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Keeping the heartfelt promise they made almost a year ago, GOT7 is back with their first ever OT7 comeback since leaving JYP Entertainment. Featuring an entirely self-made tracklist, highlighting the musical strength and diversity of each member in the fold of the group's signature sonic aesthetic, the self-titled EP "GOT7" is both an ode to the wonderful time GOT7 & iGOT7 have spent together so far and an initiation of the dazzling future they have ahead of them. As we celebrate GOT7's homecoming, there's one thing that has become clear as day: this is what a cultural reset looks and sounds like.
On May 23, 2022, GOT7 held a global press conference for the release of "GOT7", which Kpopmap was honoured to be invited to. In the discussion that followed, the GOT7 members dove deep into the psyche behind the album, the intricacies of pre-production and post-production, making a new start and the joy of coming together as 7 once again.
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GOT7 make a radiant entrance, giving away their excitement for iGOT7 to finally meet "GOT7" anew. When asked about this highly anticipated comeback and the members' emotions regarding the same, leader Jay B mentioned that while it had been in the works for a while, it felt like a dream to watch it become reality. BamBam added that "it was a time for us to realize that the 7 of us needed to be together" before proceeding to explain the concept of the EP - "construction". "GOT7's HOUSE" is exactly what it seems: a new home and a new beginning, a place to be happy and be soothed by GOT7's music. Jay B further shared that he went on a diet for this comeback and even lost 4 kilos.
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As the EP is self-titled, it holds deep meaning for the members. For JinYoung, it is the most fitting name because this album is the most "GOT7-like", both in terms of the visuals and the music, whereas, for Jay B, it is a reminder of how important GOT7 is to all 7 of the members who poured their heart and soul into the project. Jay B revealed that each member was deeply involved in the process, right from picking the songs to doing blind tests on the demos, which ultimately led to them choosing the songs which they had self-produced. On this, YuGyeom emphasized that because the members knew each other so well, they were able to do their best with songs they created themselves.
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A quick review of the highlight reel demonstrates just how authentic this mini-album is to GOT7's musical identity. The first track, 'Truth' is written and composed by Jay B (or Def., as he is credited). To elaborate on the same, Jay B shared, "we have many different sides to us. Sometimes fun, sometimes sharp with the performances. So, when I was preparing for this album, I made sure to keep that in mind. For this one, I thought of doing a sharp choreography but instead of going 'hard', we wanted it to be a bit more relaxed."
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The second track, 'Drive Me To The Moon' is written, composed, and arranged by YoungJae, also known as Ars, who explained his affinity for lunar metaphors: "I love using a 'moon' reference. It's hard to get to the moon, but I believe with our AHGASE, I can get there. For me, 'Moon' has many different forms. It represents changes that are similar to people and life. So I get inspired by the moon".
The third track, which is the lead single of the mini-album, 'NANANA', is also written and composed by Jay B. When asked to share his thoughts about the title song, Jay B sincerely expressed that it was purely a gift for iGOT7, made with the intention to heal and comfort them. While the title of the EP is "GOT7", for Jay B, it is interchangeable with "iGOT7". For YuGyeom, it was the most "GOT7-esque" track, and for Jackson, it reminded him of previous hits like, 'Thursday' and 'Page', where the members had endless fun on stage. YoungJae added, "Going along with our theme of construction, we are inviting iGOT7 to our new home and want them to have fun here".
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The fourth track, titled 'Two', is written and composed by YuGyeom, who focused on lower tones rather than characteristic higher ones to convey a sense of desperation in love. 'Two' boasts of YuGyeom unique style while also retaining GOT7's distinctive sound, which is what makes it stand out.
The fifth track 'Don't Care About Me', is written and composed by JinYoung and YuGyeom in collaboration. JinYoung shared, "When I heard this track, I thought it would fit so well with YuGyeom, I wanted to see him dance to this. So I called him right away to work on this track. I wanted to give comfort to our fans, making sure that they have nothing to worry about".
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Finally, the sixth track, 'Don't Leave Me Alone', was written and composed by Jay B a long time ago, based on his own sentimental state, which later evolved into his feelings for iGOT7. The leader emphasized with pride and conviction, "We wanted to comfort our fans. As long as they wait for us, we will always be back for them".
When asked about what inspired this OT7 comeback, YuGyeom shared that, as compared to their solo activities, there is certainly more synergy when all 7 members are together. BamBam added, "We promised our fans that we won't be going anywhere. So we wanted to prove that we are not disbanded". JinYoung revealed that owing to social distancing restrictions, differing time zones, and so on, there were many FaceTime calls and group votes but everyone, including management, supported each other throughout the process, which made it all possible. Mark, in particular, noted JinYoung, tried his best to fit into South Korea's timezone while he was away. Jay B concluded, "People grow, evolve, and change. It's about not forgetting where we came from".
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As the press conference drew to a close, the members got candid about the meaning behind the title of the mini-album, "GOT7". Jay B shared, "We wanted to come back as GOT7 after our JYP days, and thought that a rebranding was needed. During this process, I think my self-esteem and confidence went up and drove me to properly rebrand and put out a great quality of work that we are proud of".
Regarding their journey for the last 7 years and this new artistic start, JinYoung said, "It reminded me a lot of when we debuted. Excitement. Nervousness. Going from our early 20s to our late 20s, almost to our 30s! But this project made us look back and reminded us of when we debuted. The last 7 years have been like our roots. Now, we just want to grow and branch out".
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BamBam hinted at future group activities by saying, "The last 7 years were very meaningful. Because of those days, we are here now. We want to continue to put out great albums as GOT7. Can't tell you when, but it will happen in the future". With a poetic metaphor, fitting of the incredible artist that he is, Jay B added, "The last 7 years feel like a photobook. It was a time of continuous growth. We will try to evolve and go along with the change that will come in the future. Although we can't promise that we are going to be as active as before, we want to continue as GOT7 along with our solo works. We want to show GOT7's variety. It'll be cool to have festival-like shows once in 2-3 years!".
Finally, addressing the legal and technical details of this comeback, especially referring to the issue of trademark, Jay B revealed, "JungWook from JYP helped a lot during this process. Even our lawyer said that it is not this easy, so I'm really thankful to him for that. I could've done this process through a third party, but I just wanted to do it myself, talking to and getting signatures from all of the members. During this process, I learned that it was not the easiest process, but it made me appreciate the companies and staff members who are working with artists and brands. Same for the units, thanks to JYP, it was possible".
You can watch the music video for 'NANANA' below!
What is your favourite song from "GOT7"?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.'Truth'
'Drive Me To The Moon'
'NANANA'
'Two'
'Don't Care About Me'
'Don't Leave Me Alone'
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