Learn ‘How to Play’ in the House of Tricky With xikers’ Electrifying New Mini-Album
Back in April, K-pop newcomers xikers stirred up the industry with their first project, HOUSE OF TRICKY : DOORBELL RINGING. Within the first week, they topped the top of Billboard Emerging Artists Chart and amassed one of the highest sales of any boy group debut in history. Four months later, xikers has returned, and they're ready to rock the boat, once again, with even more energy than before.
The group's latest EP, HOUSE OF TRICKY : HOW TO PLAY, finds the burgeoning musicians bouncing over hard-hitting trap beats and vibrant melodies, partially steered by the creative genius of their KQ Entertainment labelmate, Hongjoong of ATEEZ. And, much like their previous mini-album, xikers color the Tricky playground with narrative videos.
Ahead of the release, Sweety High had the pleasure of entering the House of Tricky in a candid conversation with xikers. Keep reading to discover all the juicy details of their comeback, from the funny stories behind their choreography to the preparation for their upcoming performance at KCON LA.
Sweety High: How does it feel to release a second album so soon after your debut earlier this year, and what can you share about this exciting upcoming release?
MINJAE: Honestly, our comeback will be amazing, so we're excited and really looking forward to it. We're so honored to be releasing our new album.
The first title track is called "DO or DIE," where you can enjoy our powerful performances and choreography. The second title track is called "HOMEBOY." This song is very refreshing and energetic. We hope you enjoy it and love it!
(Photo Credit: KQ Entertainment)
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SH: Do you have any funny or favorite moments to share from learning the choreography or recording the "Koong" performance video?
HUNTER: For me, on the second chorus, there's a part where I have to throw the umbrella because we're using it as a prop. JUNMIN catches it, and then we continue the choreography. It took us about three days to learn the details of the choreography, but the umbrella part took about a week because we've never used props for our performance videos.
YECHAN: During SUMIN's bridge part, he actually yells, "KOONG!" in the performance, but he does this even during our practices. That energy makes the overall atmosphere very fun. It's a very memorable part, and I think it's one of the reasons why we were able to do well.
SH: You're going to be performing at KCON LA. What are you looking forward to the most during this festival?
SUMIN: This is actually the second time that we're going to Los Angeles, with the first being when we went to train.
This time, we're not going there to learn or train but to actually perform alongside our seniors. It's amazing watching them perform and to play on those same stages is an absolute honor. I think something to look forward to for LA is our appearance.
JUNMIN: It's amazing being able to perform overseas, and I hope we can grab everyone's attention at KCON LA. It'd be great if everyone has a lot of fun with us!
SH: It's been about four months since your official debut. What were your first impressions of each other, and do you feel like these impressions have changed?
MINJAE: To be completely honest, I don't really remember the first impressions very well, but I can say that every member was very young. I felt like I would have to take care of them all a lot, but now I can really feel that they've grown, especially in their personal talents and through our performances together. Each member has overcome their own limits, and all I can really say is that everyone is doing a good job and to keep going.
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SH: If you could switch positions with a member for a day, who would you switch places with, and why?
SEEUN: I would switch with JINSIK because he's extremely handsome, has a great personality and can sing and dance well. I admire a lot of things about him.
HYUNWOO: I'd pick SUMIN because he has a style I like. I really like his style of rap!
(Photo Credit: KQ Entertainment)
SH: Your name, xikers, is connected to traveling. Is there anywhere you want to travel to that you haven't been to yet?
YUJUN: I've always wanted to go to New York since I was young, so I'd love to walk around the city one day.
SH: Which of the songs on your new album do you think best fits each of your personalities?
SEEUN: I think "DO or DIE" fits me best because I have a personality that doesn't really fear much and I like a lot of hype and energetic things.
YECHAN: I also would pick "DO or DIE" because I'm very much the type of person that faces things head-on with a "DO or DIE" mentality, no matter what I do. Even during our dance practices, I put my everything into them.
JINSIK: I'd pick "HOMEBOY" for myself because the song is more lyrically expressive and my personality leans more toward that sentimental and nostalgic vibe.
HYUNWOO: I think I'd pick "Skater" because it's a genre I personally really like and there's a part in the song that I sing where the lyrics fit my personality.
HUNTER: For me, I would say "HOMEBOY" because when I think of the word itself, it reminds me of old childhood friends or friends that you're very close with. It kind of reflects on us because the members of xikers are all very close with each other, and we've got great chemistry together. The song is very nostalgic and has beautiful lyrics, expressing that sentimental vibe well.
SUMIN: I think "DO or DIE" fits me really well because I have a playful personality. And the fact that my hair is green, and it matches the vibes of "DO or DIE" a lot.
MINJAE: I would definitely pick "DO or DIE" because I'm the type of person that needs to finish something if I start it. I'm someone that goes all in.
YUJUN: I think I'd say "HOMEBOY" because the song is very expressive and has a lot of points to it where it reflects on emotions, something that I can relate to a lot.
JUNMIN: I'm also going to pick "HOMEBOY" because it's a song that really puts emphasis on expressions for performances. It's a youthful song for a summer of youth. Taking that vibe into consideration, I'm someone that's really good at cute expressions, so I think the song fits me well.
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SH: What do you hope road𝓨 will enjoy most about this comeback?
JINSIK: I think there's a lot to enjoy and look forward to with our comeback, especially with all the fun and bright aspects that will be coming through. Our performances have a lot of fun points to them, so road𝓨 will definitely be able to enjoy seeing and catching these lively moments.
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