“It’s okay to be yourself.”
That is the message PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE hopes listeners will take away from their second full-length album, DIFFERENT.
To celebrate the release of DIFFERENT, KMania spoke with PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE in an exclusive virtual interview. The members shared the inspiration behind DIFFERENT, talked about how they have grown over the years, and looked back on meeting fans from around the world.
Made up of TSURUGI, RYOGA NAKANISHI, REN WATANABE, JIMMY, KOKORO KOHATSU, RYUSHIN HANDA, and WEESA, PSYCHIC FEVER has continued to grow beyond Japan since debuting in 2022. With their slogan, “IGNITE OUR DREAMS,” the group hopes to encourage fans, known as ForEVER, through their music.
Finding Strength in Being Different
For RYOGA, DIFFERENT is more than just the album’s title.
After performing in many countries and meeting fans from different backgrounds, the members realised that everyone’s differences are what make them unique. The same applies to PSYCHIC FEVER.
“We want everyone to know that it’s okay to be yourself. Instead of comparing yourself to others, we hope people can embrace who they are. That’s the message behind this album.”
The album features 10 tracks, each reflecting the group’s experiences and the different musical influences that have shaped them over the years.
Growing Together
Looking back on the group’s journey, TSURUGI said every challenge has helped the members grow, not only as performers but also as individuals.
He added that several members were directly involved in creating songs for DIFFERENT, making this album even more personal than their previous work.
“It’s one of the biggest changes for us compared to before.”
Exploring New Sounds
When asked to describe DIFFERENT in three words, JIMMY chose R&B, Hip-Hop, and Afrobeat.
While R&B and Hip-Hop remain the foundation of PSYCHIC FEVER’s music, Afrobeat gave the group a chance to try something new. The album also reflects the different musical backgrounds and inspirations each member grew up with.
That fresh approach can also be heard in “I Got Ways,” which shows a more mature side of the group.
WEESA revealed that the members recorded the song several times to find the right vocal style. Filming the music video in real rain also became one of the biggest challenges during production.
“It wasn’t easy because it was really cold, but we’re happy with how everything turned out.”
Music Connects People
The members also spoke about their experiences performing overseas.
KOKORO shared that their international activities began in Thailand before expanding to other countries, giving them the opportunity to meet fans from many different cultures.
He believes music has become a language that connects people no matter where they come from.
REN agreed, saying one of the most memorable moments is hearing overseas fans sing along to songs that include Japanese lyrics.
“Whenever that happens, I truly feel that we’re connected through music. Those moments inspire us to keep making songs that bring people together.”
Looking Forward to Seeing Malaysian Fans Again
Malaysia remains one of the places the members remember fondly.
Looking back on PSYCHIC FEVER ASIA TOUR 2024 ‘HEAT’, RYUSHIN said the support from Malaysian fans during the group’s first full performance in the country left a lasting impression.
“The fans in Malaysia gave us incredible energy. I really hope we can come back again soon.”
There is also good news for Malaysian fans.
JIMMY confirmed that PSYCHIC FEVER is currently planning a world tour. Although he could not share more details yet, he encouraged fans to listen to DIFFERENT so they can sing the new songs together when the group returns.
“Please listen to our new album first. When we come back, let’s sing these songs together.”
As the interview came to an end, the members thanked ForEVER in Malaysia for their continued love and support.
For PSYCHIC FEVER, DIFFERENT is more than just a new album. It is a reminder that everyone has their own strengths, and those differences are something to be proud of.
🎥 Watch the Full Interview
Want to watch more from PSYCHIC FEVER? Watch KMania’s exclusive full interview below and hear the members share more about DIFFERENT, their musical journey, and their message to fans around the world.