Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, followers, and newbies. Today, Monsta X's IM offers information about their latest EP. Also, if you haven't already, you can always subscribe Head over to my complimentary newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered straight to your inbox every week!
For Monsta X's IM, the goal is always to let their music speak for itself. “When someone goes to an art exhibition they should feel what they want,” she points out, chatting with Consequence on Zoom.
The songwriter, vocalist and rapper has explored many subgenres throughout his time in Monsta X, but seems drawn to R&B sounds in his solo music. His latest individual release is an EP titled out of rhythm. While IM is unfailingly polite and warm in conversation, it is in his music where he is able to embrace a more mysterious personality.
The project’s title track is “LURE,” a smooth and seductive track featuring bossa nova-style guitar and fun touches of woodwinds. The cinematic music video shows him trapped in a sort of time loop as he attempts to win over the object of his affections.
out of rhythm continues to 2023 Overdrive, an equally moody EP characterized by even more angst than this year's project. “At that time I was trying to hold back, but now I feel calm and comfortable,” he explains. “These tracks came about in a very natural way.”
He shouts out “MMI” for being memorable to record and notes that this song offers a glimpse into his process. “Whenever I make music, I think about how I need to use my energy and my emotions, and when I was working on this song, I felt like my strength was almost gone,” she recalls.
IM has been performing with Monsta X since 2015, and he and his bandmates are currently working through military enlistment. Four of his teammates are mid-duty now, but the oldest, Shownu, has already completed his time, meaning he was available to listen to the younger Monsta happy or anything, but he said he loved it,” IM says, laughing. “And I believe him.”
“When I work in Monsta X, all the members have different abilities and skills,” he continues. “It's like putting the pieces of the puzzle together… But when I make my own music, it's just me, me and me.” While he works hard to avoid specific spoilers for what lies ahead, he shares that he is deeply excited for the remainder of 2024. “I'm planning a lot of things that I can't say in detail, but I hope there will be an opportunity to meet. fans internationally,” he says with a cryptic smile.
The day we spoke, a few weeks before the launch of out of rhythm, is already eager to see how fans (known as MONBEBE) will respond to the album. “It's hard to choose a favorite song, because they are all like my babies, and if I choose just one, the other babies will be sad,” he explains. “'LURE' is the title song…” he begins, before recovering. “No, they are all my favorites.”
Watch the music video for “LURE” below.
New Interview with TXT
TOMORROW X TOGETHER has officially released their latest EP, minisode 3: TOMORROW. I reconnected with the boys for a nice walk through the past; Watch the interview here.
Recording song of the week:
As expected, I love j-hope's new EP. While it obviously feels great to hear two BTS members together on one song, as we have the pleasure of experiencing “i Wonder…” with Jung Kook, my favorite is this song featuring HUH YUNJIN from LE SSERAFIM.
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