&TEAM, the new global group produced by HYBE founder Si-hyuk Bang (“hitman” bang), are preparing to release their debut album First Howling: NOW next month. K-Pop and J-Pop fans know the importance of a physical album release, and it’s just been announced that U.S. fans will have the chance to grab their CD copies of the album on January 5th.
The South Korea-based Japanese boy group’s first full album, First Howling: NOW will be available in three editions. Limited Edition A and Limited Edition B will come with a photobook with distinct photos and a set of 9 postcards in each edition. Standard Edition will also be available. Additionally, all editions will include a randomly selected photocard. They’re available for pre-order now.
&TEAM was formed by Hybe Labels Japan through the Japanese/South Korean reality program &Audition – The Howling. Of the show’s original 15 contestants, 9 made the final line-up of &TEAM: K, Fuma, Nicholas, EJ, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki.
They released their debut EP, First Howling: ME in December 2022, which featured the singles “Under The Skin” and “Scent of You.” The EP debuted at No. 1 on Oricon’s album chart, Billboard Japan’s Top Albums Sales and Hot Albums charts. Their 2nd EP, First Howling: WE featuring the title track “Firework,” was released in June 2023 and also reached No. 1 on Oricon’s album chart.
Back in December, the group chatted with Teen Vogue about their debut and their music-making process. “I’ve been thinking of what sounds I like,” member K said, “and while I’m making songs in my studio, I have really good speakers. So the feeling when I play a beat on them… it’s hard to describe, but [my howl is] the speaker sound that reaches to your heart, your heart beating, and that moment a creative switch turns on. I love all that.”