Stray Kids’ music has always defied industry standards. Since the eight-member group’s debut in 2017, they have not been afraid to test boundaries and experiment sonically.
The members are bold and unapologetically themselves. So, when it comes to defining Stray Kids, one word comes to rapper Han’s mind: “Irreplaceable. A group with a musical style that no one could ever imitate,” the 23-year-old told USA TODAY.
When the Kpop group comes for our interview in a New York studio, it’s the day before the release of their single “Lose My Breath” featuring Charlie Puth. Their energy is palpable. And no wonder: the week kicked off with members attending their first Met Gala on behalf of Tommy Hilfiger on May 6th.
Felix, 23, calls the single “a good, fresh start to the year.” It is the group’s first release since the EP “ROCK-STAR” – which reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart – in November 2023.
“Lose My Breath” isn’t the first time Stray Kids has tested the waters with pop-R&B. But the English track works as an introduction to the octet’s latest artistic foray.
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“I think this launch was a great opportunity to show that we are capable of many different styles”, says IN, 23 years old. “I think it really opened the doors for us.”
Stray Kids’ in-house production team 3RACHA (consisting of Bang Chan, Han, and Changbin) wrote and composed the song with Puth.
“We had a really good session. We learned a lot. We don’t have that kind of opportunity, so we tried to absorb as much as we could,” says group leader Bang Chan, 26.
“The work process was nothing like what we did in the past,” adds Changbin, 24.
Authenticity is the foundation of Stray Kids’ music. Members are directly involved in the creative process, reflecting their personal mindsets.
“I think we always try to capture our own story as it is, without trying to make anything up,” says Changbin. “However, we still try to make it interesting by telling the story in our own authentic style, no matter what the topic.”
“One thing is certain: we put our souls and minds into music,” says Bang Chan.
With this, members hope this can resonate with others, especially younger generations.
“To be able to relate to this generation through our lyrics, we all want the fans, our STAYs, to think we have something in common to maintain that connection,” says Felix.
Over the years, Stray Kids never backed down from a challenge.
“I think we always work hard to always be better,” says Lee Know, 25 years old. “We are never content with the past and continually strive to move forward.”
This mentality seems especially evident for the group’s new album, due out in July. Although the members couldn’t share spoilers, Bang Chan shares “it’s definitely something we haven’t done before.”
There were a lot of “challenges” and “innovations” while working on the next release, he adds, “it’s very diverse.”
“We are constantly looking for new things we can try and always working hard to show people a new and unique aspect of Stray Kids,” says Hyunjin, 24. We will constantly strive to experiment with new music and unique performances.”
But this path was not always easy.
“In the past, I think people used to stay away from our music because it was so different from anything else,” says Hyunjin.
Over the years, IN says he “gained confidence and certainty in our group’s music.”
Embracing their distinct qualities has earned Stray Kids worldwide recognition. Last year brought the group’s first MTV VMA win and they were also featured among Time’s “Next Generation Leaders.”
2024 already looks to be another crucial chapter in the Stray Kids story. The group will headline Friday’s Lollapalooza lineup with SZA in Chicago.
“It’s still hard to believe and I feel a bit of pressure. We will be preparing a lot so that not only us, but the entire public can have a lot of fun that day”, says Lee Know.
Over the years, Stray Kids has become a family.
“Every moment with my members is my best achievement,” says Seungmin, 23.
“Just the fact that we all trust each other. We truly love each other at all times,” adds Bang Chan.
“The fact that we still think about the future, that we are still hungry. There are a lot of people who might want to stop, but the fact that we still look to the future and can’t wait for what’s to come, that in itself, I think is a huge achievement,” says Bang Chan.
