Emerging onto the global music stage with their fresh blend of sounds, Catch The Young is a K-pop group that has rapidly captured the attention of music enthusiasts around the world. Composed of Sani, Jungmo, Kihoon, Namhyun, and Junyong, the quintet has just released their second mini-album, aptly titled ‘Catch The Young: Fragments of Odyssey’. Arriving a mere five months after their celebrated debut ‘Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth’, the new album continues their colorful musical saga with a blend of retro, rock, and pop elements that sets a new standard in the music industry.
Puja Talwar recently caught up with the band to delve into the creation of ‘Fragments of Odyssey’, explore their musical influences, and discuss their connections to Bollywood films like Three Idiots and John Abraham’s Rocky Handsome.
Sani, on being congratulated on the new release, shared the band’s creative process stating, “Our debut album was the beginning, our introduction as a band, as well as what youth represents. Now, with ‘Fragments of Odyssey,’ we transition into narrating our journey – the adventure and our growth. Every track reflects our passage and each song blossomed from the idea of an odyssey.”
When asked about the complexities of fusing new sounds, Kihoon revealed the band’s desire to strike the perfect balance between sonic appeal and visual aesthetics. “We value each member’s personal input alongside our communal vision, which can present challenges. Yet, we aim to craft not just music, but an experience that listeners deem worthy of their time,” he said.
Intrigued by their unique name, Talwar enquired about its origin. Sani explained, “We began as ‘The Young’ to symbolize the influence of our music – energizing and enjoyable. ‘Catch’ was added to signify our audience grabbing hold of not just our own youthfulness but that which resides within them when they indulge in our music.”
Each of the five members plays a role in the music-making process, which Sani compares to painting a picture before refining it with individual touches. This collaborative dynamic allows for on-the-fly adjustments, fostering a harmonious workflow.
Reflecting on their growth since their rapid debut, Namhyun expressed nostalgia for the training days, emphasizing that the concentrated practice time afforded then is missed amidst their current hectic schedules. Kihoon, agreeing with Namhyun, also noted the new challenge of navigating how they are perceived by the public.
Situated in a highly competitive industry, Catch The Young views their challenge as the artistic struggle to consistently produce fresh music. They pride themselves on their distinctive performance style, engaging stage presence, and self-written songs, which, according to Sani, sets them apart.
Discussing the global success of K-pop, Sani pointed out the genre’s visual grandeur as one of its main attractions. The band aims to create lasting memories through their music and performances, becoming part of the K-pop legacy that extends far beyond audio.
Throughout their training, the members found inspiration in a variety of Western bands, practicing covers from Red Hot Chili Peppers to One OK Rock. Sani admits they are looking forward to potential collaborations with other K-pop acts like Xdinary Heroes in the future.
With India’s growing love for K-pop, Catch The Young has also developed a fondness for Indian cinema and culinary delights. Sani mentioned enjoying films such as ‘Three Idiots’ and ‘Rocky Handsome’ and expressed the band’s eagerness to perform in India someday.
Catch The Young’s journey from youthful enthusiasm to seasoned performers is emboldened by their commitment to creating music that both moves and resonates with audiences across cultural boundaries. With their rapid rise and bold aspirations, they are sure to continue captivating fans around the globe with the universal language of music.
