On November 1, EXO held a pre-listening session for their fifth studio album “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” and opened up about their long-awaited comeback, upcoming album, and more.
During the event, Chanyeol and D.O both mentioned that many people can look forward to the release of their album as the group worked hard in preparing for it, while Kai also added that they felt excited since their long wait allowed them to work just as hard.
Suho stated, “We’re really happy and excited. We included tracks that feature the motifs of each members’ supernatural powers. It’s a new concept, so it was really fun.” He also had the audience in the room laughing when he joked, “I’m not embarrassed by the fact that we have supernatural powers.”
He then said, “We were busy during our hiatus with D.O’s film, Kai’s drama, [Chanyeol and Sehun’s track], EXO-CBX’s new song, my musical, and other [activities].”
Chen added onto Suho’s statement, saying, “We felt energized thanks to fans’ support for our individual activities as well.” He then talked about the group’s comeback and remarked, “We thought long and hard about what type of image we should show next.”
Xiumin continued, “Whenever we release a new album, I feel nervous, but I feel particularly nervous and excited in this moment. We really waited for a long time. Please look forward to it. Thank you.”
The group then talked about their title track “Tempo,” a hip hop/dance track with an energetic bass line and rhythmic drum sound.
Kai commented, “We’ve prepared a cool performance for this [comeback]. I think we’ll be able to showcase it through various formations. You’ll be able to watch the music video and performance [for the title track] tomorrow, so please look forward to it.”
Xiumin said, “Theres a part in the performance where we hold our first up into the air. I think it will leave a strong impression.”
Suho revealed, “More than ever before, the choreography is one that included small and big changes. We truly devoted ourselves to it. [The choreography] has the feeling of speedily riding a motorcycle. I think we will be able to show a performance that keeps going with no time to rest.”
The conversation then turned to the topic of motorcycles and motorcycle licenses.
Suho had the audience laughing again as he remarked, “For this music video, we went with a ‘rider’ theme, but actually, no one [from the group] has a motorcycle license. That’s why when we would move locations, we wouldn’t touch the motorcycles — [the staff] moved them for us. We just sat on them. But even with that, the music video came out really nice and we really look like motorcycle riders, so we’re happy.”
EXO will be performing their title track “Tempo” on the November 2 broadcast of “Music Bank.” The group’s full album drops on the same day at 6 p.m.
KST. They will also be holding a comeback showcase at 8 p.m. KST.
