By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) Who are some musicians that have influenced you as an artist?
XEN: The Weeknd
JEHYUN: I’m currently listening to and discovering more artists for new inspiration.
YECHAN: Lil Aaron, Knox and MGK these days!
Q) What inspired your new song “SWIRKY?”
JAEHAN: I had this thought of getting away from busy and repetitive daily life, and when I was talking about this with YECHAN while taking a walk in Osaka, the song’s theme was born.
YECHAN: It was inspired by an overpass we saw when taking a walk in Osaka. There are many cars on the road, but there were more conversations among people in the alleys under the road. I thought it was beautiful.
Q) What have the fans been saying to you about what makes the track on constant replay for them?
JAEHAN: Our fans commented that “it’s a great track to listen to when driving,” or “I like listening to it on my way back home from work.” That was exactly the vibe we had in mind when making this song, so those comments stayed memorable for me.
YECHAN: I agree. When fans mention that they listen to “SWIRKY” when driving or on their way home, it makes me feel great because that’s exactly what we intended when making the song.
Q) JAEHAN and YECHAN helped create “SWIRKY.” What is the process you have for writing songs and how did you break down the song to fit each member’s voice?
JAEHAN: When working on a melody for “SWIRKY,” we first started with the vibe. And when the track was completed, we distributed the parts based on who would sound the best for each part. Now, when we listen to or create a song, we just know who will excel in what part.
YECHAN: We usually start with a rough draft of beats with composers and when the beat is complete, we work on the melody and lyrics to go with that. We usually distribute parts based on our vocal range, but for a part where everyone can pull off, we give it to the member who fits the atmosphere the best.
Q) YECHAN, as the youngest member of the group, what have you learned about yourself and making music from your fellow OX:N members?
YECHAN: There are songs I had given up mid-writing because I had too many thoughts, so I was impressed with other members who completed a track no matter what. I think I need to give my very best within my abilities.
Q) Your first Japanese singles album Sway is out now, making this is your third release for 2025! What message or emotions do you hope this album brings to listeners?
JEHYUN: Everyone has different circumstances and lives, but from another point of view we’re all living life. Therefore, we wanted everyone to feel the freedom one desires.
YECHAN: We wanted to convey the message that it’s very natural to feel like you want to get out of mundane, machine-like life, and to feel lonely.
Q) XEN, you handled lyrics and composing for “SOMEBODY,” but how much of a hand does the group have on the production side of the music you make?
XEN: I think it’s different for each song, but when I make music, I try to contribute more than seventy percent at least.
Q) ”Love +” is one of my favorite songs! Which OX:N tracks are favorites for you and what makes them special to you?
XEN: I also like “LOVE+” the most because it’s comfortable and easy to listen to for a long time, and I believe the members’ voices were distributed really well in the song.
JEHYUN: I know how hard our members work on our music, so honestly, all of them are my favorites.
YECHAN: I love “SOMEBODY.” It’s a rock track that I really enjoy and I love jumping with our fans when performing that song.
Q) You have fan concerts in Osaka in November and Tokyo in December. What can fans expect from a live OX:N performance?
JAEHAN: We’ll create our very own space to have fun, away from tiring days. Don’t care about others, just blow all your stress away with us!
XEN: I hope you look forward to communicating and sharing energy with us!
JEHYUN: Just like you’re seeking freedom without caring about others, I hope you simply have fun with our performances!
YECHAN: I believe you’ll be able to enjoy music with us throughout the whole show.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform?
JAEHAN: Anywhere our fans are.
XEN: Anywhere with our fans who support and cheer for us.
JEHYUN: I will enjoy performing whenever and wherever, if it’s with our fans.
YECHAN: It doesn’t matter, as long as we have our fans.
Q) Who are some artists that you have on replay at the moment?
JAEHAN: King Gnu
XEN: The Weeknd
YECHAN: I’ve been listening to an artist named eill. I got to know her through an anime OST and I think her music conveys Japan’s unique sentiment very well.
Q) What artists would you love to collaborate with on music in the future?
JAEHAN: King Gnu. I feel comfortable and dreamy when I listen to their music.
JEHYUN: It’d be an honor to collaborate with anyone because it will allow us to have new experiences.
YECHAN: I really like Knox. Personally, I enjoy the pop-rock genre, so I take a lot of references when working on my music.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the incredible music that you make as OX:N?
JAEHAN: Hi, this is JAEHAN. Thank you so much for supporting and trusting us. To repay your love, we will always make music with more dedication. Thank you for always staying with us.
XEN: We’ll present even better music and performances, so please look forward to our activities. I love you all, thank you for always supporting us.
JEHYUN: Thanks for always supporting us and loving our music. If you gained energy because of us, that would define a successful life for me.
YECHAN: I hope we can meet you for a long time. Thank you for being the reason to continue music.