Exclusive! XG Talks Career Highs, Taking Risks & Their New Rap Single 'WOKE UP'
The seven-member trailblazing hip-hop and R&B girl group is back with a brand new single and their first ever world tour across, Europe and America.
In an industry as competitive and saturated as K-pop, it is difficult to stand out amongst the sea of talented artists trying to make a name for themselves. With their unique sound, captivating visual concepts and raw talent, the seven members of hip-hop and R&B girl group, XG has been steadily making waves since their debut in March 2022. Consisting of Japanese talents, based in South Korea and singing mostly in English, XG has been a shining example of globalisation in the digital age of music, steadily carving their own path in the realm of pop and rap. Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Juria, Cocona, Maya, and Harvey has cultivated a fan-base that is truly diverse, spanning all across the globe.
After the success of their first mini-album, NEW DNA, release in September 2023, XG is back with a brand new single titled, "WOKE UP" and their first world tour! The XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL’ kicked off on May 18 and 19 in Osaka for the start of their Asian leg with stops in Manila, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Then the group will be bringing their high energy show to North America and Europe with future plans of visiting South America and Australia as well.
Fans, affectionately called ALPHAZ, are delighted with such a massive concert tour and the group's sold out back-to-back shows in Osaka and later in Yokohama are clear indicators that the world cannot get enough of this bold girl group!
Bold is the perfect description for XG as the members have proven time and time again with each new single that they aren't afraid of breaking the mold and taking risks, not just in the realm of music but also in terms of concepts, visuals, fashion and beauty. Their latest single, "WOKE UP" displays their fearlessness in self-expression seen especially in their music video where Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Juria, Cocona, Maya, and Harvey transform into edgy, gothic wolves.
As the group's first all-rap single, the ladies of XG went hard, not just with their bars but also visually in their music video. We see the members rock different coloured eyes, bold haircuts, grills and Y2K inspired alternative fashion looks. Cocona in particular made headlines after shaving her head in a striking scene for their "WOKE UP" music video and has been rocking the bold look ever since. It was a powerful move especially in the world of K-pop where hyper femininity is often valued and girl groups are heavily pressured to abide by a certain standard of beauty (even more so than women already have to endure in daily life). Ultimately, Cocona's confidence shines with her new look and fans have been showering her with prasie ever since the reveal of "WOKE UP".
With the release of "WOKE UP" already racking up over 17 million views since its premiere on May 21st and their multi-country tour ahead, we spoke to the lovely ladies of XG to talk about their new single, music inspirations, fashion faves and more in an exclusive interview below!
XG is known for their catchy hip-hop sound and incredible dance tracks. How do you think 'WOKE UP' will elevate the XG sound and complement your existing singles?
JURIN: "WOKE UP" is XG's first all-rap song featuring all seven members. In addition to its strong hip-hop identity, it's a track where you can fully experience our Xtraordinary XG sound.
I feel that the depth and strength of XG has really been highlighted with "WOKE UP"! We hope to continue delivering new sounds that are uniquely XG. Please look forward to our ongoing evolution.
Who are some of the artists that inspire you? What do you like most about them?
CHISA: We respect many artists from the '70s and '80s to the present, but we are especially inspired by stars like TLC, the Spice Girls, Destiny's Child, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Michael Jackson. We're drawn to the unique identities and musical styles that only they can offer!
You guys are also known for your incredible choreography. Do you have a personal favourite dance routine from your performances and why?
HINATA: I love the catchy choreography of the chorus, but personally, my favorite part is at the beginning when we gather around Maya and do the "Come on, come on" part!
Do you guys game as well? What does XG like to do in their free time?
COCONA: We all hang out together! We watch movies, eat good food, and go shopping!
What does your dream collaboration (song collaboration, brand partnerships, etc.) look like?
JURIA: There are so many artists that I’d love to collaborate with, so it’s hard to choose, but if I had to name a few, they’d be Kehlani, Doja Cat, TLC, and Kiana Ledé.
You're going on your first world tour this year. What are you all most looking forward to doing while on tour?
COCONA: I’m really looking forward to visiting so many countries, eating the local food, see the architecture, and chatting with locals and ALPHAZ! I had so much fun visiting many countries last year, and I'm excited to explore and experience the atmosphere of different cities again this year!
You've played on the stages of some big festivals since your debut. Which was the most memorable one personally? Is there a highlight or memory you can share with us?
MAYA: All the festivals and events we participated in the past few years were absolutely amazing. It’s definitely very hard to choose one because we receive so much great energy from our ALPHAZ… but if I were to mention one..!
It would have to be our first performance in the US. The energy we felt and seeing the amount of ALPHAZ singing along to our songs was absolutely insane. Such an emotional moment for all of us!
What can fans expect to see from XG on tour? Are there other exciting projects fans should look for?
HARVEY: To all the ALPHAZ who have supported us in person before, and to those seeing us live for the first time, we want to deliver a performance packed with impact! We aim to create a stage that makes you feel, "I'm so glad I came to see XG live! ♥" So, please look forward to it and get excited! ✩
As you'll be busy traveling this year, what are your must-have essentials you'll be packing for your trips around the world?
HARVEY: Cameras! Some of our members bring their own cameras, and we take pictures of each other during overseas trips and shoots. Cameras are essential for capturing cool and wonderful memories! ✩
And of course... the members! (Just saying 💦) Having everyone around makes me feel secure, and no matter where we are, it feels like home. ♥ ( ᴗ ̫ ᴗ )♡
You guys have amazing style as well. Any current fashion obsessions or trends you're loving?
JURIN: I’m really into the color red now, and ever since I changed my hair color, I’ve picked up more red items❤️
Is there anything you'd like to say to your Singaporean fans?
CHISA: Singapore ALPHAZ~~~👼🏼
Thanks for always supporting us so much😭
Your support is the biggest source of energy and motivation for us!
We’ll definitely be coming back to Singapore to see you all again, so wait for us👽
