&TEAM announces comeback with new single "Samidare," ending previous series and starting a new story. Showcase held at Toyosu PIT.
May/8/2024 19:52
&TEAM announced their comeback with a resolute attitude. Today (8th), they simultaneously released their 1st single "Samidare" worldwide. After the release of their 1st full album "First Howling: NOW" in November 2023, they released new music for the first time in about 5 months, concluding the "First Howling" series and starting a new story. On the 7th, a showcase was held at Toyosu PIT to commemorate the release of the new album. Among the approximately 2,500 fans and press gathered, the members introduced the new single, shared their aspirations for their activities, and performed the new songs on stage. Leader EJ introduced the new work as "&TEAM's new story that solidifies unity throughout the seasons" and stated that the 3 new songs included in the beginning, "Samidare," express a strong bond that notices each other's differences and moves towards the same goal despite conflicts. FUMA added, "Our strong teamwork has been our strength so far, but thanks to further growth after the tour, the group's unity has become even stronger. Through 'Samidare,' please also watch over our growth." K expressed, "We have expressed ourselves as we are in this work. Therefore, the lyrics have become more straightforward and meaningful, conveying our determination to start a new series." YUMA said, "Our goal is to hear the words 'This spring was &TEAM' through 'Samidare.' We will work so that all LUNÉ (fans) can feel that they spent a good spring with &TEAM in 2024." &TEAM's new series unfolds against the backdrop of the four seasons. "Samidare" corresponds to the first page, "spring." The 9 members express the struggles of a brilliant youth that everyone has experienced at least once in this single. Through a global audition program, they ran towards their dreams as one group, incorporating their actual stories of growth, sometimes colliding. The music video for the title track "Samidare" also incorporates this message. The music video focuses on the unity of the 9 boys who have become even stronger after conflicts and struggles. Conflicts ultimately lead to disputes, but the rain that was falling heavily soon turns into petals, ending in a calm manner. The standout in the music video is the well-balanced performance and the delicate expressiveness of the members. The "Umbrella Dance," a choreography visualizing running around puddles with umbrellas, is impressive, especially since K participated in the creation of the performance, leveraging the group's strengths. In addition to the title track "Samidare," the three songs included in the new single, "Scar to Scar" and "Maybe," feature prominent musicians. HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, Soma Genda, and Slow Rabbit, who have been with &TEAM since their debut, participated, and J-POP hitmaker SANO YUKI collaborated with &TEAM for the first time. In addition, there is a luxurious lineup including Melanie Fontana and Lindgren, who participated in the production of BTS's "Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey)."
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