LIL LEAGUE: From iCON Z audition to debut album ‘TRICKSTER’

LIL LEAGUE, one of the freshest additions to the EXILE TRIBE collective, have made an impactful debut with their first major album release, ‘TRICKSTER’, which hit the global stage on February 28th under Avex’s Rhythm Zone label.

Following its release, ‘TRICKSTER’ swiftly claimed the top spot on Ocircon’s weekly album chart, while also securing a notable second place on Billboard JAPAN’s “Hot Albums” weekly chart.

Comprising the talents of Sena Iwaki, Tatsuhiro Nakamura, Kodai Yamada, Matora Okao, Haima Momoda, and Sora Nanba, LIL LEAGUE emerged onto the scene in 2022 after winning LDH’s ‘iCON Z ~Dreams For Children~’ audition.

Since their debut in 2023 with the gold-certified smash hit single ‘Hunter’, the group has garnered a dedicated following with their infectious pop melodies and irresistible stage charisma.

Electric Bloom Webzine recently caught up with LIL LEAGUE to find out more about the album, their creative journey, and the transformative experiences that have moulded the group into who they are today.

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Congratulations on the release of your debut album, ‘TRICKSTER’! How does it feel to finally share your first full-length album with your fans worldwide?

Momoda: I’m very happy to finally release our first album that we produced for you all to listen to. We put all of our energy into it.

‘TRICKSTER’ includes several new tracks. Can you share some insights into the creative process and inspiration behind the songs featured in this album?

Yamada: I think the theme of “front and back” is reflected in the music quite strongly in the album. We were careful about the order in which the songs are recorded on the album, and created the album with the hope that the audience will enjoy both the past and future of LIL LEAGUE.

The album’s opening song ‘Lollipop’ seems to have an intriguing theme. Could you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind this track?

Yamada: As this is the lead single, it’s packed with the themes I mentioned before. I hope you’ll feel the multi-faceted nature that ‘Lollipop’ portrays.

Considering the success of your debut single ‘Hunter,’ how does ‘TRICKSTER’ showcase the growth and evolution of LIL LEAGUE as a group?

Nakamura: They have very different visual and dance tastes. We made it quite dark. The choreographer is the same, but you’ll see a completely different LIL LEAGUE.

The tracklist of ‘TRICKSTER’ includes both new and previously performed songs. How do these older songs fit into the narrative of this album, and why did you choose to include them?

Momoda: Pop and catchy songs are our specialty, and I think those elements are still present in ‘Lollipop’, which has a very different feel to the music. The new songs show a new version of ourselves, so I think it made sense to include both types as a contrast.

Are there any challenges or memorable moments you experienced while working on the album that you would like to share with your fans?

Yamada: The music video was shot overseas, and it was difficult to communicate with the local people. I got confused when I thought the camera wasn’t rolling, but actually it was.

What can you reveal about the album’s 3 bonus tracks? Why did you decide to include these songs as bonus tracks?

Nakamura: ’48 BARS RELAY’ is a self-introduction song, so we recorded it as a way for the audience get to know us through the song. Two of the songs, ‘Tungsten’ and ‘I don’t care’, actually aren’t sung by all six of us, but by two and four members separately. They’re different aspects from the ones expressed in the main songs, so we hope you’ll enjoy listening to them and comparing them.

The album also features live versions and behind-the-scenes content. How important was it for you to provide fans with this additional insight into your performances and creative process?

Momoda: I believe that many fans are curious about what happens behind the scenes at live performances, so I think it’s very meaningful to share this with them. We want everyone to know not only who we are on stage, but also the stories hidden behind the scenes.

As a group formed through the iCON Z audition, how has your journey from winning the grand prix to releasing your debut album been? Has LIL LEAGUE’s identity transformed since your debut?

Yamada: Since the audition, we’ve always thought about being united as a group. Of course, we’ve had some struggles, but I think we were able to release the album because of our shared spirit of working hard toward our goal.

As a part of the larger EXILE TRIBE collective, how has the support and collaboration within this network influenced LIL LEAGUE’s artistic journey and growth since your debut?

Nakamura: I’ve learned how I should approach live performances as a human being through watching and performing in live shows with more senior members of the collective. I’d like to pass on this respect to the people who come to see our performances.

Are there any artists or groups, either within or outside of the EXILE TRIBE, that you guys dream of collaborating with in the future?

Momoda: EXILE. EXILE was the reason why I wanted to become an artist, and I think the reason why I’m able to work as LIL LEAGUE like this now is because I saw EXILE’s performance. Someday, I’d like to collaborate with those more senior members of the collective who I have so much respect for.

In your free time, when you’re not working on music or performing, what are some activities or hobbies that each of you enjoys individually?

Nakamura: I enjoy drawing pictures. I spend time drawing at my own pace while relaxing.

Yamada: I go to cafes. I try to make time for myself by reading at cafes.

Momoda: Cooking. I like to feel the joy of eating something I’ve made myself.

Given the energetic nature of your performances, what kind of preparation and routines do you go through before hitting the stage?

Yamada: We always form a circle before the performance. We spend a lot of time in the circle and carefully unify everyone.

With ‘TRICKSTER’ being your debut album, what message do you hope listeners will take away from the overall listening experience, and how do you envision it contributing to the music scene in Japan?

Nakamura: I think you’ll feel a gap in our music this time because we’ve released mainly pop and catchy music so far. We’re still young and would like to challenge ourselves in other ways. We’d like our fans who listen to this album to join us in searching for our future together.

Considering the success of your debut single and now the album, what are your hopes and expectations for the future, both as individual members and as LIL LEAGUE?

Momoda: We’ve experienced so many things, such as our debut, the concert hall tour, and this album release. We will bring happiness to even more fans in 2024. We hope to make 2024 even more fulfilling than 2023.

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