Jaehwa Bernardo

K-pop group NMIXX in a concept photo for their single 'Soñar (Breaker).' Photo from NMIXX's X account

Article (news)

Change up: Dive into K-pop group NMIXX’s genre-blending music

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1743658025477NMIXX.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">K-pop group NMIXX in a concept photo for their single &#x27;Soñar (Breaker).&#x27; <em>Photo from NMIXX&#x27;s X account</em></span></span></span></div><p>K-pop has long been recognized for mixing and matching genres in a single song. And the girl group NMIXX has taken this approach and made it the core of their sound. The team even coined the term “Mixxpop” to describe their style, characterized by abrupt or drastic shifts—or “change up” as they say in their songs—in genre and pacing.</p><p>NMIXX debuted in early 2022 under JYP Entertainment, one of the major players in the K-pop industry, home to other popular female acts like TWICE and ITZY. Initially a seven-member group until Jinni’s departure just months after their debut, the group’s lineup now consists of Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo and Kyujin.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/04/23/ph-fans-sing-dance-in-happy-end-to-nmixxs-first-tour"><strong>READ: NMIXX gets Pinoy fans singing, dancing in ‘happy’ end to world tour<br/></strong></a></div><p>The group generated buzz with their debut single, “O.O,” which sparked polarized reactions among K-pop fans on social media. Over time, however, it seems that listeners have grown to appreciate NMIXX’s sound. Beyond the eclectic music, the team also boasts impressive vocal talent, demonstrated through their acapella medleys when teasing their albums.</p><p>For those looking to get into NMIXX, we list down 10 of their notable singles and promoted tracks below.</p><div><strong>“O.O”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3GWscde8rM8?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>NMIXX made a striking entrance into the K-pop scene with the polarizing “O.O,” a track infused with baile funk that takes an unexpected turn into pop-rock midway through. Its drastic contrasts and unconventional structure may initially confuse listeners, but the catchy “Watch out, baila baila baila, watch it, how nice, how nice” hook is sure to stick.</p><div><strong>“Dice”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p1bjnyDqI9k?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>The music video for “Dice” transports NMIXX into a fantastical universe reminiscent of “Alice in Wonderland,” while the song itself takes listeners on an equally whimsical sonic experience. Listeners are swept up in a “big wave” as the track shifts gears mid-section, marked by the rallying cry: “NMIXX change up, let’s go!”</p><div><strong>“Young, Dumb, Stupid”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5eh6Vj_vVg4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Serving as a pre-release single for the group’s first extended play (EP) “Expérgo,” “Young, Dumb, Stupid” dials down on the sharp genre changes, catching the interest of listeners with its chorus that samples the nursery rhyme “Frère Jacques.”</p><div><strong>“Love Me Like This”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EDnwWcFpObo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Serving as the lead single of “Expérgo,” “Love Me Like This” delivers bouncy, toe-tapping verses and a chorus that etches its repeated phrases (“Love me like this, love me like that”) deep into listeners’ minds.</p><div><strong>“Roller Coaster”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fqBAzCH4-9g?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Released as a pre-release for the single album “A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream,” “Roller Coaster” once again steers away from the aggressive switches of “Mixxpop” in favor of a smooth house production. Coupled with the members’ sweet-sounding vocals, the track conjures a dreamy atmosphere.</p><div><strong>“Soñar (Breaker)”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MMtRxcy8PX0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>“Soñar,” Spanish for “to dream,” draws listeners in with its largely Latin-style hip-hop production. The song briefly ventures into hazy UK garage territory after the first chorus, the shift heralded by the “Change up” cry.</p><div><strong>“Dash”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7UecFm_bSTU?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>NMIXX brings their swagger to the forefront with “Dash,” the lead single from their EP “Fe3O4: Break.” The track is <a href="https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240115008400315?section=news"><strong>described</strong></a> as a blend of old-school hip-hop and pop-funk influences, showcasing an attitude-driven delivery and the group’s gorgeous harmonies.</p><div><strong>“Run for Roses”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6tKIdt9K9M?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>NMIXX embraces country influences in “Run For Roses,” a standout track from “Fe3O4: Break.” With a vibrant production that includes a banjo and fiddling, the song puts the spotlight on the group’s dynamic vocals—from Bae’s rich low tone to the powerful deliveries in the chorus. Notably, Day6’s Young K contributed lyrics to the track.</p><div><strong>“High Horse”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vY4lGJJ2ZzI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>A gorgeous piano opens “High Horse,” the pre-release for the EP “Fe3O4: Forward.” But just when you think the song is all mellow, breakbeats kick in, bringing an old-school hip-hop vibe that gives the track its “Mixxpop” quality.</p><div><strong>“Know About Me”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aFrQIJ5cbRc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Featuring a catchy hook that highlights the group’s punchy harmonies, the trap-tinged “Know About Me” stands out in NMIXX’s singles run with its mostly laid-back—and at times, ambient—mood. The song injects a bit of a rush, especially in the bridge.</p>

<p>NMIXX has taken K-pop's genre-blending approach and made it the core of their sound.</p>

NMIXX has taken K-pop's genre-blending approach and made it the core of their sound.