&TEAM, the rapidly rising global group under HYBE LABELS JAPAN, has marked another milestone with the release of their second album, titled '雪明かり (Yukiakari)', which debuted on December 18, 2024. This album follows their initial successes, including their gold disc recognition for the single '青嵐 (Aorarashi)'.
Comprising nine dynamic members - EJ, FUMA, K, NICHOLAS, YUMA, JO, HARUA, TAKI, and MAKI - &TEAM continues to captivate audiences worldwide. To celebrate the album's launch, the group is featured as the artist of the month on Space Shower TV Plus, where they shared exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections.
On the occasion of their album release, K and JO appeared on the popular show 'バズリズム02', where they opened up about the creative process behind their dance collaboration videos. K shared some candid moments about the spontaneous nature of their performances, saying, "当日言われたりもする" (Sometimes they just tell us on the day). This highlights the fun yet challenging environment they work within, where adjustments can be made just hours before filming.
JO added depth to this narrative by explaining their preparation for dance routines. Often, they find out about their roles at the last minute, leading to spontaneous check-ins and practice, ensuring they deliver their best performance under pressure. "慌ててチェックして覚えて" (Hastily checking and memorizing) is part and parcel of their teamwork strategy, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to their craft.
YUMA took the opportunity to discuss the emotional connection they strive to maintain with their fans, known as LUNE. He emphasized the importance of feeling close to their fans, saying, "どれだけLUNEが遠くにいたとしても、僕たちはLUNEを近くに感じているよという思いを込めて" (No matter how far LUNE is, we want them to feel close to us). This statement reflects &TEAM's dedication to nurturing their bond with fans through each release.
FUMA also shared insights on the songwriting process, explaining how he modified lyrics to resonate more closely with their intent during recording. He recounted, "レコーディングの途中でプロデューサーさんに『この書いた歌詞でも歌ってみていいですか？』って言ったのが音源になってくれて" (During recording, I asked the producer if I could use these lyrics instead, and it became part of the final sound). This showcases not just creativity but the collaborative effort they invest, ensuring their music is authentic and representative of their emotions.
The album '雪明かり (Yukiakari)' is positioned as the final chapter of their seasonal narrative, following their prior releases through the year. Each song encapsulates stories reflecting their growth as artists and their relationship with their fans. The forthcoming special program 'SELF LINER NOTES' airing on December 27, 2024, promises additional depth, featuring solo interviews where each member will reflect on their songs and the album as a whole.
This special program is not just limited to promotional efforts but aims to create a more intimate dialogue with their followers, enhancing the shared experiences of listening to the album. Fans can look forward to engaging discussions as &TEAM provides insights on their artistic values and individual perspectives.
With the successful release of their second album and continuous engagement with their fanbase, &TEAM is setting the stage for even more remarkable achievements. Their ability to adapt, connect, and create is evident, as they expand their reach within the music industry and solidify their place as one of the leading global groups of the new generation.
Stay tuned for the special broadcasting as &TEAM unveils more about their journeys and the meaningful stories behind their music, ensuring their fans feel every beat and note of their passion.
