It’s a busy morning, and Natty, Julie, Belle and Haneul appear on Zoom, dressed in comfortable clothes. In a few days they will be going into promotions for their latest EP, Get lostbut right now, the mood is relaxed and unguarded, a stark contrast to the polished facade of the industry they inhabit. The girls settle comfortably into their seats, exchanging easy smiles and glances as they talk, communicating silently as close friends often do, with unspoken understanding. Julie and Belle lead the conversation, translating 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 a way, definitely.” Belle interjects, “We pretend too sometimes… Is that the right word?” Julie laughs, then offers an alternative: “Try it. We try be confident.”

This confidence shines through in Kiss of Life’s aura. The group debuted last year with “Shhh,” a heady mix of R&B grooves, vocal harmonies, and whistling notes (courtesy of Belle) that speaks to the group’s finesse in the genre. The self-titled EP also featured solo tracks from each member to highlight their individual talents and sensibilities: “Sugarcoat,” Natty’s ’90s R&B number marked a cosign from the RM of BTS; “Countdown,” a funky pop song written and produced by Belle; “Kitty Cat,” an unapologetic hip-hop track from Julie; and “Play Love Games,” Haneul’s playful anthem that interpolates “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” Their next EP, Born to be XXhe doubled down on his attitude with lead single “Bad News,” a powerful pop track with a powerful guitar riff, and the B-side “Nobody Knows,” a pure R&B track that nods to the velvety textures of 1970s soul .The 2024 single “Midas Touch” embraced the signature Y2K-era pop soundscapes, while his follow-up summer flirt “Sticky” showcased his more sultry essence, taking inspiration from laid-back Afrobeats.

This musical versatility is at the heart of Kiss of Life’s mission. With their name symbolizing CPR, the group see themselves 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 bring life through their music, focusing on themes that resonate deeply. “Our lyrics and concepts are about being confident, being ourselves and chasing freedom,” adds Belle. “We want to send the message that it’s okay not to be perfect. There is beauty that comes from imperfection.”