The South Korean boy band Stray Kids, known for their relentless energy and self-produced sound, continue to push boundaries and redefine success on their own terms. Their latest album, *ATE*, showcases a group unafraid to experiment, yet still deeply rooted in their signature style.
The album's standout track, "Runners," encapsulates Stray Kids' ethos. The song, infused with a powerful energy, finds the group metaphorically sprinting towards their goals, unfazed by any challenges that may arise. "Come and try to push me off," Seungmin sings, as Han's voice pierces the sky: "On the edge we'll never fall 'cause we're the runners." This sentiment echoes through their discography, from "Hellevator," where they escape their past, to "My Pace," where they race towards their future.
Throughout their journey, Stray Kids have prioritized the process over the destination. As Bang Chan, the group's leader, explained backstage in London: "As the producers and creators of our music, hearing that Stays [Stray Kids' fandom] gain strength and confidence from it, thatâs all that matters. Numbers, results, a big thank you. But for us what matters most is if people out there need it, they can gain strength from it."
This focus on creating authentic music resonates with their fanbase. Stray Kids have consistently remained true to their sound, even venturing into new territory with their English single, "Lose My Breath," released this past May. The pop-R&B track, while a departure from their usual style, provided valuable lessons in expanding their sonic horizons.
The creative process behind *ATE
further showcases their commitment to staying true to themselves. Changbin, a member of the group's producing trio, 3RACHA, shared that they went through numerous demos for the title track, rejecting several attempts that didn't feel authentically Stray Kids. "Originally, it was more, like, not the usual Stray Kids style but the more mainstream pop style that people are familiar with," he revealed. "We wanted to make popular music with a slight touch of the SKZ style. But after we were finished, the music didn't feel like Stray Kids music. It felt like the music wouldn't live up to our fans' standards. So we started back from square one and added mainstream music into classic Stray Kids-style music."
With their dedication to creating music that resonates with their identity, Stray Kids continue to defy expectations. Their success isn't defined by chart positions or record-breaking numbers but by the impact their music has on their fans. They remain, as their name suggests, a group of individuals venturing forth together, driven by their passion for music and their desire to connect with their audience. The journey, for Stray Kids, is just as important as the destination.