by HASSAN BEYAZ
Born from the algorithmic pressure cooker of The Debut: Dream Academy, the six-member group KATSEYE – Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae – was built under a global microscope, where every move could be paused, replayed, and scrutinised. But instead of retreating into pop convention, they’ve doubled down on friction on their second EP Beautiful Chaos – blending styles, textures, and perspectives into a project that rejects predictability at every turn.
Across five tracks, the group tackles the mess of digital girlhood with clarity and purpose. From the hyperpop sugar-rush of “Gameboy” to the hypnotic unease of “Gabriela,” Beautiful Chaos refuses to smooth itself out. Themes of obsession, identity, and self-worth thread through the EP, often cloaked in glossy surfaces but grounded by real emotional weight. “Not everything needs to be instant,” Megan tells us when reflecting on the slower resonance of “Gnarly.” It’s a rare sentiment in the age of the skip button – and a fitting metaphor for the group’s own evolution.
That tension – between polish and rebellion, precision and instinct – is where KATSEYE thrives. With collaborators like Justin Tranter, Andrew Watt, and Kristin Carpenter, the EP builds a world where the group moves with a sense of authorship that belies their short time together.
Being “first-of-its-kind” comes with pressure – but also power. In conversation, the group speaks with us not just about themselves, but about the audience they’re shaping this with, and how they’re coming into their own in real-time.
<h3>That tension – between polish and rebellion, precision and instinct – is where KATSEYE thrives. With collaborators like Justin Tranter, Andrew Watt, and Kristin Carpenter, the EP builds a world where the group moves with a sense of authorship that belies their short time together.</h3>
The title Beautiful Chaos suggests you’re embracing contradictions. In what ways has that duality defined your experience as a group so far?
Megan: Beautiful Chaos really captures what it’s like being in this group. There are so many different personalities, cultures, and emotions constantly swirling around us, and it can feel overwhelming at times. But within all that messiness, there’s something really special. We’ve learned to grow through the chaos, to lean on each other, and to find beauty in the differences that make us stronger together. That duality has shaped who we are.
You’ve said the idea of ‘beautiful chaos’ felt comforting. Why do you think chaos became a source of comfort instead of fear, especially as rising artists in the public eye?
Manon: This year we’ve really been focused on being unapologetically ourselves. We’ve learned to embrace the chaos instead of fear it. The best way we can do that is being true to ourselves even when we’re constantly in the public eye.
The EP explores identity in the digital age. How do you each navigate what’s real and what’s curated, especially when the pressure to perform or post is so constant?
Sophia: I’ve allowed myself to take control over what I do about my use of social media and how it is a powerful space. Recently, I’ve decided to see and believe only what I allow myself to. I get the fact that I don’t post as often from the fans a lot, and the real reason is that I have allowed myself not to be pressured to keep up with social media. I want it to be a space where I can authentically connect with EYEKONS on my own terms and timing.
Your global backgrounds are such a powerful part of the group’s story. Did any specific cultural or musical influences from your home countries shape the sound of this EP?
Daniela: Our different backgrounds came through naturally when we were making the EP. It showed up in the way we write, sing, and create. That mix of cultures helped shape the sound and made it feel real and unique.
Have any fan reactions to Beautiful Chaos caught you off guard, in a way that made you see a lyric or song differently?
Lara: I was really happy and pleasantly surprised to see how emotional “Mean Girls” made our listeners. It really gave me a new perspective of the song. There was a TikTok trend where people would put a bunch of beautiful women together over the song, and that always made me so emotional. I feel very deeply about the song now.
“Gnarly” confused a lot of people at first, but it’s since become a fan favourite. After the softness of “Touch,” it really pushed expectations of what KATSEYE could be. What do you think that shift says about listeners, or about how pop music is changing?
Lara: It was really, really interesting to see how fast people's opinions could be swayed; it
was almost like an experiment. To be honest, “Gnarly” is an experiment – yet we are SO in
love with it and literally always have been. I remember a lot of people were like, “I know KATSEYE were forced to do this song.” But no, we have always understood how sick it is and the weird bizarreness of it all. That's who KATSEYE authentically is. I think the amount of switching up we've done with our sound goes to show that you really don't need to be in one specific lane to be successful and resonate with people, or have a “solid brand”. Evolution is beautiful and something that we always want to do.
<h3>"Our different backgrounds came through naturally when we were making the EP."</h3>
How do you feel about making music that might take time to ‘click’ with people? Does that delay feel difficult, or does it make the payoff feel more rewarding?
Megan: Honestly, we’re okay with making music that takes time to click. Not everything needs to be instant – sometimes the songs that grow on you are the ones that stay with you the longest. Of course, the wait can feel a little uncertain, but when people finally connect with it, it feels so much more meaningful. The payoff is deeper because it means they really listened.
The “Gabriela” video plays with telenovela-style drama and over-the-top glam – almost like it’s reclaiming the gossip and chaos that’s followed you. Was that your way of turning outside noise into your own kind of storytelling?
Daniela: We wanted to take all that outside noise and flip it into something fun and powerful. The drama, the glam – it’s all a bit exaggerated on purpose. “Gabriela” was our way of owning the chaos and turning it into a story that we control – not one that’s written about us.
“Mean Girls” has this standout line: “God bless the T girls / And all the in-between girls.” That’s a rare kind of acknowledgement in mainstream pop. How do you hope listeners who don’t always feel seen in pop music hear that line?
Manon: I hope they feel seen. We support all women. That is always our goal. God
bless the T girls!!!
This EP doesn’t shy away from darker emotions, but it never stays stuck there. What’s the emotional through-line you hope people walk away with?
Yoonchae: Even in the darkest, messiest moments, there’s still beauty and meaning. If listeners take away one thing, it’s that chaos can be beautiful, and it’s okay to feel that way.
KATSEYE is often called a ‘first-of-its-kind’ group. Do you feel freedom in that, or pressure? Has that label shaped how you see yourselves?
Daniela: It is an honor to be known as a "first of its kind" group, but it also brings big responsibilities. I believe that we all experience a mixture of pressure and freedom. On the one hand, it's exciting because there is no predetermined model. We get to design something new, fresh, and global, which allows us to be who we are. We know that people are watching, which may be a bit scary but we make an effort to keep our eyes on the goal, and tell ourselves that we are creating room for something new – that is a powerful thing.
You’ve been through every phase of this journey together. What has friendship meant to you during the making of Beautiful Chaos? Was there a moment it really anchored you?
Yoonchae: Friendship was a big source of strength while making this album. We supported each other through the tough moments. It reminded us that we’re more than just a team – we’re truly there for one another.
So much has changed since Dream Academy, especially with Lara and Megan now publicly embracing their queer identities. If each of you could go back and give advice to
your Day 1 selves, what would you say now, standing here as the artists behind Beautiful Chaos?
Sophia: I would definitely tell myself to continue to do her best and stay confident within herself that she will overcome everything. It’s going to be crazy, but for sure she already knows that. I would say to trust her artistry and keep being kind to herself.