ASTRO’s latest sub-unit, ZOONIZINI (members MJ and JinJin), is embarking on a new chapter meant to highlight their artistic colors that “suit any situation or genre.”
Their 1st MINI ALBUM, ‘DICE,’ which encompasses a variety of sounds, marks the first step on that journey. MJ emphasized this by describing ‘DICE’ as a record that gives off travel vibes. “Through that journey, we captured how we adapt to and enjoy our surroundings,” he added.
The project includes features songs ranging from hip-hop to R&B, including the title track “Some Things Never Change,” along with the B-sides “New world,” “Utopia,” “Favorite Memory,” “Starlight Voyage,” and “Restart.”
Following the Manila stop of their ‘Roll The Dice’ fan party tour, allkpop had the exclusive opportunity to speak with MJ and JinJin. We discussed the process and message behind their latest mini-album and their experience embarking on the tour. Check out our exclusive interview with ZOONIZINI below!
allkpop: It's been two months since the release of your 1st MINI ALBUM ‘DICE.’ What was your reaction like seeing the comments and reactions from your fans?
JinJin: First of all, it’s been a while since we visited the Philippines again for a concert, and we were really excited for that moment. And thanks to our fans’ passionate enthusiasm, it made us so happy to be back in the Philippines after so long. We were able to see so many videos and photos our fans, our AROHAs, uploaded. I was able to see a lot of them being posted and shared. I was really able to receive a lot of such good energy from them, and I was truly happy.
allkpop: Tell us more about the album. What kind of story does it tell about the two of you, and what message do you hope to convey through it?
MJ: The main thing we wanted to show our fans was our unique color, and that our colors suit any situation or genre. We really wanted to showcase all our strengths and those qualities. And this time, the concept was travel. So, through that journey, we captured how we adapt to and enjoy our surroundings. So, many vibes of the songs include the traveling vibe.
allkpop: What was the thought and creative process behind the album? For JinJin, you wrote the songs. What was the process like for you?
JinJin: First off, MJ and I talked a lot during the planning stage about going with a concept that would be easy for the public to accept. The ideas MJ threw out were actually so great that the planning phase went smoothly from start to finish without any obstacles. We were satisfied with how we worked through the plan. So, during the process, because that baseline was so solid, we spent a lot of time thinking about how to blend his charm and mine, and we wrote lyrics and composed music. As expected, since we have that chemistry built up over a long time working together as ASTRO members, those elements blended well into the songs, and I think that's how good songs were born and written like these.
allkpop: Which songs from the album are you most excited to perform?
MJ: Of course, the title track “Some Things Never Change.” It is at the No. 1 on my list that I wanted to perform in front of my fans. Also, among the track list, I think one of the songs that I really wanted to perform was also “Utopia.”
allkpop: Since the title track is “Some Things Never Change,” what do you think are some things about yourselves that haven't changed since you first debuted as a member of ASTRO in 2016?
JinJin: For now, we are working as a unit group, but to talk about the identity as an ASTRO group member, what I want to convey is that we possess this stable stamina and effort we've always wanted to show our fans. Also, we have passion, humility, and also a sense of curiosity. I strongly feel that humility hasn't changed much.
allkpop: In an interview, you said that even if it's been around 10 years since your debut, you still have a lot of goals to achieve. Could you share with us those goals?
MJ: One of our current goals is to hold a fan party to meet even more fans. But we will make sure ZOONIZINI can hold a concert in the future. We’ll prepare even harder to achieve that.
allkpop: How do you usually calm your nerves down before a live performance? What are your pre-show routines?
JinJin: Honestly, I was really looking forward to coming to the Philippines after such a long time, but the fans welcomed us with even more incredible warmth and passion than I expected. That was absolutely wonderful, and I think that's where I gained the most strength. So honestly, rather than being nervous, I think I had a strong sense of anticipation, like “Let's do our best on the stage.” As for our own ways to relax, for me personally, I tend to conserve my energy a bit. So I don't release that much energy before the performance. On the other hand, someone like MJ, of course, he releases all his energy first before he goes up to the stage.
allkpop: Lastly, please leave a message for your fans and allkpop readers.
MJ: We came to the Philippines after 9 years, and we're leaving feeling like we've received such immense energy. Of course, if there's an opportunity, we would definitely love to come back here so that we could share the energy that we received from the fans back to them again.
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