young’s distinctive charm as a group, and what charms do each of you bring to the group?
Namhyun: Our group's unique charm lies in our passion on stage, using head-mics and performing with all our hearts. Our music, which embodies the youth-pop rock genre, resonates with universal youth experiences and connects deeply with listeners. As for my individual charm, I focus on continuously improving my vocal and performance skills and maintaining a kind and approachable manner.
Jungmo: As for our team's unique charm, Namhyun has articulated it well. Additionally, Junyong and I playfully debate over who brings the most 'cuteness' to Catch The Young, as I believe I have a significant role in adding that aspect to our group. Recently, Junyong has been eyeing it.
Junyong: Being the youngest, I do bring a certain cuteness factor, but I don't obsess over it. I also embody a mix of cute and sexy qualities, depending on the situation. As you get to know me better, you'll see more of the sexy side of my personality.
Kihoon: I am a very playful person off stage, but I believe I exude a sexy vibe while performing on stage.
Sani: I see my role as a mediator, maintaining a neutral stance similar to Switzerland. While I value others' opinions, I don't always adopt them outright; instead, I hold my own opinions, although I may not always vocalize them.
In an interview for your debut album, Kihoon mentioned he wanted to try dance and acting, Sani wanted to learn wind instruments, and Junyong wanted to polish his piano skills. Has there been any progress towards those goals? Namhyun and Jungmo, are there any skills that you would like to learn or master in the future?
Kihoon: For dancing, I occasionally learn from Junyong whenever we have the opportunity. Regarding acting, I might give it a try once we finish promoting this album. Things don't always go as planned, but I'm committed to working hard on these endeavors.
Junyong: I've received help from other members in improving my piano skills. There's a noticeable difference between my piano skills back then and my current level.
Sani: For me, there hasn't been any progress. I've been wanting to learn how to play the trumpet, but I haven't even had the chance to see one. If I were to have the money, I'd like to buy one. However, trumpets are quite loud and can't be played just anywhere, especially in regular practice rooms. To practice, I'd need to find a space with drummers or other wind instruments, but that can be challenging. So, I feel like my dream of learning the trumpet is still quite far away.
Namhyun: I would like to learn how to play various instruments, such as the guitar, bass, and drums. Like Kihoon, I'm also interested in trying out acting and enhancing my songwriting skills.
Jungmo: For me, the specific instrument doesn't matter—whether it's a guitar, keyboard, or bass. Since I play the percussion, my knowledge of harmony and melody is limited. I believe that by gaining a better understanding of melody and the vibes created by different chords, I can contribute more effectively to our sound as a team. Therefore, I aim to learn an instrument and delve into harmonics.
Do any of you have a goal to meet with this comeback?
Kihoon: Our short-term goal is to perform "Voyager" at a festival. For this year, we hope to host a concert for an audience size of 1,000 people and perform for them.
Listen to their discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to Helix Publicity for the media roundtable invite.
Image and Video Credits: Evermore Entertainment