Emerging from the fierce competition of iCON Z: Dreams For Children, WOLF HOWL HARMONY is Japan’s newest pop sensation making waves across Asia. Formed in 2023, the four-member vocal and rap group—comprising Ryoji, Suzuki, Hiroto, and Ghee—brings together powerhouse vocals, smooth harmonies, and raw storytelling. With roots in EXILE TRIBE, the group has quickly established itself as one to watch, captivating audiences with their heartfelt lyricism and dynamic performances.
Following a string of successful singles, WOLF HOWL HARMONY is set to take a major step forward with their debut album, WOLF, releasing on 12 March. The album is a culmination of their journey so far, blending personal narratives with their signature energetic yet emotional sound. Their most recent single, 'Letters', released in February, offers an intimate glimpse into their struggles and triumphs, setting the stage for what fans can expect from the full record.
As their influence expands beyond Japan, especially in Southeast Asia, WOLF HOWL HARMONY is embracing new opportunities to connect with international audiences. In this interview with Bandwagon, the group dives into the making of WOLF, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what it means to finally find their pack in the music industry.
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Hey guys! Being part of EXILE TRIBE comes with a strong legacy. What’s the most valuable piece of advice or mentorship you’ve received from your seniors?
Hiroto: When I was a student at LDH’s dance school, EXPG, I had the opportunity to attend an online lecture where THE RAMPAGE’s RIKU-san told me, “It’s important to always visualize yourself thriving as an artist.” That advice changed the way I lived my life, and it has led me to where I am today!
Ghee: The advice I received from our president, HIRO-san, was, “It’s important to keep envisioning your dream at all times.” We have big dreams, and he told us that continuously visualizing those dreams is the key to making them come true. That really inspired me. By constantly envisioning my dreams, I’ve been able to clearly identify what I need to do and make new discoveries along the way. It was a truly impactful piece of advice.
Your debut album WOLF is a major milestone. Why did you choose this title, and how does it represent your journey and growth as artists?
Ryoji: Our first album, WOLF, is based on the theme of being both classic and avant-garde. As a culmination of our work so far, this album carries our hope that people will not only look back on what we’ve achieved but also look forward to what’s to come. In particular, our previously released songs and the new track Letters focus on the path that has built our bond as a group. Meanwhile, 'BAKUON -爆音-' is packed with a bold message of confidence, representing our ambition to carve out a new era and create a whirlwind of “WOLF HOWL HARMONY energy.” By expressing these two key aspects, we believe this debut album truly showcases both our growth up until now and the growth that lies ahead!
Your single ‘Letters’ reflects your personal experiences and emotions. What was the most challenging yet rewarding part of putting your personal stories into music?
Hiroto: Unlike what you might expect, I actually found it quite easy rather than difficult! Since the lyrics are based on our real words and emotions, it was easier to connect with the song and pour my feelings into it. It also made singing the track even more fulfilling. During the recording, I sang as if I were having a conversation with the other members, which helped me discover new ways to express myself vocally!
Ryoji: By expressing the bond between myself and my groupmates through music, I received so many heartfelt messages from our fans. It made me realize that Letters didn’t just strengthen our bond as a group but also deepened our connection with 'LOVE RED'. This song was only possible because of the trust we have in each other, and that’s what made it so rewarding. Through this process, I’ve grown to love everyone even more—including myself!
With members coming from different musical backgrounds, how do you strike a balance between powerful vocals, rap, and harmonization in your sound?
Suzuki: Of course, balance is important, but for us, it’s actually our individuality that creates the best balance. That’s why we constantly work on improving our skills so that each of us can shine as the protagonist in our own way. We also make a point to communicate with each other to deeply understand one another’s strengths.
Ryoji: Something we’ve always been mindful of is making sure we don’t suppress our distinct voices and singing styles. When we’re creating a song, we discuss among the four of us whose voice suits which part best. I think having that shared understanding before going into the recording process is key to maintaining our balance as a group.
If each of you could collaborate with any artist—J-pop, K-pop, or Western—who would it be, and why?
Suzuki: There are so many artists, both in Japan and overseas, that I’d love to collaborate with one day. But if I had to pick one, it would be BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON. The first time I saw BIGBANG perform, I was blown away by how futuristic and innovative they were. Their artistry captivated me so much that I joined their fan club just so I could see them live—it was the first time I ever did that for any artist.
Ghee: There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with, like DJ Khaled and The Weeknd. But if I had to choose just one, it would be The Weeknd. His album Starboy had a huge impact on me—it was the moment I truly fell in love with music and decided to start making my own. That’s why he holds a special place in my heart.
With WOLF marking a new chapter, what’s the biggest dream you want to achieve as a group in the next few years?
Hiroto: I want to release a hit song and hold a solo concert at domes and stadiums! I also want to increase our recognition overseas and go on an international tour!
Ghee: This year, we’ve secured our first solo tour, which is a huge step for us. Moving forward, I want to gain more opportunities for people to discover us through touring. I believe that as the scale of our concerts grows, our dreams will get closer to becoming a reality.
Suzuki: We’ve decided to hold our first solo fan club tour this summer. Through this, I want to expand the LOVERED fanbase even more and aim for arena-level concerts and beyond. Ultimately, I want to bring WOLF HOWL HARMONY’s live performances to our overseas fans and make a world tour a success.
Ryoji: Holding solo arena and dome concerts is something I’m constantly thinking about—it’s a major goal for us! Beyond that, our ultimate dream since our formation has been to perform a solo stadium concert. I also want to create music for a global audience, like songs with English lyrics. Achieving these goals isn't just for us—I truly believe our journey can inspire others and contribute to someone’s Love, Dream, and Happiness.
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