prove it • stray kids

23 | first song

nyla asher

[korean]

"To start, there's that song she made after hearing GOT7's song 'Turn Up,'" Riley points out.

The 3RACHA members nod in understanding as I open the file and play part of the song for them.

Jisung speaks after, "It's really good. Plus, the upbeat vibe could leave a good impression on PDnim."

I shake my head to signify I disagree and quietly say, "It's an old song."

"In that case, let's hear some of the other stuff you made," Suwei tells me.

I focus back to my laptop and nervously navigate to the folder where I stored my favorite drafts of songs. Sharing this music with 3RACHA is nerve-wracking: They're great at making music; I probably seem like an amateur to them.

Playing the first of the three tracks that I decided to show them, I await their responses.

"This is much more melodic. Definitely my style," Jisung tells me. I think he partially said that because he wanted to help Felix make me feel more comfortable around them, but the compliment meant a lot coming from a songwriter like him anyway.

I lightly smile at him, "Thank you."

"Wait," Suwei turns to the three boys, "The first song you guys made on the show became your title track, right?"

The boys nod, so she continues, "Does that mean that if the three of us debut together, this could be our first released track?"

They exchange a glance in consideration, "I suppose so. Unless PDnim doesn't have you guys release predebut music."

I look back at my other song options, "Guess we need something more upbeat and original."

Clicking on another song, I let the more upbeat notes travel through the room.

"This is title track material," Chan states.

Changbin nods, "For sure, but let's listen to the third track you had just in case."

I play the final option for them.

"I think the second one is best for our first track," Riley says.

The other four agree.

"Does anyone have lyric ideas?" Suwei asks Riley and I.

Riley shrugs, "I have all those random lyrics in my phone."

"Okay. I have a vocal lesson to get to, but let's work on this later," Suwei says while gathering her things before leaving.

Riley stands up as well, "I'm going to work on my dancing. I'll send you some lyrics, Nyla. See you guys later."

Chan also gets ready to leave, "I told Jeongin I would help him with training, so I'm out too."

I wave goodbye to the three and look to Jisung and Changbin, "You guys don't have to stay if you don't want to."

Changbin smiles at me, "It's okay. Can we help you with the song?"

"And help you not be shy?" Jisung adds.

I let out a small laugh, "Okay."

The two boys begin to help me organize lyrics and add extra sounds to make the song sound complete. We end up spending a few days going through multiple drafts of the song and recording a guide to show the others later.