P1Harmony on "BLOW UP": 'We Hope More People Will Listen to Our Music' [Q&A]

P1Harmony is embracing a different musical direction with its 10th mini album, "BLOW UP," introducing a more accessible sound while maintaining the group's signature energy and willingness to experiment.

Released on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. KST, the six-track project marks the group's first Korean comeback since "UNIQUE" in March.

Led by the title track "BLOW UP," the album also includes "element," "How To," "MOMENTUM," "t.o.t.y." and "Talk That," bringing together different genres while concluding the group's long-running superhero storyline.

Although the title track incorporates hyperpop elements, glitchy synthesizers and energetic drums, the members describe it as a departure from their previous releases, emphasizing its approachable melodies, lighter sound and freer choreography.

As P1Harmony looks to build on the success of "UNIQUE," the members discussed their musical experimentation, favorite tracks, behind-the-scenes experiences and ambitions for the future.

Below is a Q&A with P1Harmony, provided by FNC Entertainment.

Q. What message do you hope to convey through "BLOW UP"?

Keeho: The phrase "blow up" can mean rising higher or becoming a huge success. That's exactly the passion we wanted to capture in this album: our desire to reach greater heights with positive energy this year. I hope P1Harmony and P1ece can all "BLOW UP" together!

Jiung: Personally, I'd describe it as an album that captures P1Harmony's youth as we keep moving forward, even when we run into obstacles and go through difficult times.

Intak: The title track carries a strong message about moving forward and reaching greater heights. I think it'll be more interesting if listeners interpret the message conveyed through our storyline from their own perspectives.

Q. How would you describe the title track, "BLOW UP"?

Theo: When I first heard it, I felt that the melody was easier to follow and more upbeat than the powerful songs P1Harmony usually releases. I think it's the kind of music that a lot of people can enjoy.

Jiung: For some reason, the synthesizer at the beginning reminds me of memories from my childhood. I think the chorus is especially appealing because anyone can sing along to it.

Soul: Just hearing the title, you might expect a really powerful song. But when you actually listen to it, it's quite comfortable and easy to enjoy. The performance also has a lot of movements that flow with the rhythm.

Jongseob: Personally, I think the choreography is really fun. Synchronization is important, but we also wanted to incorporate a lot of freedom into the movements. I think it's a song you'll enjoy even more when you see it performed onstage.

Q. P1Harmony has consistently experimented with different genres and concepts. What feels particularly new about this album?

Keeho: I think we experimented a lot with the sound. Since P1Harmony has always performed powerful songs, our music has tended to feature a lot of different sounds and elaborate production. This time, I think we've actually made things more stripped-back, which could make the music easier for a wider audience to connect with.

Theo: One of the B-sides features EDM sounds, and I think trying that genre is one of the new elements of this album.

Soul: I think there are more songs that are comfortable and easy to listen to. The album also includes various genres, so I hope people will find songs they really enjoy.

Q. Aside from the title track, which B-side is your favorite, and why?

Keeho: I like "MOMENTUM"! I'm especially attached to it because I participated in making the song. The choreography also turned out really sexy, so I think fans will like it.

Theo: My favorite is "MOMENTUM." I like the melody, and personally, I'm drawn to the song because it has a lot of vocal parts.

Jiung: My favorite is "t.o.t.y." I think it expresses thoughts that everyone has probably had at least once in a very straightforward way. That's why it resonates with me and gives me comfort.

Intak: Mine is "How To." I like my rap!

Soul: I also chose "MOMENTUM." I personally like the sounds used in the track, and I think the choreography suits the song really well.

Jongseob: My favorite is "element." I like electronic music, and I really enjoy the bouncy sounds throughout the track.

Q. Were there any memorable moments during the album's production or music video shoot?

Keeho: We originally had a set concept for the album jacket shoot, but it was completely changed midway through. That doesn't happen very often, so it was memorable because everyone put in a lot of effort to come up with a concept that suited the album better.

Theo: During the music video shoot, one of my props was a car that had arrow-shaped flames coming out of it. I could actually drive it myself, so that was a really fun and unusual experience.

Jongseob: We shot three versions of the album jacket, and my hair color was different in each one. I change my hair color quite often, but I'd never had a different color for every version before. I'm happy with how the photos turned out.

Q. Following the success of "UNIQUE," what are your goals for this comeback?

Keeho: Since "BLOW UP" is an easy-listening song, I hope more people from the general public will listen to it. I'd also like to carry that momentum forward and enter various music charts.

Intak: My goal is to introduce P1Harmony to even more people.

Jongseob: I want to firmly establish the impression that "P1Harmony really can do anything." I believe we're good at adapting to different genres, moods and concepts, and I hope that comes across to the people watching us.

Q. Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals as a group?

Keeho: Personally, I'd love for us to release another full-length album. I want to show a P1Harmony that has reached even greater heights and reveal new sides of ourselves through a studio album.

Theo: I'd like to put on performances that are bigger and more spectacular in scale.

Jiung: I want to keep showing new sides of P1Harmony and bring happiness to as many people as possible through our music and performances.

Intak: I hope each of us can receive a lot of love from fans and the public by showing new sides of ourselves individually as well.

Soul: There are still so many things I want to do and so many things we haven't shown yet. I want to keep sharing those sides of ourselves.

Jongseob: In the long term, performing is our biggest goal. A lot of people discover our appeal through our concerts, and we genuinely put our hearts into preparing for every performance. I hope we'll have more opportunities to show ourselves on bigger stages and in different kinds of venues.

"BLOW UP" will be released on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. KST on all major streaming platforms.