Boy band WINNER unveils new album
Four-member boy band WINNER released their second full-length album “EVERYD4Y,” Wednesday, four years after their first album.
Their long-awaited album excited fans who have been waiting for more material from the YG Entertainment group. Instead of the letter “A,” the number “4” was added in the album title, “EVERYD4Y,” which the boy band said was for a reason.
Band member Song Min-ho said they hoped to dedicate the album to their “patient” fans. The album consists of 12 tracks from various genres, including trap, hip-hop, acoustic, ballad and pop.
All members participated in writing and producing songs on the album.
The band explained the new album is very different from their first one. “We are incredibly excited about the new full-length album. There are quite a lot of different musical styles on the album and we hope our fans like it. We’ve spent years preparing for it,” Kang Seung-yoon, the leader of WINNER, told reporters at a cafe in western Seoul.
WINNER’s charm has much to do with their humility and intimacy with their fans.
They said they were thankful for their fans who had waited for four years for their return.
The new album’s title track “Everyday” is not an ordinary love song, they said. It tells the story of the band’s wish to spend every day with their loyal fans.
“Our title track “Everyday” is actually a song for our fans,” Kang said.
He said the boy band explores new genres in the newly released album. “In the past, our music genres covered tropical house, disco, and hip-hop, mainly focusing on the vocal side. Instead of continuing on with emotional music and lyrics, this time we decided to go for the trendy trap rap.”
Three members— Kang, Song and Lee Seung-hoon— teamed up for the lyrics.
Asked to name their favorite songs, Lee picked “We Were” saying he liked it because he spent lots of energy and time on the song.
Kim Jin-woo’s choice went to “La La.” He said it’s a fun song that will help listeners relax. Song chose “Movie Star,” stating it took more than an hour to write a phrase of the song.
Kang’s personal favorite is “Special Night.” He said everybody liked it and he was happy to hear such positive feedback.
Among others, the boy band members said they appreciated YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk’s positive feedback, calling it the happiest moment while preparing for the album.
“When we showcased several songs to him for his approval, he liked them and told us our songs are enjoyable. He also told us each song has a different music style,” said Kang.
WINNER members hope they can continue YG’s path to success, following five-member boy band Big Bang’s phenomenal success domestically and abroad.
Four members of the group have now joined the military.
“We do feel a sense of responsibility and the need to broaden our musical horizons,” Kang said. Kim added, “We know some consider iKON as our rivals but this is not true. We are close just like brothers, so neither side is losing out even though one of us is popular.”