MONSTA X Breaks Down Their Impressive Album, Fatal Love (INTERVIEW)

When it comes to taking risks, the South Korean boy band MONSTA X is no stranger to standing out. The group has released six banger-heavy albums, 10 EP’s, and music in three different languages. MONSTA X’s passion for music is met with an equally passionate fandom, earning the support of millions around the world dubbed Monbebe. Not only is MONSTA X a group that has found mainstream success, but they’re also a group that fights for it every step of the way.

The group has rightfully found themselves with nearly 40 award wins, over 100 nominations, and has survived the difficulties of being a rookie group that requires unforeseen levels of endurance — and MONSTA X continues to return with new, valuable experience to add to their music. The group just dropped their new album Fatal Love, and the six men (Shownu, Joohoney, I.M, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, and Kihyun) have stepped into roles where they are getting a taste of producing their own music, songwriting, and an era of seasoned performers who have fought to create their own unique vision.

The album cycles through various throwback inspirations, but also displays the future of MONSTA X by showing they’re aware of today’s trends, yet they still challenge themselves to step outside of their comfort zone and avoid a cookie-cutter path. MONSTA X takes the time on Fatal Love to play with different ideas, and every track has refined individuality to show off each and every member’s strengths as well as their desires to stray from those safe choices.

We recently spoke to the members of MONSTA X about the new album and the group opened up about the process behind Fatal Love, spreading positivity to the world, and their bond as a group.

What was the concept(s) behind this particular comeback album Fatal Love?

Shownu: It’s a stage of love and hate.
Minhyuk: You will find 6 movie characters hidden in the title music video!
Kihyun: I think it’s what it looks like without a hidden concept…
Hyungwon: Hidden sexiness in a cloaked outfit? Am I answering right?
Joohoney: Hidden concepts… I agree with what Kihyun said!
I.M: We are all the characters in different movies.

One of my favorite things about you all as a group is that you have really strong chemistry. How have your bonds with one another changed from your days as a rookie group?

Shownu: Our relationship has deepened and we’ve become more considerate of each other.
Minhyuk: I think our relationship has deepened and deepened.
Kihyun: We’ve been together for so long that we’re in perfect sync. We are too special to each other.
Hyungwon: We’ve been together for a long time, so we’ve gotten closer. More than closer. I can’t find the right words.
Joohoney: It’s no exaggeration to say that we’re family now.
I.M: Became a family from a member.

“Sorry I’m Not Sorry” has such a nostalgic, almost ’70s-inspired kind of song, and it might just be one of your best records to date in my personal opinion! What inspired that tranquil final-farewell of the album?

Shownu: Isn’t it a great song? I really like it, too. It’s an album about love and hatred, so we thought it would be perfect to sing on this album.
Minhyuk: It’s a very precious gift for Joo-young. He came up with this idea.
Kihyun: I think Joo-young’s feelings are well-released through our expressions.
Joohoney: I just want to thank Jooyoung for giving me a good song.
I.M: “I’m sorry, but I’m not sorry,” the irony of the song was the key. I love this irony.

When you all begin to record a new album, what’s the atmosphere like? For example, do you all find yourselves extremely focused and work-oriented, or is it more casual when getting back in the studio together?

Shownu: We focus on recording, but we try to do it with fresh, casual feelings as well.
Minhyuk: While we try to enjoy the atmosphere freely and leisurely when we record a song composed by a member, we try to fully focus when we do other songs.
Kihyun: Focus and bang!! That’s my style.
Hyungwon: I do both at the same time. I work in a free atmosphere while concentrating.
Joohoney: Comfortably and casually.
I.M: It depends on the sounds of the track.

Who would you say has changed the most in the group since forming five years ago, and why?

Shownu: Everyone including myself is still the same!
Minhyuk: I would say I.M. He had really grown up a lot!
Kihyun: I.M. His visual has changed and he looks fully matured like a real man.
Hyungwon: I.M for sure! He looks so good and I think he has become more mature. He really takes good care of his health, he also never stops studying music, always trying hard and the depth of his knowledge and skills have developed a lot.
Joohoney: Definitely I.M. He works out very hard and he is the master of taking care of himself.
I.M: Me! My cheeks have hollowed out.

We live in a time where artists are widely recognized as having such a major influence, and I’ve seen you use your stage for good causes and promote much-needed positivity in the world. Is there anything that you’d like to tell anyone reading this that might need a little positivity in a complex time?

Shownu: I’m still very happy and it still feels dreamy that we could be a source of energy for someone. Personally, it’s one of the driving forces for me to be a singer. Stay positive and always cheer up!
Minhyuk: I will be there for you all the time so that you can never feel loneliness. Not even once!
Kihyun: You are never alone.
Hyungwon: If you like something and try to achieve that, it will eventually come to you so be positive!
Joohoney: Just do yourself.
I.M: Trust yourself and step forward!

What role does Monbebe play in the creative process when you begin working on a new album?

Shownu: They’re the motivation that makes us act and think!!
Minhyuk: The main character of my movie. The best part!
Kihyun: They are the people who keep me thinking, ‘How can I make Monbebe like it?’ I always wanna be nice to them as much as I can. I wanna give them the best music.
Hyungwon: I think they are the source of our inspiration. And I’m doing music for MONBEBE.
Joohoney: The source of our inspiration!
I.M: The purpose of my music.

Shownu, it’s important to mention that you come off as a very gracious and talented leader to the group, which is a necessary quality to have with that highly respected role. When you imagine a future for the group, what do you hope to see in your future(s)?

Shownu: I hope we’re a group that’s changing and evolving for a long, long time.

I know that I.M. composed “Night View” which is such an incredible track. When you first started working on it, did you already have a strong sense of how it would sound, or was it something that changed over the course of producing the album?

I.M: I’ve already thought of a sound, and I wanted to make it out as a full track. I’ve already imagined what kind of painting would come out from the first step, and then I’ve just opened it.

Hyungwon, you both produced and composed for the first time on “Nobody Else” which is such a great song! What was it like to get involved in crafting a song for the group in this new capacity?

Hyungwon: It was such an honor and I was happy to capture the members’ good voices. I will continue to show you better music.

Considering that Kihyun provides lead vocals for the group, what was your favorite song to record on Fatal Love?

Kihyun: The track “Gasoline” is my favorite. I love the refreshing feeling. I just feel really good when I sing it.

Minhyuk, you have had a lot of success with other endeavors including hosting, OSTs, and more! Is there any specific project you’re excited to work on next?

Minhyuk: I want to challenge myself on TV variety shows and YouTube.

Joohoney, you recently released your mixtape, Psyche — and I absolutely loved your gutsy, liberated sound in this collection. What was your biggest takeaway from the mixtape?

Joohoney: Everyone experiences success and failure. The key is not to be afraid and to move forward. I hope you don’t lose hope by listening to the message I’ve sent.

Psyche really deviated from traditional genre crossovers, and it was met with well-deserved praise! What were some of your own personal inspirations for the mixtape?

Joohoney: I’m sorry to have to say the same thing as the answer before. So, in the end, I’m in the position of being illuminated on the stage of this life, and there are times when the lights go off and on, so don’t be too afraid of them. Everything is not forever. And you should enjoy and love every moment by moment.

What would you say was your proudest moment when working on Psyche?

Joohoney: It was great working with my crew ‘NOARK’, and it was great when the members were listening from the scratches.

Thank you to MONSTA X for taking the time to speak with us about Fatal Love! Make sure to check out the album, available now!