Up-and-coming K-pop boy group RIIZE is ready to shine with their new mini album, RIIZING. The boys sat down and shared who their musical influences are, what to expect from their new album, how they knew they wanted to sing and more in their Billboard cover interview!

Anton:
The team’s motto, sort of, is to rise and realize. I think we’re doing pretty well and slowly going up. That’s our goal. 

Shotaro:
Since middle school, I’ve always liked being on stage. I think in high school is when I specifically had the thought of wanting to become an artist. Hi, I’m Shotaro. Music I’ve been into lately … I listen to a variety of genres. Artists that have inspired me are Justin Timberlake, Usher, pH-1.

Sohee:
First impression … I think we were very shy. 

Shotaro:
In the beginning, we didn’t talk much. It took some time for us to get to know each other.

Anton:
I think we got close once we started having, like, dance practice together. All of us sweating and dancing, that was a really natural way for us to open up.

Shotaro:
There was also that goofing around together.    

Sohee:
The first moment that I realized I wanted to become an artist was when I was a student. I sang in front of other people for the first time. Music that I normally enjoy, it differs from time to time, but recently I’ve been listening to Justin Bieber. I think K-pop was just a part of our lives naturally growing up. For me in particular, I think when I was a trainee, I started to look into it more and started to like it more. I think we naturally looked up to senior artists at our label.   

Keep watching to learn more!