Sweety But Salty – does it make you think of your favourite snack? It is also the summer anthem of K-pop girl group Signature. The group is making a comeback to the music scene with their fifth mini album Sweety But Salty, which captures the essence of summer. Reflecting their journey and the thrill of falling in love, their latest album includes four new songs and their first English single, I Like I Like. (Also Read | K-pop boy band EVNNE on their world tour and Arijit Singh and Jasleen Royal are fans of Heeriye)
In an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times, Signature spoke about all things sweet and savoury.
Congratulations, Signature I like the name Sweetie but also Saltie. Would you define your music in the same way?
Dohi: Just like sweet and salty tastes are completely different from each other, the songs in this album also have different vibes, so yes, I would like to define them as sweet but salty.
Celine: Although this is an album that contains the umbrella theme of love, each song has a different mood, which is why it would be nice to define it as sweet and savory!
This is also your fifth EP, do you feel your music and approach has changed at all over the past four years since your debut?
Jevon: When we started, we made music with fuller beats and stronger vocals, but now we are making softer and more mellow music. Also, our passion for music has grown even stronger, so all members actively participate in more aspects of Signature’s music. Moving forward, we would like to continue creating Signature’s own albums.
CM: While preparing for the album, I am trying to express my music more effectively. When I approach a song, I try to understand the lyrics thoroughly and focus on expressing my feelings about the song.
Tell me a bit about Sweetie and Saltie and how different are they from your previous albums?
Chloe: This album features true love stories of girls. The sweet and salty feelings when you are in love are expressed through three tracks. In addition, an English track, I Like I Like (English Version), is included in our album for the first time!
Chaesol: The biggest difference is that we released an English track for the first time, and we also included an emotional track called Melody which expresses our sincerity towards music!
You also wish your listeners good luck and love this summer. What does summer mean to Signature? Do you have any summer memories to share?
Celine: Summer marks half of the year, so for me, it is a season that sparks thoughts about how usefully I can spend the remaining half of the year. Ever since I was little, I always went to the sea in the summer, and I have lovely memories of smelling and enjoying the salty sea air.
Chaesol: My birthday is in the summer, and I was born in the hottest season of the summer! I think that’s why I look forward to summer even more. (laughs) It’s my favorite season because I have so many happy memories surrounding my birthday.
What has been your biggest challenge and greatest achievement over the past four years?
Chloe: For me, the long hiatus after our debut was the hardest time. Because I had more thoughts and worries, I was sometimes anxious about the future. Still, I spent that time practicing with my members and working hard for the next comeback. We received the Rising Star Award several times, and those moments were the most satisfying.
CM: To be honest, filming our music video for Poongdung was challenging for me. We filmed a music video in Portugal, but our luggage got lost and we had to film the music video without clothes or props. During filming, I was always worried about how the final result would turn out. In the end, I was proud and happy to see how good the final music video looked.
As an artist and public figure, how do you balance maintaining your individuality in addition to being an artist?
Jiwon: Originally, I separated each personality according to their role, but it was difficult to find a balance between them. These days, I’m trying to find a balance while maintaining my individual identity as an essence.
Dohi: I try to think differently when I’m working and when I’m not working. For example, if I feel a little emotional one day, I try to think more rationally when I’m working.
When was the moment when you realized you were famous?
CM: I think I feel the same way whenever I see my fans. Whenever I feel their love and support, I think, ‘Oh, there are so many people who love me! I should work harder.’ It also makes me realize that I am a public person.
Dohi: I realize I’m a celebrity when I hear my fans cheering loudly from the stage, and when someone I’ve never met sends cheers my way.
How can one stay relevant in a rapidly changing world and demands?
Chasol: I think we are constantly moving forward with our pace and color. We are finding ways to make our unique colors more vibrant by absorbing things that inspire us with the changing times.
Celine: It is important to know what we can do best rather than following trends. Also, I believe it is important to strengthen our inner self to share our core value and what Signature has built since its inception.
Do you feel like K-pop has become more competitive since your debut?
Chloe: I think it’s getting more intense. Since there are so many great groups, it seems difficult to get the public’s attention without losing our unique color. However, we will work harder to get the public’s love with our colors.
Jevon: When we debuted, the COVID-19 pandemic started and we could only meet our fans online due to the restrictions. At that time, everyone was going through a tough time together rather than having fierce competition. Indeed, there is competition, but it provides positive motivation for all of us to work hard.
What makes K-pop different from other genres?
Chloe: Among the many reasons why K-pop is loved, I think the most important factor is the great performances and visuals. To attract a lot of attention from the public, many elements must work well together, including dance skills, singing, concept, and choreography.
Dohee: I also think that the grand performances and performances by multiple members in a group and the visuals that match well with the song are the special factors of K-pop.
Are there any plans to visit India? Do you like Indian music and dance? Are there any Indian actors or artists you like?
Chaesol: I watched Indian movies in school and became more interested in them. In the future, I would like to meet Indian fans in person, perform for them, and interact with them.
Jiwon: We love Indian music as much as India loves K-pop. I especially like the unique singing styles of Indian artists. I want to travel to India, a country with beautiful culture and sights.
