ONEUS on the Making of Their EP ‘Trickster’
Ravn, Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion debuted as ONEUS in 2019. Over the years, the K-pop group has released multiple EPs and a studio album. On May 17, ONEUS released their seventh EP, Trickster. The EP features seven tracks including the album’s lead single, “Bring It On.”
Following the release of Trickster, Showbiz Cheat Sheet interviewed Ravn, Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion about making the album and what they want to accomplish next as ONEUS.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
ONEUS released an EP called ‘Trickster’
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: You recently completed your Blood Moon U.S. tour. What was the tour like for you?
Keonhee: First of all, I was very happy and excited to meet the fans who waited for us for more then two years. It was amazing to share the excitement in person.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Do any of you have a favorite memory from the Blood Moon tour?
Xion: “LIT” and “LUNA” are the Korean-style title songs, and when we performed these songs, fans supported us with Korean hanbok and traditional fans which was so memorable.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: What can you share about your new EP Trickster?
Leedo: In this album, Trickster refers to those who reverse the ending with just one hand, and it can also be seen as an extension of the storytelling for the first full album Devil released in January 2021. Along with the message “Do whatever you really want” from the album Devil, we wanted to share the meaning that we are all protagonists who deserve a happy ending.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Since Trickster is about facing the unknown, do you ever get nervous about the future?
Hwanwoong: Everyone will have a certain degree of nervousness for the future. But due to the nature of our job, I had a lot of worries such as, “Can I debut?” “What should I do to be loved by many people?” But I am trying to stay positive and focus on spending a memorable time with my fans.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Similarly, do you ever wish you could go back and try and change the past? Or do the six of you always stay focused on the present and future?
Seoho: I like to go to the past and get a better result, but rather than regretting the past, I tend to focus more on the present and the future.
‘Bring It On’ is the EP’s lead single
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Do you have any specific goals you want to accomplish with Trickster?
Ravn: With the Trickster album, we want to imprint ONEUS strength and attractive performance a little more, and as the pandemic situation is slowly recovering, fans can enjoy the stage together in person. I hope more people can see our stage and become our fans!
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Do any of you have a favorite song on Trickster? If so, can you share why it is your favorite?
Hwanwoong: My favorite is “Skydivin.” It’s a very refreshing song that goes well with summer, and the lyrics are good and also, I feel like it can relieve the stress just by listening.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Why do you feel “Bring It On” was the best choice for the album’s lead single?
Keonhee: Thankfully, the fans gave us a title of “Stage genius,” so we always try to focus on our performance and how to maximize our strength. The strong sound and lyrics of “Bring It On” are enough to show our confidence and spirit, and I think this allows us to show more growth in our performance which made us decide to choose this song as our title.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Hwanwoong, you helped choreograph “Bring It On.” Can you share what it was like being involved in this process?
Hwanwoong: After listening to the song and making the chorus with the feeling I want to express, I watched the video and reconstructed it to fit the flow, and now the choreography is completed.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: The “Bring It On” music video has a lot of intense elements. What was it like filming the “Bring It On” music video, and do you have any interesting or funny stories from filming?
Keonhee: When filming the music video, from the props to the set, it was very intense just like the title of this title song, so I had a lot of fun filming it. And it was amazing to have a picture of a card design that characterizes us in the set.
ONEUS on their songwriting process
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Multiple of you were involved in the songwriting and music-making process on Trickster. Can you explain what it was like working on the album in this way?
Ravn: This album also included a song that I composed called, “Firebomb,” which was more meaningful as it was the first song that I got inspired in my dreams. I hope that many people will enjoy this song when they are waiting for something with their eyes closed.
Leedo: The song I wrote this time, “Skydivin,” was somewhat easy to write because the theme and lyrics were very clear to me. The melody came out smoothly, and I put the lyrics on top of it.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: When songwriting, do you have the same creative process each time, or is it different depending on the song?
Ravn: Each song goes through a different process, and the situation is different for each song. Sometimes it starts with the lyrics, sometimes it starts with the title, and sometimes it starts with the melody, so it’s not the same creative process.
Seoho: It seems to vary from time to time depending on the situation. When a topic is decided or there is a word that sticks out, the lyrics sometimes smoothly come out.
Leedo: It really depends on the topic I want to write on. Sometimes I write the lyrics or words for the topic and then write the melody, and sometimes I write the melody and then the lyrics.
What ONEUS want to accomplish next
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: It’s been a few years since your debut as ONEUS. What are you most proud of ONEUS for accomplishing since your debut?
Xion: It was when we first won first place with “LUNA.” I was so proud because it seems like I gave a present to my fans.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Are there any concepts or musical genres that you want to try in the future?
Keonhee: I think we’ve been through a lot of challenges so far. As always, we want to show our fans how we can digest many different concepts and genres. I also think we can do a great job for a sexy concept.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: What are your goals for the rest of the year, both individually and as ONEUS?
Ravn: As always, I will like to end the year with happiness. I also want to perform at the year-end award ceremonies and also do a world tour!
Seoho: My goal this year is to become a better artist and friend!
Leedo: My goal as ONEUS is to move forward and develop as a better artist and my personal goal is to get in shape even more.
