ALITZ Are “Shooting for the Stars”!

The band members describe how their passion for music began, who inspires them, and how they seek to resonate with Gen Z.

Photo courtesy of KSOUND UNI

Please introduce yourselves and share the story of how your music career started!

 
All: Greetings! “About lit, ALITZ!” We are ALITZ, a dynamic idol group of six passionate young men from Hong Kong. Each member brings a unique strength to the team: Ethan, our charismatic leader; Allix and Andrew, our talented vocalists; Mantik, our exceptional dancer; Noa, our skilled rapper; and Cédric, our striking visual. 

Ethan: From a young age, I was captivated by music and began learning the piano, dedicating many years to honing my skills. When I entered university, I discovered a passion for other forms of performance, such as singing and playing in a band. This led me to form a band with my schoolmates, an experience that brought me immense fulfillment unlike anything I had felt before. Inspired by this, I committed wholeheartedly to pursuing a career in the music industry. 

Allix: I got involved in some music programs and concerts during my university years. I was motivated by the singers and want to inspire others like them through music. 

Mantik: [Because] I grew up in an environment of Cantonese music, I wanted to have my own [style of] music before officially joining the Hong Kong music industry.

Cédric: Seeing BTS in middle school was my inspiration. Their powerful performances showed me the impact music can have, and I knew I wanted to do the same. 

Noa: Music is inseparable from my life. Music can give me strength, so I hope to create music and share the music I like. 

Andrew: Inspired by the stage presence of K-pop idols like aespa, NCT, RIIZE, and NMIXX, I began learning their songs and pursuing a path to stardom. After numerous auditions, I successfully joined [the company] KSOUND UNI and debuted as a member of ALITZ. Our goal is to connect with fans through versatile music and dances, showcasing our team's spirit and growth.

All: We hold deep respect for everyone in the music industry, from artists to those working behind the scenes. As an idol group, we admire trailblazers like BTS, who rose from humble beginnings to global stardom through relentless effort and perseverance. Their journey inspires us, and we, ALITZ, strive to emulate their dedication and learn from their success.

Photo courtesy of KSOUND UNI

Can you explain what your fandom name means?
Our fandom is proudly named “Litzle,” a blend of “ALITZ” and “Dazzle,” reflecting the vibrant energy we share with our fans. 

Your band name stands for “Accompanying Every Light of Gen Z.” Can you describe what you mean by that? 
“Accompanying Every Light of Gen Z” embodies our mission and vision as a group. We see everyone as a unique light, someone with their own dreams, passions, and potential to shine. Our goal is to be there for them through our music and our journey, offering inspiration, support, and connection. As part of Gen Z, we want to be a voice that resonates with the experiences of our generation, reminding them that they are never alone. 

What three words or phrases best describe your debut EP, Light Up?  
“Passionate,” “Energetic,” [and] “Ambitious.” 

Please talk about the most meaningful songs on Light Up!

“Shooting for the Stars” is our pre-[debut] song that reflects our own experiences. The lyricist is also our vocal coach, who has been with us for almost two years. He captured our most genuine thoughts during our trainee days and expressed them through this song. We hope to inspire audiences to chase their dreams bravely.  

“Zip Tie” tells the story of how we support and uplift each other. While the strength of one person might seem insignificant, we can overcome any challenge when the six of us come together. 

“Canon Love” is a more sentimental song that reflects on the people we meet throughout our lives. It highlights how every relationship is a special connection and reminds us to cherish each and every bond. 

Can you share some fun facts or behind-the-scenes stories from filming the "Shooting for the Stars” music video?  
The music video for “Shooting for the Stars” was a labor of love, filmed over an intense 20-hour period. It’s a true masterpiece infused with our dedication and hard work. Everyone gave their all to ensure the [video] would captivate our audience and fans. 

A fun behind-the-scenes moment: There’s a one-shot scene featuring Noa and Cédric descending a grand staircase. Despite their best efforts, we had to shoot it multiple times to perfect it. They were exhausted by the end, but their performances were outstanding!

For people who want to listen to more music from artists from Hong Kong, who do you recommend, and why?  
We would like to recommend an artist from our company, KSOUND UNI: Lo Lok. He is a singer with incredible and exceptional vocal skills, capable of mastering songs across various styles. Furthermore, his works deeply resonate with Hong Kong's culture and local issues, which is why we strongly encourage everyone to listen to his music. 

What are your short-term and long-term goals for ALITZ?  
Our short-term goals include earning prestigious awards and continuously improving our performances. We aspire to make our name known far and wide, spreading Cantonese music and Hong Kong’s idol culture to more places. 

Where can people follow you on social media to stay updated about your new music?  
Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and announcements. We also share a variety of content on our YouTube channel, including music videos, vlogs, shorts, and behind-the-scenes footage. 

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourselves or your music?  
The thing [we] want to say to [ourselves] is, “Don't feel tired, since everything you are doing now is something you love, including sharing your voice.” No matter the challenges, we are committed to constant growth and creating high-quality content. Please keep us in your hearts. We are ALITZ!

Check out ALITZ’s first EP here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.