Stray Kids, the popular K-pop group, is known for their diverse music and captivating performances. With their latest EP, MAXIDENT, the unit comprised of Hyunjin, Lee Know, and Felix explores a more mature and sensual sound with their track “Taste.” This song delves into a deeper, more complex understanding of love, straying from the typical bubbly portrayal often found in pop music.
From Romantic Comedy to a Rose with Thorns: The Inspiration Behind “Taste”
Hyunjin, the creative force behind “Taste,” sought to capture a darker, sexier, and slightly foreboding feeling in this song. Drawing inspiration from the duality of a beautiful rose covered in thorns, he aimed to express a profound and mysterious atmosphere surrounding love, specifically the allure of a love that hurts. This desire for something potentially damaging is reflected in lyrics like, “Kiss me or leave me,” and, “Kiss me or hate me,” which contrast sharply with more conventional portrayals of love.
Collaborative Creation: The DANCERACHA Dynamic
“Taste” showcases the collaborative synergy between Hyunjin, Lee Know, and Felix, affectionately known as DANCERACHA. Building on their previous unit experience with songs like “Wow,” the trio seamlessly blended their individual talents to create a cohesive and captivating track. Hyunjin initiated the process with a demo, setting the overall tone and direction for the song. Lee Know and Felix then contributed their own lyrical and melodic ideas, further enriching the narrative and musical depth.
Weaving Individual Strengths into a Unified Sound
The unique vocal colors of each member are strategically highlighted in “Taste.” Lee Know delivers both impassioned roars and delicate melodies, showcasing his vocal versatility. He describes the recording process as an exercise in embodying the song’s longing and desire, pushing himself to fully express the emotional intensity.
Felix, known for his deep, resonant voice, explores his higher register with impressive falsetto sections. He embraces the description of his voice as a “weapon,” utilizing its distinct quality to add a unique dimension to the song. His ability to seamlessly transition between deep bass tones and soaring falsettos further demonstrates his vocal prowess.
From Sound to Movement: Visualizing “Taste” on Stage
As Stray Kids’ dance line, DANCERACHA approached “Taste” with a performance-centric mindset. Hyunjin envisioned the stage presentation while composing the song, ensuring the lyrics would seamlessly integrate with the changing moods and lighting. They collaborated with JYP Entertainment’s performance team to create choreography that amplifies the song’s themes of longing and desire through subtle gestures and sinuous movements.
Lee Know, with his extensive dance background, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the music first, allowing the choreography to organically flow from the song’s emotional core. His strength lies in his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level, conveying the song’s message with precision and emotional depth. Hyunjin, on the other hand, commands attention with his captivating stage presence, pouring his emotions into every performance. He views himself as a storyteller, using music, dance, and other artistic mediums to express his inner world and connect with fans.
A New Chapter of Individual Expression for Stray Kids
“Taste” marks a significant step in Stray Kids’ artistic evolution, showcasing the members’ individual growth and their commitment to exploring diverse musical styles. Felix observes that the group, while maintaining their strong team dynamic, is increasingly embracing opportunities to showcase their individual talents and narratives. Hyunjin’s exploration of a more mature and sensual sound with “Taste” exemplifies this trend.
A “Taste” of What’s to Come
With “Taste,” Hyunjin, Lee Know, and Felix have crafted a captivating exploration of a more complex and mature understanding of love. The song’s sensual sound, combined with their powerful performance, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Stray Kids’ musical journey. This unit’s willingness to push boundaries and embrace new creative directions reinforces their position as a dynamic and ever-evolving force in the K-pop landscape.
