The talented J-Pop group FAKY has no trouble staying booked and busy — with their newest single being yet another reminder of why you should be listening to the group. Having a history of charting alongside some of the biggest names in music (including Ariana Grande) FAKY has been in the industry for years, also performing at festivals alongside BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, and many other heavy-hitters in music. 

The group’s catalog of music has recently introduced the single “99” which displays a new variation of their established sound, offering a perspective that acknowledges a “missing piece”. Through an underlying guitar and skillfully confident composure, this version of FAKY provides a solid experimental moment for the group’s impressive interpretation of various genres.

FAKY has implemented a lot of fun styles and sounds in the past, but with 2021 we’ve seen the group through two distinctly different tracks, with their prior single “The Light” feeling like a true lighthearted J-pop-bop. With their well-received song “99” out now and plenty of brand collaborations along the way (including Adidas for International Women’s Day) the group is always thinking about the future, but reflecting on how far they’ve come.

“99” Has a very different feel from “The Light” and we’re still so early into the year, so I’m excited to see what comes next! Was it part of the FAKY plan to try different things in 2021?

Taki: This 2021, we are still planning to continue what we are very good at challenging ourselves with new things. our new songs will be different and a flavor that we are excited about!

Akina: It is always a priority for us the challenge ourselves with each project we put out! We try different genres, concepts, and fashion because not only do we want to show our fans something new, but also because we want to express what we are currently feeling as a group as honestly as possible too!

Hina: Due to the influence of the coronavirus, I hardly get to do any live performance at all in 2020 but I had a lot more time to discuss with the members and talk about what we wanted to do. In that sense, we have a lot of plans and I think that 2021 will be the year to try what I prepared last year, so I really want you to look forward to it.

Mikako: Of course, while making various plans at the beginning, we keep asking ourselves “is this the right time?” so our plans might change. Since things are constantly changing, right now I’m very happy that I’m taking on challenges while thinking about various things.

Lil’ Fang: I was preparing for this release from last year to the first half of this year. With this song, we will show you a new FAKY.

What was the most fulfilling moment you can recall about making “99” together? (whether recording, writing, shooting the video, etc.)

Taki: The memorable part I guess was starting the music video at 11 am. No, I am kidding! I think it is the fun that we share with the staff and the awesome ideas meetings to make this song.

Akina: Something I remember from the recording booth was the overwhelming feeling of wanting to speed up time to perform this song on stage to our fans. There is a part of the song after the last chorus where the melody changes and the beat intensifies and I remember recording that part while envisioning a live audience and how we would feed off of their power and energy!

Hina: Nowadays, Lil’ Fang often writes the lyrics, but before recording, she always talks about the meaning of the lyrics and tells us how to sing the deep part of the song. I really like those moments and I think that is the most fulfilling moment when all the members listen to Lil’s thoughts at the time of recording “99” to understand the true meaning of the song.

Mikako: The MV shooting felt so fresh because I managed to try new things again! I like how each of us has a role and when everyone rides a bicycle together… It was a really fun shoot.

Lil’ Fang: It’s definitely the recording. From the stage of writing the lyrics, I try to imagine who will sing each part to some extent, but when the voices of the members actually come in, it feels like matching the pieces of the puzzle.

I know you recently collaborated with Adidas, and obviously, you just released new music — are there other projects you’re working on that you might be able to tease for your fans?

Taki: As one of the international members I would love to bring FAKY more in other countries and be able to share and pay a visit to our fans. 

Akina: I want to continue this momentum we have going on currently. We are very busy recording songs that we love and creating videos that show our passion. I can only hope that we can inspire as many people as possible along this journey because we will continue to work hard! 

Hina: Not only to tour Japan, but I also want to do a world tour as well. This is one of my dreams. In any way, I want to do a lot of live performances. I would like to meet all our fans in person and share our music in the same space.

Mikako:  There are a lot of things I want to do. But in the end, I want to do a live performance. Some of the songs that were released during the Corona period have not yet been delivered directly to you, so I would like to share our music in the same space as soon as possible with everyone who always supports FAKY!

Lil’ Fang: I want to do live performances in many places and I would like to do something where I can convey gratitude to the fans who usually support me.

Check out “99” which is available now!