AMPERS&ONE

In a fast-paced industry where standing out and being remembered are crucial for success, few groups have been as fearless as AMPERS&ONE to explore different sounds so early into their career. Their newest comeback, WILD & FREE, comes just five months after ONE QUESTION, whose title track, “He + She = We,” offered a catchier, more lighthearted shift from the more aggressive sounds in ONE HEARTED’s “Broken Heart.”

In their sophomore EP, the South Korean boy band trades polish for punch in a more self-assured energy that invites listeners to embrace the thrill of motion in music. With this release, the seven-member group formed under FNC Entertainment—Kamden, Jiho, Siyun, Kyrell, Mackiah, and Seungmo—sheds any debut-era softness with the grit of underdogs and the spark of dynamite. From the bass of the title track, “Kick Start,” to the signature vulnerability of “My Mistake,” AMPERS&ONE executes WILD & FREE with the heart of a group refusing to slow down.

But passion-filled and explosive music only constitutes half of what fans can expect from the charismatic group in this new era of exploration. AMPERS&ONE unites not only in their titular sense of cohesion but in their understanding of growth as a mission, not a concept. From music to choreography, each member sought artistic growth in making the album that speaks to where they’ve been, where they’re going, and the unshakable belief that this album is only the beginning of more. And through this journey, as the members shared with Timid, they ask their fans to be unapologetically bold and untamed, too.

TM: Your new EP, WILD & FREE, aims to capture the essence of navigating the world boldly. What inspired this powerful concept, and how do you hope listeners will connect with its message?

Kamden: I believe inspiration always comes from the audience. They have certain expectations of us, and we aim to reflect that by conveying a message of becoming a bit rougher and freer. I hope people can sense that AMPERS&ONE has evolved.

Jiho: This time, we went with a bold concept. If our previous mini album showed a refreshing and energetic side of AMPERS&ONE, this album is a complete 180-degree change, showing a different color of ours. I was inspired by the idea of a “rascal”—young, immature, but confidently living by their values and style. I thought that the vibe fit well with this album and the title track. I hope listeners can feel empowered when they hear our album. Everyone goes through hard times, but I hope our songs can help them along their way.

Kyrell: From our debut song, “On And On,” we have always said that we are moving toward our dreams together. Even when times get tough, we want to emphasize that we can overcome challenges together. In life, we sometimes forget why we began something or what our dreams were. I hope that when people listen to this song, they can remember how it felt to dream and find the strength to keep going.

TM: Does the message of the album resonate with you personally, and if yes, how so?

Kamden: I truly connect with the message of the album. I believe there are times in life when we need to be wild and free. If we can't express that, we are bound to encounter difficult moments. That’s why the message of this album resonates so deeply with me.

Kyrell: I experience tough times occasionally, and the song "Kick Start" truly captures that feeling. The most challenging part is always beginning something when you don’t feel motivated. However, once you start, it becomes easier to continue. So when I’m struggling, I try to begin, even if it’s just a small step.

Mackiah: Personally, I resonated with the album’s message. It talks about freedom, but also not giving up and moving forward. I feel like that perfectly expresses AMPERS&ONE.

TM: Visuals typically play a large role in K-pop. How did the visual components of WILD & FREE, such as the styling or the music video, contribute to its overall message?

Jiho: If you look at the concept photos, there are two versions of “Kick and Start." In the Kick version, we wore boxing gloves to show we’re ready to overcome obstacles. In the Start version, we wore racing jackets, each with the AMPERS&ONE logo in different spots, showing our team identity and readiness to move forward.

Kyrell: We wore bright yellow racing jackets that made us look bold and ready to race forward, which fit the song. As for the music video, the concept is inspired by expressing a cat. They are wild and free, so it matched our concept perfectly.

TM: Considering all the elements involved in a comeback—from recording new tracks to learning new choreography and filming music videos—what is your favorite part of the preparation process, and why?

Siyun: One of my favorite parts of working on our albums is when we all gather in the studio to listen to the recorded tracks with our voices. After each member records their parts to match the vibe of each song, we sit together and listen, saying things like, 'Oh, this part is really good!' or 'You nailed this section!' It’s such a fun and heartwarming moment.

TM: How does this album reflect your artistic growth, either as an artist or as a group? Are there any specific examples of this growth that fans can hear or see?

Jiho: Like our first mini album, WILD & FREE includes a variety of genres, so I think listeners can hear many different tones and sounds. Especially in the title track, “Kick Start,” we experimented a lot with choreography as well. That diversity is a direct growth point that our fans, Andears, will notice.

Seungmo: Each track on this album has a unique charm and atmosphere, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone. You can truly feel the distinct voices and individuality of the members in every song.

TM: Continuing on that personal connection, was there anything about preparing for this EP that you felt most proud of, such as recording a specific track, mastering a choreography, or filming a scene in the music video?

Brian: I’m incredibly proud of recording “Who Are You.” When I first heard the song, I got such a good feeling from it, and I think I managed to capture that mood well in the recording.

Seungmo: I think the performance for this album is really cool. From the beginning of learning the choreography, I wanted to bring it to life. It was nice to see us communicating a lot as members and improving together.

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WILD & FREE was released on April 8, 2025.