Seventeen, the renowned K-pop ensemble, is marking its eleventh year with an exciting new sub-unit, DxS, showcasing the exceptional vocal talents of DK and Seungkwan. Fans are already familiar with their synergistic performances in the group's popular subunit BSS, which also includes Hoshi. Beyond their roles as lead vocalists for Seventeen, these two members are recognized for their lighthearted demeanor and humor, both on and off stage. Following the recent duo CxM, composed of S.Coups and Mingyu from Seventeen's hip-hop contingent, DxS introduces a fresh sound, exploring different genres and highlighting Seventeen's remarkable musical diversity.
The duo's newly released mini-album, 'Serenade', comprises six tracks, including individual solo pieces from each artist. "Blue," the lead single and a personal favorite for both members, is accompanied by a music video starring Yoo-mi Lee from 'Squid Game' and Steve Sanghyun Noh from 'Pachinko'. The video tells a poignant story about the complexities of falling out of love. Throughout the album, DK and Seungkwan's voices blend harmoniously, navigating diverse musical styles from pop-rock to soulful R&B ballads.
In a candid conversation, DK and Seungkwan revealed the deeply personal nature of their 'Serenade' project. They discussed maintaining a shared creative vision while crafting a tracklist designed to connect with listeners on an emotional level, inviting them to share in laughter, tears, and a spectrum of feelings. DK explained that as the group's main vocalists, their primary goal for DxS was to emphasize the album's musicality, exploring new facets of their voices to offer a fresh experience for their fans. Seungkwan added that the sub-unit format allowed them to focus intently on their individual artistic expressions and deepen their communication, a contrast to their broader group activities. They aimed to authentically convey emotions and capture the unique mood they share as a duo. DK shared a delightful anecdote about their song selection process, noting their surprising alignment on preferred demos, which underscored their long-standing collaboration and mutual understanding of each other's musical preferences. Seungkwan echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for DK's sincere listening and thoughtful consideration throughout the creative journey, which further strengthened their bond.
The creation of 'Serenade' is a testament to the power of shared vision and genuine collaboration. DK and Seungkwan's dedication to exploring their unique vocal synergy and emotional depth enriches the musical landscape. Their commitment to connecting with fans through heartfelt lyrics and diverse sounds is a beacon of artistic integrity, offering solace and inspiration to listeners. The album encourages us to embrace our emotions and find healing in the beauty of music, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.