It’s a busy morning and Natty, Julie, Belle and Haneul show up on Zoom dressed in cozy loungewear. In a few days they will dive into promotions for their latest EP, Lose yourselfbut for the moment the atmosphere is relaxed and unguarded, a stark contrast to the polished facade of the industry they inhabit. The girls settle comfortably into their chairs, exchanging relaxed smiles and glances as they talk, communicating silently as good friends often do, with unspoken understanding. Julie and Belle direct the conversation and translate for both Natty and Haneul.
They haven’t done many interviews like this, and there are times when they lean on each other for support. When asked if the confidence they exude in their music and performances comes naturally to them, Julie begins: “In some ways, certainly.” Belle interjects, “We pretend sometimes… Is that the right word?” Julie laughs and then offers an alternative: “Try it. We attempt to be confident.”
That confidence shines through in the appearance of Kiss of Life. The group debuted last year with “Shhh“, a captivating blend of R&B groove, vocal harmonies and flute notes (courtesy of Belle) that speaks to the group’s finesse in the genre. The eponymous EP also featured solo tracks from each member to highlight their individual talents and sensibilities: ” Sugarcoat ,” Natty’s 90s R&B song that scored a cosign from the RM of BTS; “Countdown,” a funky pop song co-written and produced by Belle; “Kitty Cat,” an unapologetically hip-hop song by Julie; and “Play Love Games,” Haneul’s playful anthem with “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” Their next EP, Born to be XXdoubled down on the attitude with lead single “Bad News,” a powerful pop song with a strong guitar riff, and B-side “Nobody Knows,” a straight R&B song that nods to the velvet textures of 1970s soul. 2024 single ‘Midas Touch’ embraced the synthetic soundscapes characteristic of Y2K-era pop, while flirty summer follow-up ‘Sticky’ showcased their sultry essence inspired by laid-back Afrobeats.
This musical versatility is the core of Kiss of Life’s mission. Because their name symbolizes CPR, the group sees itself as a “breath of fresh air” in the industry. “The meaning behind Kiss of Life is that we want to be a breath of fresh air for everyone,” says Julie. The group aims to give life through their music, focusing on themes that resonate deeply. “Our lyrics and concepts are about self-confidence, being ourselves and the pursuit of freedom,” Belle adds. “We want to convey the message that it’s okay not to be perfect. There is beauty that comes from imperfection.”