INTERVIEW: X:IN Speaks on Latest Mini-Album ‘Defend Myself’ & Gets Candid on Life Outside Music
- Nandini Iyengar
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Being in a multinational music group is like having friends from across the borders who speak a different language but share your interests. That’s what it’s like for BeBy Entertainment’s girl group X:IN since the five members—E.sha, Nizz, Hannah, Nova, and Aria—came together to debut in 2023 to make music that truly transcends borders.
In its latest interview with Mido Media, X:IN got candid about its third mini-album Defend Myself. This album includes four tracks: “Attention Seeker,” “수리수리마하수리 수수리 사바하 (SABAHA),” “Bitter Love,” and “Almost Done.” The members spoke about what inspires them to keep going in their journey of music making, and they also shared a message for their fans. Coming from South Korea, Russia, and India, the members also spoke about how their diversity unites them. Let’s take a look at what the members have to say…
Q: Hello, X:IN! First of all, congratulations on your comeback for your third mini-album, Defend Myself! It has certainly been a long time coming. How are you feeling about the album’s reception?
E.sha: First of all, I'm happy that I can make a comeback with a great song and stage, and every single day during our promotions feels precious and happy!
Q: Do you have any fun TMI for us from the time you recorded your album?
Nizz: When we were recording the song "수리수리마하수리 수수리 (Sabaha)," the last outro part was originally supposed to be just me laughing, but we ended up recording all the members laughing in the recording studio. It was so funny when we were recording that Nova and Aria actually laughed, and I think that part became the killing part of the song, so it was fun.
Watch the music video for X:IN’s song “Attention Seeker” here:
Q: Are there any languages that you would like to learn or incorporate into your music, and why?
Nova: I’d love to learn and include Spanish because it’s very expressive and passionate. I’ve loved Latin music since I was a child, partly because of my background in Latin dance.
Also, French is beautiful, with a smooth, melodic vibe that I’d love to incorporate.
Q: Which artist(s) do you consider as your role model, and do you take advice or inspiration from them in your work? Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
Hannah: I’d say, DPR Ian and BIBI. I am inspired by their immersive work and talent when I watch their work.
Q: You have been in this field for a few years now. How do you deal with the ups and downs that come your way?
Aria: I feel like I've grown and learned to focus on the positives. Initially, I was easily swayed and bothered by anything negative, but I was able to change that soon after the start of my career. I believe that if there's a down, there's an up too, and likewise. I try not to take things too seriously, which might cause me stress.
Q: When working in a group, sometimes we end up picking up each other’s habits. Is there any particular habit that you all have picked up from each other?
E.sha: Since we're together every day, our speaking habits have become similar, so I think the way we speak and the words we use have become similar. Lately, I think we use phrases like '~ I'm going to do it!' a lot. And when this member feels this way, they make this kind of expression. We know that, so we can figure each other out right away.
Hannah: Since we spend a lot of time together, I think our speech has become similar. That's why our speech has become similar, and there are many cases where we use the same words.
Aria: I'm sure we all mimic each other subconsciously all the time because we are with each other 24/7. I've been picking up on the Korean slang used by the girls out of habit. Nizz has a habit of making random sound effects all the time, and I've been finding myself doing the same sometimes.
Q: How do you keep the creative juices flowing? When not making music or recording a song, how do you usually spend your time?
Nova: As a foreigner in Korea, I’ve picked up the habit of drinking a bitter iced Americano almost every morning, which is a very Korean thing to do :)
E.sha: Usually, I have practice almost every day. When I have a day off, I usually go out. I tend to recharge and refresh by going to a pretty cafe or eating delicious food.
Q: What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Nizz: We are planning a tour in Russia and Belarus right after finishing our promotions for our third mini album, Defend Myself. We are so happy to have the opportunity to meet you all, and we are looking forward to it too.
Q: Please share a message with us for your fans.
Nova: Our Readies, thank you so much for always supporting us. Your love means everything, and we can’t wait to share more music with you. Hope you enjoyed this interview, and see you soon!
What do you think about X:IN’s latest comeback album, Defend Myself? Tell us in the comments below or connect with us over X or Instagram.
TO STAY UPDATED ON X:IN:
Translated by Nandini Iyengar
Edited by Martina Yee
Comments