While K-pop has dominated the global music scene for many years, J-pop groups have always been the underdog of Asian music, with their unique sounds and even more unique concepts. However, music fans have started re-embracing J-pop like they once did before the Hallyu Wave hit, and more Japanese groups have been getting international attention as of late. One of the groups getting major love from global fans is PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE, the 7-member collective from one of Japan’s biggest entertainment companies, LDH JAPAN.
The group debuted in 2022 and, since then, made it their mission to become certified global artists. As part of their goal to hit global stardom, the members performed at the Music Matters Live event in Singapore earlier this May alongside an incredible lineup of international performers. However, before their performance, all seven members (JIMMY, WEESA, KOKORO, TSURUGI, RYOGA, REN and RYUSHIN) made a quick stop in Malaysia and we had the exclusive opportunity to interview them. Keep reading to learn more about PSYCHIC FEVER, their new EP and their Asia tour.
Welcome back to Malaysia! You guys were here last year for the Japan Expo Malaysia. How does it feel to return to Malaysia after less than a year?
WEESA: It feels great to come back but unfortunately, we’re only here for a few days this time. When we return the next time, we definitely want to stay longer so we can explore the country more and try more Malaysian food.
Let’s get to know PSYCHIC FEVER better before diving into the other questions. We know that you guys can all sing and dance but besides those, is there one skill you would like to master?
JIMMY: I actually want to learn the guitar but unfortunately, my fingers are too long so it’s hard to play the guitar. However, having long fingers is also good because I can play the piano very well.
KOKORO: I want to get better in English. I’m learning at the moment but I want to be more fluent.
In your discography, what is your favourite PSYCHIC FEVER song?
REN: My favourite song is “Ignition” from “PSYCHIC FILE II”. I think it has more energy and shows more of a passionate vibe.
RYOGA: My favourite song is “Habanero”. It’s a track from the LDH/EXILE TRIBE project, Battle Of Tokyo. Since the concept of the project is to show a different side of the group, the song feels like a new type of performance.
You guys recently released your 2nd EP, “PSYCHIC FILE II”. Can you share the concept behind this new release? Also, is there a connection between this EP and your 1st EP, “PSYCHIC FILE I”?
JIMMY: So, the word “file” in the album’s name represents a file that contains something new or experimental. In this album, we try a new style and concept, one that is different from the previous EP. That’s also why we named the EPs “I” and “II” (to show the difference). In this album, we focus more on the J-Pop style. We also have a song called “BEE-PO” which we produced with Thai producer NINO, so it combines both J-Pop and T-Pop (Thai Pop).
For “PSYCHIC FILE II”, you guys are promoting two title songs at once – “Love Fire” and “BEE-PO”. How do you guys feel about promoting both tracks simultaneously?
JIMMY: It’s actually our first time promoting two title tracks at the same time. With ‘Love Fire”, it’s more focused on the J-Pop sound so we focus more on that in Japan. On the other hand, “BEE-PO” is more for the global market cause it has more English lyrics. We also think it’s the song that international fans would gravitate towards.
Let’s talk about the music videos, starting with “BEE-PO”. From what we can see, the “BEE-PO” music video featured a lot of different scenes and it was filmed at various venues, including an arcade. Which scene in the music video was your favourite to film?
RYUSHIN: For the “BEE-PO” music video, there were a lot of solo scenes but we also filmed scenes where the members wore a custom necklace with the PSYCHIC FEVER logo so that’s one scene that I like. There are also many scenes where the members are laughing and joking around. I like that the music video shows off a cute and happy side to PSYCHIC FEVER.
You also released the music video for “Love Fire” but in contrast to “BEE-PO”, this visual was mostly focused on the choreography and solo shots of the members. What is the key point of the music video?
WEESA: I think the “Love Fire” music video really shows a new side to the members. In some scenes, you can also see our faces up close and you can even see our piercings.
So, it seems like fans can definitely see a new side to the group with this music video.
JIMMY: Yes! And I also made the choreography with my best friend, Macoto (RIEHATATOKYO) so the music video is quite memorable for me.
Of course, “BEE-PO” had its point choreography that looked very fun and easy to follow. What are your thoughts on the choreography?
RYUSHIN: The choreography was made by Kaz (RIEHATATOKYO) but the members also shared their ideas, particularly at the point choreography. So, it really felt that the choreography was a mix of Kaz’s essence and ours’. We also felt really happy that the dance was well-received by international fans.
REN: The dance is also very easy for TikTok challenges so it feels like everyone can follow the choreography.
A few months before releasing “PSYCHIC FILE II”, you guys had released another single album and the title track, “Just Like Dat”, received a lot of attention from international fans. What are your thoughts on the song getting so much love globally?
JIMMY: Actually, nobody expected the song to go viral but we’re so happy to see all the videos of fans. It also opened a lot of opportunities for us so we appreciate the love and support. “Just Like Dat” has also become the group’s “symbol song” so it’s very important to us now.
Speaking of TikTok, PSYCHIC FEVER has been very active on the platform recently and the members also filmed a lot of dance challenges with other artists to promote your songs. Was there an artist that were you very excited to film with? Or anyone who you were excited to see do the dance challenge?
KOKORO: Imazu Ayumu (soloist)! We never got to collaborate on a dance challenge video but we actually trained together at EXPG (LDH training academy). We also did a dance challenge for his song on our TikTok so it was great to support each other in that way.
RYOGA: We also filmed a dance challenge with Thai boy group PROXIE. Additionally, it was pretty cool to be able to film the “Just Like Dat” with so many different people.
@ayumu_imazu THIS SONG IS A BOP #justlikethat #psychicfever #ayumuimazu
♬ Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY – PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE
You’re heading to the Music Matters Live in Singapore and performing alongside 50 international artists during the event. Is there a performer from the lineup that you look forward to seeing perform?
KOKORO: Of course, we’re so honoured to be invited to perform at an event with so many international artists. However, there isn’t one specific artist that we’re looking forward to because we’re just excited to be there and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s performance.
Besides Music Matters Live, PSYCHIC FEVER also performed at music and cultural festivals in other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. How does it feel to represent Japan in these countries and at these events?
RYOGA: It’s a huge honour to represent Japan through our performances. Because of that, we definitely feel a need to work hard and ensure a great performance.
You have announced your PSYCHIC FEVER ASIA TOUR 2024 “HEAT” but so far, only the dates in Japan have been announced. Do you have any plans to perform in other Asian countries?
ALL: Of course! We want to perform in Malaysia as well, so please wait for us!
Watch PSYCHIC FEVER’s performance at Music Matters Live below:
The post Interview: PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE On Their New EP & Going Viral On TikTok appeared first on Hype MY.
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