TXT says that Anitta sparked more interest in Brazil’s vibrant energy

The newest chapter in the story of the k-pop group TOMORROW

This maturation process is expressed in the album “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL”, released on October 13th, in which once again SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI give voice to the common experiences of youth, no matter if you were born in South Korea or on the other side of the world – in Brazil, for example.

It’s no surprise that the quintet has that name. They are young people who unite under a single dream in the hope of building a better tomorrow. The “tubatu” (TXT pronunciation in Korean) way of doing this is to give fans the so-called MOA (Moments of Alwaysness), a discography that describes those feelings that are not always easy to bring to the surface.

In fact, Brazilian fans received a huge surprise in September, when a partnership with Anitta was announced. “Back For More” included a music video that features the Rio star singing and dancing alongside the group to a song that features Brazilian funk beats. Could this be the very first k-funk?

In addition to a performance at the MTV VMA 2023 and a unique friendship being born between MOA and Anitters, the feat also resulted in a video of the group’s members eating feijoada, cheese bread and other typical delicacies from our country. Them putting farofa on absolutely everything they saw was the icing on the cake:

@anitta

Brazilian food @TOMORROW #TXTxAnitta

♬ Back for More (with Anitta) – TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Anitta

A CNN TXT spoke about their friendship with Anitta, gave behind-the-scenes details of the creative process of “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL” and made it clear that they really want to come to Brazil.

Check out the chat:

Generally, you say your albums are a way to connect with the lives of MOAs, whether it’s about growing up and friendship, first love or first heartbreak. How can they identify with the story you are telling in “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL”?

YEONJUN – “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL” is a story of youth who leaves their fantasy world behind to face the real world. We all have dreams and fantasies that often collide with reality, I believe many people can identify with this.

BEOMGYU – Everyone faces the dilemma between accepting reality or following their dreams. “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL” talks about the pain involved in growing up while struggling to keep your dreams.

TAEHYUN – Everyone encounters obstacles and limitations in life. But deep down, we all know the right path and the answer. Putting these answers into practice can be difficult, but our unwavering determination to pursue them is something many can relate to.

You always bring a different concept to each work you do. Sexier, darker or more radiant. How do you describe the concept of this comeback? And is there a song on this album that has a more special meaning for you?

SOOBIN – The album has an emotional, but also intense atmosphere. Personally, I love the song “Skipping Stones” because the lyrics are beautiful.

YEONJUN – I think this album conveys a feeling of longing and resilience. My favorite song is “Growing Pain”.

TAEHYUN – Our members like to call this album ‘painfully sexy’ because of the sense of attraction shown through growing pains. My favorite track is “Back for More”.

You guys are very funny in interviews and on the variety show “TO DO X TXT”. What’s the vibe like when you guys get together to write good music? Is it fun or is it a more serious atmosphere?

SOOBIN – Even though we approach everything in a more serious and professional way, we really enjoyed every step of the album creation process.

YEONJUN – We try our best to enjoy the process, despite there always being a lot of concentration and dedication involved.

HUENINGKAI – I always try to enjoy the process as much as possible. I also strive to care about each song and truly understand it.

Can you share a fun fact about the creative process behind this album? Like a song that was added at the last minute, a situation that inspired them to write one of the songs, or something funny that happened during recording.

SOOBIN – The genre of “Growing Pain” is hard rock, so I was almost shouting angrily during the recording. I had a sore throat afterwards, but I loved how the song turned out.

BEOMGYU – There were parts in the songs that were difficult to express emotionally, but the process of overcoming those challenges was fun.

HUENINGKAI – I had so much fun singing all nine tracks from different genres!

Both MOAs and Anitters loved “Back For More”, and they also loved seeing your friendship with Anitta. It seems like you guys got along really well, as did both of your fan bases. Can you tell us how this collaboration happened and what it was like the day you met for the first time?

SOOBIN – As soon as we heard the demo of the song, we thought that Anitta would be the perfect match. From the moment we met, she was kind and friendly, so we managed to become good friends quickly.

YEONJUN – We think Anitta would be a great guest artist with her unique musical style. I’m grateful that we were able to collaborate and perform together at the 2023 MTV VMAs. She was probably jet lagged when we first met, but she still brought such positive energy. We were very grateful for that!

BEOMGYU – I feel that Anitta perfected “Back for More”. Collaborating with her was a memorable experience. I felt a little shy when I first met her, but she approached me first, and I really enjoyed her company.

What was your favorite memory with Anitta while promoting “Back For More”?

SOOBIN – We shared our national dishes with each other, and I really enjoyed trying Brazilian food. I found it delicious.

BEOMGYU – I was actually quite nervous for the MTV VMA, but I managed to calm my nerves when we talked and ate Brazilian food together.

You debuted in 2019 and have matured a lot since then. What has been the biggest lesson you have learned so far and what is your biggest goal for the future?

SOOBIN – Each year, my appreciation and gratitude for our MOAs grows more. My biggest goal is to make our members and MOA happy!

YEONJUN – As I still have a long way to go, I am determined to work even harder. I want to become an artist recognized for my artistic abilities, just like the artists I admire.

BEOMGYU – I believe that having a healthy body and mind is the most important thing. I hope to continue my musical journey as an artist with our members for a long time to come.

TAEHYUN – I learned that maintaining a healthy body and having a positive mindset is the most important thing.

HUENINGKAI – I feel like I’m a little more professional now in terms of how comfortable I feel on stage and how much fun I actually have alongside the MOAs.

You probably get a lot of comments like “Come to Brazil”. Is there any chance of you guys coming? And have you heard about the energy of Brazilian fans at shows?

SOOBIN – I get requests to visit Brazil during our interviews or fan meetings, so I really hope to visit soon!

YEONJUN – I can’t wait to visit MOAs in more countries and cities! Thanks to Anitta, I became more interested in Brazil and am curious about the culture and vibrant energy.

HUENINGKAI – Brazil is at the top of my list of dream destinations. I would love to experience Brazil’s passionate energy firsthand as I perform for our fans.

Can you send a message to Brazilian fans?

SOOBIN – Hope to see you soon! Thank you and I love you forever!

YEONJUN – I love you all and will definitely visit when the opportunity arises!

BEOMGYU – I hope we can meet in person soon! Love you!

TAEHYUN – I have wanted to visit Brazil since I was younger. I want to create good memories with MOA in Brazil. As soon as the opportunity arises, I will be on my way to Brazil!

HUENINGKAI – There are so many MOAs who have patiently waited for our new music and supported us throughout our journey. I hope to be able to perform live and meet the MOAs in Brazil soon to show in person how grateful we are. I love you, Brazil! [Em português:] I love you ♡