Since their formation three years ago through SKY-HI’s BMSG record label, Japanese dance and vocal group BE:FIRST has captivated audiences worldwide. The seven-member group, comprised of SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, RYOKI, and LEO, has steadily climbed the charts with hit after hit, graced countless music TV shows and festival stages, and even completed a successful two-show run at both the Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome Osaka this year.
Billboard Japan recently sat down with BE:FIRST to discuss the making of their highly anticipated second album, 2:BE, their creative process, and their vision for the future.
A Shared Passion for Music
The members of BE:FIRST share an undeniable synergy, effortlessly transitioning from captivating choreography to heartfelt vocals. Their shared love for music is palpable, shining through not only in their performances but also their dedication to creative involvement.
“We’ve always been a group that really enjoys the music,” LEO shares. “We don’t think of music as work, it’s more like we’re just doing what we want to do.”
This passion is nurtured by their agency’s commitment to prioritizing music. SOTA explains, “Our agency also puts music first, so we’re never given work that would interfere with our ability to focus on music.” This supportive environment enables BE:FIRST to channel their energy into their craft, leading to what SOTA describes as “positive struggles” – the challenges that stem from an abundance of creative ideas.
Evolving as a Group: From BE:1 to 2:BE
The release of their second album, 2:BE, marks a new chapter for BE:FIRST. The album reflects not only their growth as artists but also their increasing confidence in expressing their unique identity.
RYUHEI notes a key difference between their first and second albums: “Our new album, 2:BE, has a mixture of songs that Hidaka wanted BE:FIRST to perform and songs that we wanted to perform.”
This shift towards greater creative control is evident in the album’s raw, authentic sound, described by JUNON: “Compared to our first album, on this second album, there’s a much smaller difference between the way we sound live and the way the album sounds.”
This evolution has resulted in an album that embodies the essence of BE:FIRST, as SHUNTO explains: “The new album is really packed with what it means to be BE:FIRST. I think it’s a well-balanced, highly listenable album.”
Finding “Bliss” in Collaboration
2:BE features a unique collaboration with K-Pop group ATEEZ on the track “Hush-Hush.” The collaboration, a testament to both groups’ global appeal, was born out of a shared artistic vision and mutual respect.
“A long time ago, Hidaka talked about how there was a K-pop group that he particularly liked,” SOTA reveals. “It was shortly after our debut, but he was saying, ‘there’s an artist I’d like you to collaborate with one day.'”
The members believe that the collaboration felt natural due to the similarities between the two groups. “We both have a very down-to-earth feel. ATEEZ has a really warm vibe. That’s something that BE:FIRST also places a lot of importance on,” says RYOKI.
This shared emphasis on authenticity and genuine connection translates into their music, creating a powerful synergy between the two groups.
A Vision for the Future: Seven Parts, One Whole
As BE:FIRST looks toward the future, their vision remains clear: to stay true to themselves and continue creating music they love, together.
“The musical direction we want to go in is always changing,” RYOKI acknowledges. “But, no matter what, I want to keep this ‘Avengers’ feel.”
Their strength, the members agree, lies in their individuality and their ability to weave their unique talents into a cohesive and dynamic whole. SOTA emphasizes, “Our strength isn’t really a group-focused approach in which, for example, we’re using synchronized choreography or we’re separating singing parts to give songs different feels. Instead, for us, it’s more important that we’re enjoying the vibes together.”
This shared enjoyment is palpable in their music and performances, creating an infectious energy that resonates with fans worldwide. As BE:FIRST continues to chart their own course, their commitment to authenticity and their unwavering passion for music promise an exciting journey ahead.
