AxMxP Crowned Billboard's K-Pop Rookie of the Month, Unveils Exclusive Photos!

FNC Entertainment, the renowned agency behind groups like P1Harmony and AOA, has historically been a significant catalyst for mainstream band music in K-pop. This legacy, spanning over a decade, began with FTISLAND in 2007, followed by CNBLUE and N.Flying, consistently exploring the fusion of rock and K-pop. Continuing this tradition, the label has introduced a new four-member band named AxMxP, pronounced A-M-P, symbolizing their mission to "Amplify Music Power." The group, consisting of vocalist/rapper HA YOO JOON, guitarist/vocalist KIM SHIN, drummer CRU, and bassist/vocalist JU HWAN, officially debuted on September 10.
AxMxP made a powerful entrance with a self-titled, full-length debut album featuring 10 tracks that delve into diverse genres including punk rock, rock ballad, modern pop-rock, and hip-hop rock. The members, all aged between 15 and 20, showcased remarkable poise and enjoyment during their debut event at Olympic Hall, performing the entire setlist plus an OST track for over 2,000 fans. Their impressive debut earned them Billboard Korea’s September Rookie of the Month title, a testament to not just their technical polish, but also their genre openness and compelling stage presence.
The band’s readiness for the spotlight reflects FNC Entertainment’s extensive experience in artist development. Prior to their official debut, AxMxP honed their skills through various club gigs and joint concerts, including FNC’s "Band Kingdom" tour, which took them to cities like Tokyo, Kaohsiung, and Taipei. These experiences were crucial in building their live act capabilities and fostering a strong sense of unity.
Frontman HA YOO JOON described his feelings post-debut as surreal, stating, "I still feel like I’m only dreaming." He manages the pressure of leading on stage through self-reflection and journaling. Of AxMxP’s triple title tracks and other releases, "Buzzer Beater" holds a special place for him as the first song they received, feeling like "home." Yoo Joon also co-wrote lyrics for "Headbang" and plans to compose more, balancing his rap and vocal personas. He finds inspiration in artists like Stevie Wonder and CORTIS, emphasizes the magic of fan connection during live shows, and hopes AxMxP’s music can help listeners release emotions, recalling a powerful experience with music through "White T-Shirt."
Guitarist KIM SHIN recounted how the two-hour debut showcase truly solidified their reality as a band. His journey into music began with his sister and an acoustic guitar, leading him to FNC Entertainment. Shin expressed gratitude for music shows that accommodate live instruments, highlighting the enhanced energy exchange with fans. He currently listens to Alek Olsen, finds the lyric from "White T-shirts" particularly resonant, and harbors aspirations for producing. Inspired by artists like LEE CHANHYUK, Shin aims for AxMxP’s music to have a positive impact on the world, viewing every stage as motivation for growth. His dream stage is Las Vegas’ Sphere, and he envisions finding a space that amplifies AxMxP's music as Ichiko Aoba's rock performance did for her.
Drummer CRU was drawn to the drums at age eight, influenced by his father’s love for Rush. Live, he finds "I Did It" the most enjoyable to play, while on record, he is most satisfied with "Season of Tears," for which he personally composed all the drum parts, drawing inspiration from his past experience with church music. Cru prioritizes performance flair, including stick spins, but stresses the paramount importance of band synergy, a lesson learned from FNC’s Band Kingdom tour. He plans to compose more music, influenced by '70s and '80s American rock from his childhood, and connected with K-pop by covering songs like BLACKPINK’s "Pink Venom" on drums. Cru hopes AxMxP’s music offers positive energy and stress release, recalling an emotional moment during Band Kingdom. He dreams of a U.S. performance, believing their blend of K-pop and band energy will appeal to a wider audience.
Bassist JU HWAN, the youngest member and a former child actor, was captivated by the physical vibrations of low bass at shows. He notes how songs like "Love Poem" and "I Did It" evoke different "vibrations." His first week post-debut felt surreal but exhilarating, with gratitude leading to a spontaneous deep bow at the showcase, a venue where many FNC seniors have performed. Influenced by his N.Flying fan sister and the synergy observed during Band Kingdom tours, Ju Hwan, along with Shin, carved their logo onto his five-string bass. He is inspired by bassist Choi Won-hyuk's emotional depth and believes the "band boom" in Korea is still nascent. Ju Hwan’s musical goal is for AxMxP’s sound to continuously evolve, admiring timeless bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, and aspiring for their music to make the world "a little more beautiful," always remembering Yoo Joon's words about influencing people.
In conclusion, AxMxP’s debut signifies FNC Entertainment’s enduring commitment to pioneering K-pop band music. With a comprehensive debut album, a confident showcase, and members driven by passion, gratitude, and a shared vision, AxMxP is poised to amplify its musical power, connect with global audiences, and make a meaningful impact through their diverse and heartfelt sound.
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