Since their debut in 2022, NMIXX have been sticking out as one of the most talented groups in K-Pop. And Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin are reminding us all of their power once again with their latest mini-album, Fe3O4: STICK OUT! They somehow manage to impress us even more with every new release they give us, and this one is no exception. Let’s talk about what’s made this era so special already!
The Black Sheep Theme
NMIXX’s lore centers around dreams and an ideal world called MIXXTOPIA, which you can learn more about on their website. Along the way, the girls have learned to explore their feelings and fears, as well as thinking about how to be their most authentic selves. The Fe3O4 mini-albums make up the third series of NMIXX’s story, in which an enemy sets their ship on fire and they get stuck in the real world. First, with Fe3O4: BREAK, they start breaking down obstacles that get in the way of us pursuing our dreams and connecting with each other.
Now, with Fe3O4: STICK OUT, they seem to be reflecting on the darker parts of ourselves and the fears that hold us back from standing out as who we are. One of the main ways they do that is with the black sheep metaphor – a “black sheep” is an outcast that others might look down on. We think this represents how NMIXX’s dreams and thoughts about what would make up an ideal world don’t necessarily resonate with everyone. Even with the doubt they face, they want to keep moving forward to pursue their dreams and bring people together!
The physical album also has a poem on the front that explains part of the story:
A break in the wall, yet your true identity still escapes to stick out. Fear resists you from daring to step outside. You shine, but you believe the dark defends you. Either deep underground or under your bed hides the side of you that I love. Because you think everyone hates that black sheep. I’m fed up, annoyed, thirsty, and lonely. How much longer will you stick in there? Let’s leave now. I’ll get you out of there.
The first time we meet the black sheep (other than a fun inflatable in the JYP Entertainment building) is in the “Outsider Club” story film video. The video starts with Sullyoon sitting on the shore, looking at NMIXX’s wrecked ship. She seems to start burying some of the wreckage rather than saving the pieces to fix it, which could symbolize how doubt gets in the way of our journey to our dreams. Elsewhere, Jiwoo wakes up in a trunk surrounded by grass, with white heart balloons that offer a softer energy than Sullyoon’s frustration. The video flickers to clips of Sullyoon finding Jiwoo washed up in that trunk on the beach, suggesting she’s the one who moved her to a safer area.
Next, we see Jiwoo hanging out with someone in a black sheep mask… who turns out to be Sullyoon! The lighthearted vibe Jiwoo brings to the situation, which could have broken them down, inspires Sullyoon to push through, and they go get the rest of the group from various places around a city. Our interpretation of this film is that it celebrates unity and encouraging the people around us, especially if they’re outcasted “black sheep,” since the story changes when Jiwoo cheers Sullyoon up.
‘별별별 (See that?)’
Let’s talk about STICK OUT’s electrifying title track, ‘별별별 (See that?),’ pronounced like “Byul, Byul, Byul!’ Throughout the song, NMIXX choose to “erase the square box” and embrace who they are instead of trying to conform to what others want them to be. The song’s title and chorus play on the double meaning of “별 (byul)” in Korean, which can mean “weirdo” or “star.” They’re celebrating their places as outcasts or “black sheep” and seeing their value beyond other people’s opinions!
Sonically, ‘See that?’ brings NMIXX into new territory while maintaining what makes them such a special group. The mixx change-up this time is inspired by country, adding a twangy element in the second verse. Meanwhile, the girls get to show off their vocals with gorgeous harmonies that pop up throughout the song! We also love how the star theme ties into the “all in the stars” line from ‘DASH’ last era.
When I first heard this song, I was really surprised because it contains a new character that we hadn’t tried before. I remember being quite shocked when I first listened to it… My favorite part of this song is the part where our group singing and harmonies fill the space. It feels overwhelming. I think it’s the part that feels most like NMIXX.
Sullyoon in NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT Track Listening Video
The ‘See that?’ music video brings the meaning and story to life in such a cool way while also connecting to their past visuals. First, the rooftop they dance on reminds us of the rooftop Bae stood on in the ‘O.O’ music video, quietly observing the world around her. Now, they’re not afraid to catch people’s attention or be themselves. The frame where Jiwoo lays on the ground wearing a motorcycle helmet reminds us of the ‘O.O’ transition scene where Kyujin falls and transports NMIXX into the donut shop. Lily eats a red star candy in the second chorus that visually contrasts the green candy Jiwoo ate in their 2023 “Secret of Sweet Oasis” video – red and green are opposites on the color wheel.
The most clear reference to NMIXX’s past videos comes during the bridge, when the group floats into the sky like they did in the ‘O.O’ music video. There’s a really striking shot of Sullyoon watching them from inside a building, representing how keeping our true selves hidden or “inside” prevents us from being able to fly and pursue our dreams! It could also represent letting hope set you free when you feel stuck.
The Concept Photos
Speaking of visuals, the concept photos we got for STICK OUT are some of our favorite NMIXX concept photos to date! Let’s break down two of our faves, starting with the picture on the left. The girls are holding chains that all wind up attached to the same pole, keeping them stuck in the same place as each other and their past selves. But they’re each looking down and inspecting those chains with a pensive look on their face, like they’re studying the chains and figuring out how to free themselves. This goes back to the black sheep idea we talked about earlier, and how this era is about being your true self despite any limitations!
Second, let’s look at the concept photo on the right. NMIXX are standing together as Jiwoo takes a picture on a phone, like she’s taking a picture of the viewer! The only person looking at the actual camera is Kyujin. We think this ties into the “weirdos” side of the black sheep concept, commenting on how closed-minded people see black sheep as something to look at (and maybe even laugh at) rather than other people to connect with. Kyujin breaks that dynamic and chooses to look towards the viewer, showing how powerful human connection can be and how it can only take one person to show someone how special they are. We can each be that person for someone if we try!
The Physical Album
Physical NMIXX albums are seriously just next-level every time, and we were so happy to get our hands on a physical copy of Fe3O4: STICK OUT! The album is set up like a spiral notebook with various concept photos of the girls, and the last section is even a notepad with little STICK OUT logos at the bottom of each page. We also love the fun inclusions, including adorable photocards and stickers!
The B-Sides
One thing about NMIXX: their b-sides shine so brightly that literally any of them could be the title track. Let’s look at what makes each STICK OUT b-side special, starting with ‘SICKUHH!’ We first heard this track with Kid Milli as a pre-release single a little before the rest of the mini-album came out, and it’s been stuck in our heads ever since. It’s a hard-hitting, rap-focused moment that expresses the group’s confidence and shows a side of them we haven’t seen before. We’re simultaneously surprised and unsurprised, since we know NMIXX can pull off any concept!
I thought, “we really need to nail this.” I tried various styles to see what would suit me best. I tried an intense approach, and also did it my own way, and a bit more subdued approach. This song lets us show a variety of new sides of NMIXX.
Jiwoo in NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT Track Listening Video
‘Red light sign, but we go’ sees NMIXX finding strength in what makes them different from others and choosing to do what they want in life. They continue to walk down the “canvas road” they can shape for themselves, like how an artist can put anything they want on a canvas. It’s such a catchy song that will inspire you to follow your own path! There’s also a cool tie to the “red light in the dark” lyric from ‘DASH,’ further tying the Fe3O4 mini-albums together.
It’s about moving forward together fearlessly, no matter what dangers come our way… I practiced a lot to match the tone with the song’s vibe and lyrics. I also recorded the chorus myself. I layered my voice over the other members’ voices to create harmonies. As the harmonies built up, the sound became richer and more beautiful. It was a really fascinating and enjoyable experience.
Kyujin in NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT Track Listening Video
‘BEAT BEAT’ is for all the ‘BOOM’ and ‘Passionfruit’ stans out there who love NMIXX’s airy-yet-energetic side! We see it as a statement on being open to love and adventure, which often go hand-in-hand. As they connect with someone, their hearts beat louder and they’re ready to take on the world together. You could see it as a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even a close-knit work circle like NMIXX have created with each other. And did you catch the ‘DICE’ reference with the “big wave” lyric?
In ‘BEAT BEAT,’ there’s this really fast part… This part is still challenging for me, so I’ve been continuously practicing. And I think it was the longest recording session I’ve had because it needed to feel fast without actually sounding rushed. It had to have a bit of a relaxed vibe. I was asked to give it a laid-back feeling while still highlighting the points, which made it really difficult.
Kyujin in NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT Track Listening Video
We’ve been patiently waiting for a studio version of ‘Moving On’ since NMIXX first performed it at the I-Days festival in Milan, Italy in July, and that wait was definitely worth it! This song is so empowering and inspires us to keep moving along on the journey to our dreams. “There’s nothing at all that makes me feel small” is the perfect lyric to sing along to when you need a confidence boost or some motivation to work on a goal you’ve set.
‘Moving On’ is about believing in yourself and overcoming challenges, reflecting the spirit of our youth. We actually previewed ‘Moving On’ at a European festival. As soon as the intro started, it began to rain. The audience pulled out their raincoats and cheered along with ‘Moving On,’ and that image still sticks with me. It was amazing to see something I had only imagined in the studio become a reality. To decide on the parts, I had to do a rough recording of the second verse on my phone as requested. And because I wanted to do well, I ran to the bathroom and recorded it there. Thanks to that, I got the part I wanted!
Haewon in NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT Track Listening Video
The mini-album closes out with ‘Love Is Lonely,’ an ethereal love song that feels like a sister track to ENTWURF’s ‘Cool (Your rainbow).’ The space theme is so immersive and shows how transformative the right kind of love can be! The right person will make you feel like you’re floating among the stars, and you could even interpret the song as a thank you to NSWERs for supporting NMIXX over the years. NMIXX are never alone since they have us, and NSWERs are never alone since we have NMIXX!
When I first heard ‘Love Is Lonely,’ it felt like a love song from an alien. It had a vibe like someone was singing from far away in space, which I really liked.
Lily in NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT Track Listening Video
What do you love most about NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT album? Which b-side is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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