Nmixx releases sixth mini album featuring first unit songs

Nmixx released their sixth mini album, 'Strange Muse', on the 19th, featuring the title track "Birthday Wish." The six-song collection marks the group's first use of unit songs since their debut, with half of the tracks consisting of these new configurations.

Nmixx released their 6th mini album, 'Strange Muse', on the 19th. The album contains six songs, including the title track "Birthday Wish." Set against the backdrop of MIXXTOPIA, the album tells a story of individuals expressing their unique personalities while becoming sources of inspiration for one another. A notable feature of this album is the inclusion of unit songs, marking the first time the members have performed in units since their debut. The title track combines Moombahton, Afro, and Future House sounds, capturing both the excitement of a birthday party and the sincere wishes held for one another. In the music video, where confetti scatters, the members dance and sing together, intersecting the energy of a party with the desire to stay with one another for a long time.

In a Q&A session held ahead of the release, Nmixx explained that the album is "a story of becoming each other's 'Muse' in MIXXTOPIA, where everyone shines diversely." The title track depicts blowing out candles and making wishes for one another as the protagonists of the party. Regarding the album title, which combines 'Strange' and 'Muse,' the members stated that anyone can be a muse if they provide inspiration, even if others do not understand them. The album's narrative places the meeting of different beings, who freely express their own colors, at its center.

Drawing Muses in MIXXTOPIA

MIXXTOPIA, the setting for 'Strange Muse,' is introduced as a space where different people gather to express their own colors and inspire one another. The members explained, "Since we are drawing a story in MIXXTOPIA, which is full of muses who inspire me even if they seem a little strange or unusual, the album title 'Strange Muse' was born." They added that they wanted to convey the message that "difference" can help create the world they desire. The birthday party in the title track is composed of scenes where members treat each other as the main characters in that space. Nmixx included lyrics about constantly blowing out candles and making long wishes for one another.

The album consists of the title track, two group songs, and three unit songs. The unit songs are a new configuration for Nmixx since their debut. Half of the six songs are unit tracks, and the members participating in each unit also received credit for writing the lyrics. Through this album, the members showcase different combinations and musical expressions. In an interview before the release, the members expressed excitement about meeting the fandom NSWER with their new music and performances. Explaining the album's background and the title track's birthday party, they stated, "We think this will be an album that shows what kind of existence we are to each other and how 'difference' can help create the world we want." This theme of different beings meeting to share inspiration is also reflected in the album's structure of placing group and unit songs together.

'Birthday Wish' transitions through genres

'Birthday Wish' is a pop song that combines Moombahton, Afro, and Future House. The track shifts from a twisted bass sound to an intuitive rhythm in the chorus, featuring a break where only the piano and vocals remain. The song creates tension with unfamiliar textures before delivering a rhythm that allows listeners to lose themselves. Release materials describe the track as having a contrast between an uplifting sound and calm piano melodies, followed by a bridge that builds tension alongside narration. The lyrics of the title track depict the act of making wishes with all one's heart for one another, placing bright festival rhythms alongside wishes for the other person.

The chorus contains two different expressions. The melody of closing one's eyes to make a wish conveys earnestness toward the other, while the repetition of "Celebrate it" creates a celebratory atmosphere. High-pitched vocals and short, repetitive phrases interlock. Midway through the song, only the piano and vocals remain, followed by narration promising to make wishes even if the other person's world changes and to find them even if they are lost. This is followed by a rising chorus. The intro narration opens the song by mentioning a new beginning and a wounded heart. In the final chorus, "Now I can see" changes to "Now I can breathe." Regarding her first impression of the song, LILY said, "When I first heard it, it was hopeful yet unique. There were parts where I particularly liked the rhythm and parts where I felt the melody was beautiful. In particular, the chorus and the narration appearing here and there were moving."

A party captured in recording and the music video

The members revealed that they focused on the high vocal range and the narration during the recording process. LILY said she worked hard to maintain proper vocalization due to the many high notes and practiced for her first rap in a title track. SULLYOON explained that because the chorus notes are relatively high, she attempted different vocal placements to produce a pleasant sound. SULLYOON stated, "Since the notes in the chorus are on the higher side, I put a lot of effort into it, such as changing my vocal placement to ensure the sound is pleasant for listeners." HAEWON expressed hope that listeners could immerse themselves in the song through the intro narration, saying, "I hope the emotions of that overwhelming and precious moment when we face each other will reach you."

The music video unfolds scenes of a birthday party through confetti, dancing, and singing. The members enjoy the party while smiling on stage, and the sight of them celebrating together connects to the song lyrics. The music video also captures pink and purple color palettes and surreal space production. Scenes follow where members, who were in different locations, gather in one place to enjoy the party. In an interview before the release, the members said they hoped the narration in the intro would serve as an opportunity to immerse oneself in the song. The composition, which connects the narration to the chorus after stripping away the accompaniment during the song's break, forms the title track along with the party scenes in the music video. The sight of the members laughing and dancing on stage combined with the lyrics about making wishes constitutes a single birthday party.

Six tracks filled with group songs and the first unit songs

The remaining group song on the album, ‘Kerosene’, mixes alternative dance-pop and hyperpop. It contains the will to move forward fearlessly by providing variations in each chorus. ‘RudE TaLK’, in which BAE participated in writing the lyrics, is a song that contrasts an aggressive chorus with nostalgic verses, unfolding a story of facing gossip. While the title track centers on wishes for one another, the two group songs contain attitudes of protecting oneself and moving forward. The album places stories of conveying hearts to one another alongside songs that reveal individual positions.

The three unit songs chose different arrangements and vocal/rap compositions depending on the member combinations. LILY and HAEWON’s ‘Sing to the Moon’ is a ballad pop song that focuses on the piano and vocals. SULLYOON and BAE’s ‘Hot ’n Unbothered’ expresses a relaxed atmosphere using 808 bass and Latin grooves. JIWOO and KYUJIN’s ‘WHIP’ alternates between fast-paced rap and vocal loops. The members participated in writing the lyrics for their respective unit songs, and KYUJIN also challenged herself with composing. BAE also participated in writing the lyrics for ‘RudE TaLK’. KYUJIN said that while she wanted to challenge herself with songwriting and composing, starting was difficult, and she was happy to participate in this album. The six tracks of the album are as follows.

Nmixx released a new album approximately 5 months after their 5th mini album ‘Heavy Serenade’. This album contains the birthday party of the title track, wishes for each other, three group songs, and three unit songs. The members said they want to make wishes for the people who give them happiness. Nmixx will continue their activities to meet NSWER with new music and stages.

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