How Catch The Young Are Empowering Youth Through Energetic ‘Youth Pop Rock’
Within one month of their debut, South Korean alternative pop-rock band Catch the Youth has managed to break down all kinds of barriers. Consisting of five members—Sani on bass with sub-vocals, Kihoon on guitar, Namhyun as the main vocalist, Junyong on keyboard with vocals and Jungmo on drums—Catch The Young aims to infuse hopefulness and youth into their music. Their unique blend of alternative pop-rock creates an energetic and uplifting sound that resonates with listeners. With their fresh perspective and passion for music, Catch The Young is poised to make a significant impact in the South Korean music scene and beyond.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
They released their first mini-album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth on Nov. 1, featuring seven songs either written or co-written by the members. Their title track, "YOUTH!!!," composed by Sani and Kihoon, focuses on overcoming the hardships of youth by maintaining positive energy. Sweety High had the opportunity to dive deeper into the creation of "YOUTH!!!" and Catch The Young's artistry in the interview below.
Sweety High: Can you tell us more about the concept behind your debut mini-album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth, and how it celebrates the highs and lows of youth?
Kihoon: I would say our tracklist is the answer to this question.
Starting with "My Own Way," the track talks about navigating your life. "YOUTH!!!" is about turning the pain of youth into positive energy. "Talking to Myself" is a song about hesitation when it comes to someone special on your mind. Then there's "First Crush," which talks about unfulfilled first love or an unspoken longing. It is followed by "If You Love Me," which shares calm emotions instead of strongly pushing them out. "The Way To You" portrays subtle happiness when one loves someone. And lastly, "Cactus Boy" is there to heal those with a wounded heart who wish to be with someone but stay alone instead. We tried to make songs that people could relate to by talking about things that everyone would've experienced through their youth.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
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SH: "YOUTH!!!" is the title track of your album and focuses on overcoming the pain of youth with positive energy. What inspired you to create a song with such a powerful message?
Sani: We wanted to make a song that everyone can relate to. Everyone experiences youth. During that period, we do have disappointments, worries and negative feelings, but there are also positive emotions and energy that help us to overcome those challenges. Therefore, we aimed to be a band that can talk about youth and give strength to people regardless of their age. I also believe "youth" itself is an energy.
SH: As an alternative pop-rock band, how would you describe your musical style and the unique elements you bring to the genre?
Namhyun: We call our genre Youth Pop Rock. It's beyond alternative pop-rock. It's a genre that only Catch The Young can handle. Unlike other genres, it traverses between pop and rock, delivering the energy of youth in our unique style. Our music is Youth Pop Rock, which is the definition of our musical essence. We'll continue creating new musical realms and that would be Youth Pop Rock.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
SH: How was the experience of composing and producing your own music for the album? Did you encounter any challenges along the way?
Sani: Most of our song production processes are quite similar. We spent anywhere from a few months to about a year continuously revising our songs. After composing a song, we go to a studio at our company and get into a constant cycle of practicing, editing and revising.
Kihoon: It's all part of elevating the songs. This includes arrangements, song modifications and aligning everything—from instrumentals to vocals. So, both individually and collectively, we kept revising the songs by playing together, modifying the sound and experimenting to find what fit each track best.
Jungmo: Writing lyrics went through a similar process. All of these processes were a challenge for us since there was no right answer. We constantly pondered what could be better, enhanced our skills and did not stop after releasing our first debut album. The process is still ongoing.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
SH: Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for the future that fans can look forward to?
Junyong: We gave a little spoiler alert to the fans during a live show. We are planning to have a special event on Christmas Eve. Although I cannot tell you what it is exactly at this moment, I believe it will be revealed soon. It might have already been revealed as you read this interview.
Namhyun: Along with our special event on Christmas Eve, we are also preparing various cover videos and content. Please look forward to those exciting things that we are going to create continuously.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
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SH: How did the members of Catch The Young come together and form the band? Can you tell us a bit about each member's role and contribution to the group?
Sani: We might differ from other bands. Each of us was doing our own music, got in touch with our company, and had an audition. We've gone through a trainee period and became Catch The Young.
Kihoon: I was the first to join. Then Sani joined three years later, and underwent the trainee period with me.
Namhyun: Then I auditioned and joined the team. Back then, our band name was EVERMORE THE YOUNG, instead of Catch The Young. During our trainee era, we practiced, wrote songs and performed on stage. For a certain reason, our band name has changed to Catch The Young.
Jungmo: I was the first to join during the first concert after we changed our band name. I started rehearsing for the concert as soon as I joined the band.
Junyong: And I was there during that concert as an audience member and have become the last member of our group.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
SH: Are there any specific artists or bands that have influenced your musical style and sound?
Sani: I was deeply influenced by Red Hot Chili Peppers as a band and THE CHARM PARK as a solo artist.
Kihoon: As a guitarist, I was influenced by Richie Kotzen, Santana, SRV and John Mayer. As a band member, I was inspired by the hugely popular Dream Theater and Toto.
Namhyun: I admire Park Hyo-shin, the Korean solo artist. I was heavily influenced by him. And I also love The 1975's style of music.
Junyong: My approach to piano was influenced by hip-hop producers all around the globe. My role model is Crush, as I grew up watching him performing and knowing how he writes his own songs and dreamt of becoming an artist like him.
Jungmo: Since I am a drummer, I was influenced by various drummers. The most influential artists for me are Larnell Lewis and Aaron Spears.
(Photo credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT)
SH: As a relatively new band, how do you navigate the challenges and expectations that come with breaking into the music industry?
Sani: Being a new band, especially in Korea, people might find it challenging. But our team name says it all. We aim to provide energy, relate to youth and sometimes give comfort through our music. Therefore, there is no pressure or challenge for us to be a band.
Namhyun: We've gained experience through various performances, street performances and solo concerts since before our debut. We have learned a lot in the process. There were many regrets in those experiences which made us think about what more we can show, how we can show more and how to present more. That ambitious spirit is one of the meanings behind our team name and what we want to express through our music.
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SH: What are some of the goals and aspirations that Catch The Young has for the future, both as (individual artists) and as a band?
Kihoon: As a team just taking its first steps, I'd prefer to talk more about the team than personal stories. It might sound bizarre, but we want to become a super global band, and we will achieve that. We want to showcase our energy to tens of thousands of people, making them laugh and cry together. Our goal is to be a band that resonates with everyone.
Sani: We also aim to get the title of Catch The Young as the starting point for the revival of band music. We also want to become a team where everyone knows why it had to be band music and why it had to be Catch The Young, without any additional explanation needed.
Namhyun: I would like to perform at a venue for more than 30,000 people. I also hope that a lot of people around the world can be inspired as they watch us perform.
Jungmo: Thinking if it isn't the top I wouldn't even start climbing. We will reach the top and aim for the next summit.
Junyong: My goal is for Catch The Young to enter the Billboard charts and proudly represent Korea at the Billboard Music Awards, promoting K-bands.
SH: Is there anything else you would like to add or highlight about your debut mini-album or your journey as a band that we haven't touched upon yet?
Catch The Young: Our band name means that we want to deliver the energy and stories related to youth. It shows our determination to convey empathy and energy of youth to people regardless of their age. We will continue to convey this energy, so please give us a lot of love and support.
Join the Catch The Young community and experience their vibrant sound and inspiring messages firsthand. With their undeniable talent and dedication, Catch The Young is set to soar to new heights in the music industry, captivating audiences with their infectious energy and youthful spirit. To stay updated on their journey and connect with the band, be sure to follow them on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
For more on our K-pop favorites, click HERE to read our interview with Moon Jong Up on SOME.