“We’re setting who we want to be, no matter what anyone says,” Camila said. “We’re our own person and we decide who we want to be.”

This four-member girl group, composed of Lexi, Camila, Savanna and Kendall, debuted under the JYP Entertainment label on Aug. 7. They later released their first single, “Commas,” a song Camila said embraced more than just confidence.

“It’s a song that shows and really relays the message of self-worth and not needing validation from anyone else,” Camila said.

To match the message of self-worth and confidence, Savanna said the red and black theme used in the music video symbolizes boldness and power. 

“It’s kind of like a statement color, popping out and catching people’s eyes,” she said. 

Despite being trained in the system of K-pop production, this song along with GirlSet’s reintroducement gravitated toward Western influences, such as collaborating with American producers’ Tommy Brown and Theron Thomas. 

However, Lexi said they still incorporated the performance and choreography aspect of K-pop.

“It’s the whole hybrid that kind of makes it so beautiful and makes the creation what it’s supposed to be,” she said. 

GirlSet is not only a girl group, but a diverse band. Camila said this aspect itself is both a responsibility and an inspiration because the band’s goal is to represent their cultures. 

“I know there’s a lot of little girls, Latinas, that are looking at us and being like ‘Oh, wow, if they’re doing it, I can do it too,” Camila said. 

Although a four-member group, they initially debuted as VCHA, a six-member girl group formed by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records through the show “A2k” or America2Korea on Jan. 26, 2024. Despite this, Savanna said they remain united.

“Our drive and determination and just the fact that we can just rely on each other and support each other and share that common goal,” Savanna said. 

While it can be challenging not being influenced by past and current girl groups, Camila said staying true to their group’s vision is what will aid them.

“We still take influence and inspiration from past girl groups because it’s kind of like we’re following their footsteps and just keeping the essence of girl groups in general,” Camila said. 

Additionally, as GirlSet, the members immersed themselves in the production, such as songwriting, according to Lexi.

“Being involved in incorporating ourselves and fully resonating with what we want to release and what we want our sound and our concept to be has been super big and important to us,” Lexi said. 

Camila said much of their songwriting inspiration comes from their personal experiences. However, she especially admires Ariana Grande’s song production process.

“I love seeing her behind the scenes of how she stacks her harmonies and her vocals, and I feel like her melody choices too,” Camila said. 

Aside from “Commas,” GirlSet said they have much planned and are looking forward to the release of their upcoming projects. 

“People are finally gonna get to see our side and how we feel about everything and I think it's gonna make people connect with us more and kind of understand us more,” Camilla said.