There aren't any vampire references in Mixed Up though.
And them referencing their survival show in their debut trailer and tieing it up with their newly introduced vampire concept doesn't have to mean much. Just a simple introduction of the group. Especially since none of their comebacks had any real parallels between the two (if there was I didn't notice). Or at least I can't see how flashbacks of them learning to withstand sunlight, use super powers, having stare downs with werewolfs, and drinking blood etc. has anything to do with the process of going from a trainee to idol. If it just the "transformation" "new experience" thing it's such a small part of everything they're doing with the vampire concept that it's hard to see it as super relevant.
Having songs about getting famous and also a vampire concept doesn't mean the two come as a unit. Hybe wanted the group to have a vampire concept so they have one. They debuted from a survival show so putting focus on their journey to fame makes sense.
I was talking about them dealing with fame when mentioned MIXED UP. I think you have a point, we just interpreted things differently. I see the Vampire thing as a metaphor for being famous and facing a new world = industry. You then became another person (famous = vampire) and you start to lose yourself and not recognize yourself. Different from BTS and TXT they don't have any external content yet so it's harder to understand everything but that's how the members describe their story so I think that's how the company explained it to them. That's why I said Bighit works with metaphors choosing aesthetics that can make their messages more visually appealing. I see a Vampire as a visual representation of being famous. Every time a see the English lyrics for their title tracks I can notice a parallel between the vampire world - the world of fame but it's open to interpretation.
GIVEN- TAKEN - Lyrics with vampire references.
that light burned me
that light blinded me
But I go now, in search of my dreams
My red eyes (for you)
I now turn the world inside out
(stop) I step into the sky
(Me) given or taken, oh
my white fangs
(red blood) in that crown
(That blood) Blood that runs
(Red blood)
BORDER DAY ONE
“Given-Taken” captures an ambitious concept of transformation that is filtered through a supernatural lens, compiling classic horror elements into a twisting narrative. This idea of transformation parallels the seven members’ journeys from being trainees under an international spotlight through I-Land to officially debuting with high expectations resting on their shoulders.
DRUNK-DAZED - Lyrics with vampire references
Even the red-dyed fangs
actually, I'm scared
My reflection in the mirror is weird
CARNIVAL:
“After experiencing our lives as artists, we definitely felt confusion as well as excitement, which fell in line with the subject of this album, carnival.”- JUNGWON
“You can disguise your true identity behind a mask and genuinely enjoy yourself. I think the fact that we’re enjoying this carnival-like world that we entered after our debut perfectly fits into the concept of the album,” - JAKE
DILEMMA:
“As we express our own story of growth as artists, we hope it can be shared with many fans. Our new album also aims to tell stories that everyone can relate to, speaking about experiences and emotions that we all go through, such as confusion in a new environment, dilemma, love, etc." Heesung.
"After entering a multidimensional world, where many values collide, we question our identity while realizing our desires for the first time. The lead single expresses our resolution to put this dilemma aside and dash forward to find the answers."
