xikers is Ready to Take Bigger Risks with ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING!
Written by Rebecca Rowe
| Ring Ring! xikers is calling, and they’re here to tell you all about their latest release ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING!
Debuting just under four years ago, K-pop group xikers has never shied away from the unconventional. Their genre-blending sound which incorporates hip hop, pop punk, and rock, mixed with EDM brings versatility and something new with each release. With unique storytelling, each track offers a wider glimpse into the group’s creativity and expanding universe.
ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING! The 8th Mini Album is the second installment of their “ROUTE ZERO” series, following ROUTE ZERO : The ORA. The ten member group has escaped the labyrinth from within their HOUSE OF TRICKY chapter and now explore the unknown, sharing in difficult uncharted journeys together.
Title track “DIENAMITE,” written, composed and produced solely by members, offers an explosive introduction to the next chapter of the group. While closing track “Sanctuary” features more of an R&B flow and relaxed tone showing off a softer side of the group, the six new tracks represent a new side of xikers while keeping the charm and intensity fans love.
Before their release, xikers took time to chat with MIXTAPE 317 about exploration, bold ideas and challenging themselves in their new era.
Congratulations on your recent performance in LA at 82WORLD as well as the new release ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING! Moving out from the HOUSE OF TRICKY series, ROUTE ZERO : The ORA introduced a new era of xikers. As we head into ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING, how does the EP reflect xikers in this moment?
MINJAE: I think this album represents xikers taking bigger, bolder, and more adventurous steps beyond the path we’ve been building so far, both in the process and in the final result. We wanted to capture xikers as we are: a group that’s ready to take even greater risks and soar to new heights. I hope everyone enjoys the album and loves seeing this side of us!
With the release of YouTube series “x-project,” we got to take a closer look into the rap, vocal and dance units. How do projects like this differ from working on music and videos as a group? Will we be seeing more unit stages anytime soon?
JUNGHOON: With Sewoojeongsik (vocal unit), the four of us approached the project a little differently from our usual xikers activities, where we tend to focus more on the performance aspect. Instead, we first thought about how to best showcase our individual musical colors and distinct vocal styles. We’ll continue to explore new opportunities like this, so please look forward to what’s coming and continue to show us your love and support!
You’re not afraid to be bold and experimental, can you take us behind the scenes when throwing out ideas for upcoming tracks? Are there ever any unconventional ideas that need to be reeled in or don’t make the cut?
YECHAN: We’re not afraid to try new things, so even if an idea seems a little unconventional at first, we tend to give it a shot rather than dismiss it right away. We can always refine things or take certain elements out later. I think that’s what allows us to come up with so many fresh and exciting ideas throughout the process. We plan to keep challenging ourselves and exploring new things moving forward!
YouTube KQ ENTERTAINMENT and xikers
On ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING!, with a title track like “DIENAMITE” what message do you hope to convey to audiences, and what made it stand out to you for the title track?
SEEUN: We felt that “DIENAMITE” was the kind of song xikers could do best at this point in our journey. I also really liked how it brings out each member’s individual color. I hope listeners enjoy xikers’ energy and the cool, confident charm we bring to the track!
Fans online seem to also be really interested in hearing “Sanctuary,” can you give us a little insight on the song?
HYUNWOO: This song carries the message that no matter how difficult the journey may be, as long as we’re together, any place can become a sanctuary. We sang it with the same feeling, thinking that as long as road𝓨s are with us, anywhere can feel like home to us, too.
You're a group well known for high energy and dynamic live performances, is there any song from the EP that you are already itching to put on the stage?
YUJUN: I’d love to perform “DUMB” on stage. The lead synth really stands out, and I think the song has a cool vibe with a touch of xikers’ laid-back confidence. I feel like we could really bring that charm to life on stage!
Your set at 82WORLD was really well received by both road𝓨 and others who may have been seeing you for the first time. Feeling the energy of the crowd, were there any moments during your performance that you just knew you were eating.
JUNMIN: It was one of the most fun performances I’ve ever had. I actually took one of my in-ear monitors out during the performance so I could hear the audience’s reactions, and the cheers were incredibly loud. Hearing that made me realize how much fun both the audience and I were having. It made me so happy to perform that day!
You had this great moment where you incorporated Adela’s dance into your choreo and you also covered NCT 127’s “2 Baddies.” When you think about your own discography, are there any songs or particular dance moves you’d love to see another artist cover?
HUNTER: If I could pick any artist at all, I would love to see Michael Jackson dance to our newest release, “DIENAMITE” because the choreography was actually inspired by him, and he would definitely do it way better than us.
We do have to say that we at MIXTAPE 317 love watching your TikTok’s, who out of the group is most likely to be recruiting the other members into their out of the box ideas?
SUMIN: Hunter and I are usually the ones who come up with these ideas and do them together. Since the content that comes up on our feeds is usually along those lines, I think we naturally get inspired by the things we see and hear, which gives us plenty of ideas for fun and quirky videos!
Thank you so much for your time, and congratulations again on ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING! We hope to see you again soon in Los Angeles! Are there any last messages you’d like to leave for road𝓨 or new fans who may be discovering you through the new EP.
JINSIK: If you enjoy xikers’ signature intense energy and powerful performances, I hope you’ll also check out the songs from our 1st through 7th EPs! I’m sure you’ll find plenty more to love about us!
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