NMIXX Says First Grand Prize Is Just the Beginning as 'Strange Muse' Arrives

NMIXX returned Oct. 19 with its sixth EP, "Strange Muse," led by the title track "Birthday Wish," about five months after the release of "Heavy Serenade." The six-track album explores the idea of people becoming one another's muses despite their differences, continuing the group's fictional world of MIXXTOPIA.

"Birthday Wish" blends moombahton, Afro-inspired rhythms and future house, with lyrics about wishing wholeheartedly for someone special.

The album also features NMIXX's first unit songs, pairing Lily and Haewon on "Sing to the Moon," Sullyoon and Bae on "Hot 'n Unbothered," and Jiwoo and Kyujin on "WHIP." All six members contributed lyrics to their respective unit tracks, while Kyujin also tried composing for the first time. The comeback follows the group's recent first Daesang, or grand prize, at a music awards ceremony.

The following is a Q&A with NMIXX regarding "Strange Muse," as provided by JYP Entertainment.

Q. What story did you want to tell through "Strange Muse"?

NMIXX: We're excited to meet NSWER again with new music and performances about five months after "Heavy Serenade." "Strange Muse" tells the story of how everyone becomes one another's muse in MIXXTOPIA, a world where people shine in their own unique ways. In this world, there's a birthday party every day for a new muse. The title track "Birthday Wish" is about endlessly blowing out candles and making heartfelt wishes for one another.

Q. What was your first impression of "Birthday Wish," and what should listeners pay attention to?

Lily: When I first heard it, I thought it sounded hopeful but also unique. There were parts where I especially loved the rhythm and others where I thought the melody was beautiful. The chorus and narration throughout the song were particularly moving. There were a lot of high notes, so I focused on getting my vocal technique right. It was also my first time rapping on a title track, so I remember practicing a lot.

Sullyoon: The chorus is quite high, so I wanted to make sure it sounded pleasant to listeners. I even tried changing my usual vocal placement to find the right sound.

Haewon: I hope listeners can become completely immersed in "Birthday Wish" from the opening narration. I want them to feel the overwhelming and precious emotions of finally meeting someone special.

Q. This is your first time releasing unit songs, and you also participated in writing the lyrics. What was that experience like?

Bae: I was fortunate enough to participate in writing the lyrics for "RudE TaLK" and my first unit song with Sullyoon, "Hot 'n Unbothered." I learned a lot by meeting with the lyricists, sharing ideas and observing the process. Sullyoon and I talked a lot about the direction we wanted to take with the lyrics. Even when we weren't together, we'd call each other to exchange ideas and gradually finish the song.

Kyujin: I'd always wanted to try writing lyrics and composing, but taking that first step was difficult. I'm really happy I finally had the opportunity to do both on this album. It wasn't easy working within the direction of the song, but I'm glad I took part. I still have a lot to learn, and I want to keep improving.

Q. You recently won your first Grand Prize (Daesang) at a music awards ceremony. What does this milestone mean to NMIXX?

Sullyoon: I think we were able to receive the award because so many people supported and loved us. Now that we've won such a major award, I want to work even harder to repay that love with good music and performances. There have been confusing and difficult moments throughout NMIXX's journey, but I think this award will give us the confidence to believe in ourselves and keep moving forward.

Bae: We received this meaningful award thanks to NSWER, our members and everyone who has helped us. Thank you again! Looking back, so many precious, unforgettable days have brought us to where we are now. Rather than seeing this Daesang as proof that we've reached our destination, I want to take it as encouragement that we can go even further. We'll continue walking NMIXX's path together, one step at a time.