Debuted in December 2021, JYP Entertainment's six-piece boy band Xdinary Heroes has come back with the EP, 'Livelock,' following the release of 'Deadlock' earlier this year. Now, the band has a total of four EPs, including 'Hello, world!,' and 'Overload,' keeping up their signature own musical identity and style. 

'Livelock' is just one more album that Xdinary Heroes have released that showcases their individuality and demonstrates their artistic development while conveying a story centered around an unidentified space '♭form' and the real world.

The sextet's fourth EP features seven brand-new songs, starting with the powerful title song, "Break the Brake," which expresses a desire to advance without boundaries just like slamming on the brakes because you don't want to put limitations on yourself. The B-sides follow, including the pop-influenced song "Freddy," the song written from its perspective "PLUTO," "Enemy," which explores the inner struggles as he searches for his own identity, the industrial rock song "Bad Chemical," the rock ballad "Paranoid," and the concluding song "AGAIN? AGAIN!," which describes a boy who falls in love easily.

Notably, each member contributed to the writing and composition of the songs, creating a masterpiece that perfectly captures their charm and sense of identity as they continue to broaden their horizons.

To commemorate Xdinary Heroes' return, the members sat down with allkpop for an exclusive interview. They talked about the new EP, transitioning from static, 'Deadlock,' to dynamic 'Livelock,' contributing to the track list, wanting to work with other artists, especially DAY6, and more. Read on below to learn more about Xdinary Heroes!

Xdinary Heroes shout-out to allkpop readers:

allkpop: First and foremost, congratulations on the release of your new album! It's been around 6 months since your previous mini-album was released! How does it feel to release two EPs this year? I mean you also did release two EPs last year, but what's the difference you've felt in terms of preparations, maybe your development?

Jungsu: As we’ve kept making each album since our debut, I believe that we’ve collectively devoted more time to thinking about our music and the quality of albums. From the beginning of working on a song, we consider what kind of songs to make, the order in which to place them in the album, and what to emphasize in live performances. Through this process, I feel like we’ve been steadily growing.

Jun Han: While monitoring my past performances, I realized I was not as relaxed. It seemed like I was just busy playing on stage. So, I pondered on how to have more composure and practiced how to control it well. Now, it seems that I have improved a lot.

allkpop: Your 4th EP is titled 'Livelock' and your previous one is 'Deadlock.' Is this an album series or something like a trilogy? You mentioned in our interview last year that if ‘Hello, world!’ was an album that represented the beginning of the universe, ‘Overload’ is an album where you start to see the evil side within yourselves. What is the connection of this, or what does this do with Xdinary Heroes' fictional universe?

Gun-il: ‘Livelock’ can be seen as an extended story from ‘Deadlock.’ Both albums mainly contain the story where one finally faces and realizes the inner self that he/she was scared to acknowledge. The most important part of our trilogy is that we want to connect with people who are insecure about themselves and heal their pains and wounds through our music.

Gaon: ‘Livelock’ deals with issues that are similar to ‘Deadlock,’ but this time the detailed background is different. ‘Deadlock’ is a floating error, but ‘Livelock’ is an error you face when you try to fix it. If our last album was the “struggle between good and evil,” this album is more about trying to find a solution to it. 

allkpop: If 'Deadlock' means "stalemate" and expresses the dilemma between "hero" and "villain," what's the main theme and concept of 'Livelock'? Since "dead" and "live" are completely opposite, is the meaning behind both albums literally the opposite, too, or does it mean something?

O.de: ‘Deadlock’ is an IT term, just like our previous album. ‘Deadlock’ means ‘a floating error,’ and ‘Livelock’ means an error that pops up in the process of fixing it. This album is about trying to find a solution to the dilemma we explored in our previous album. 

Jooyeon: Although the meaning of words might seem opposite, when it comes to the song composition and genre, this album contains a much wider spectrum of emotions and genres. It goes further from ‘Deadlock.’

allkpop: It's great to see that the members have once again participated in writing and composing the tracks! You've been taking part in the creative process ever since your debut single. Could you describe to us how you feel about your growth not only as a singer but also as a composer and lyricist?

Jungsu: I believe it’s just the beginning! It’s a phase where I can figure out what to think when I create, and what aspects to emphasize when making music. I’m looking forward to the more advanced work I’ll share in the future, and I’ll continue to grow as well! 

Gaon: When I reflect on the first time I wrote a song, I can see how much I’ve grown since then. Above all, the happiest thing is that I can share the music I create with a wider audience. But I also think that there’s still much for me to learn, so I’m going to try harder and harder.

allkpop: Please share with us how you usually work together to create music and put out your thoughts as well as how you combine them with each other's ideas!

Gun-il: The most important thing is to have fun together. We try to make a comfortable atmosphere where anyone can easily suggest any ideas. As those ideas gather up, we sort them out and in the end, only the best ideas are left. Sometimes when there is a conflict, we usually follow the rule of the majority.

Jooyeon: We listen to everyone’s opinions, have discussions, combine ideas, and collectively think together to produce better works. 

allkpop: If you could introduce Xdinary Heroes to someone using one song from this album, which track would you choose to recommend, and why?

O.de: The song that introduces us is the focus track, “Break the Brake.” It’s the best song that shows our strong rock sound. 

Jun Han: I’d like to introduce “Break the Brake.” The song is full of our energy, and it shows how we’ve developed our musical style so far.

allkpop: Speaking of working on music, how about let's discuss the recording process and music video shooting for this comeback — is there something you could share with us from the overall process of preparing for this album? What was the most difficult or fun part for you?

Gun-il: The drum recording for ‘Livelock’ was an unforgettable experience. It was undoubtedly the most challenging recording session I’ve ever done. The focus track was one of the most difficult tracks to play, and “AGAIN? AGAIN!” was also very challenging because it is the fastest song of all. I had to push my limits and practice extensively to perform these songs as powerful and precise as possible.

Gaon: The focus track “Break the Brake” has a part where someone screams, and Gun-il recorded it. I remember everyone burst into laughter as we watched him shouting in the recording booth. 

allkpop: Are there any instruments each one of you would like to play or learn? If you could exchange roles within the group, whose role are you taking?

Jungsu: Jooyeon and I share the same role as the main vocalist in the band. He also plays the bass, which I believe is the most crucial element in music. I’m curious about the challenges of singing and playing bass together, and what I’ll learn from overcoming these challenges.

Jooyeon: I think the keyboard is an instrument that allows me to express the opposite side of me, so I want to learn how to play it.  

allkpop: I'm kind of drifting away from music for this question — let's talk about fashion! How was your experience being part of the ‘Seoul Fashion Week’?

O.de: I have a strong interest in fashion, so being part of ‘Seoul Fashion Week’ had a special meaning to me. I got valuable visual and auditory inspirations, so I’m always open to opportunities like this. 

Jun Han: I’m interested in beautiful and diverse clothing, so I really wanted to attend ‘Seoul Fashion Week.’ When that dream became a reality, I thought, “Let’s fully enjoy and cherish this moment.” It was a meaningful experience, and I felt joy in seeing so many stunning garments. 

allkpop: I heard that the members would love to work with the artists under the label, JYP Entertainment, especially DAY6! I was wondering if there are any interactions you have had with your seniors and juniors at JYPE that mean a lot to you. I'm also curious how DAY6 seniors support you considering that they are also a boy band.

Gun-il: Wonpil and Young K had invited us to their concerts. Watching their concerts was an unforgettable memory for me. It really inspired me to push myself to be a better musician and a better person. Sungjin also took care of us a lot, giving us a lot of advice to be a better band. Moreover, Dowoon personally called me a few times even while he was in his military service asking how I was doing. I’m so thankful that they really care about us a lot. I hope that one day we can be as inspiring as DAY6 is to us.

Jungsu: What I’m most excited about is what kind of songs will be created when DAY6 and Xdinary Heroes collaborate. Our musical styles are quite different, so I’m curious about the music we’ll create when our two groups come together. Plus, I remember Sungjin, who’s also a vocalist like me, giving me support and advice. His warm feedback on my strengths and areas for improvement has motivated me to continue growing as a better vocalist.

allkpop: Lastly, please feel free to tell us your goals, be they personal or music-related ones, that you'd like to achieve! Also a message to allkpop readers and your fans who will be reading this interview~

Gun-il: First of all, thank you so much for reading our interview and for your continuous love and support! There are many goals that I’d like to achieve, one of them being our songs getting into the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Also, I’m hoping for the day when we will have a Dome tour around the world! Until that day, I’ll be doing my best to keep making truthful music! Again, thank you so much for your overflowing love and support. Xdinary Heroes exists because of you guys. Love you Villains!

Jungsu: Xdinary Heroes has returned with our 4th EP, ‘Livelock.’ Through this album, we hope to share our music with a broader audience and explore more diverse music in the future. Thank you for your continuous support, and we’ll be a team that can return your love! Love you and thank you!

Gaon: My goal is to stay by your side for a long time. To do that, it’s important for both me and you to maintain good health. My life goal is to connect with our fans and have an enjoyable life! Please stay healthy and keep supporting us! 

O.de: I wish for the day when our songs get to be on the Billboard chart. Until then, and even after we achieve it, I’ll continue giving my best. Thank you everyone for reading this interview. We’ll persistently work on our music and strive to deliver our very best. Thank you!  

Jun Han: I’m someone who enjoys sharing my thoughts not just through music, but also through writing and art. So, I want to do various things in the future! I’m grateful to everyone who likes us and supports us. Please continue to show lots of interest! We’ll return the love to you with great music! Thank you!

Jooyeon: First of all, my goal as a team is to remain the best and legendary band, recognized globally. My personal goal is to collaborate and do a duet with Luke Hemmings, the vocalist of 5 Seconds of Summer! Until that day and even after, you’ll always be with us, right? Thank you and love you!

Socials:

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Website: Xdinary Heroes