Rising J-Pop Group PSYCHIC FEVER Talks Their New EP, Touring and What’s Next
by Tayah Fox
What's sweeter than "Gelato"? The rising J-pop group PSYCHIC FEVER!
Fresh off their first U.S. tour, the seven-member group released their refreshing third EP, PSYCHIC FILE III. The lead single, "Gelato," conveys the complexities of love through a fusion of R&B and electro-disco. Right on cue for the summer, the track captures the essence of the warm season with allusions to the sweet and frosty treat.
Along with "Gelato," this EP contains three additional songs—"Reflection," "EVOLVE" and "PROMISE." "Reflection" is a mature hip-hop and R&B tune featuring the members' harmonious vocals paired with rhythmic rap verses. The compelling track carries an addictive melody and chord progression like the group's hit song "Just Like Dat," appealing to global audiences with its old-school hip-hop and R&B elements. In contrast, "EVOLVE" holds pieces of the U.K. drill sound, with the booming 808 bass and memorable refrain. Closing the EP is "PROMISE," a light and refreshing synth-heavy tune. Similarly to "Gelato," this song combines electronic sounds with a danceable disco groove, marking it as a pleasant end to the group's EP.
Sweety High got the chance to chat with the group about their newest release, tour and plans for the future. Check out our interview with PSYCHIC FEVER below.
Sweety High: How does your new EP, PSYCHIC FILE III, reflect the evolution of PSYCHIC FEVER as a group?
WEESA: This EP is us trying new stuff and doing popular genres in our own way. For Example, we've tried drill beats in this EP.
SH: Out of the four tracks on this EP, which one do you feel best represents your artistic vision?
JIMMY: Last year, we got a lot of attention globally with "Just Like Dat" because we brought a 2000s Y2K vibe. With "Reflection," we bring that Y2K vibe again, but in a different way with R&B and hip-hop vibes. We enjoyed making it too, and we hope you guys enjoy the track and feel another dimension of our work through this song.
SH: Can you describe this new chapter of PSYCHIC FEVER and what it means for the group going forward?
KOKORO: We've released PSYCHIC FILES I and II previously, so the Psychic File itself means we're going to find a new way in each EP. In this Psychic File, we're going to experiment with different genres to show how evolved we are. I hope everyone finds a song they like!
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SH: You've recently toured the U.S. and will head to Europe next month. How do you maintain your energy and mental health amid such a busy schedule?
JIMMY: We're actually really hectic right now, but it's fun once you go on the stage. We have a lot of fun and are happy when we perform in front of an audience. We just want to perform all the time; we're waiting for the next time we can perform in the U.S. as well. We are really busy but want to perform more!
SH: What can fans expect from your upcoming European fan meet tour?
JIMMY: Of course, we're going to perform a couple of songs from the EP. We're also going to communicate with fans through games and a Q&A session. It's not a traditional concert, but it'll be a way for our fans to communicate with us and find out more about our personalities.
SH: With J-pop gaining more attention around the world, how does it feel knowing you're contributing to growing interest in the genre?
PSYCHIC FEVER: We're so happy!
WEESA: We want to spread more of our songs and perform around the world in the near future.
SH: As your global popularity grows, is there a dream place or city you hope to perform in?
JIMMY: We want to come back to the U.S. and perform in bigger venues, but also perform all over the world. We've never been to South America before, so we want to perform there and a tour in Europe too.
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SH: We're already halfway through the year. What goals do you hope to achieve before the end of the year?
JIMMY: I want to make one more banger!
WEESA: I want to perform in a big festival in the U.S.
JIMMY: Yeah, we want to perform at Coachella, and we really want to do a live showcase in the U.S. too.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to share with your fans?
RYUSHIN: I love you guys! We love you guys! I hope to meet you all as soon as possible.
RYOGA: Thank you so much for supporting us!
JIMMY: Yes, thank you for supporting us. We just released our new EP, and there are a lot of English lyrics. One song called "Promise" is all in English, so you can understand everything, and the rest of the songs are 50% English, so if you don't know about a J-pop group, I think you can enjoy PSYCHIC FEVER's music.
(Photo credit: LDH Japan)
For more on our favorite J-pop releases, click HERE to read our interview with Travis Japan on their latest single, "Would You Like One?"