Interview: PURPLE KISS Takes Us Behind-The-Scenes of FESTA and US Tour
From “Sweet Juice” to their latest single, “7HEAVEN,” K-Pop group PURPLE KISS has made great strides in the industry since their debut in 2021. Notable for their darker, fantasy-like concepts and for being a self-producing group, the six-member group was formed under RBW with the members GOEUN, DOSIE, IREH, YUKI, CHAEIN, and SWAN. With the release of their latest comeback, FESTA, the group moves into a brand new atmosphere sonically with their dance-pop single “7HEAVEN.”
Right before they embarked on their first-ever US tour, The FESTA Tour in USA, HALSUG had the opportunity to chat with the members about their recent comeback and their now ongoing tour.
Your most recent comeback, FESTA, came out in September. What was the creative and production process like for this single album, and was the process any different from your previous comebacks?
IREH: We tried “freshness” as our concept for the very first time, so we filmed all the scenes for the music videos outdoors!
YUKI: We've showcased many dark, dreamy, and cool concepts up until now. However, this time, we made a comeback with our first refreshing, bright, and high-energy concept. We were a bit worried because it was our first attempt at this kind of concept, but our fans loved it so much that we had a great time promoting it.
Which one of your comebacks do you think best represents each member's style or personal color, and why?
SWAN: For me, it’s “Ponzona.” It was the first song that introduced PURPLE KISS to the world, and I find it easy to immerse myself in it while performing on stage since I participated in writing the lyrics and composing it.
CHAEIN: For me, it’s either “Ponzona” or “Zombie.” I like them because they are the songs that represent our deepest shade of PURPLE.
The colorful music video for "7HEAVEN" was filmed over the summer in places such as the Everland theme park. Do you have any fun memories from the shoot?
GOEUN: There's a theme park called “Everland” in Korea, and I remember going there for a shoot after it had closed. It was a memorable experience because there were no people, and it was pitch dark except for the shooting area! Visiting an empty amusement park was one of the items on my bucket list, and I'm glad I got to check it off. Also, I had a lot of fun riding the carousel!
YUKI: We had a great time filming while riding the carousel at Everland all together!
You will be embarking on your first-ever U.S. tour soon. First of all, congratulations! How does it feel, and what are you looking forward to the most with The Festa Tour in USA?
DOSIE: Since it's our first tour, there is some nervousness and excitement, but we're truly happy that we can come to meet the people who have supported us from far away. We can't wait to see PLORY singing along to our songs!
Besides getting to meet the fans and performing, do you have anything in particular that you would like to try out in the U.S.? (e.g., food, attractions, or shopping)
CHAEIN: I want to try Five Guys burger.
How has the preparation process for the tour been so far? Were the members involved in the planning of the tour in any way?
SWAN: I've been thinking about how to come up with phrases and gestures that can encourage audience participation during the tour while practicing.
IREH: I've been participating by suggesting modifications to the tour setlist and other aspects while trying out each stage rehearsal.
Which one of your songs do you think best conveys PURPLE KISS’s identity when it comes to stage performances?
IREH: I think our debut song, “Ponzona,” represents our color well. Just listening to it makes me think of a deep shade of purple!
YUKI: I also think our debut song, “Ponzona,” is the one!
Since your debut in 2021, PURPLE KISS has had remarkable growth in terms of music and performances. What are some key lessons you have learned over the past few years?
DOSIE: I've learned that there's a significant difference between being on stage with a joyful heart compared to a heavy one. Therefore, I'm making an effort to maintain a more positive outlook and strive to go on stage in the best condition possible.
Photo Courtesy of RBW
What message do you hope fans would take away from your music or members?
IREH: I hope our fans will gain the strength to live more confidently and true to their selves.
GOEUN: I would be happy if people found joy and energy from watching us and listening to our music. The best thing about this job is eventually making someone happy, boosting their confidence, and providing comfort. I hope that many more people will continue to receive positive energy through our music in the future!
Having kicked off the tour in Boston, the group will make their way across the US, showcasing their spectacular stage performances and electrifying energy in the last few stops of The Fest In USA Tour; ending things off in Los Angeles on November 28. Keep an eye out on their social media to see the latest updates from the members themselves!
PURPLE KISS - 2023 The FESTA Tour in USA Dates
Show Dates + Locations
October 31 – Boston, Massachusetts
November 01 – New York City, New York
November 03 – Washington, D.C.
November 04 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 06 – Charlotte, North Carolina
November 08 – Columbus, Ohio
November 09 – Detroit, Michigan
November 11 – Louisville, Kentucky
November 12 – Nashville, Tennessee
November 14 – Kansas City, Missouri,
November 16 – Chicago, Illinois
November 18 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 20 – Denver, Colorado
November 22 – Dallas, Texas
November 24 – San Antonio, Texas
November 26 – Phoenix, Arizona
November 28 – Los Angeles, California