Xdinary Heroes gave an exclusive interview to celebrate the release of their ninth mini-album IMPULSE, released on October 12. In the conversation, the members of the JYP Entertainment group shared details about the creative process behind the record, the collaboration with Bring Me the Horizon vocalist Oliver Sykes, and reflected on what the band means in their lives.
The group, consisting of keyboardist Jungsu, guitarist Gaon, synthesizer player O.de, guitarist Jun Han, and bassist Jooyeon, debuted in 2021. IMPULSE arrives with seven new songs across varied genres, consolidating the versatile musical identity that has characterized Xdinary Heroes since their inception.
The meaning behind IMPULSE and Obsessed with Youth
As Jungsu explained, each Xdinary Heroes album seeks to show a new facet of the group, and IMPULSE is no exception. For his part, Gaon detailed that the record gathers seven desires out of tens of millions of possibilities, and that the title track, Obsessed with Youth, tells a story about the longing for youth, obsession, and personal growth.
Gaon noted that lately, he feels gratitude for being able to continue making music consistently, and that the team strives harder each time to reciprocate the interest they receive from their audience.
The collaboration with Oliver Sykes on Give Up The Ghost
One of the most discussed points of the new album is the participation of Bring Me the Horizon vocalist Oliver Sykes on the song Give Up The Ghost. Jooyeon, known as a fan of the British band, recounted that upon hearing the track for the first time, without knowing who had composed it, he fell in love with the style of the main melody.
Jooyeon explained that he was surprised to discover it was Sykes, and that this finding confirmed how consistent his own musical taste is. Furthermore, he highlighted that the rest of the members were also happy and satisfied with the final result of the song.
Breathe in, Breathe out: a turn toward the acoustic sound
Breathe in, Breathe out stands out within the album for its acoustic base, a style rarely seen in the Xdinary Heroes discography. Gaon, who was responsible for the composition, confessed that he had always wanted to create acoustic music that maintained the essence of the group.
Gaon composed the lyrics imagining someone delivering a monologue under a single spotlight in the middle of silence, and stated that he felt satisfied with the result, considering that this experience opens the door to exploring more acoustic sounds in the future.
The balance between musical intensity and accessible melodies
Jun Han explained that the intensity of the instruments in the group's songs responds to the intention of offering more exciting live performances, which is why they record with energy and strength. However, he clarified that the melodies must be simple and easy to sing so that the audience can enjoy them comfortably, which is why the team is constantly working to find that balance.
Favorite songs for live performances
When asked about his favorite song to perform in concerts, O.de mentioned Rise High Rise and Money On My Mind as his favorites, ensuring that both raise the energy to the maximum every time they play them, both in regular shows and at festivals.
What Xdinary Heroes means to each member
During the interview, each member shared a personal reflection on the meaning of the group in their life. Jungsu described it as a presence that beautified his existence, while Gaon defined it as his youth, his vital spring.
O.de spoke of the band as his past, present, and future, a force that transformed who he was, gives him reasons to live in the present, and will propel him forward. Jun Han, for his part, compared the group to a gold nugget that arrived by chance in his life and stayed forever. Jooyeon defined Xdinary Heroes as the youth that sowed dreams and hopes in him, a precious memory that has accompanied him since the beginning of his musical career.
Goals and dreams of the group for the future
Jungsu expressed that his biggest dream is that the group's music can make people all over the world feel joy or renewal, even if just for a moment. Jooyeon, on the other hand, focused on the group's growth: his goal is to become an even bigger band, capable of offering performances on larger stages and leaving their mark on the entire world.
Final message for followers
Each member closed the interview with a message directed at their followers. Jungsu expressed his happiness to present IMPULSE and wished for the public to enjoy the album even for a moment while listening to it. Gaon thanked the fans for their constant affection and promised to continue creating music. O.de invited everyone to listen to the new record a lot, while Jun Han wished the readers a day full of smiles. Jooyeon, for his part, deeply thanked those who always look for and wait for the music of Xdinary Heroes.
Frequently asked questions about Xdinary Heroes and IMPULSE
When was the Xdinary Heroes album IMPULSE released?
The ninth mini-album by Xdinary Heroes, titled IMPULSE, was released on October 12 with seven new songs of different genres.
Who participated in the Xdinary Heroes song Give Up The Ghost?
Bring Me the Horizon vocalist Oliver Sykes is credited on the song Give Up The Ghost, included on the album IMPULSE.
What is the lead track of the album IMPULSE?
The lead track of the album is Obsessed with Youth, a song that, according to Gaon, addresses the longing for youth, obsession, and personal growth.
Who are the members of Xdinary Heroes?
The group consists of keyboardist Jungsu, guitarist Gaon, synthesizer player O.de, guitarist Jun Han, and bassist Jooyeon, and debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2021.
Which songs did the members mention as their favorites for live performances?
O.de noted that his favorite songs to perform in concert are Rise High Rise and Money On My Mind, as he considers that both maximize the audience's energy.
