Artist Highlight: ATEEZ
After five years as iconic idols, ATEEZ has experienced many things, but their popularity is still on the rise. With a new album releasing this month, let’s look into some of the best releases from the group so far.
A very easy way to kickstart your interest in the boys is by watching their U.S.A. Training series on their YouTube channel. The boys traveled to the states, Los Angeles to be specific, to learn a little more right before debut. They formed as a group in the prime time of having everything documented on the internet and I personally think it's beautiful to watch their growth from when they started to where they are now.
Debuting under KQ Entertainment, the eight-member group has gone from releasing dance covers to selling out arenas worldwide. They released the most popular dance cover “Pick It Up (Feat. A$AP Rocky)” by Famous Dex, dressed in all black performing in an underground parking lot showcased their dance talents five months before their debut. Known at the time as the KQ Fellaz, many pre-debut fans were excited to see what the group would bring to the K-Pop industry.
Their hot debut came with their first album TREASURE EP.1: All to Zero and their debut single “Pirate King” kickstarted their career and allowed the industry to hear the kind of music they would release. With loud and strong beats, the eight-member group made their mark on the industry and have continued to make unique songs since then. “Pirate King” has a sense of thriller to it with the iconic line “Will you be my friend” which connects to the group's ability to have a creepy but iconic stage presence.
My favorite song the group has released so far is “Twilight.” I personally believe this song showcases how different the group can sound in a single album. The ability to have strengths in many different genres is a rare but powerful talent to hold and I think ATEEZ holds that talent perfectly. My favorite thing about “Twilight” is how influenced it is by the pop genre while also having the touch of Mingi and Hongjoong’s iconic rap voices and flow. If you’re into pop electronic music I would say “Twilight” is a definite listen for you.
The group's most recent release is their truly iconic single “HALAZIA” and just like every other song the group has released, it's a new refreshing and thrilling sound. Holding a pirate concept in itself is chilling but the eight members use their stage presence so well that the listeners get fully immersed in the creepiness that is their music. Seonghwa’s iconic “HALA HALA HALAZIA” move where he stands between the members while having a shocking facial expression caught my attention and fully helped me understand the intense personality the boys have while performing.
While the group is getting ready to release a new album and just announced a new leg of their world tour, ATINY continues to support the boys and can't wait to hear what new and thrilling sound they come up with.