Hidden Stories Behind Every Song on IVE's Empathy Album

IVE's latest triumph with "Rebel Heart" securing a Music Show Grand Slam demonstrates the immense anticipation surrounding the IVE Empathy album, set to release on February 3, 2025.

This six-track collection notably features two title tracks, "Rebel Heart" and "Attitude," alongside surprising artistic contributions from the members themselves. The album showcases Liz's first venture into songwriting with "Thank U" and Wonyoung's lyrical input in "Attitude." Furthermore, the album includes an unexpected reinterpretation of Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" through the track "You Wanna Cry."

Rebel Heart's Journey from Demo to Double Title Track

The collaborative effort behind "Rebel Heart" brought together an impressive team of international producers, including Swedish hitmaker Thomas G:Son, known for producing Eurovision winners. The song's journey began with composers Emily Harbakk, Ryan S. Jhun, and Jimmy Jansson crafting a distinctive sound that would later become one of IVE's double title tracks.

Initial Concept Development

The production team envisioned "Rebel Heart" as a portrayal of solidarity among rebels with different narratives. The song's foundation combines diverse vocal harmonies with a thrilling chorus, while sweet strings and up-tempo drums create a rich soundscape. Subsequently, the team focused on developing a sound that would highlight each member's unique vocal color while maintaining the track's anthemic quality.

Production Challenges

The production process faced the complex task of balancing multiple musical elements. The team worked on creating a mix of:

Stomping percussion for powerful impact
Layered vocal harmonies
Guitar-driven instrumental sections
Orchestral string arrangements

Member Input in Final Version

Each member brought their personal interpretation to the track's rebellious theme. Particularly noteworthy was Rei's contribution, who connected deeply with her character's struggle with self-expression. "I was assigned to play someone who is embarrassed by their taste for unique things. This character actually reflected my true self, helping me reconnect with who I truly am," Rei explained.

The other members similarly embraced their unique roles in the narrative. Yujin's character challenged traditional gender expectations through styling choices, while Liz portrayed a more introverted form of rebellion. These personal touches added authenticity to the song's message of individual expression and collective strength.

The final version successfully merged the production team's vision with the members' interpretations, creating a track that resonated with audiences across Asia. The song's success on multiple Korean music charts validated the careful balance struck between maintaining IVE's signature sound while pushing creative boundaries.

Hidden Musical Elements in 'FLU'

The intricate sound design of "FLU" on the IVE Empathy album showcases a masterful blend of technical innovation and artistic expression.

Sound Design Process

The production team primarily focused on creating an immersive sonic landscape through carefully crafted soundscapes. Accordingly, the sound designers implemented four main elements: atmospheric textures, incidental music, transitional effects, and strategic silence. The team utilized specialized audio equipment, coupled with advanced mixing consoles, to achieve the desired tonal qualities.

Vocal Arrangements

Recording sessions demanded meticulous attention to vocal health, therefore the team implemented several protective measures:

Warm beverages and cooked foods to maintain vocal cord health
Strategic use of turmeric and oregano for clearing congestion
Direct steam inhalation before recording sessions
Careful monitoring of room temperature and humidity

At this point, the production team incorporated specialized vocal recording techniques to capture the members' unique timbres. Undoubtedly, the careful balance between technical precision and emotional expression resulted in powerful vocal performances.

Production Secrets

The final mix revealed hidden layers of complexity through strategic sound manipulation. The production team employed sampling techniques to create unique textures, alongside synthesizer elements that enhanced the track's emotional depth. In other words, each sonic element underwent careful consideration before integration into the final arrangement.

Behind the scenes, the team utilized advanced audio processing to maintain vocal clarity while managing potential health challenges during recording. The members received guidance on proper vocal rest periods between takes, alongside specialized warm-up exercises designed to protect their voices. Through this meticulous approach, the production achieved a balance between technical excellence and artistic expression.

The Whitney Houston Connection in 'You Wanna Cry'

Among the standout tracks on IVE Empathy album, "You Wanna Cry" pays homage to Whitney Houston's 1987 classic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)".

Original Song Inspiration

The original track, written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, achieved remarkable success across the globe:

Reached number one in eighteen countries
Sold over 11.5 million copies worldwide
Won Grammy Award for best female pop vocal performance
Named best pop song of all time by Billboard in 2023

First of all, Houston's influence extended far beyond chart success. Her unique vocal technique, known as melisma, inspired countless artists and redefined soul vocalese standards. Moreover, her ability to connect emotionally with songs while maintaining technical precision set her apart in the industry.

Modern Reinterpretation Process

The transformation of this classic into "You Wanna Cry" involved careful consideration of the original's essence. In fact, the production team maintained the song's core message of seeking connection, though with a contemporary twist. The reinterpretation process involved contributions from Starship Entertainment's Exy, who helped adapt the lyrics for a modern audience.

Member Reactions

The emotional depth of "You Wanna Cry" resonated strongly with IVE members. Consequently, the lyrics evolved to embrace themes of comfort and acceptance: "I don't care who you are, you can cry in my small embrace". The members approached the song with deep respect for its message, focusing on creating a safe space for listeners to express vulnerability.

Additionally, the track's impact extends beyond its musical arrangement. The song's message of emotional support and understanding aligns perfectly with IVE's diverse fanbase, consisting of various age groups. Through this reinterpretation, IVE successfully bridges the gap between Whitney Houston's timeless artistry and contemporary K-pop sensibilities, creating a meaningful connection with their audience.

Liz's Songwriting Debut with 'Thank U'

On the IVE Empathy album, member Liz marks her songwriting debut with "Thank U," a soulful R&B track that captures the group's journey since their formation.

Writing Process

Initially, Liz collaborated with seasoned songwriter Youra from Full8loom, alongside Thomas Baxter, Ryan Jhun, and Cleo Tighe. The track features a distinctive blend of musical elements:

Groovy R&B-infused rhythm
Smooth bassline integration
Percussive guitar arrangements
Layered vocal harmonies

Personal Inspiration

Specifically, Liz drew inspiration from IVE's debut era memories when crafting the lyrics. "Since it's our song, I wanted to portray our story and thought a lot about our debut era. I wanted to cover the journey from when we first met to where we are now, highlighting how we've grown together". The songwriting process allowed her to reflect deeply on the group's evolution and their shared experiences.

Member Support

Throughout the creative process, Liz received unwavering support from her fellow members. Her dedication to vocal excellence, often staying up late for recording sessions, demonstrated her commitment to perfecting the track. Nevertheless, this support system proved crucial, as Liz expressed in a heartfelt message to fans: "Although I was a little lost and unsure up to now, that's not true anymore. I will try to make it so".

The song ultimately became a testament to both personal growth and collective achievement. "As I reflect on our journey, I find myself falling into memories of those early days. I also believe that DIVE will enjoy discovering those moments". This emotional connection resonated strongly with fans, who recognized the sincerity in Liz's artistic expression.

Wonyoung's Lyrical Contribution to 'Attitude'

Marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey, Wonyoung brings her signature optimistic perspective to "Attitude," one of the double title tracks on the IVE Empathy album. Her contribution marks her first venture into writing lyrics for a lead track, following her previous songwriting experiences with B-sides like "OTT" and "Blue Heart".

Story Behind the Lyrics

The track's lyrical foundation stems from Wonyoung's well-known "Lucky Vicky" mindset, which emphasizes embracing life's challenges with positivity. Her personal philosophy shines through memorable lines such as "Even if you dislike me, I can still like you" and "If I stumble, luck is always on my side". Beyond that, the song carries a deeper message about accepting unchangeable situations with grace and resilience.

Creative Process

Throughout the writing process, Wonyoung collaborated with renowned lyricist Seo Ji-eum, known for IVE's previous hits including "ELEVEN," "LOVE DIVE," and "After LIKE". The creative synergy between them resulted in powerful lyrics that reflect both personal experience and universal themes. Primarily, their focus remained on crafting a message that would resonate across generations while maintaining IVE's signature confident style.

Message to Fans

Wonyoung's awareness of her influence on younger fans shaped her approach to the lyrics. "Since there are many fans who grow up watching us and our music, I find myself being more careful with my words and behavior. I want to continue to have a positive and good influence," she explained. The song's core message encourages listeners to maintain an optimistic outlook even in challenging circumstances, with Wonyoung hoping to share her "lucky power" with fans.

Key lyrics that embody the song's spirit include:

"What's the point of shrinking away?"
"Luck is always on my side"
"I'm that attitude"

The Experimental Sound of 'TKO'

Closing the IVE Empathy album with a powerful statement, "TKO" introduces an innovative blend of hip-hop elements driven by pulsing 808 bass and tight drum sequencing.

Production Evolution

The track emerged from Starship Entertainment's Song Camp, where Vice President Seo Hyun-joo and the A&R team collaborated with leading composers. During the production phase, the team focused on creating a mature sound that would showcase IVE's evolution. The final arrangement features a vibrant 808 bass complemented by dynamic hip-hop rhythms.

Musical Direction

"TKO" stands out for its departure from IVE's typically polished sound, primarily through its sophisticated vocal delivery. The track highlights each member's unique vocal capabilities:

Yujin's soaring belts
Liz's smooth lower register
Rei's dynamic phrasing
Leeseo's expressive nuances

Recording Experience

The recording process allowed members to explore new vocal textures, essentially pushing their artistic boundaries. Autumn reflected on the experience: "The only thing I can change is my positive attitude, and I think I express a lot of the relaxation gained from my big experiences in the performance". Overall, the team's growing stage experience contributed to their confident delivery in the studio.

The song represents a significant milestone in IVE's musical journey, demonstrating their ability to adapt across genres without compromising their signature style. Through meticulous production and vocal arrangements, "TKO" serves as a testament to the group's artistic maturity and versatility.