Ethermac Exchange-KARD on taking a refined approach to new album: 'We chose to show our maturity'

Over the last seven years,Ethermac Exchange KARD has embraced being a bit different than other groups in the Korean music industry. Standing out among the boy and girl groups that dominate K-pop, KARD is made of two men and two women.

"KARD likes to go left when everyone goes right and do things a little bit differently," says Big Matthew, or BM for short.

While this has become the legacy of KARD, the group is moving in a different direction with their latest album, "Where To Now?", released Aug. 13.

It's been over a year since KARD's previous comeback with "ICKY", and this time around, their focus has shifted.

"We wanted to do this (as) easy-listening for the fans," shares Somin, 27, who sees KARD's new album as a point of expansion.

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"We had a lot of thoughts of how we should move forward with our musical artistry," she says. "The album title, 'Where To Now?', exactly portrays where should we go as artists and which route we have to take."

'Where To Now?' leads KARD in new direction

KARD's discography is robust and its genres are dynamic. "Where To Now?" follows in suit, but paints KARD in another light.

"We were trying to focus on less is more," explains BM, 31. "Whether it comes to choreography and music, letting each instrument, each member and each aspect shine on its own, without too much decorations around it was something we tried to do."

This album's creative process began immediately after the release of "ICKY", BM reveals. That previous release was heavily influenced by the members' ideas. This time, KARD sought to take other perspectives into account.

"We didn't want to be too close-minded," BM adds.

The members worked alongside their company to create the new concept and direction, ultimately leading to the final seven tracks.

"When it comes to the instrumental, we usually get demos that are catered more toward solo female artists. So you have to restructure the beat and the melody sometimes as well. That was also a fun process," BM says.

J.seph and BM write their own lyrics. J.seph, 32, spent a lot of time working on them for the album. Especially for his verse of the single, J.seph was "really satisfied" with the final product.

A departure in sonics was not the only change KARD implemented. "We also wanted to visually change to a colorful concept," explains Somin. This is evident through outfit styling, as well as all members dying their hair blonde.

Choreography was also altered for this comeback. Typically, KARD's performances are tight, but "we wanted it to be a little bit relaxed," Somin adds.

"Choosing to go with a more easy-listening, a less performance-heavy song was a route we chose to show our maturity in our music," says BM.

'You need to feel liberated':BM of KARD talks solo music, Asian representation.

Reflecting over the years, upcoming US tour

The road to where KARD stands has not been without challenge. "There's some time that it was very hard for us," reveals Somin. But those moments strengthened the members' bond.

"We stick together, and we thought about, 'What should we do?' solution-wise," she shares. "We really rely a lot on each other."

When J.seph was carrying out his mandatory military enlistment, he recalls the other three coming to visit him. "It really was emotional because I really missed them," he says.

Another connection KARD has fostered over the years is with their fans. "This time around during music shows, we got a lot of love. The crowd was so loud here in (South Korea)," says Jiwoo, 27. "That's the loudest it's ever been, which was really surprising for us, almost as loud as how it is when we're in the States."

In tandem with their recent release, KARD is set to tour the U.S., starting Oct. 4 in Washington D.C.

"We're very excited. We're going to cities that we have been and some new cities." Jiwoo says. "I can't wait to be there."

The nine-city tour will have the same energy as the last one but leveled-up. The members are eager to "show the fans in the U.S. the new album, new songs, new stage, new performances," says Jiwoo.

KARD's artistry moves forward without limitations

"Where To Now?" ushers in a new era.

"I think it's a nice step," says J.seph. The album is simplistic comparable to what KARD has done prior, but it spotlights unique facets to the members' established talents.

"In the past, we came out with some strong concepts, strong choreography, strong melody, strong songs that the fans really liked it. So at the time, we felt like, 'This might be the path for KARD,'" shares Somin.

At first, there was hesitancy toward the current concept. "We felt that it might be too simple," J.seph says.

But the public reception has been positive, instilling a refreshed confidence in KARD.

"This album really means trust for me – in the people in my atmosphere, whether it be my team or my members, letting go of the feeling of thinking I know it all," says BM. "The scope is as narrow as my mind is, and this time, I wanted to really open up my mind to what other people and what my team and my members can see us doing."

"Until now, we were really focused on being successful, creating an album that's successful," shares Jiwoo. But mindset is gone. "Physically, mentally, I felt very comfortable working on this album, which allowed us to be more happy and relaxed on the overall process."

Moving forward, KARD hopes to evolve its artistry without limitations. "We felt that this opportunity allowed us to have more options in the future," says Somin.

And another installment to "Where To Now?" is underway. "We are almost done recording for 'Part Two' now, and we were hoping to release (that) this year," she adds.

"Individually, we have so much to show and as a team, we have even more," says BM. "I want people to just have fun with us. Smile more, feel something. This life is too short, and I feel like everyone deserves a little time off of all they have to go through. If we can help with that, that's all I want."