Cignature Shares More About Us in the Summer and Trying A New Sound
In their latest music video, cignature basks in the excitement of the season on an idyllic summer day.
The septet (currently promoting as six due to member Belle's participation on Universe Ticket) makes sure to capture the carefree, youthful attitude that runs rampant during summer on their latest, song "Smooth Sailing." Us in the Summer does a perfect job of bringing the season to an end by providing a sense of nostalgia for those warm days and the emotional highs that come with them. However, while summer has come to an end, this marks the beginning of a new season for cignature.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
Us in the Summer signals a shift in cignature's discography. The four-track album touches on a variety of topics that range from falling in love to heartbreak to the relatable experiences that come with growing up. cignature shows off a more lyrically mature side while keeping the infectious energy and charm they're known for. In a way, the theme of growing up parallels their journey as idols as they grow into their place in the K-pop industry. Just this year alone, they performed at South Korea's famous Waterbomb Festival, achieved their highest first-day sales with Us in the Summer and won the Blooming Star Award at the Hanteo Music Awards. Learn all about their comeback and the album's themes in the interview below.
Sweety High: The group had two comebacks this year. How do you think they differ? What is the same between them?
JEEWON: One thing in common with the last comeback is that it is a comeback that extends cignature's bright and fresh characteristics. The last album was focused on music that gave energy just by listening to the album, but this album is more full of cignature's unique sensibility that goes well even with fall and winter.
DOHEE: The common factors would be our refreshing energy and liveliness. The difference is that while the last album had lively and refreshing feelings, this album has songs that give more comfortable or seasonal feelings so that you can feel a sense of nostalgia.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
SH: Why did you choose Us in the Summer to be the name of the album?
SEMI: This album contains small, simple stories of girls at a time when various emotions explode like the unpredictable weather at the end of summer. It's a good title to express cignature's unique girlish sensibility felt in the songs included in this album.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
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SH: Why do you think Us in the Summer is the perfect album to release as summer comes to an end?
SELINE: We thought that the refreshing yet mysterious vagueness and fresh yet exciting feeling felt in the songs, especially in the title track, "Smooth Sailing," would fit well with the end of summer. The album also contains songs that go well with the cool breeze in the morning and evening and the hot midday heat.
SH: What message or themes do you hope fans take away from this album?
JEEWON: This album tells the story of girls in the middle of youth, where everything is confusing, but they're running at full speed. We hope fans will resonate with it as it contains a variety of content, from the beginning of a trivial love to a heartbreaking breakup and a story about one's inner self. In particular, "Little Me" is a song that provides comfort to all those who are feeling anxious, and we hope many fans are comforted by listening to the song.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
SH: In one word, how would you describe Us in the Summer?
JEEWON: First love. I think it's the best word to describe it because its clumsy but pure, clear and fresh vibe resembles that of fresh love, and it was with the people I truly love, SignFan and members.
CHLOE: Diary. It is an album containing cignature's precious memories and contains all the joys, sorrows, worries and many other emotions. Also it can be kept as a collection of beautiful memories, so I want to describe this album as a diary.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
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SH: What is your favorite thing about summer?
SELINE: Although summer is hot, it is a season that has the opposite charm of being cool and refreshing while still humid. I think the best thing about summer is that you can feel the freshness in your whole body just by looking at the streets, especially since it is the season when nature is blooming in the most beautiful way.
CHAESOL: There is a refreshing energy that summer brings. Although there is a rainy season (in Korea), I think it has its own charm in a way. In fact, the summer of July is the season I was born! It was an ordinary summer day, but the fans came together and celebrated my birthday, so even though it was hot, I was able to have a bright and unforgettable summer.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
SH: Is there anything else you would like to add?
CHAESOL: Hello, Sweety High readers! There are many charms of each member and the music included in this album, Us in the Summer, so please give us a lot of love and support in the future. Lastly, we hope everyone who joins us at the end of this hot summer will always be healthy and full of happy events. Thank you!
SELINE: It was our honor for this great opportunity to answer the questions you were prepared! We hope they answer the questions of those reading this interview. I hope you find comfort by listening to our songs and keep your eyes on our "Smooth Sailing" performance this summer and fall. Thank you.
(Photo Credit: J9 Entertainment)
For more on our favorite girl groups, click HERE to check out our interview with Citizen Queen.