How to Master EXO's Most Iconic Lightstick Fan Chants
When thousands of fans raise the silver sphere known as the Phantory above their heads and shout in unison, the experience is one of the most electric moments in modern K-pop. EXO's fan chants are not just noise; they are a language and a unifying ritual refined over more than a decade. From the early debut-era roars of "MAMA" to the smooth refrains of "Love Shot," each song carries its own pattern of shouts and harmonies that fans across the world have memorised. Chanting is also why the group's signature lightstick has become so treasured, because the chant and the glow are meant to work together.
Australian EXO-Ls have built their own vibrant corner of this tradition. You'll spot fans gathering at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion or in Melbourne's Forum Theatre, where JB Hi-Fi stock the latest albums and merch drops travel quickly from Seoul to Australian shelves. Whether it's a casual listen at Bondi or a fan event in Brisbane's South Bank, Aussies bring their own flavour, often with friendly banter and a love of all-night queues. Knowing the right chant transforms a casual listener into a real participant, and this guide walks through the tracks every EXO fan should know.
The Phantory Lightstick and Chanting Culture
The official EXO lightstick, often called the Phantory, is shaped like a small planet and lights up in white during fanchants, switching colours during performances. Its design makes it perfect for the rhythmic waving patterns that fans coordinate from the upper decks to the floor of every venue. Australian fans have grown accustomed to importing the stick through trusted sellers, sometimes waiting weeks for shipping from Korea, but the wait feels worth it when the spheres light up together in a packed arena.
Chanting in EXO fandom isn't simply screaming lyrics. It's a structured practice where fans shout specific phrases, member names, and vocal runs at precise moments. These phrases are rehearsed through tutorial videos, fan guides, and the EXO-L site, which keeps a steady stream of references for newcomers who want to learn the ropes.
Part of the joy of learning chants comes from the way they overlap with the official choreography and vocal line. When you recognise a chant pattern, you can predict what is about to happen on stage, which makes the concert feel more personal. It is the same reason Australians queue at JB Hi-Fi for midnight drops rather than waiting for streaming: physical participation is part of the belonging.
Growl and Call Me Baby: Early Era Classics
"Growl" is widely considered the song that put EXO's chant culture on the map. The track's tight vocal hook gave fans a simple, punchy phrase to chant during the chorus, and the iconic growl ad-lib became the centrepiece. In arenas from Sydney to Seoul, you can hear thousands of voices rising to match Baekhyun's powerful runs, while the Phantorys wave side to side in the dark.
"Call Me Baby," released in 2015, brought a more swagger-filled chant style. The chorus chant is a confident, teasing shout delivered with extra attitude. Australian fans often point out that the song's bluesy undertones pair beautifully with the smoky atmosphere of a Melbourne winter gig, when indoor venues glow warm and chants bounce off the walls.
Both songs share a common trait: they require fans to switch between soft verses and explosive choruses. This dynamic is what makes early-era EXO chants so rewarding. Beginners usually start here because the patterns are simple and the songs are widely recognised, even by casual listeners who might not know every member's name.
Monster and Love Shot: Dark Era Staples
The "Monster" era was a turning point for fanchant intensity. The song's snarling beat inspired a chant that mimics the growl of the title itself, with fans shouting in sync with each hit of the snare. In Australian venues, this is where you can really feel the crowd energy surge, with Phantorys flickering in rapid white flashes that match the rhythm.
"Love Shot," released in late 2018, softened the tone but raised the emotional stakes. The chant is smoother and more melodic, often featuring soft vocalisations that blend with Chen and Baekhyun's high notes. Fans in Brisbane's Riverstage have noted how the song transforms a venue into something almost cathedral-like when the lights dim and the chant rises.
Practising these chants is best done with the official lyric video playing in the background. Many fans in Australia print lyric sheets from fan accounts to study during their train commute. Combining the visual of the lightstick with the audio of the chant helps cement the timing, which is critical during the song's quick tempo shifts.
Ko Ko Bop, Tempo, and Obsession: Group Energy
"Ko Ko Bop" is the song that turned fanchanting into a full-body workout. The chorus chant is a repetitive, bouncy shout that fans belt out while bouncing Phantorys in time. The effect in a packed arena is mesmerising, like a sea of silver planets rising and falling in waves. Australian fans often mention that this is the song where even security guards end up nodding along.
"Tempo" continued the trend with an even more complex pattern. Because the song features all nine members trading verses, the chant includes names called out in rotation, giving it an extra layer of celebration. The track has become a staple at fan gatherings across Australia, including regular meet-ups in Parramatta and Adelaide's Rundle Mall.
"Obsession," from 2019, pushed the chant into theatrical territory. The chorus mirrors the song's antagonistic concept, with fans shouting in a sharp, almost aggressive tone. The choreography involves pointy movements that fans echo with their lightsticks, creating a visually stunning effect across the venue floor.
| Song | Era | Chant style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growl | 2013 | Punchy chorus shouts | Beginners |
| Call Me Baby | 2015 | Confident, teasing | Newer fans |
| Monster | 2016 | Aggressive, snarling | High energy |
| Love Shot | 2018 | Smooth and melodic | Emotional moments |
| Ko Ko Bop | 2017 | Bouncy and repetitive | Group bouncing |
| Tempo | 2017 | Member-name rotation | Group celebration |
| Obsession | 2019 | Sharp and theatrical | Dramatic visuals |
| The Eve | 2017 | Soft, humming | Atmospheric moments |
| Power | 2015 | Bold and declarative | Stadium vibes |
The Eve and Power: Concert Hall Favourites
"The Eve" is the song most likely to make first-time concert attendees cry. Its haunting, orchestral arrangement features a chant that is less about volume and more about feeling. Fans often hum the "lalala" sections in unison, creating an ocean of soft sound that fills every corner of a venue. In Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena or Sydney's ICC, this is the moment where fans feel they are truly part of something bigger.
"Power," on the other hand, is pure stadium chant territory. With its marching-band inspired instrumental, the song's chant is bold and declarative, with fans shouting at the top of their lungs while waving Phantorys in big arcs. It feels like the energy of an arvo at the footy, full of chest-thumping pride and unshakeable joy.
Beyond the chants themselves, both songs are excellent practice tracks for learning how to coordinate the lightstick with the music. The Eve rewards subtle wrist movements and slow waves, while Power demands big, sweeping motions. Together, they offer a balanced workout for any fan wanting to level up their concert presence.
If you have just unboxed your Phantory, picked up the latest album from JB Hi-Fi, or are about to head to your first EXO concert, there is no better time to learn the chants. Practise them at home with the music on repeat, gather your mates for a sing-along, and don't be shy about getting the timing wrong at first. Every Aussie EXO-L started somewhere, and the joy of chanting together is something you can only really understand once you are in the middle of the crowd. So grab your lightstick, warm up your voice, and get ready to add your voice to the global EXO family.