New:ID —PHOTO COURTESY OF MLD ENTERTAINMENT
All they ever wished was to share their abilities, not solely with Filipinos, however with the remainder of the world.
In 2022, Wilson, Thad, Macky, Jom and L got here near reaching that purpose as finalists of the survival expertise present “Dream Maker.” Nonetheless, they positioned tenth, eleventh, 14th, fifteenth and sixteenth, respectively—falling in need of being a part of the competitors’s deliberate pop group that will be often called Hori7on.
For some time, they thought that it was the top of the road. However little did they know that their journey as aspiring idols was solely getting began. In 2023, MLD Leisure—the South Korean firm that coproduced “Dream Maker”—introduced that it had signed the boys as trainees.
After a yr of rigorous, all-encompassing coaching below Korean instructors in Seoul, the quintet debuted final July because the boy band New:ID.
“I by no means imagined that I might find yourself being a part of New:ID. However the whole lot occurs for a cause. I consider that if it’s God’s will, then it’s going to occur,” Macky advised the Inquirer in an interview.
Because the title suggests, New:ID’s idea revolves round assuming totally different musical and stylistic identities with each music they launch.
Their predebut songs, “E.R.” and “Deja Vu,” have been described as “darkish, mysterious, attractive.” However for his or her new single, the string-laden dance observe, “Ghost,” they leaned towards a extra “mature and emotional” strategy to higher convey the pains of unrequited love.
“We have been educated to do no matter idea is thrown at us. It’s in our identification to ship the message via relatable songs and highly effective performances,” mentioned the group, including their present sound is impressed by second era Okay-pop teams.
If there’s something they realized from their experiences thus far, it’s {that a} setback can simply be a stepping stone in disguise. One can all the time hope and dream. And with laborious work and persistence, what was as soon as out of their grasp is lastly of their fingers.
“Regardless of how powerful the street will get, or what number of occasions I stumble, the bottom line is to persevere and by no means lose sight of my desires. It’s a lesson in resilience and dedication, that are important in navigating the business,” Jom associated. “This expertise taught me to embrace our journey with optimism … {that a} optimistic mindset will assist us obtain our ambitions.”
Fact be advised, their failure to make it into the High 7 of “Dream Maker” was the boys’ “greatest heartbreak.” “However now that we’re given the chance to showcase what we’ve acquired, we promise to not waste it. That is such a large privilege,” New:ID chief Thad mentioned. “Within the survival present, our first intuition was simply to outlive and get via the challenges. However as a part of New:ID, surviving isn’t sufficient.”
“We also needs to attempt to thrive,” he careworn.
Fortunately, they mentioned, their coaching in Korea geared up them to be well-rounded performers who’re as emotionally in tune as they’re technically proficient; they’re performers who intention not solely to impress, however to encourage.
“We have been taught to be extra accountable and disciplined. Being an artist isn’t nearly performing onstage. It’s additionally about your persona,” Thad mentioned of the group, which has just lately launched into a debut showcase mall tour.
“We need to make our individuals pleased with our music,” L added. “We need to ship message to everybody, and assist unfold love and positivity.”
Excerpts from Inquirer’s interview with New:ID (solutions are conveyed collectively):
What have been essentially the most difficult elements of your coaching?
There was a language barrier. At first, our supervisor had to make use of a translating app to speak with our dance teacher. However as we progressed, we began to be taught extra Korean phrases, which made it simpler for us to maintain up with our Korean coaches.
Dancing six to 10 hours was bodily demanding. We additionally needed to adhere to a strict weight loss plan to keep up a wholesome and toned physique. It’s not about ravenous ourselves to shed extra pounds, although. The principle focus was on consuming more healthy. It was an adjustment, nevertheless it taught us the significance of correct diet and self-discipline.
What have been the stuff you loved throughout your time in Korea?
We had the possibility to discover lots of the nation’s stunning vacationer spots. We documented our journeys although our vlog collection referred to as “New:I Do.” It reveals us experiencing new issues for the primary time … Wilson beforehand lived in Austria and is acquainted with seasonal modifications. However the remainder of us have been thrilled to expertise all 4 seasons. We tried new meals, visited historic websites and loved the pure great thing about Korea. Every outing, journey and shared expertise helped us develop nearer and perceive one another higher … The laughter, challenges and pleasure we shared in these journeys are recollections we are going to all the time cherish.
Who’re your musical influences?
If we’re speaking about Okay-pop, the members can all agree that our favourite group proper now could be Riize. We simply love and relate to their music, and that’s the sort of connection we wish our supporters to really feel after they hearken to our songs.
They’ve an progressive sound and emotional depth … We admire how they convey experiences via their music. Their potential to mix totally different genres and create one thing distinctive is really inspiring, and we hope to attain an analogous affect with our personal music.
What about native artists?
In case you’re asking in regards to the group we glance as much as when it comes to expertise and expertise, it will undoubtedly be SB19.
Their journey is one thing we maintain on to as a supply of inspiration and motivation. They’re the proper instance of by no means giving up in your desires regardless of all of the challenges. Watching SB19 rise to prominence via laborious work and dedication reinforces our perception that we, too, can obtain our desires if we stay dedicated and captivated with our craft.
The group’s affect on the P-pop business is monumental. They proved that Filipino expertise can shine brightly on the worldwide stage. In addition they paved the best way for a lot of aspiring artists, together with us … We aspire to comply with of their footsteps and contribute to the rising recognition of P-pop worldwide.
What’s the connection like between New:ID and Hori7on?
Since Hori7on and New:ID are below the identical firm, there are occasions once we go to classes collectively. The friendships we constructed throughout “Dream Maker” continued as all of us began coaching in Korea. This shared journey created a powerful bond between us, and it’s inspiring to see how a lot we’ve all grown and improved collectively.
What have you ever realized from one another?
We trade suggestions, share experiences and inspire each other to maintain pushing our limits. This collaborative setting fosters a way of camaraderie and mutual respect. We’re grateful for the possibility to coach with such gifted and devoted people. We sit up for persevering with this journey collectively, supporting one another each step of the best way.
Is there anybody you go to for recommendation?
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We are able to’t consider a greater individual to ask than Vinci, chief of Hori7on. He taught us quite a lot of issues, from performing onstage to getting ready for large occasions. His steering and perception have been invaluable, and have helped us navigate the complexities of our debut. His expertise and management made our transition into the skilled world of P-pop smoother and extra manageable. What are your ideas on the “P-pop Rise” motion?We really feel blessed to debut at a time when P-pop is at its prime. As others would possibly say, “They walked so we may run.” This motion has caused a big change within the panorama of Philippine pop music … The “P-pop Rise” motion represents a cultural revival, permitting us to showcase our heritage and creativity on a worldwide stage. We’re excited to be a part of this wave and contribute to its evolution.
