Kiss of Life: A Year of Musical Evolution and Authenticity

The debut that shook the scene

When Kiss of Life first appeared on the K-Pop radar with their vibrant debut single “Shhh,” the industry took notice. This four-member girl group, composed of Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul, quickly made a name for themselves with their distinct sound and dynamic performances.

The new EP: Lose Yourself

Just over a year later, Kiss of Life is back with their third EP, Lose Yourself. Julie, during an engaging Zoom chat, revealed, “We put extra effort into this album. We wanted to come back with greater songs and surprise everyone with their musicality. It was a joyful process preparing for this album.”

A versatile musical journey

Spanning seven tracks, Lose Yourself boldly explores various pop-centric genres. The title track, “Get Loud,” encapsulates the essence of Kiss of Life’s sound, maintaining freshness while unveiling new dimensions of the group. On the other hand, “R.E.M” offers a dreamy escape, and “Igloo” brings an energetic hip-hop flair.

Personal favorites and artistic explorations

Julie, originating from Hawaii, jokingly mentions, “There are so many good songs on this album. It’s a debate between us, but my favorite is ‘Igloo.’” Meanwhile, Belle, a 20-year-old Seattle native, shyly admits, “My favorite is ‘Get Loud,’ the title track, because I wrote it.” Belle’s contributions as a writer and composer have been instrumental, showcasing her talent not just for Kiss of Life but also for other K-Pop acts.

Reinventing the wheel

Kiss of Life has never shied away from reinventing their look and sound. “Trying new things is really authentic to us,” says Julie. “Every album, every song feels like Kiss of Life because we enjoy and have fun. This album feels particularly authentic as we explored a wider range of music.”

Embracing individuality

The overarching theme of Lose Yourself is embracing one’s true self. Belle elaborates, “Some people might think we’re freaks or weird, but ‘Get Loud’ says it’s OK to be a freak. Be creative, continue what you’re doing—it might lead to something amazing.”

Preparing for a world tour

In conjunction with their new music release, Kiss of Life is gearing up for their first world tour. The tour, spanning 18 stops across the U.S. and Canada, includes major cities like New York, L.A., and Chicago, as well as less frequently visited places like Minneapolis, Boston, and Montreal.

Expanding horizons

Haneul, the youngest member, recalls performing at KCON Germany: “It was our first time on a big stage with international fans. Seeing them dance and sing along was so touching.” Natty, who already had a following from her music competition show appearances, credits their fans, collectively known as Kissy, for their success. “We wouldn’t have come this far without our fans’ support and love.”

Overcoming industry challenges

Coming from a smaller entertainment agency often poses challenges in the competitive K-Pop scene. Kiss of Life is signed with S2 Entertainment, founded by a former co-founder of a major K-Pop label. Julie reflects, “It’s harder to become big from a smaller company, but with effort, nothing is impossible. We kept this mindset while preparing for our debut and comebacks.”

Staying positive and involved

The group’s positive outlook and genuine enjoyment in making music are key elements in connecting with fans. Belle adds, “Our company listens to our opinions, so we make better outcomes together. There is mutual respect.” The members are hands-on with their projects, contributing visually and musically to every album. Belle emphasizes, “We’re involved in all aspects, and despite hectic schedules, we find time to create music together.”

Sisterhood and growth

Julie shares how their busy schedules have forged strong bonds: “Now we’re like sisters, best friends. Our closeness defines us and we learn so much from each other.” As they continue to grow, Kiss of Life has clear goals. They aspire to perform on global stages, meet more international fans, and achieve their small but significant goals.

Spreading confidence

Julie humorously downplays the seriousness of their image, saying, “We want everyone to see how confident we are, imperfections and all. We hope to spread that confidence and encourage people to embrace their flaws. Nobody’s perfect. We’re not perfect. This is our journey, and we hope everyone joins us on it.”

Kiss of Life’s heartfelt music and authentic approach resonate with fans around the world, proving that effort, passion, and genuine connection can overcome any obstacle.

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