Saltie but Sweetie: cignature’s Recipe for Musical Growth and Fun
Since their introduction to the world in 2020, cignature have made a name for themselves with their constant energetic, vibrant concepts, colorful music videos, and catchy pop tracks. They’ve stayed true to that reputation and cemented their claim on the summer season with their fifth EP, Sweetie but Saltie released on June 10. This summer-themed album follows in the footsteps of their 2023 EP, Us in the Summer, delivering fiery tracks about the excitement of falling in love to brighten the already blazing season.
“I hope all listeners dive into cignature’s refreshing charm through this album,” said main vocalist SEMI.
In an exclusive email interview with EnVi, cignature members —JEEWON, SEMI, CHAESOL, SELINE, CHLOE, and DOHEE — opened up about Sweetie but Saltie, behind-the-scenes moments, and their success with summer concepts.
Main vocalist BELLE did not participate in this album or interview due to her role as the leader of project girl group UNIS from SBS’ idol survival program Universe Ticket.
Sweetie but Saltie
Making for the perfect summer soundtrack, the four-track EP Sweetie but Saltie immerses listeners in a sizzling season filled with romance as the lyrics explore the highs and lows of being in love. DOHEE told EnVi, “Since this album was released in hot summer, I hope [listeners] feel refreshed and cool as soon as they listen to it.”
The project begins with the pop tune “I like I like,” where cignature sing about being unsure if their crush reciprocates their feelings, despite it being obvious to others. Set against a lush string arrangement, the song recounts a girl meeting a boy, with her friends encouraging her to pursue him and assuring her that he feels the same. The EP features both Korean and English versions of the track.
“For the Korean version, we focused on bringing out a cute and lovely vibe,” rapper and vocalist SELINE explained. “For the English version, we recorded it as if we were having honest and sincere conversations with our close friends, and I hope our fans would also notice that subtle difference. It’ll be fun to compare both versions while listening!”
Lead vocalist JEEWON added, “We also have a TikTok challenge for the English version, and I suggest everyone give it a try!”
The EP flows into its title track “풍덩 (Poondung),” capturing the thrill of diving headfirst into love with a splash. With its groovy rhythm and energetic synths, the vibrant pop song evokes the warmth of summer while offering sincere exploration of young love.
“Our title track, “Poongdung,” began with the idea of targeting summer. That is why we incorporated the word ‘풍덩,’ which can be translated to ‘splash,’ the sound of falling in water. It is a cool song about falling in love just like falling in water,” vocalist CHLOE explained.
“It was inspired by a peak of summer, hence we came back with a refreshing concept that is perfect for summer,” JEEWON added. “We focused on inviting all listeners to have a cool summer with “Poongdung” and fall into cignature.”
The EP takes a poignant turn with the emotionally charged track “Melody.” Moving away from the upbeat summer vibes, this song dives into the heart of cignature’s musical journey. With its entrancing melodies and evocative chord progressions, the track offers a raw reflection on their experiences as a group. Lead vocalist CHAESOL described the song as an expression of the members’ “sincerity and desperation for music,” capturing their deep connection to their craft.
““Melody” carries our own story; we have conveyed our considerations in music and determination as cignature through its lyrics, and it felt like we were delivering our sincerity to our fans,” CHLOE shared. “As soon as we heard the song, we were excited that it was so beautiful and sentimental, and we looked forward to the final version that would be completed with the members’ pretty vocal colors and ability.”
From the Studio to Lisbon
In the music video of “Poongdung,” cignature bring summer to life in the stunning city of Lisbon, Portugal. Bathed in bright sunlight, the group’s free-spiritedness is on full display as the members frolic in the sand on the beach, their smiles as sunny as the weather. The girls’ carefree energy is complemented by playful details such as the stickers adorned on their bodies, cheerful beach ball tosses, and a dazzling fireworks show. With its lively visuals and joyful atmosphere, the music video brings the bright song to life in a refreshing, upbeat way.
“I was very happy to film in front of beautiful scenery in Portugal, and all the members had a lot of fun filming,” SEMI said. “One memorable behind-the-scenes moment was when we were all running along the beach. It was difficult to run because our feet kept [getting] stuck in the sand, but we laughed the whole time and had much fun despite the challenge.”
The Lisbon shoot was a testament to the members’ resilience and positivity. Their recollections capture the dual nature of a shoot filled with both lighthearted moments and unexpected difficulties. CHLOE echoed this sentiment, reflecting on how the team’s resilience turned an unexpected setback into a proud achievement.
“For me, the most memorable moment was dancing group choreography with the members in the middle of Lisbon’s beautiful scenery,” CHLOE conveyed. “We, along with staff members, lost our luggage on the way to Portugal which presented the unexpected challenge of getting new outfits in a rush, but the final video came out even better than expected so I was very proud.”
Cignature’s positive outlook and determination during the music video shoot extended into the EP’s recording process, which SELINE and CHAESOL found equally rewarding.
“I think I enjoyed the recording process the most, which began first when preparing for this album and ended up taking the longest time to complete,” SELINE expressed. “Each of the members’ voices was delivered well, so I couldn’t wait to share the album with our fans.”
CHAESOL echoed this sentiment, “Every moment of creating the album was enjoyable. It was fun to dance pair choreography, and most of all, I was very excited to meet signfans with another summer track!”
On Stage and Off: cignature’s Journey of Growth
When it comes to their favorite songs to perform, the cignature members each have different top picks. SELINE shared she loves performing “Poongdung” because she enjoys interacting with signfans, fans of cignature, through the energetic fanchants.
JEEWON expressed, “I love “Melody,” and I remember feeling emotional while listening to my members’ voices during the live performance of the song in front of our fans at the showcase.”
The group held its first-ever in-person showcase to celebrate the EP’s release in Seoul, South Korea. SEMI recalled, “It was very exciting to hold our first in-person showcase, and I felt happy throughout the event.”
She continued, “The first performance of the showcase, “I like I like,” is the most memorable for me, and I was very grateful to hear so much support and words of congratulations from our fans on site.”
For DOHEE, the most memorable moment of the showcase wasn’t a song performance, but rather the heartfelt conclusion. “The moment when we all held each other’s hands and took a bow to the audience at the end was the most memorable. I felt emotional to bow while hearing cheers from our fans, friends, and family,” she shared.
Reflecting on their growth as a group, CHLOE observed, “I believe our teamwork has improved a lot, and that comes from our endless work in both group and individual practices. Personally, I studied my own gestures more diligently by watching the performance of other members.”
This dedication to self-improvement is a common theme among the members and has been key to their progress.
“Sometimes, it’s mind-blowing to see how we can work together so well without having to share any words,” CHAESOL noted. “I also work on myself in areas like vocal ability, dancing, and stage manners!”
Four years since their debut, cignature’s growth in communication and personal development highlights their indirect synergy. Their dedication to teamwork shines through in every performance as they showcase the deep connection they’ve managed to build over time.
cignature’s Range: Beyond the Summer Concept
Cignature has become synonymous with summer vibes, thanks to their knack for crafting lively and feel-good songs just in time for the season. When asked about their success with summer-themed music, DOHEE mentioned, “Usually, a bubbly and cute song would come to mind when one thinks of a summer song, and I believe cignature is excellent at delivering such an atmosphere. I think that is why many people love our summer songs.”
CHAESOL added, “We’re eager to be called as ‘a group that’s perfect for summer’ and ‘summer queens.’ As much as we’re ambitious, we’re confident in showcasing our refreshing side well so we always give our shot at the concept. Also, we hope everyone’s summer cools down with cignature’s music.”
While they’ve mastered the summer concept, cignature has also embraced quirky and mature introspective themes. Among their diverse concepts, both SELINE and JEEWON revealed the title track from their 2021 second EP, Dear Diary Moment, is their favorite. On the song “Boyfriend,” the members delivered a nuanced portrayal of love against a smooth, melodic pop-R&B instrumental.
When it comes to concepts they would like to experiment in future projects, SELINE said, “I’d love to try moody songs like the ones included in the second mini-album. I believe we can pull them off even better now!” JEEWON added she’d like to try more easy-listening tracks and groovy music.
What’s Next?
As cignature looks ahead, the group is gearing up for a busy second half of the year filled with exciting activities and new content. “As always, we’ll be involved in many activities such as festivals, events, and content on YouTube and TikTok this year, so please look forward to us in the latter half of the year!” JEEWON shared.
DOHEE emphasized, “We’ll continue to work hard in many areas including festivals and events, and we ask for your continued love and support!”
In a closing message to fans, SEMI said, “Dear EnVi readers and signfans, thank you so much for sending your love and support from afar. cignature will work hard with various activities, so please look forward to our endeavors! Love you.”
Keep up to date with all things cignature by following the group on Instagram, X, and TikTok. And be sure to check out Sweetie but Saltie on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music.
Want more exclusive interviews with your favorite artists? Check out EnVi’s interview with Xdinary Heroes here!
