EXCLUSIVE | E’LAST unleash a new beginning with Billboard-charting album ‘ROAR’
After a successful comeback with their first single album which even entered Gaon and Billboard, E’LAST is now back with their album ‘ROAR’ and its lead single ‘Creature’. The K-pop boy group once again charted on the Billboard World Digital Sales Song Chart, garnering their second entry, while the album’s first week sales almost tripled from their previous album release with over 57K sales.
E’LAST released its third mini-album titled ‘ROAR’ on April 27. They took a dark turn as they delve deeper into their storyline and express the aftermath of a betrayal by turning into creatures. Well, MEAWW had a chance to ask the K-pop group about their preparation for the comeback and touring plans. In an exclusive interview with MEAWW, E’LAST discussed ‘ROAR’, getting inspired by NCT 127 and Monsta X, the music video they’d like to turn into a K-drama, and exciting plans for the future.
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MEAWW: Congratulations on your comeback! How would you describe your album ‘ROAR’ in one word?
E’LAST: New beginning!
MEAWW: The chorus for ‘Creature’ is so fun and unique! How was the experience while recording the song?
Won Jun: First of all, we had a blast recording it because the song itself is so good and powerful. As the song was so good, some parts were challenging for us to record. But overall, I think E’LAST did an impeccable job, and it was an opportunity that helped develop our vocal skills.
MEAWW: The choreography for ‘Creature’ was so powerful. Were there any challenges while learning it?
Rano: Learning the choreography for ‘Creature’ was a bit more challenging compared to our other releases because, unlike our previous album, we worked with a new choreography team, and it wasn’t easy getting used to the new style and we were given such a short amount of time.
MEAWW: If you could pick any b-side from the album to perform forever, which would it be?
Won Hyuk: I’ll choose ‘Dangerous’! It’s my favorite song, and E’LAST’s rap and vocals are all shown well in the single song!
MEAWW: ‘ROAR’ is pretty dark and goes deeper into your storyline. What inspired you while preparing for this comeback?
Baek Gyeul: Because this comeback’s concept is a bit darker, more mature, and has a sexy feel to it, I personally looked to the sexiness of MONSTA X as a reference. I think I was able to see excellent results by filming immersed in the atmosphere of the music video shoot and set.
MEAWW: Your storyline since your debut is pretty amazing. If you could turn any music video of yours into a movie or a K-drama, which would it be?
Choi In: Personally, I’d like to make ‘Creature’, the title track of our current mini-album, into a K-drama or movie! As it is the climax of our storyline, I expect the plot to be spectacular, and I think different aspects, such as the emotions shown and action scenes, would make it breathtaking to watch.
MEAWW: The music video for ‘Creature’ is so cool. If you could, which prop or outfit would you take home?
Won Jun: During my individual take, there was this light stick used as a prop that gave off very pretty light, and the colors of the lights were those that I liked. The light’s color changed between a light blue and an intense red, and the beautiful lights helped me be in character for the shoot. I personally wanted to bring it home with me and install it as the lighting in our dorm.
Seung Yeop: I really liked the red outfit from our music video. It’s sexy yet bold. It’s an outfit that I would like to bring home and own.
MEAWW: Were there any fun behind-the-scenes stories while filming for the music video?
Ye Jun: The atmosphere at music video shoots is always fun. It’s fun looking around the various sets and other members while on standby!
Seung Yeop: There’s a scene where Baek Gyeul is drinking wine, and I pass out beside him. We shot the scene after coming straight from our choreography practice for ‘Creature’, and I actually passed out for a short time because I was so tired. I remember the other members telling me, “Hyung, get up.”
MEAWW: What concept would you like to try in the future that you haven’t already?
Romin: I would like to try a concept similar to NCT 127’s ‘Sticker’ which had a seductive sexy feel, or a concept like MONSTA X’s ‘Gambler’ which had a seriousness to it!
MEAWW: For a person listening to E’LAST for the first time, which songs would you recommend?
Romin: I’d like to recommend the song ‘Poison’ from our ‘ROAR’ album. The song is catchy, like the title, and it’s a song that can make the listeners keep thinking about E’LAST.
MEAWW: E’LAST debuted right during the pandemic. Now that things are getting better and opening up, how is it different for you while promoting now?
Rano: I think the most significant change we experienced with the slight improvement to the Covid situation was that we could spend time with ELRINGs (our fans) and that we performed on the music show ‘Music Bank’ in front of ELRINGs and a live audience.
MEAWW: What are your goals as E’LAST for 2022?
Won Hyuk: We wish to perform live for ELRINGs in Korea and overseas. We are also hoping to perform at year-end award ceremonies!
MEAWW: Fans have been waiting for a while to see you perform live. Are there any plans for a world tour anytime soon?
Choi In: We are planning to tour Japan soon. If that leads to more tour opportunities, we wish to visit ELRINGs in many countries and give them spend precious time with them as a gift!
MEAWW: Finally, what message would you like to leave for your fans?
E’LAST: As the pandemic situation is getting better, and as we have more time to be with you in various places, we will work hard to show you our best selves. We ask for your love and support, and we thank you for always being with us.
Watch the music video of E'LAST's 'Creature' below.