SEVENTEEN's VERNON & THE 8 Break Down Each Track From 'V8'

As I scrolled through my social media feeds, I couldn't help but notice the buzz surrounding SEVENTEEN's latest unit, V8. The duo's self-titled album, V8, had just dropped, and fans were raving about its unique blend of European EDM and hyperpop sounds. What caught my attention, however, was the genuine passion and commitment to authenticity that VERNON and THE 8, the two members of V8, had poured into their music. K-pop's methodology has become somewhat formulaic, V8's willingness to take risks and push boundaries is truly refreshing.

VERNON, a Seoul-via-New-York rapper, and THE 8, who hails from a coastal province in China and moonlights as a DJ, may seem like an unlikely pair, but their shared love for European EDM and hyperpop-adjacent sounds makes them a natural fit. With their combined tastes, they knew they had the potential to create something special, but executing that vision was a different story altogether. To bring their ideas to life, they turned to Alice Longyu Gao, an experimental artist who has been reshaping K-pop as we know it. Gao introduced V8 to producers like Dylan Brady of 100 gecs, among others, which led to the collaborative effort that is V8.

The duo's album, V8, is a collection of tracks that not only showcase their influences but also reflect their personal feelings and experiences. Each song is a reflection of their attempts to capture the kind of authenticity that truly resonates with listeners. As VERNON puts it, "I don't think authenticity is something you can calculate or artificially make. But works that feel authentic are what reach out to me the most." The result is an album that is both fun and introspective, with tracks like "singasong" and "rat race" that blend humor and sincerity in equal measure.

Below, VERNON and THE 8 break down every track on V8, giving fans a glimpse into the creative process behind their album.

• "singasong" is a lead single that's just as silly as its title suggests, with an irreverent MV that pulls out all the stops. The song's exaggerated front, however, belies a heart that's true to the duo's emotions.
• "girlsnboys" is a Pharrell co-creation that explores themes of ennui and innuendo. The track is a reflection of the duo's attempts to capture the magic of genuine expression.
• "rat race" is a party anthem that holds a mirror up to the machine that made them. The duo's guilt and imposter syndrome are palpable in this track, which is a reflection of their willingness to confront their own flaws.

VERNON and THE 8's commitment to authenticity is not something that can be easily replicated. Their willingness to take risks and push boundaries has resulted in an album that is both fun and introspective. As they continue to grow and evolve as artists, it's clear that their music will only become more authentic and meaningful.

As I listened to V8's album, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what's to come. VERNON and THE 8's journey is one that is characterized by a genuine passion for music and a commitment to authenticity. Theirs is a story that will continue to unfold, and I, for one, can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented duo.

With their music, VERNON and THE 8 have proven that authenticity is not something that can be calculated or artificially made; it's a feeling that resonates with listeners, a reflection of who they are as people. As they continue to break new ground and push boundaries, their music will undoubtedly reach fans in the same way that V8 has.