Plus Magazine

The unit MAMAMOO+, an extension of the charm of the girl group MAMAMOO, has returned with [ACT 1, SCENE 1]. Both SOLAR and MOONBYUL are actively pursuing solo careers as well, but as they come together as a unit, there is also an expectation for their delightful synergy to shine. We, M Countdown Magazine, had a pleasant conversation with MAMAMOO+ who are broadening their musical horizons

This is MAMAMOO+’s full-fledged activities. Please greet the readers of M Countdown Magazine.

Hello, M Countdown Magazine readers! We are MAMAMOO+. Please give us a lot of attention and love for our first single album, [ACT 1, SCENE 1]!

The unit seems to have a slightly different focus from when MAMAMOO is working as a full group. When performing as a unit, which aspects do you focus on? 
 

SOLAR: We tried to bring out a brighter and fresher feeling on stage.

Could you introduce your latest title track ‘GGBB’? 
 

MAMAMOO+: Our title track ‘GGBB’ is a song that captures the image of someone who has fallen deeply in love while being unable to come to their senses due to its sweet yet spicy and even salty taste. This song is not only a genre that we have never tried before, but also a piece that you can enjoy listening to and watching as the music video was shot in one-take format.

The music video for the pre-released track ‘Chico malo (Aniri ver.) (Feat. Kim Junsu)’ showcases a unique concept such as the use of Korean traditional music and traditional Korean clothing, hanbok. During the filming, was there any particular aspect that you wanted to emphasize?

MAMAMOO+: We wanted to showcase the charm of a well-structured theatrical performance and musical aspects combined in one space!

Both of you participated in the lyrics and composition of the tracks ‘Chico malo’ and ‘LLL’ included in [ACT 1, SCENE 1]. Was there a specific point that was particularly important to you during the music production? What was the particular point that was especially important to you while working on each track?

SOLAR: ‘Chico malo’ features lyrics that are just as direct and bold as its powerful title, and we aimed to create a melody that is equally powerful and impactful. I wrote ‘LLL’ with only our fan club, MOOMOOs, in mind.

MOONBYUL: Since ‘Chico malo’ is a genre of music that combines traditional Korean music and modern music, I wanted to express the lyrics more poetically. When writing the track ‘LLL’, I focused on words and phrases that come to mind when I think of our fan club MOOMOOs, and what I want to say to them.

When compared to your previous digital single ‘Better’, what is the concept that has changed the most musically in this album? 

SOLAR: In this album, we matched the music and lyrics perfectly to showcase all of our charms, personalities, and everything else that is visible with MAMAMOO+’s positive energy.

You have released this album in CD format as well, so what is the special feature that can only be found on the physical album? 
 

MOONBYUL: In fact, inside the CD album, there are not only images and scenes that we wanted to express through music, but also our natural appearance together, which makes it feel special. And since we thought that our fans would also enjoy the album more if we created the album we wanted to have, we put more effort into it. Especially, you can listen to the 4th track, ‘Chico malo (Aniri ver.) (Feat. Kim Junsu)’ only on the CD.

Your album is filled with songs that have a wide variety of charms. What is the secret to your ability to attempt such diverse genres? 
 

SOLAR: That’s because we are MAMAMOO +, haha.

Both of you are also pursuing solo careers as singers. You must have had many memorable moments. Could you please share the most meaningful experience during each of your solo performances or works? 
 

SOLAR: I remember everything I did with the MOOMOOs, but during my solo album release, unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I couldn’t see MOOMOOs very often. So I feel more attached to fans. Let’s see each other often from now on, MOOMOOs!

MOONBYUL: When I was working on ‘LUNATIC’, my dream was to make the story of the entire album flow together, and I think the most meaningful thing was that the staff all worked hard to make that dream come true.

We would like to know what the difference is between what you want to express in your solo albums and what you want to express in MAMAMOO+ in terms of themes. 
 

MOONBYUL: In my solo albums, I wanted to share music that I personally enjoy, but as MAMAMOO+, I think we aim to create music that can reach out to a wider audience and fans.

Both of you are impressively communicating with fans through your individual YouTube channels. What are the important aspects that you consider while creating YouTube content? 
 

SOLAR: I make a lot of effort to keep my promises.

MOONBYUL: I think it’s important to show fans what they want to see and what I want to do on YouTube. I’m also enjoying this part very much!

Both of you have served as judges on various survival audition programs. How has this experience influenced your album work this time? 
 

SOLAR: I think that those experiences have had an impact on me, whether I was recording or performing on stage. That experience has been a great help to me as well.

MOONBYUL: When I watched the contestants’ performances on the program, I learned various aspects such as concepts and energy. Thanks to that, my range of expressions has become wider as well.

As the title implies, if this album is the first scene of the movie that MAMAMOO+ will depict, what kind of concept do you want to challenge next in the future? 
 

SOLAR: It seems that the concept may change depending on the situation in the future, but our bright energy will not change.

Finally, what is your biggest goal that you want to achieve in 2023? 
 

MOONBYUL: We want to give a lot of positive energy to many people as MAMAMOO+, and we want to meet and greet many domestic and overseas fans!