IN CONVERSATION WITH PSYCHIC FEVER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Rising Japanese boy group PSYCHIC FEVER is entering a bold new chapter with the release of I Got Ways, the striking first single from their upcoming second album Different, arriving on 10th July. Following the massive international success of Just Like Dat feat. JP The Wavy, which exploded globally across TikTok and streaming platforms, Psychic Fever continues to expand its worldwide presence through global touring, major festival appearances like SXSW, and a new partnership with Warner Music Group and 10K Projects. With Different, the group is embracing a more sophisticated identity while continuing to push the boundaries of contemporary Japanese pop on a global scale.
I Got Ways feels like a major evolution for PSYCHIC FEVER. What inspired this new era creatively?
Ryoga: We wanted this era to feel like a natural reflection of our growth. Over the past few years, we’ve experienced so much through touring, creating music, and connecting with fans globally, and that gave us a new perspective creatively. With I Got Ways, we wanted to show a more mature side of PSYCHIC FEVER while still keeping the energy and individuality that define us.
The concept of “mature composure” is central to this release. What does that idea mean to you as a group right now?
Jimmy: To us, “mature composure” means having confidence without needing to force it. Earlier in our career, we expressed ourselves with a lot of intensity, but now we’ve learned that there’s strength in being calm and self-assured. As a group, we feel more grounded in who we are artistically, and this song reflects that mindset.
The song blends confidence with sensuality in a way fans haven’t seen before from PSYCHIC FEVER. Was that a deliberate challenge for the group?
Kokoro: Definitely. We knew this concept would show a side of us that fans hadn’t really seen before, so we wanted to approach it carefully and authentically. The sensuality in the song isn’t just about appearance, it’s about emotional control. That balance challenged us as performers because we had to express something more subtle, but we enjoyed exploring that new side of ourselves.
How would you describe the emotional and artistic identity of your album Different compared to your previous work?
Weesa: Different feels like our most personal project so far. Our earlier music captured our youthful energy, but this album reflects growth, and confidence in our identity. We experimented more with sounds for storytelling, so it feels more layered both emotionally and artistically. It represents where PSYCHIC FEVER is now and where we want to go next.
Nearly four years after debuting, how do you feel each member has evolved individually?
Ryushin: Each member has grown in different ways, both as artists and as people. Some members became more confident in songwriting or producing, while others developed more as performers or leaders within the group. We’ve also become more comfortable expressing our personalities openly.
Your global growth has been incredible since Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY. Did you expect that song to resonate internationally the way it did?
Weesa: Honestly, we didn’t expect it on that scale. We believed in the song and knew it had a unique energy, but seeing people from all over the world connect with it was really pivotal for us. It reminded us that music can transcend language when it feels genuine. That experience also gave us confidence to continue thinking globally with our musical growth.
What do you think makes PSYCHIC FEVER stand out within today’s global pop landscape? How do you balance maintaining a distinctly Japanese identity while appealing to worldwide audiences?
Jimmy: I think what makes us stand out is that we naturally blend different influences while staying true to ourselves. We grew up inspired by many genres and cultures, but we also carry the discipline, teamwork, and performance style that come from being Japanese artists. Rather than trying to fit into one market, we focus on creating music and performances that feel authentic to us.
The album title Different feels intentional. What does being “different” mean to the group?
Ryoga: For us, being “different” means embracing individuality instead of hiding it. Every member has a unique personality and perspective, and we believe those differences make the group stronger. The title also reflects our mindset as artists because we want to continue creating our own path and encouraging fans to feel confident in who they are, too.
What role do your fans, ForEVER, play in motivating your evolution as artists?
Ren: ForEVER means everything to us. Their support gives us confidence to keep evolving and trying new things creatively. Because they’ve been with us through every stage of our journey, we feel inspired to continue growing and showing them new sides of ourselves. Their energy at concerts and online constantly motivates us to work harder and dream bigger.
Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you hope PSYCHIC FEVER leaves on the global music industry?
Kokoro: We hope PSYCHIC FEVER can help expand opportunities for Asian artists globally and show that music truly has no borders. Beyond success, we want our legacy to be about authenticity and connection. If future artists feel inspired to dream internationally because of what we accomplished, that would make us really proud.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography LDH JAPAN
