Stray Kids talk new music, Lollapalooza: 'We put in our souls and minds into the music'

Stray Kids' music has always challenged the industry's standards. Since the eight-member group's debut in 2017, they've been unafraid to test limits and experiment sonically.

The members are bold and unapologetically themselves. So when it comes to defining Stray Kids, one word comes to rapper Han's mind: "Irreplaceable. A group with a music style that nobody could ever imitate," the 23-year-old tells USA TODAY.

When the Kpop group comes to our interview at a New York City studio, it's the day before their single "Lose My Breath" featuring Charlie Puth drops. Their energy is palpable. And no wonder: their week started with the members attending their first Met Gala on behalf of Tommy Hilfiger May 6.

Felix, 23, calls the single, a "good, new start to the year." It marks the group's first release since EP "ROCK-STAR" – which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart – in November 2023.

"Lose My Breath" isn't Stray Kids' first time testing the waters with pop-R&B. But the English-language track does act as an introduction to the octet's latest artistic foray.

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"I think this release was a great opportunity to show that we are capable of many different styles," says I.N, 23. "I think it really opened the doors for us."

Stray Kids' in-house production team 3RACHA (comprised of Bang Chan, Han and Changbin) wrote and composed the song with Puth.

"We had a really good session. We learned a lot. We don't get these kinds of opportunities, so we tried to absorb as much as we could," says the group's leader Bang Chan, 26.

"The working process was nothing like what we have done in the past," adds Changbin, 24.

Authenticity is a foundation to Stray Kids' music. The members are directly involved in the creative process with it mirroring their personal mindsets.

"I think we always tried to capture our own story as it is, without trying to make up anything," Changbin says. "However, we still tried to make it interesting by telling the story in our own authentic style, no matter what the theme is."

"One thing for sure is we put in our souls and minds into the music," says Bang Chan.

Through this, the members hope it can resonate with others, especially younger generations.

"To be able to relate to that generation through our lyrics, we all want the fans, our STAYs, to think we have something in common to keep that connection going," says Felix.

As the years have gone by, Stray Kids has never backed down from a challenge.

"I think we’ve always worked hard to always be better," says Lee Know, 25. "We never settle for the past and continuously push ourselves to move forward."

This mindset seems especially evident for the group's new album, reportedly coming in July. While the members couldn't share spoilers, Bang Chan shares "it is definitely something that we haven't done before."

There were a lot of "challenges" and "firsts" while working on the upcoming release, he adds, "it's very diverse."

"We’re constantly seeking new things we can try and we’re always working hard to show the people a new, unique aspect of Stray Kids," says Hyunjin, 24. "Rather than going for the safe road, I think we’ll constantly push ourselves to try new music and unique performances."

But that road has not always been easy.

"In the past, I think people used to keep a distance with our music because it was so different from anything else," Hyunjin says.

Over years, I.N says he "gained confidence and certainty on our group’s music."

Embracing their distinctive qualities has garnered Stray Kids' worldwide recognition. Last year brought the group's first MTV VMA win and they were also featured among Time's "Next Generation Leaders."

2024 is already shaping to be another pivotal chapter in Stray Kids' story. The group is set to headline Lollapalooza's Friday lineup with SZA in Chicago.

"It’s still hard to believe and I do feel a bit of pressure. We’ll be preparing hard so that not only us, but the whole crowd could have a lot of fun that day," Lee Know says.

Over the years, Stray Kids has become a family.

"Every moment with my members is my best accomplishment," Seungmin, 23, says.

"Just the fact that we all trust each other. We really love each other through every moment," adds Bang Chan.

"The fact that we still think about the future, that we're still hungry. There's a lot of people that might want to stop, but the fact that we still look into the future and can't wait for what's to come, that itself I think is a really big accomplishment," Bang Chan says.