CRAVITY debuted last year as a live-wire rookie group, but they’ve worked without pause – all leading to their first studio album and palpable conviction.
When we first discovered the group’s music, they had formed a solid combination of youthful energy that was met with an eagerness to entertain – and their first full album, The Awakening: Written In The Stars gives us a positive shift in attitude. Upon listening to their new tracks, the group has found that artistic moment of self-assurance, where the music comes together in one larger story. At this moment, CRAVITY has already covered their bases with upbeat, hardened dance tracks that treasure rookie-level dedication to music – so by having a majority of the album explore the group’s unity and growth, they’ve recognized a sense of creative comfort.
In these tracks, we uncover the group’s combination of styles felt throughout previous releases, but everything from production to vocal range feels slightly enhanced. CRAVITY follows the timeless notion that though confidence and passion are crucial, there comes a point in any artist’s transition where the pressure becomes more about finding your own style instead of keeping up with peers. CRAVITY makes that brave leap with their new single “Gas Pedal” which depicts the group’s aspirations to speed towards the future of K-Pop, with respectful reminders about the group we met in their first EP.
It’s on the album’s third track “VENI VIDI VICI” where we can begin to really feel how far CRAVITY has creatively come, giving one of the most effortlessly memorable productions of the year. The group’s ability to harmonize and transition from falsetto to their focused raps – all while encompassing a twist on rock and pop to back the group’s interest in versatility. Even tracks like “Celebrate” conduct itself as an unexpected feel-good song to note their successes, turning up the positivity and muting any external bad vibes. Everything about CRAVITY’s new album has shown that no matter how many tracks the group releases – there are endless corners of music to explore and that Starship Entertainment has faith in their already iconic sound.
It’s been over a year since we last spoke to the talented group, so we recently took the opportunity to revisit the group’s previous stances, their take on new music, and plenty more to celebrate the release (just like the song suggests!)
Congratulations on your first full album, The Awakening: Written In The Stars, that’s such an exciting moment! I’m sure that you’ve each thought about what this moment might feel like – so how would you describe your headspace leading into this release?
Hyeongjun: Since it’s our first full album, I am super excited and a bit nervous at the same time. I personally want to show a better side of myself through this album!
The last time we spoke, you felt very new to the scene – and now you’ve grown a lot as artists in that brief period! What would you say feels like the most mature element of CRAVITY at this point in time?
Serim: The way we are performing on the stage, all the synchronization made by our members, and great teamwork on stage would be the most mature element. And we are all ready to show that to you!
Speaking of maturity, “Gas Pedal” is a great track to kick off the new CRAVITY that’s clearly centered on your group’s growth as a whole. Which member would you say has displayed the most noticeable growth at this point?
Wonjin: I think Hyeongjun did because when he was a trainee, he was just a baby to my eyes. He has a baby-looking face now but back then, he looked younger. He was always soft-hearted so I saw him crying a lot but I’m very surprised that he has grown into a man!
I feel like “VENI VIDI VICI” might be the dark horse of the album, and I’ve already listened to it several times! The vocal unity, the guitar solo, the beat, it’s all-around solid! When it comes to picking a new song that you have a connection to – what comes to mind?
Allen: I usually feel a connection with a song if the lyrics are relatable to my personal life whether that’d be my current mood or situations I’m going through. The overall mood and instrumental arrangements are also important to me when it comes to picking songs I’m able to connect with.
I also like that the album has a lot of connection to overcoming because resilience is generally an important quality to spotlight. What would you say was the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a group so far?
Seongmin: I think the most difficult time and biggest challenge that I faced was when we weren’t able to meet our LUVITYs in person due to the pandemic situation. I think all of our members would feel the same.
“Celebrate” feels like a fun, light moment that just enjoys everything you’ve achieved so far! Has there been one moment in your career that might be what you’d consider the biggest cause for celebration?
Jungmo: We just released our first full-length album after three mini-albums (HIDEOUT series albums) and this fact just makes me so proud. The biggest cause for the celebration would be that I’m here, taking a step forward with my fellow brothers!
We also previously discussed your incredible songs that close out your EP’s, and “GO GO” feels like an impressive pivot for the style of The Awakening: Written In The Stars! Did you enjoy opting for something more lo-fi-esque since this hadn’t been explored in your prior music?
Taeyoung: It was my first time trying ‘bossa nova’ style so it was very interesting! In addition, I feel like that song perfectly guides listeners to the finale of this album.
If you were going to return to the style or sound of one song in this album in the future, is there one that stands out as something you’d like to expand on?
Woobin: “Grand Prix” – I’d love to try to put some more excitement to it while keeping the trendy and stylish sound!
Your fans Luvity have such admiration for each of you, and they are so supportive of every turn in your career which I’d assume feels pretty humbling! How would you say your relationship with your fans has evolved leading into The Awakening: Written In The Stars?
Minhee: I feel that we are strongly bonded to LUVITY and I think I got closer to my fans over time. Right now, I want to be a person who can be found easily when they need my help and/or energy.
I know you still haven’t been able to put on a concert due to the pandemic, but now that you have a lot of music out and feel more confident as performers, have you thought about what your first concert might look or feel like?
Allen: When I listen to our song “Star” from our debut EP, I always imagine that moment when we get to perform that song in front of our fans. Just the thought of it itself brings tears to my eyes so I think if we did have our first concert with our fans present in the audience it would be really emotional for everyone.
Taeyoung: I always imagine myself being at our first concert and thinking about it just gives me great adrenaline and strength. Hope we can all go through this pandemic period safely to see each other in the future.
Seongmin: I’d be so happy to perform all of our songs in front of LUVITYs and just by imagining it, I get overwhelmed.
CRAVITY’s first album can be streamed here, and the music video for their new single is included above!
