K-Pop (General Discussion)
- Thread starter hakkangin
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Re: Korean Pop
Korean entertainment needs to do some market research before they push Asian girl groups on us. Fact: Singing with your noses and having half your lyrics be onomatopoeia are automatic disqualifiers from the US market. Not to say I'm not guilty of liking some of it, but I consider this a glitch in my otherwise mainstream musical sensibilities.
I think I like this Lips song, can't quite tell yet. The video makes me feel like I'm in a collapsing building with all the shaking! Maybe a collapsing Playboy Mansion.
I think Big Bang could have a successful crossover to the US if done right - they speak great English from what I've heard and their music, with a little tweaking, is pretty true to an American sound.
Korean entertainment needs to do some market research before they push Asian girl groups on us. Fact: Singing with your noses and having half your lyrics be onomatopoeia are automatic disqualifiers from the US market. Not to say I'm not guilty of liking some of it, but I consider this a glitch in my otherwise mainstream musical sensibilities.
I think I like this Lips song, can't quite tell yet. The video makes me feel like I'm in a collapsing building with all the shaking! Maybe a collapsing Playboy Mansion.
I think Big Bang could have a successful crossover to the US if done right - they speak great English from what I've heard and their music, with a little tweaking, is pretty true to an American sound.
Re: Korean Pop
I'm just gonna come out and say it.
Asian pop can be interesting, but countries like Korea and Japan are very conservative, and conservativeness inhibits creativity. When you get down to it, there's very little variation or innovation in Asian pop music.
Nothing happens in K/J/C pop that isn't happening in the West and isn't happening in a more interesting way.
There will never be anything like a Japanese "Can't Get You Out of My Head" or a Korean "LES Artistes", or a Chinese "Hung Up" for instance.
I'm just gonna come out and say it.
Asian pop can be interesting, but countries like Korea and Japan are very conservative, and conservativeness inhibits creativity. When you get down to it, there's very little variation or innovation in Asian pop music.
Nothing happens in K/J/C pop that isn't happening in the West and isn't happening in a more interesting way.
There will never be anything like a Japanese "Can't Get You Out of My Head" or a Korean "LES Artistes", or a Chinese "Hung Up" for instance.
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Hitori
Re: Korean Pop
I think being conservative doesn't hinder one's creativity.
DiscoBlue said:
I think being conservative doesn't hinder one's creativity.
Re: Korean Pop
I agree. I don't think the conformity in Asian pop derives from a lack of individual creativity but rather from the ridiculous and oppressive marketing/endorsement structure of the industry. Artists that escape said death grip actually do put out interesting and innovative stuff, it's just much harder to come across whereas in the West it seems quality innovation is rewarded, even if only at the grassroots/internet level. Such artists in Asia seem to be marginalized and shunned by the entertainment behemoths like Avex and Johnny's Entertainment in Japan and SM (I think it is) in Korea which seem to have monopolized access to the airwaves. Similarly entrenched (at least looking at Japan) are their political structures. There's alot of opinion, especially in light of stagnant economies and the like, that this whole enmeshed system psychology needs to be overturned and shaken up.
But that's really getting off point I think.
That said, I do like alot of Asian music. Some of it happens to be amazing. But I think it's fair to say that what is most visible of it is not innovative.
DiscoBlue said:
I agree. I don't think the conformity in Asian pop derives from a lack of individual creativity but rather from the ridiculous and oppressive marketing/endorsement structure of the industry. Artists that escape said death grip actually do put out interesting and innovative stuff, it's just much harder to come across whereas in the West it seems quality innovation is rewarded, even if only at the grassroots/internet level. Such artists in Asia seem to be marginalized and shunned by the entertainment behemoths like Avex and Johnny's Entertainment in Japan and SM (I think it is) in Korea which seem to have monopolized access to the airwaves. Similarly entrenched (at least looking at Japan) are their political structures. There's alot of opinion, especially in light of stagnant economies and the like, that this whole enmeshed system psychology needs to be overturned and shaken up.
But that's really getting off point I think.
That said, I do like alot of Asian music. Some of it happens to be amazing. But I think it's fair to say that what is most visible of it is not innovative.
Re: Korean Pop
I think with K-Pop, the industry follows trends closely so much that it seems there is no innovation/creativity. Entertainment companies there are quite risk averse, they just give what the 'netizens' demand. If anything, Epik High would be one of the few in the business who holds on to the creativity control of their music. Despite all that, I still think K-Pop is awesome though.
Another reason why I love K-Pop is that they have weekend music shows for artistes/groups to promote their songs (UK needs to bring back TOTP, CDUK etc.). And they always have the most amazing sets. For example, Lee Hyori's U-Go-Girl performances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_fVxKdg_x8&fmt=18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK1ia80HSf4&fmt=18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PCpHrUviVw&fmt=18
I love how they really make an effort to bring something different to each performance.
In addition, at times they have what it's called a 'Special Stage' whereby there may be a collaboration or they would have 2 groups sing each other's hit songs. I wish I could see Girls Aloud perform Push The Button and Sugababes, Biology.
I think with K-Pop, the industry follows trends closely so much that it seems there is no innovation/creativity. Entertainment companies there are quite risk averse, they just give what the 'netizens' demand. If anything, Epik High would be one of the few in the business who holds on to the creativity control of their music. Despite all that, I still think K-Pop is awesome though.
Another reason why I love K-Pop is that they have weekend music shows for artistes/groups to promote their songs (UK needs to bring back TOTP, CDUK etc.). And they always have the most amazing sets. For example, Lee Hyori's U-Go-Girl performances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_fVxKdg_x8&fmt=18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK1ia80HSf4&fmt=18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PCpHrUviVw&fmt=18
I love how they really make an effort to bring something different to each performance.
In addition, at times they have what it's called a 'Special Stage' whereby there may be a collaboration or they would have 2 groups sing each other's hit songs. I wish I could see Girls Aloud perform Push The Button and Sugababes, Biology.
Re: Korean Pop
Yes, it has to due with industry demands for sure, and playing it safe obviously pays off because artists continue to be successful.
But what I'm talking is, the cultures of these countries are so conservative (especially) sexually and manners are still so important compared to the West, that the culture simply precludes any major changes.
Innovation requires shock value, and from the top down - something "wow" from a major star, a star who speaks and everyone hears.
In a culture that makes no room for shock value, innovation cannot follow.
Yes, it has to due with industry demands for sure, and playing it safe obviously pays off because artists continue to be successful.
But what I'm talking is, the cultures of these countries are so conservative (especially) sexually and manners are still so important compared to the West, that the culture simply precludes any major changes.
Innovation requires shock value, and from the top down - something "wow" from a major star, a star who speaks and everyone hears.
In a culture that makes no room for shock value, innovation cannot follow.
H
Hitori
Re: Korean Pop
But when it comes to music videos, Asian MVs are better (just my opinion).
But when it comes to music videos, Asian MVs are better (just my opinion).
H
Hot_Mess29
Re: Korean Pop
Yeah they don't have that shock value but what they do put out is still amazing and perfectly constructed; I also love the styling, Big Bang are refreshing in a world full of boybands in suits .
Yeah they don't have that shock value but what they do put out is still amazing and perfectly constructed; I also love the styling, Big Bang are refreshing in a world full of boybands in suits .
Re: Korean Pop
Korean videos are amazing!! And the performers really put an effort into their live TV appearances, I've never seen one lip synced performance!!
I never was into boybands as when I was younger but I'm obsessed with BIg Bang.. everything about them is just so cool!
LOVING Se7en at the moment.. started a post about his new tune for breaking America.. Girls.. ft Lil Kim but it died offed after like 3 comments! boo! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT2W-SXSHMA
they've apparently spent big on his album but his stuff is getting no attention in the States..
I think him and BoA should concentrate on European markets, as I think America is a bit less open to change esp with hip hop & r n' b
Korean videos are amazing!! And the performers really put an effort into their live TV appearances, I've never seen one lip synced performance!!
I never was into boybands as when I was younger but I'm obsessed with BIg Bang.. everything about them is just so cool!
LOVING Se7en at the moment.. started a post about his new tune for breaking America.. Girls.. ft Lil Kim but it died offed after like 3 comments! boo! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT2W-SXSHMA
they've apparently spent big on his album but his stuff is getting no attention in the States..
I think him and BoA should concentrate on European markets, as I think America is a bit less open to change esp with hip hop & r n' b
Re: Korean Pop
I disagree with this. Kumi Koda, for an easy example, has taken slut pop to new levels that even Britney hasn't dared go to. Her video for Juicy is pure filth. I think that despite the fact that yes, manners and eitquette are still veyr important parts of eastern culture, they're not as conservative as you'd think when it comes to music.
I also disagree with the earlier post that the pop from Japan and Korea is less 'experimental' than Western pop. Some of the songs Namie Amuro has released recently have been pretty 'out there' for a supposedly mainstream pop star...
Also, thank you xoxo; got the english translation.
I disagree with this. Kumi Koda, for an easy example, has taken slut pop to new levels that even Britney hasn't dared go to. Her video for Juicy is pure filth. I think that despite the fact that yes, manners and eitquette are still veyr important parts of eastern culture, they're not as conservative as you'd think when it comes to music.
I also disagree with the earlier post that the pop from Japan and Korea is less 'experimental' than Western pop. Some of the songs Namie Amuro has released recently have been pretty 'out there' for a supposedly mainstream pop star...
Also, thank you xoxo; got the english translation.
H
Hitori
Re: Korean Pop
I like the indie band Nell.
I like the indie band Nell.
Re: Korean Pop
I've never heard of Nell but I'm curious so I will check them out.
Here's a couple of songs by newish girl group After School. They are supposedly modeled after the Pussycat Dolls. Musically the two groups aren't similar in my opinion (After School's current sound is electro dance pop) so I guess the company just went for the 'look'? Anyway, 'Ah' was their debut single which I find okay. Their latest single 'Diva' which I quite like includes a new member in addition to their previous five.
Ah - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u04F4lDWxmQ
Diva - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIZP3ILTN3U
I've never heard of Nell but I'm curious so I will check them out.
Here's a couple of songs by newish girl group After School. They are supposedly modeled after the Pussycat Dolls. Musically the two groups aren't similar in my opinion (After School's current sound is electro dance pop) so I guess the company just went for the 'look'? Anyway, 'Ah' was their debut single which I find okay. Their latest single 'Diva' which I quite like includes a new member in addition to their previous five.
Ah - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u04F4lDWxmQ
Diva - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIZP3ILTN3U
Re: Korean Pop
Love this one... but WTF at the lyrics! They're always so bad when they have English subs:
Hahahaha
It's not as good/bad as this one though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l8ao-N1u1c
xoxo said:
Love this one... but WTF at the lyrics! They're always so bad when they have English subs:
Hahahaha
It's not as good/bad as this one though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l8ao-N1u1c
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Hitori
YG TAKING OVER!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsy_m6xk1xw
LOLLIPOP IS NUMBER 1 NOW!!!!!
BIG BANG/2NE1 TAKING OVER!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsy_m6xk1xw
LOLLIPOP IS NUMBER 1 NOW!!!!!
BIG BANG/2NE1 TAKING OVER!!!!
Re: Korean Pop
Yep it is an ad for a Cyon (LG) phone. I like the song 'cos my lovely T.O.P, who usually only raps, sings part of the chorus. His husky deep voice is just pure sex.
And this reminds me of a song they (Big Bang) did for FILA a while back. I think it's awesome that sometimes Korean singers/groups would release a song for the product/brand they are endorsing. Anyway here's the song, it's called 'Stylish'.
Stylish - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIySV4loyYo (Audio only)
Something else to share about Big Bang, it's a solo by their youngest member Seungri (born 1990). I pointed out his age only 'cos I'm amazed by how young some of the people in K-Pop are. The youngest that I'm aware of is someone born in 1994, from girl group Kara. That makes her only 15 this year which I think it's crazy! Anyway back on topic, I think Seungri's 'Strong Baby' is quite good for a solo debut although the 'Crack, Crack' part is hilarious!
Strong Baby - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvOEYPd0aCQ
Hazuki, the screen caps you posted are hilarious! Especially the Rain one, HAHA! I've never noticed such things only 'cos I rarely look at english translations of songs.
Yep it is an ad for a Cyon (LG) phone. I like the song 'cos my lovely T.O.P, who usually only raps, sings part of the chorus. His husky deep voice is just pure sex.
And this reminds me of a song they (Big Bang) did for FILA a while back. I think it's awesome that sometimes Korean singers/groups would release a song for the product/brand they are endorsing. Anyway here's the song, it's called 'Stylish'.
Stylish - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIySV4loyYo (Audio only)
Something else to share about Big Bang, it's a solo by their youngest member Seungri (born 1990). I pointed out his age only 'cos I'm amazed by how young some of the people in K-Pop are. The youngest that I'm aware of is someone born in 1994, from girl group Kara. That makes her only 15 this year which I think it's crazy! Anyway back on topic, I think Seungri's 'Strong Baby' is quite good for a solo debut although the 'Crack, Crack' part is hilarious!
Strong Baby - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvOEYPd0aCQ
Hazuki, the screen caps you posted are hilarious! Especially the Rain one, HAHA! I've never noticed such things only 'cos I rarely look at english translations of songs.
H
Hitori
Re: Korean Pop
Doesn't that make you excited for 2NE1? Like they're the Female Big Bang! Can't wait for their debut on May. Their first single is rumoured to be titled Madness, but that's just a rumour.
Doesn't that make you excited for 2NE1? Like they're the Female Big Bang! Can't wait for their debut on May. Their first single is rumoured to be titled Madness, but that's just a rumour.