It’s a busy morning, and Natty, Julie, Belle, and Haneul appear on Zoom, dressed in cozy loungewear. In a few days, they will begin promoting their latest EP, Get lostbut right now the mood is relaxed and unguarded, a stark contrast to the polished façade of the industry they inhabit. The girls sit comfortably in 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 Natty and Haneul.

They haven’t done many interviews like this, and there are times where they lean on each other for support. When asked if the confidence they exude in their music and performances comes naturally to them, Julie says, “In some ways, definitely.” Belle interjects: “We also pretend sometimes… Is that the right word?” Julie laughs, then offers an alternative: “Try. We to try be confident.”

This confidence shines through in the aura of Kiss of Life. The group debuted last year with “Shh“, a captivating blend of R&B groove, vocal harmonies and whistle 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 slinky ’90s R&B number that scored a cosign from the RM of BTS; “Countdown,” a funky pop song co-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 XXhas doubled down on its attitude with lead single “Bad News”, a powerful pop song with a strong guitar riff, and B-side “Nobody Knows”, a pure R&B track that nods to the velvet textures of 1970s soul. 2024’s single “Midas Touch” embraced the synthetic soundscapes characteristic of Y2K-era pop, while its flirtatious summer follow-up “Sticky” showcased their more sensual essence, drawing inspiration laid-back Afrobeats.

This musical versatility is at the heart of Kiss of Life’s mission. With its name symbolizing CPR, the group considers itself a “breath of fresh air” in the industry. “The meaning of Kiss of Life is that we want to be a breath of fresh air for everyone,” Julie explains. The band aims to bring life to life through their music, focusing on themes that resonate deeply. “Our lyrics and concepts are about being confident, being ourselves, and seeking freedom,” adds Belle. “We want to send the message that it’s okay to not be perfect. There is beauty that comes from imperfection.”