Kicking off 2024 with their very first single album five years after debuting, CIX expounded on the complexities of love this time with '0 or 1.' This marks their first comeback in about eight months after dropping the finale of their 'OK' series, ''OK’ Episode 2: I’m OK' in May 2023.
In the record, members BX, SEUNGHUN, BAEJINYOUNG, YONGHEE, and HYUNSUK tried something new that seemed to deviate from their typical style, yet they were still able to show, once again, that flair that makes them unique. The album boasts two songs that the members personally enjoy, making them the perfect fit for the single album, musically and lyrically.
The title track "Lovers or Enemies" dance-pop anthem that challenges the listeners: to be their lover or their enemy, while the subsequent track "My name is shadow" dives into the depths of devoted love. "I believe our song is unique, combining the signature CIX vibe with new elements," said HYUNSUK.
Following their return, CIX sat down with allkpop to talk about the concept and message behind the single album '0 or 1,' their music journey and growth. Read the full exclusive interview below!
allkpop: Hi, CIX! First of all, congratulations on your first 2024 release! How is your 2024 going? What are some goals that you want to tick off of your bucket list before this year ends?
BX: We made a comeback earlier this year with a single album and had the opportunity to meet our fans through it. Currently, we are planning another event to meet our fans and diligently practicing for it. Personally, I want to write more songs this year and push my personal abilities to the maximum.
SEUNGHUN: After our comeback and interacting with our fans, I’m currently participating in a program titled ‘Build Up.’ For this year, I hope to evolve as a better vocalist.
allkpop: It’s been five years since your debut but this single album marks your first one. It’s great because you’ve been working hard to release full and mini-albums that contain several songs, but this is the first time you’ve dropped a single album. What was your approach and your experience like working on '0 or 1'? Tell us how you prepared for this!
YONGHEE: I always give my best to prepare according to the album concept regardless of whether it’s a regular album, mini album, or single. The preparation process feels familiar as we know one another really well, and we try to be efficient with it. There’s also excitement in preparing to meet our fans again.
BAEJINYOUNG: It was our first time exploring an AI concept, so the experience felt very fresh and exciting. Filming for the briefing and delving into the AI concept made us feel like we were challenging ourselves with something new.
allkpop: ”Lovers or Enemies” still has this soothing, chill vibe, and it doesn’t come far from your previous title tracks. I feel like you’ve already established a signature CIX sound for your title tracks. But how would you particularly describe the sound of this comeback?
HYUNSUK: I believe our song is unique, combining the signature CIX vibe with new elements. It is an attractive dance-pop genre with a retro vibe yet sophisticated instrumentation. One notable aspect is the use of a vocoder to create a three-dimensional harmony, adding to the song’s appeal.
allkpop: In our previous interview, you said that you are in the process of finding your own colors. With everything you’ve experienced so far, how would you describe the “you” that’s developing and growing right now?
BX: I have developed and grown significantly through various activities and experiences, but I think that there are still areas where I need improvement. So I am committed to working harder than anyone else to achieve satisfactory results.
HYUNSUK: If I were to describe myself in color, I would choose purple. To me, purple represents a complex mixture of colors, and I, too, is a mixture of many thoughts, possibilities, and various aspects coming together.
allkpop: I was wondering why you talk about asking someone to choose between being your lover or enemy in your new song. Lovers and enemies are completely different things. Could you share with us some of your insight into the meaning or symbolism behind it?
YONGHEE: We tried to express the complexity of love in a straightforward and clear manner with this song. It’s a song of love confession that asks for more love and affection despite the dichotomy between lovers and enemies in the lyrics.
allkpop: The two tracks in this single album are connected just by looking at their titles. Was it a bit difficult to choose only two songs for a single album release? How did the selection go for this specific album? And what is with them that you think they are perfect to be together on one release?
BAEJINYOUNG: We listened to many songs and decided on these two songs after a long discussion. I personally liked both songs, and lyrically, we wanted to convey the concept of '0 or 1' using simplified, binary keywords. Musically, it’s a departure from our usual style, but I think it effectively captures the album’s theme through keywords like “Lovers or Enemies” and the shadow created as an interplay of light and darkness.
allkpop: “My name is shadow” contains a message of devoted love and that it is okay to be someone’s shadow. Could you enlighten us about the meaning of “shadow” in the context of the song, and what does it mean for you?
SEUNGHUN: The “shadow” means that nothing is eternal in this world, but the support will continue in places that you don’t see us. I believe that I, too, can receive support from others only if I become someone who consistently offers strength to others.
BAEJINYOUNG: I don’t believe there is a definitive right answer. The interpretation can vary depending on the situation and individual thoughts and even the meaning seems to shift each time I listen to it! However, the importance of the “shadow” remains unchanged.
allkpop: The second track’s lyrics are deep. It can not just be dedicated to someone you love or to your fans, but also to yourself. What’s your favorite line from “My name is shadow,” and why? How does that line impact and resonate with you on a personal level?
YONGHEE: I like the part in the song where I sing “I can endure anything for you.” I truly mean it—I can endure anything for our fans, FIX.
HYUNSUK: I resonate the most with the first verse of the song, which is also my favorite part. The idea of walking behind someone you love in order to see that person, even though it may seem selfish, touches me emotionally. Singing this part made it even more meaningful for me.
allkpop: Lastly, just to wrap up this interview, could you share with us one song that you’ve been playing on repeat these days as well as your final message to allkpop readers and your fans?
BX: I find solace in our song “20” whenever I feel a bit down or worried about the future. The lyrics and music heal me. I’m grateful for the endless love from our fans and promise to repay it with good things in the future.
SEUNGHUN: I’ve been repeatedly listening to my version of BTOB’s “Prayer,” the song that I sang during the competition. To all our fans and readers of allkpop, thank you for taking the time for this interview, and I love you all!
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