‘Strive to thrive’: P-pop group New:ID keeps dreams in sight

All they ever wanted was to share their talents, not only with Filipinos, but with the rest of the world.

In 2022, Wilson, Thad, Macky, Jom and L came close to reaching that goal as finalists of the survival talent show “Dream Maker.” However, they placed 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th and 16th, respectively—falling short of being part of the competition’s planned pop group that would be known as Hori7on.

For a while, they thought that it was the end of the line. But little did they know that their journey as aspiring idols was only getting started. In 2023, MLD Entertainment—the South Korean company that coproduced “Dream Maker”—announced that it had signed the boys as trainees.

After a year of rigorous, all-encompassing training under Korean instructors in Seoul, the quintet debuted last July as the boy band New:ID.

“I never imagined that I would end up being part of New:ID. But everything happens for a reason. I believe that if it’s God’s will, then it will happen,” Macky told the Inquirer in an interview.

As the name suggests, New:ID’s concept revolves around assuming different musical and stylistic identities with every song they release.

Their predebut songs, “E.R.” and “Deja Vu,” were described as “dark, mysterious, sexy.” But for their new single, the string-laden dance track, “Ghost,” they leaned toward a more “mature and emotional” approach to better convey the pains of unrequited love.

“We were trained to do whatever concept is thrown at us. It’s in our identity to deliver the message through relatable songs and powerful performances,” said the group, adding their current sound is inspired by second generation K-pop groups.

If there’s anything they learned from their experiences so far, it’s that a setback can just be a stepping stone in disguise. One can always hope and dream. And with hard work and persistence, what was once out of their grasp is finally in their hands.

“No matter how tough the road gets, or how many times I stumble, the key is to persevere and never lose sight of my dreams. It’s a lesson in resilience and determination, which are vital in navigating the industry,” Jom related. “This experience taught me to embrace our journey with optimism … that a positive mindset will help us achieve our ambitions.”

Truth be told, their failure to make it into the Top 7 of “Dream Maker” was the boys’ “biggest heartbreak.” “But now that we’re given the opportunity to showcase what we’ve got, we promise not to waste it. This is such a massive privilege,” New:ID leader Thad said. “In the survival show, our first instinct was just to survive and get through the challenges. But as part of New:ID, surviving isn’t enough.”

“We should also strive to thrive,” he stressed.

Thankfully, they said, their training in Korea equipped them to be well-rounded performers who are as emotionally in tune as they are technically proficient; they are performers who aim not only to impress, but to inspire.

“We were taught to be more responsible and disciplined. Being an artist isn’t just about performing onstage. It’s also about your personality,” Thad said of the group, which has recently embarked on a debut showcase mall tour.

“We want to make our people happy with our music,” L added. “We want to send a good message to everyone, and help spread love and positivity.”

Excerpts from Inquirer’s interview with New:ID (answers are conveyed collectively):

What were the most challenging parts of your training?

There was a language barrier. At first, our manager had to use a translating app to communicate with our dance instructor. But as we progressed, we started to learn more Korean words, which made it easier for us to keep up with our Korean coaches.

Dancing six to 10 hours was physically demanding. We also had to adhere to a strict diet to maintain a healthy and toned physique. It’s not about starving ourselves to lose weight, though. The main focus was on eating healthier. It was an adjustment, but it taught us the importance of proper nutrition and self-discipline.

What were the things you enjoyed during your time in Korea?

We had the chance to explore many of the country’s beautiful tourist spots. We documented our trips though our vlog series called “New:I Do.” It shows us experiencing new things for the first time … Wilson previously lived in Austria and is familiar with seasonal changes. But the rest of us were thrilled to experience all four seasons. We tried new food, visited historical sites and enjoyed the natural beauty of Korea. Each outing, adventure and shared experience helped us grow closer and understand each other better … The laughter, challenges and joy we shared in those trips are memories we will always cherish.

Who are your musical influences?

If we’re talking about K-pop, the members can all agree that our favorite group right now is Riize. We just love and relate to their music, and that’s the kind of connection we want our supporters to feel when they listen to our songs.

They have an innovative sound and emotional depth … We admire how they convey experiences through their music. Their ability to blend different genres and create something unique is truly inspiring, and we hope to achieve a similar impact with our own music.

What about local artists?

If you’re asking about the group we look up to in terms of talent and skills, it would undoubtedly be SB19.

Their journey is something we hold on to as a source of inspiration and motivation. They’re the perfect example of never giving up on your dreams despite all the challenges. Watching SB19 rise to prominence through hard work and determination reinforces our belief that we, too, can achieve our dreams if we remain committed and passionate about our craft.

The group’s impact on the P-pop industry is monumental. They proved that Filipino talent can shine brightly on the global stage. They also paved the way for many aspiring artists, including us … We aspire to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the growing recognition of P-pop worldwide.

What’s the relationship like between New:ID and Hori7on?

Since Hori7on and New:ID are under the same company, there are times when we go to lessons together. The friendships we built during “Dream Maker” continued as we all started training in Korea. This shared journey created a strong bond between us, and it’s inspiring to see how much we’ve all grown and improved together.

What have you learned from each other?

We exchange tips, share experiences and motivate one another to keep pushing our limits. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. We’re grateful for the chance to train with such talented and dedicated individuals. We look forward to continuing this journey together, supporting each other every step of the way.

Is there anyone you go to for advice?

We can’t think of a better person to ask than Vinci, leader of Hori7on. He taught us a lot of things, from performing onstage to preparing for big events. His guidance and insight have been invaluable, and have helped us navigate the complexities of our debut. His experience and leadership made our transition into the professional world of P-pop smoother and more manageable.

What are your thoughts on the “P-pop Rise” movement?

We feel blessed to debut at a time when P-pop is at its prime. As others might say, “They walked so we could run.” This movement has brought about a significant change in the landscape of Philippine pop music … The “P-pop Rise” movement represents a cultural revival, allowing us to showcase our heritage and creativity on a global stage. We are excited to be part of this wave and contribute to its evolution.