AMPERS&ONE Defines Their Direction Towards “GOD” Status

Photo: AMPERS&ONE Official X

AMPERS&ONE channels sounds and imagery from Korean traditions for their latest title track, “GOD.” Using a concept that the group’s leader, Kamden, calls “Joseon Dynasty hip-hop,” “GOD” heads their DEFINITION EP. Released on April 8, its tracks define where AMPERS&ONE finds themselves next in their musical journey. 

TRACKLIST: 

  1. “Hit Me Up” 

  2. “GOD”

  3. “What You Talking About”

  4. “My Way”

  5. “All Eyes on You” 

  6. “Tears In Your Smile” 

“GOD” makes use of a hip-hop and gayageum-fused instrumental to ground its concept in culture. The choice to include modern beats with an instrument with a centuries-long history creates a multi-layered song. This wooden 12-stringed instrument makes sounds through plucked strings and it has existed for nearly two millennia. The gayageum existed prior to and during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the final and most significant dynasty in Korea’s history. Knowing these tidbits helps contextualize what “GOD” represents. 

The title uses a play-on-words for the divine word “god” and gat (갓), a traditional Korean hat originating from the Joseon Dynasty. Just like how that period signified innovation, “GOD” hopes to bring a similar dynamic change for AMPERS&ONE. The group asks for god’s protection during their pursuit towards victory. The music video also affirms this motivation with intense fight scenes. The members brawl as norigae, knotted charms for good fortune, swing alongside their moves. 

Check out the rest of the DEFINITION EP for a fuller look at AMPERS&ONE’s vision. Kamden and Mackiah contributed lyrics to all six tracks. Highlights include “Hit Me Up,” which reinterprets Russian pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Polka Italienne” (“Italian Polka”) through boom bap hip-hop, and “My Way,” an EDM song built to keep moods up. The next step for AMPERS&ONE on their quest towards greater fame comes next month with their Born to Define tour. After they kick off the tour in Seoul on May 2, they will tour America throughout the month.

Edited by Bryn Claybourne

New ReleaseJacob Aron LeungAMPERS&ONE, Boy GroupsComment