If you’re looking for the next top girl group to take the world by storm, your search is over: it’s f5ve. SAYAKA, KAEDE, MIYUU, RURI, and RUI are some of the most talented ladies on the Japanese pop scene and work with executive producer BloodPop, best known for his collabs with artists like Lady Gaga. They originally debuted as SG5 with ‘Firetruck’ in 2023, but have since pivoted to giving us high-energy bangers as f5ve, starting with ‘Lettuce’ in May. Each track they’ve released so far has brought empowering themes while still being a boppy song you can dance to!
f5ve’s latest release is the hyperpop-influenced ‘Underground,’ a celebration of what makes each of us unique and the places we go to feel like we belong in this high-paced world. For anyone who enjoyed brat Summer this year, this will definitely be your anthem for fall! That’s especially true now that f5ve have released their ‘Underground’ remix EP, giving us four reimaginings of what was already one of our fave songs of 2024. These girls are truly unstoppable, and we got to ask them all about ‘Underground,’ their journey as a group, and more!
Check out ‘Underground’ and its remixes, then keep reading for our exclusive Q&A with f5ve!
Hi f5ve, congrats on your new single, ‘Underground!’ How does it feel to finally share the song with the world?
RUI: hiiiiiiiii <3 We’re f5ve 🙂 Finally, our new song ‘Underground’ is out now!! WE ARE EXCITED!!!!! It has been doing better than we ever could have imagined like omg ☆彡
What does ‘Underground’ mean to you?
KAEDE: Anything that is opposite of what is expected. In Japanese society, SO MUCH is expected of you…. The underground is a place to escape where you can truly be yourself and be free of the chains of expectations.
You’re also releasing a stunning music video for ‘Underground,’ which switches between scenes on a subway platform and more colorful performance scenes. What was it like on set? How did you react seeing the final video for the first time?
MIYUU: From the moment we were filming, all members and crew knew it would be the best music video ever! And when we watched it… It was true ❤ For this video, we filmed everything in Japan. The crew was from America, England, Korea, Australia, Japan….. It felt amazing to have so many different people working on the same project. Seeing the final video was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of our favorite lyrics from ‘Underground’ is “the music is divine, and I finally feel alive” – what makes you feel alive?
RURI: When I’m singing I feel alive. I also love YouTube.
If we had to describe your music in one word, we’d choose “exhilarating” or “energizing!” Which word would you choose to describe it?
SAYAKA: I will say “energizing,” the beat is strong and feels like a train is going to crash into you.
Throughout your career, you’ve worked with executive producer BloodPop, known for his work with superstars like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. What has it been like working with and learning from him?
RUI: Actually I still can’t believe it yet, the music he creates is for us…!! It’s truly an honor. Our genius producer is sooo kind and funny. Being in the studio with him is addictive….. He makes so many jokes and helps us expand our music horizons.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, or artists who have been inspiring you lately?
KAEDE: I have been influenced by many artists and have come this far!! The most recent influence is Charli XCX!!! I love her carefree attitude and how she is so powerful as a woman! Women should be in power.
Your confidence really shines through on both ‘Underground’ and ‘Lettuce,’ which is so motivating to us! Do you do anything special to get into the right mindset before you record your songs?
RURI: I imagine I am the main character.
Aside from your music, something we love about you is your incredible style! Where do you find fashion inspo?
SAYAKA: Heisei era Japanese style, gyaru subculture, international runway, and we love anime.
How do you feel you’ve grown as a group since debuting with ‘Firetruck?’
MIYUU: There are so many things happening every day that we never would have experienced before…. Learning English, learning about new artists, training every day for our live performances…… It’s so exciting. It’s made us grateful for our team and it’s made us more versatile!!! When new challenges come up…. We used to panic and we wouldn’t want to try new things…. Now it feels like we are open to anything!! I’m always proud of my team members ❤
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet, so could you say something sweet about your fellow members?
KAEDE: First of all, thank you for everything!! I feel like I could do anything with you girls. Thank you for always being there for me and let’s share many more happy moments together! Every day with you is a gift….. I love you girls ❤
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
RUI: Can we collab?
We’re down to collab with you girls anytime! Thank you so much to f5ve for answering our questions and giving us such amazing music!
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you. What do you think of ‘Underground’ and f5ve’s new remixes? Are you more of a ‘Lettuce’ stan or are you team ‘Underground’ all the way? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
1 Comment
Pingback: 5 J-pop Releases You Need On Your Playlist ASAP - The Honey POP