When we stop and think about artists shaping the K-pop scene globally, CIX is one of the groups that immediately pops into everyone's mind. Now CIX returned with their latest musical offering, the enigmatic 1st single album, 0 or 1. Following a hiatus of eight months since their EP, ‘OK’ Episode 2: I’m OK, the quintet emerges with a contemplative aura, ready to enchant audiences with their introspective melodies and captivating narratives.
The lead track, “Lovers or Enemies,” serves as a testament to CIX's artistic evolution, showcasing their ability to blend pulsating beats with thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly. Against a backdrop of haunting melodies, the group navigates the complexities of human relationships, urging listeners to ponder the intricacies of love and enmity.
Venturing deeper into the album, the second track, “그림자” (Shadow), offers a glimpse into CIX's musical talent as they delve into the shadows of devotion with heartfelt lyricism and soul-stirring harmonies. With the return of producer KZ, the group infuses the track with a sense of familiarity while pushing the boundaries of their sounds.
CIX's journey as musicians is as dynamic as their music catalog. Since their debut in 2019 under C9 Entertainment, the quintet has captivated audiences with their contagious energy and undeniable talent. Comprising BX, SEUNGHUN, BAEJINYOUNG (formerly of WANNAONE), YONGHEE, and HYUNSUK, CIX (whose name is an abbreviation that stands for "Complete in X." The "X" represents the unknown and signifies the uncertainties that each member of the group had before coming together, with the idea that they become complete when united as one group) represents a convergence of diverse musical backgrounds and experiences, each member adding their unique flavor to the group's dynamic repertoire.
As CIX continues to push the boundaries of their musical identity with 0 or 1, Panorama.it spoke with them to find out more from the members’ voices.
Nice to meet you guys. How have you been?
SEUNGHUN: We were busy preparing for CIX’s comeback, and for me personally, I am also filming a program called Build Up. We have been preparing for our comeback with the hope that many people will listen to this album as we have worked hard to prepare.
YONGHEE: We worked out to maintain this promotion in good physical condition. We’re also wrapping up this promotion while continuing to practice hard. When preparing for our comeback, we spent the hiatus practicing with a desire to meet our fans as soon as possible, concentrating on our individual activities and comeback preparations.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the title "0 or 1" for your new single album, and how it reflects the concept you're aiming to showcase?
BAEJINYOUNG: CIX’s first single album 0 or 1 takes a break from the universe since the last mini album and presents a new style of music and visuals. As AI is becoming a global issue, the comeback news was announced in many languages, and it was a unique and fun experience for us.
"그림자" explores the theme of devoted love. Could you share the creative process behind this track, especially considering the involvement of producer KZ, who previously worked on your first studio album?
BX: When I first heard it, I thought it was a song that expressed CIX’s unique colors well, so I recorded it with a grateful heart and I was looking forward to the reaction of fans who would like it when they heard it.
HYUNSUK: I think we were able to continue to produce good songs because the producer always made good songs and directed us well. He actively reflected our opinions as much as possible when recording, and we were able to reach a great outcome thanks to his kind consideration for us.
CIX has been known for its 'OK' series. How does "0 or 1" fit into the narrative of your previous releases, and what can fans expect in terms of continuity or evolution in this single album?
HYUNSUK: The ‘OK’ series was filled with emotional and rather heavy music, but with this single album, we took a break from our universe story and presented a dance-pop genre that can be listened to more easily and lightly.
The first track on the album, "Lovers or Enemies," is a dance-pop confessional song. Can you share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the process of creating and recording this track?
SEUNGHUN: When recording a title song, we always set aside a long time and if it is not enough, we add more to record, but this title song is shorter in length than the previous songs, so it felt like it was completed more easily and in a shorter time. It was also a new experience to be able to record a variety of vocal ranges in one song.
YONGHEE: I fell in love with the song when I first heard it, and I still remember how refreshing it was. I liked the song, so I was able to have a little more fun throughout the recording process.
With an eight-month gap since your last EP, 'OK' Episode 2: I'm OK, what were the key inspirations or experiences during this time that contributed to the creation of "0 or 1"?
SEUNGHUN: Although there were no major inspirations or experiences that influenced the creation of this album, we made a lot of effort to show that we have grown even more by practicing consistently and taking care of ourselves during our hiatus.
BAEJINYOUNG: During the hiatus, I prepare for my next comeback through self-management. I also feel inspired and stimulated by watching the performances of various artists.
The group aims to show a different side with this single album. How do you balance experimenting with new concepts while staying true to what makes CIX unique, and what can fans look forward to in terms of this new exploration?
BX: We always try to maintain CIX's unique style, but we don’t want to be confined to a certain style. We will continue to try to discover new aspects of ourselves that are unique to us, and through such new challenges, we’ll be able to share more new or hidden charms with FIX in the future.
HYUNSUK: We tend to maintain our unique colors and take challenges for various concepts within that framework. Fans can expect and find a new side of us through these new challenges.
The group's name, CIX, stands for "Complete in X." How has the idea of completeness evolved for the group since your debut in 2019, and how does it resonate with the themes explored in your latest single album?
BX: ‘Complete in X,’ CIX means that the five members come together to complete the unknown, but we believe that FIX makes CIX complete. As always, we were preparing the album while thinking of FIX, and we wanted to show a more direct confession through this single album with a title track “Lovers or Enemies.” We believe that this single is the process by which CIX, through FIX, becomes a complete 1.
I have a signature question: if you can describe yourself in one word which would it be?
SEUNGHUN: I want to use the word “comfort,” because my concern these days is how I can use my voice to comfort people through a song.
BAEJINYOUNG: I would describe it as “effort.” This is because I am working hard now and I want to become someone who will continue to work hard in the future.
Could you share a message to your fans, FIX, about what they can anticipate from CIX during the promotion of "0 or 1" and any special moments or surprises you have in store for them?
BX: Even after our promotions are over, we will continue our preparations to meet FIX, so please look forward to it! Let’s make many fun and precious memories this year too. FIX, we love you!
YONGHEE: We hope you will look forward to our songs and choreography and stay tuned for our stages. We will be back soon with good news and various performances, so please wait for a moment!
Also, who are CIX now and what can we expect from you?
SEUNGHUN: We are a group that does not lose our unique color and is trying to maintain that color without following trends, so I would appreciate it if you could look forward to our efforts in that journey.
HYUNSUK: We can say that we are a group that continues to make music with our own style, and we will continue to show you what we can do well, so please continue supporting us and following along our journey.
