On their second full-length album, AB6IX steps back onto the scene with a “complete” vision and refocused energy.
The four-member unit that makes up AB6IX have used the past few years to introduce their potential to the masses – showing resourceful tactics in their music composition, choreography, and performances. Known for major hits including “BREATHE”, “SALUTE”, and “CLOSE”, the group has a proven track record in their ability to facilitate their involvement in everything creatively, down to their adaptability with individual style.
Accumulating nearly 700 million streams globally, AB6IX has consistently released music since their 2019 formation – including various features like Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts Remix” and Why Don’t We’s “Fallin’ Remix” that has helped the group gain substantial exposure in differing genres. Due to their respected place in the industry, the group was even dubbed worthy adversaries to the heavy hitter Good Girl participants Yeeun, Jiwoo, Jamie, Cheetah, and Hyoyeon. For being considered “juniors” to the veteran performers, AB6IX has garnered enough wins, sales, and established talent to be perceived as equals, and that’s something that appears to be recurring in their ongoing desire to create.
In their new second studio album MO’ COMPLETE, AB6IX perfectly punctuates the notion that they’ve obtained all the rookie knowledge possible ahead of their next chapter. Ultimately, this new idea is something that the group has proudly played a hand in, with the album reflecting ideas, desires, and personal experiences for the group.
The title track “Cherry” is the first taste of MO’ COMPLETE, representing a promising love in their lively and recognizable pop music lane that stays on track without falter. Conversely, the group takes a crack at something more vibey and seductive on “DOWN FOR YOU” as what might be AB6IX’s most infectious track on the album with a beat that further compliments their group chemistry.
With the new release surpassing their own record (over 100,000 copies in their first week sales) and charting at No. 2 on the Gaon Weekly Album Chart – we had plenty to discuss regarding MO’ COMPLETE with AB6IX members, Woong, Donghyun, Woojin, and Daehwi, on everything from musical inspirations to fashion.
Looking at your discography, you’ve had a variety of concepts behind your music! When you started to work on the MO’ COMPLETE series, what was the driving force behind this joint overarching story?
Woong: I think the biggest factor was having an environment that didn’t limit us from exploring the creative ideas and concepts we wanted. We were able to think a lot about what it takes to make a good album, which led us to work on many concepts and ideas.
Donghyun: I personally get inspired by movies, dramas, reading a book, or listening to people’s conversations. I am receiving ideas from many things.
Considering this album officially closes that two-part series – how would you say it thematically fits with EP, MO’ COMPLETE: Have a Dream?
Daehwi: We worked hard to express the perfected, completed nature of AB6IX through the album. Our goal is to complete the vision we have presented from our former album MO’ COMPLETE: HAVE A DREAM, through our new release. So please root for us!
If all of your releases have displayed various sides to AB6IX, what’s the biggest takeaway from this concluding chapter to the MO’ COMPLETE series?
Woojin: Releasing a new album and finishing the series of MO’ COMPLETE helped us establish our own unique color as an artist, as well as figuring out what should be our next step.
The single “Cherry” is such a fun way to close out summer and leaves a bit of a nostalgic impression as well! What was it about this song that you felt made this the right follow-up to your last hit single “Close”?
Woong: If “Close” showed the powerful side of AB6IX, on the other hand, “Cherry” shows the cute, fresh vibe of AB6IX, which is very different. That is why we thought “Cherry” should be our next single.
“Down For You” is such a strong addition, and there’s this raw, engaging energy to it! When it comes to these upbeat dance tracks you’ve delivered, what’s the most crucial component of creating an AB6IX song?
Daehwi: It is our first time trying Latin-pop style music. I hope our fans in South America like it. I always try to make something that can be trendy and beloved by the public. Figuring out what kind of music fits the world we are living in, is what I always work on.
Something else that helps you stand out in today’s music is the fact that you each have a hand in the production of your own tracks – is there a song you’re each proudest of working on this time around?
Donghyun: It would be our title song “Cherry” It expresses AB6IX’s unique color in a cute, witty way. I think Daehwi did a great job making this song. It goes along so well with our group’s nature.
Since getting more hands-on with those behind-the-scenes aspects of music – what has been the most rewarding aspect of educating yourselves about that side of creativity?
Woojin: We definitely feel the most accomplished when our fans like the music and albums we have produced.
This is also your first full album since debuting in 2019 which is always a bold commitment! Why would you say this feels like the perfect time to release a sophomore album?
Daehwi: We came to a conclusion that showing ABNEW our true identity is the most important thing to do at the moment. Also, as the term ‘Corona Blue’ tells, a lot of people are suffering from COVID-19. We thought it would be great if our music can help our fans around the world to cheer up.
Style has always played a part in your group’s vibe, and you’re all known for some very fashion-forward concepts! How would you say the outfits/appearances from MO’ COMPLETE correlate with the ideas behind the album?
Donghyun: In my opinion, people notice our style because we personally study fashion trends, and we also think a lot of which outfit or style would fit the concept of the album the most. We wanted to show something that we didn’t show before because our last official album release was a while ago. All of these factors have influenced the production of our concept of MO’ COMPLETE.
Finally, if you were each going to choose a style or genre you’d like to either try or return to – what would you select for the potential future sounds of AB6IX?
Woong: I would like to dig into hip hop more. Please wait for Hip-hop Six!
Woojin: A dance music that is passionate, but also sad and poetic is what I want to try. I want to show our sexiness and powerfulness a lot.
Check out the music video for “Cherry” included above, and stream the album MO’ COMPLETE here!
