Indra Aziz
The global phenomenon of K-pop continues its relentless ascent, a dynamic force constantly redefining its own boundaries. Within this ever-evolving landscape, the septet AMPERS&ONE has emerged as a pioneering force of the fifth generation, a multinational collective that is actively reshaping industry standards. Comprising members Kamden, Brian, Jiho, Siyun, Kyrell, Mackiah, and Seungmo, hailing from four distinct countries, the group has leveraged their diverse backgrounds and a robust social media presence to navigate the genre’s fluctuations with an embrace of innovation. Fresh from the release of their critically acclaimed fourth mini-album, "DEFINITION," AMPERS&ONE sat down with CLASH during their second world tour, "Born To Define," to delve into their unique identity, their sonic evolution, and their unwavering commitment to carving a distinct path in the competitive K-pop arena.
A World Tour of Growth and Evolution: "Born To Define" Takes Center Stage
AMPERS&ONE’s "Born To Define" world tour represents a significant milestone for the group, marking their return to the United States and offering a more refined and ambitious showcase of their artistry. Mackiah highlighted the profound learning experience from their inaugural tour, stating, "This tour is extra special to us because I think we’ve prepared a lot, and [from] last tour, we learned a lot from what we did, because it was our first time." This introspection has translated into a more impactful performance, with an enhanced setlist and increased energy. Kamden further elaborated on their proactive approach to the tour’s creation, noting, "After opening for P1HARMONY sunbaenim, we learned a lot of stuff. So, after that, we got to participate in our setlist, and the choreo and just anything. We tried to participate more in the making for this concert compared to before." This hands-on involvement signifies a maturing artistic vision and a deeper connection with their audience, demonstrating their growth from a promising debut act to seasoned performers.
The tour’s name, "Born To Define," directly mirrors the thematic core of their latest release, "DEFINITION." This era signifies a deliberate shift, an intentional step towards establishing their unique artistic identity. Brian articulated this evolution by contrasting their current tour with the previous one: "I think last tour, I would say we were kind of bright. But I feel like with ‘Born To Define,’ we’re more energetic." This increased dynamism is not merely performative; it stems from a deeper sense of unity within the group. Mackiah emphasized this development, stating, "I would say this album, we’re definitely more ‘in unity’ with each other as a team, because preparing for this album, we discussed a lot about the title track, what we want to do, how we want to perform the setlist, how we want to have the concept revealed to the fans." This collaborative spirit was further cemented through an intimate, manager-free group trip, fostering a stronger bond that translates directly into their on-stage synergy. Seungmo’s apt description of the group as "chameleons" underscores their versatility, a quality that allows them to embrace diverse concepts while maintaining their core identity.
"DEFINITION": A Sonic and Conceptual Departure
The release of "DEFINITION" marks a significant pivot in AMPERS&ONE’s musical trajectory. The mini-album ventures into more complex sonic territories, moving beyond conventional K-pop tropes to explore a sound that Jiho described as "more Korean." This intentional integration of traditional Korean musical elements into a contemporary K-pop framework is a bold move, aiming to showcase a distinct cultural heritage on a global stage. "We’re trying to spread the Korean traditional [sound] all over the world, and it’s really cool," Jiho explained.
Kyrell elaborated on the innovative nature of the title track, "GOD," emphasizing its unprecedented sound within the K-pop industry. "Because it’s unprecedented, it’s something that no one else has been doing, and there’s not a lot of references for us to take off of, so I think we were trying to work with a lot of original ideas and to come up with a concept that was really unique to us." This commitment to originality and the exploration of uncharted sonic territories is a hallmark of their fifth-generation status, a generation characterized by artistic experimentation and a willingness to challenge established norms. The music video for "GOD" visually reinforces this thematic evolution, depicting a narrative of self-discovery and liberation. Siyun found the concluding scene particularly poignant: "For me, the very last scene. I really like the final scene in the music video where it kind of zooms out into us looking at the field which we were trapped in." Mackiah further elucidated the symbolism, stating, "It kind of shows that we finally escaped the cage that we were in, because the concept of the music video is that we’re caged up, we’re finding ourselves but we’re not really sure who we are. But in the end, we discover that we can define who we are ourselves and we unlock that new experience and become the greater being of that field." This narrative arc of breaking free from external definitions and embracing self-determination is a powerful message resonating with their identity as emerging artists.
The lyrical content of "GOD" directly addresses their position as underdogs and their unwavering resolve. When asked about a line that best encapsulates the project, the members collectively pointed to themes of resilience and self-belief. Jiho and Kamden highlighted "rising from the underground," while Brian offered a more assertive declaration: "I’m no underdog." Kamden further elaborated on their relentless pursuit of success with the line, "only one shot, that’s how we act," a sentiment echoed by Jiho’s lighthearted interjection, "There’s no plan B." This self-assuredness and understanding of the high stakes involved underscore their dedication to making a lasting impact.
Exploring the Depth of "DEFINITION": B-Sides and Artistic Expression
Beyond the impactful title track, "DEFINITION" offers a rich tapestry of B-sides, each contributing to the album’s overarching narrative. Mackiah expressed particular enthusiasm for "My Way," a track amplified with EDM beats for the tour, encouraging fans to "party with us, to jump with us." This choice reflects AMPERS&ONE’s desire to create an energetic and interactive experience for their audience during live performances, showcasing their versatility in delivering both powerful anthems and infectious dance tracks.
The inclusion of cover songs in their concert setlist further demonstrates their adaptability and appreciation for musical influences across genres and generations. The selection process was deliberate, aiming to showcase different facets of their artistry and cater to diverse fan preferences. Jiho and Kamden’s rendition of ENHYPEN’s "Fever" was chosen to "show our sexiness," a concept they felt was best expressed through that particular track after considering other options like Taemin’s "Criminal." Their seamless preparation was attributed to their shared training history. Conversely, Kyrell and Brian opted for Taylor Swift’s "Love Story" to provide a "nostalgic," "romantic," and "cute" interlude, offering a gentle counterpoint to the high-energy performances. Mackiah, Seungmo, and Siyun’s interpretation of One Direction’s "Drag Me Down" was reimagined with a "rock vibe," incorporating a rap verse for Mackiah and highlighting Seungmo’s ad-libs and Siyun’s vocals to create a powerful ensemble piece. These cover units not only entertain but also offer insights into the members’ individual strengths and their collaborative dynamics.
The Evolving Landscape of K-Pop and AMPERS&ONE’s Place Within It
As members of K-pop’s fifth generation, AMPERS&ONE has adeptly navigated the industry’s rapid evolution, particularly its increasing reliance on digital platforms for fan engagement. Their proactive communication on social media is not merely a promotional tactic but a fundamental aspect of their connection with their global fanbase, affectionately known as ANDEARS. Brian highlighted the necessity of these platforms in bridging geographical divides: "Because K-pop is global, I feel like it would be hard to communicate with our fans all over the world." Mackiah elaborated on the practical benefits, noting how translation features facilitate understanding of fan messages and comments. Furthermore, live streaming sessions offer an intimate glimpse into their personalities beyond their stage personas, fostering a more personal connection. Kyrell emphasized the reciprocal nature of this relationship: "We receive a lot of love and support from our fans and I feel like there’s not a lot of ways we can give that back to them besides performing and touring. So when we’re not able to perform, or when we’re not able to see fans in person, being able to use social media platforms is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our fans, [to] acknowledge their support and showing our love to them as well."
Looking ahead to the future of K-pop, particularly as it continues to cater to a younger demographic, AMPERS&ONE prioritizes the dissemination of positive messages. Mackiah stated, "It’s very important to have positive messages from a young age, because I believe that the environment you grew up in, the words you hear, the messages you understand while you’re young, has a base for who you are as you grow up." Their music consistently conveys themes of perseverance and self-empowerment, encouraging listeners to "keep pushing, on and on, no matter what other people say to you." The central message of "DEFINITION," that individuals should define themselves rather than being defined by others, is particularly crucial for younger audiences navigating their formative years. This commitment to empowering messages aligns with the growing demand for music that not only entertains but also inspires and educates.
Pre-Show Rituals and the Power of Unity
The intense energy required for their performances necessitates specific pre-show rituals that foster mental preparation and team cohesion. The group’s unifying cheer, "we go on and on," derived from their debut track, serves as a powerful trigger for shifting into performance mode. Mackiah described this ritual: "When we get in a circle and put our hands in, we’re basically locking in for the concert – now we’re changing our mindset, we’re about to perform. It’s like a trigger almost. I think that’s something that really motivates us and gives us energy just as a team." This consistent practice reinforces their shared journey and collective ambition.
The members’ diverse nationalities have profoundly influenced their musical direction and individual artistic expressions. Jiho noted the "fresh" expression of traditional Korean sounds by members from different backgrounds, suggesting a unique interpretation compared to other K-pop groups. Kyrell further elaborated on how their varied upbringings have shaped their listening habits and, consequently, their singing styles. He highlighted Brian’s R&B vocal prowess, Seungmo’s ballad and high-note capabilities, and Siyun’s versatile tone. The distinct rap styles of Mackiah and Kamden further contribute to the multifaceted sonic palette of AMPERS&ONE. This inherent diversity allows them to explore a broader range of musical concepts and deliver performances with distinct individual colors that coalesce into a powerful collective identity.
A Glimpse into the Personalities: Superlatives and Camaraderie
Beyond their artistic endeavors, the members’ playful interactions during the interview offered a charming insight into their individual personalities. When asked who is most likely to be spotted by fans outside of schedules, Kamden was unanimously chosen, with Siyun citing his penchant for shopping and dining out, and Mackiah humorously adding that Kamden’s blonde hair makes him easily visible. The title of "most likely to forget something while traveling" also fell to Jiho, who readily admitted to past incidents, including leaving his passport on a plane, though he assured the interviewer of his improved memory.
The question of who would collect their own photocards sparked a friendly debate, ultimately landing on Brian, who was described as someone who "likes himself" and is particularly mindful of his visuals, even adjusting his posing for photos. The final, lighthearted superlative, "most likely to record a TikTok in a life or death situation," was attributed to Seungmo, who was characterized as someone who "doesn’t take anything serious" and would embrace even a zombie apocalypse as a "viral moment." These playful exchanges underscore the strong camaraderie and humor that define AMPERS&ONE, a group that is not only redefining K-pop through their music and global appeal but also through their genuine and relatable personalities. Their journey, marked by constant innovation and a deep connection with their fans, positions them as key players in shaping the future of the global music industry.
