[SHOWCASE] NMIXX looks to attract listeners with new EP 'FE3O4: Break'

K-pop girl group NMIXX is set to release their second EP, "Fe3O4: Break," featuring their signature genre of music called "Mixx pop." The lead track, "Dash," combines old-school hip-hop with pop-punk to create a fresh sound.

Girl group NMIXX poses for the camera during a press showcase held Monday in southern Seoul ahead of the release of the group's second EP ″Fe3O4: Break.″ [KIM MYEONG-JI]

NMIXX is confident that "Fe3O4: Break" can attract listeners to the girl group's signature genre of music, "Mixx pop."

"While our previous release ['Party O'Clock'] was a more refreshing type of music meant for summer, 'Fe3O4: Break' is a full-on Mixx pop track that shows the strength of the genre," NMIXX's leader Haewon said during a press conference held Monday in southern Seoul ahead of the release of the group's second EP "Fe3O4: Break."

Mixx pop, which NMIXX coined themselves to define its own style of music, is based on the idea of mixing two or more genres into one track. While NMIXX has kept its signature genre throughout the group's discography, the intensity of Mixx pop has varied from album to album and song to song.

The lead track "Dash" is an addictive track that goes hard on the group's Mixx pop theme.

"Our opinions were unanimous when we first listened to the demo track of 'Dash.' We all went, 'Wow, this song is so good, now we just have to record it well!" Haewon said.

"I was very confident about the track the moment I heard it," Jiwoo added.

Girl group NMIXX poses for the camera during a press showcase held Monday in southern Seoul ahead of the release of the group's second EP ″Fe3O4: Break.″ [KIM MYEONG-JI]

"Dash" mixes old-school hip-hop with the pop-punk genre to create a new Mixx pop.

"The track also features R&B melody lines inspired from the 2000s, which I love," the group's main vocalist Lily said. "The pace of the song and its melody line constantly changes, so I think the Mixx pop nature of the song will make it sound fresh every time you listen to it."

The title of the EP "Fe3O4" refers to the group's ongoing fictional universe storyline that the girl group kicked off within its debut EP "Ad Mare" in 2022.

"'Fe3O4' is a story about girls who have the ability to magnetically attract others," Bae explained. "Just like that, we hope to magnetically attract [our listeners] to our new music."

"Fe3O4" refers to the chemical formulae of magnetite, a magnetic mineral.

The EP also features six other tracks: the pre-released track “Soñar (Breaker),” followed by “Boom,” “Passionfruit,” “XOXO,” “Break The Wall” and “Run For Roses,” a track written by singer-songwriter Young K of boy band DAY6.

Since the group's debut on Feb. 22, 2022, NMIXX proved its live performance abilities time and time again through different music show performances, YouTube videos and even the group's impromptu livestream sessions online. But the members feel they still have a lot to strive for.

"We were able to showcase a variety of genres of music as we have tried to establish our own style of music since our debut," Kyujin said. "That being said, I'm still lacking, and I hope I can be more relaxed on stage. I think I still freeze up whenever I go up on stage; I would have to practice more in the future."

"I really enjoy trying out different things, so I hope to have a go at variety shows," Bae said enthusiastically.

"I would also want to constantly improve my vocal and dancing skills — oh and I also want to learn new languages to better communicate with our fans!"

NMIXX also recently completed its first fan concert "NMIXX Change Up: MIXX University" in Seoul in October and in Hong Kong on Jan 6. and 7.

"It was my first time visiting Hong Kong, so I was very glad to hold our first overseas fan concert there," Kyujin said.

"We saw a lot of fans singing along to our tracks, which exceeded our expectations, [so] we would love to meet NSWERs in other regions."

NSWER is NMIXX's fandom name.

"I also would love to hold a [bigger] concert and even host a world tour if the opportunity arises," Lily said. "That is NMIXX's dream and our goal; I hope fans look forward to it."

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]