LIGHTSUM debuted this year with their first single “Vanilla,” opening the door to a sugary world of pop music vibrancy. The “Vanilla” debut that launched their careers earned them a title as the highest initial selling rookie girl group of the year – with over 19,000 units sold and has since doubled that number within a short period of time. As a result, the CUBE Entertainment artists went on to then land on the Billboard World Digital Sales Chart at No. 8, guaranteeing that the group has the ability to return with a formidable comeback.
After setting themselves up as a prominent rookie group to watch, LIGHTSUM’s eight members began to work on their first-ever comeback – a three-song collection known as Light a Wish. What makes this new musical extension particularly intriguing, is that it feels like it backs up their feel-good energy, but brings a new assertive attitude we hadn’t seen depicted on “Vanilla.” The group’s new single “VIVACE” appropriately captures a hopefulness to it that any modern K-Pop fan could be drawn to, with traces of an underlying and nostalgic influence. The useful combination of bridging two sounds is a talent of its own, but more importantly, can help to make your mark as next-gen artists.
Further ensuring their success, the already pleasant song is met with two other tracks that feel independent of one another, “Popcorn,” and “You, jam.” The song “Popcorn” is the most similar to “Vanilla” in the sense that the track maintains its dessert motif and maintains an upbeat persona that you can’t help but want more of. “You, jam” on the other hand introduces that notion of attitude and gives them enough credibility to try something new as a group. Its strut-worthy production paired with its commanding vocal presence makes this feel like a teaser for what the group’s edgier concept might look like in future releases – and that makes Light a Wish a successful first comeback for LIGHTSUM.
In celebration of its release, we spoke to the group about their new single album and everything that’s changed since debuting just five months ago.
It’s so wonderful to be talking to you again after your debut! What have the past four months been like for you all post-Vanilla?
SANGAH: Because a lot of people loved “Vanilla” and showed great interest, we worked hard to perfect our second single. We wanted to show how much we have grown since our debut, thus having a lot of practice and thinking about how to improve our weaknesses. That was how we spent those four months.
If “Vanilla” was a sugary introduction to the group, what are your initial intentions with the second single “VIVACE”?
JUHYEON: “VIVACE” is about the journey of discovering a new side of myself. Showing LIGHTSUM grow, and members producing synergy together, which leads to a spark of enlightenment, is what we wanted to do.
“VIVACE” is such a fun, almost fairytale-esque pop song that kicks off your “21st Century Genie” concept. Can you describe what type of styles or sounds that you wanted to incorporate to make that dream LIGHTSUM’s reality?
CHOWON: Combined with brilliant beats and melodies, we wanted the song to have a fairytale vibe to it. Through the choreography and lyrics, we tried to convey the concept of the genie and time loops. Our facial expressions and gestures are related to those themes, so it would be great if you can focus on those points.
“You, Jam” immediately caught me off guard because it’s probably the most unique style we’ve seen from you so far – and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine! Can we expect more of these confidence-infused songs in the future?
HINA: Of course! I believe we as a group are capable of presenting various types of music. And also, LIGHTSUM is about confidence, so we will present more music that shows even greater confidence!
“Popcorn” closes out the EP, and it feels like the sister track to “Vanilla” in many ways! Considering you’re incorporating recurring sweet treat motifs, do you already have any other ideas/plans that would continue that lively theme?
YUJEONG: Through our music, we are always trying to convey a message that is full of hope. So, as we grow with our fans, we expect to appear on stage with songs that share a similar vibe!
You have been the best-selling rookie girl group of 2021 so far, and that’s an exciting title to hold! How has that particular achievement impacted your work in this second LIGHTSUM era?
NAYOUNG: Because of all the love we have received from the public since our debut, all eight of us were able to show confidence in our activities, and also prepare for our comeback with strong energy!
Since your name symbolizes a collective idea of hope, what are a few things that give you all that same hopeful feeling about the future?
SANGAH: Families, our members of LIGHTSUM, and the fans always give us hope and positive thoughts.
CHOWON: Acknowledging that there are people and our fans SUMIT that always root for us and take interest in our activities, helps us move forward.
NAYOUNG: I think the energy that our members produce is very positive. Because of that, rather than thinking negatively in some ways, we are making a good influence on each other. Especially on the stage when we perform, I can feel the synergy rising. Sometimes when I feel exhausted or tired, the members help me and give me hope!
HINA: The first thing that comes to my mind is still our fans, SUMIT. What our fans say to us really keeps me motivated, and I feel thankful for that!
JUHYEON: Thinking of the people who love me makes me happy and gives me strength. Having somebody that will walk by my side tomorrow is a big hope to me and gives me purpose! As I have found my dreams through music when I was a child, I want to become an artist that sends out hope to someone out there.
YUJEONG: As a singer, I feel like I am with music at every moment in my life, and music inspires me. Also, after our debut, our fans who continuously support and root for us became part of my hope.
HUIYEON: Our fans, SUMIT, is what gives me joy and hope! Whenever I think about SUMIT I gain strength and positive energy.
JIAN: SUMIT is always there for us, encouraging us. I feel hope when SUMIT roots for us!
Lastly, when it came to the music video for “VIVACE”, what’s one moment you’re eager for fans to experience?
SANGAH: All the scenes are great, but the personal cuts where each member shows off their charm came out really nice. I think everybody will like it!
CHOWON: First of all I would like to thank everybody for all the love and support. Please count on our refined performance! Thank you!
NAYOUNG: I think noticing the change of concept and visuals from our debut could be a good point to pay attention to!
HINA: Please pay attention to our personal scenes which we worked hard to record! SUMIT will love those scenes because all members shot theirs on different sets that match each of them perfectly.
JUHYEON: It’s hard to pick one moment as all the members truly shined in the music video. But the scene I adore the most is the one where I dance and jump inside an elevator with the members, having fun. I hope you all like it.
YUJEONG: As our concept has changed drastically from “Vanilla”, paying attention to the new vibe and styling of us would be a good thing to look forward to!
HUIYEON: Personally, I think the music video itself is the moment I want our fans to experience! Because it offers a different, fresh feeling, as it is based on a new song that is very different from “Vanilla”. We are still working on our skills, but for producing every scene in the music video we have put in all we have. So please have fun experiencing the ‘21st-century version Genie’!
JIAN: Please count on our upgraded group choreography.
LIGHTSUM’s Light a Wish can be streamed here, and the music video for “VIVACE” is included above!
