AxMxP Targets Music Show Win with First Mini Album "Amplify My Way" — Coachella Remains Ultimate Goal

FNC Entertainment's rookie band AxMxP launched their rapid comeback Tuesday with mini album "Amplify My Way," bringing double title tracks and ambitious dreams just four months after debut.

The four-piece held a showcase at Yes24 Wonder Rock Hall in Seoul, where they revealed targets ranging from Korean music show wins to international festival stages like Coachella.

Quick Return After September Debut

AxMxP debuted September 10, 2025, with full-length album "AxMxP" featuring triple title tracks. Their first comeback arrives January 21 with seven new songs led by "PASS" and "Thereafter."

"We're grateful to come back so quickly," drummer Cru said. "There are so many firsts for us. We'll work hard to finish this promotion well."

Vocalist Ha Yoojoon noted the group's excitement despite nerves. "This is our first comeback since debut. We can't wait to meet our fans."

Seven Tracks, Member-Written Songs

The mini album showcases increased creative control. Ha Yoojoon wrote lyrics for all seven tracks, while guitarist Kim Shin composed, wrote, and arranged his first solo song "Be Yours."

"I learned how to embed our unique color into every track," Ha said. "I'm really proud of the outcome."

Bassist Juhwan explained the album concept. "Rather than running toward a set dream, we're finding our dreams at our own pace. The album captures that confidence."

Contrasting Title Tracks Blend Metalcore and Ballad

"PASS" combines metalcore and phonk with sharp electric guitar riffs. "It means we can pass through anything," Kim Shin said. "It overflows with hip-hop energy."

Cru recalled first hearing the track with Ha Yoojoon. "We screamed and high-fived each other. We screamed so loud that people around us had to stop us."

The second title "Thereafter" takes a softer approach with modern rock balladry. "If 'PASS' is our signature color, this is easier to digest," Juhwan said.

21-Hour Drum Sessions and First-Time Directing

Recording pushed the band's limits. Cru spent 21 hours tracking drums across the seven songs.

"The last song we recorded was 'Be Yours,' and it was the first time a member directed for me," Cru said. "One of my dreams came true, but I heard the word 'again' over 50 times for just one line."

Music Show Win After Nominee Taste

Juhwan revealed a specific goal that captured attention during debut activities. "I want to win first place on a music show. We made it to the nominees before and got a taste of it. This time, I want to actually achieve the win."

Ha Yoojoon focused on personal growth. "Whether it's stamina or skill, I want to surpass my own limits."

Cru mentioned his ongoing challenge with Korean. "Speaking in Korean is still a bit difficult. I hope to become more comfortable with it."

From Countdown Fantasy to Coachella Dreams

The band has quickly gained festival traction in Korea. Ha Yoojoon cited Countdown Fantasy as particularly memorable.

"I poured all my 2025 passion into it. The headliners were CNBLUE and N.Flying, and it made me think we want to become headliners too. I'd like to be just one centimeter below them," he said with characteristic modesty.

Cru's first hometown show in Daegu holds special meaning. "Many family members came, so it became a great memory."

Their ambitions extend far beyond Korea. "We'd be grateful to perform at any festival," Cru said. "But we dream of performing at global festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza."

Hip-Hop Band Identity in FNC's Legacy

AxMxP is FNC's first new band in a decade, following CNBLUE, FTISLAND, and N.Flying. Ha Yoojoon highlighted what sets them apart.

"We're a hip-hop band. That creates clear differentiation," he said. "I didn't know much about band culture before joining the company. I learned guitar and discovered its coolness here. I thought mixing it with the hip-hop I was doing could create something fresh."

The members expressed gratitude toward their agency seniors. "We're thankful to them every time we see them," Ha said. "They've paved the way for us to follow. We're finding our AxMxP-ness within that path."

Kim Shin added, "I have great respect for the seniors in our industry. Our goal is to become 'a band people can laugh and cry with together.' That's what we're pursuing."

Simple Goals for Comeback Success

When asked about promotion targets, Cru kept expectations realistic. "At festivals, I want to perform later in the lineup rather than as an opener."

Ha Yoojoon's answer reflected even greater simplicity. "If the public or fans listen to our album and just say 'this is cool,' that's enough. I'd feel like I've achieved everything."

The band will perform at the 2026 JOY Concert - Voice of Spring on February 21, continuing momentum from their breakthrough debut year that earned them Billboard Korea's Rookie of the Month recognition for September 2024.

"Amplify My Way" released January 21 at 6 PM KST across streaming platforms.