Following the success of their career-accelerating first U.S. performance at a Major League Soccer Match in Los Angeles in October― gathering thousands of fans and media recognition― P1Harmony welcomes the new year with the release of their eagerly anticipated third EP titled DISHARMONY: FIND OUT led by the new single “Do It Like This.”
The boy band is tipped for a massive 2022, after elevating to greater international K-pop recognition―including major accolades like a nomination for “Best Rookie of the Year” at the 2021 MAMA Awards and being selected as a top rising K-pop group from Rolling Stone, Vogue, TIME, Billboard, Forbes, NME, Hypebae, Refinery29 and more.
P1Harmony’s new single “Do It Like This” is an upbeat hip-pop, genre-squashing banger with instant ear-grabbing galactic synths, melodic rhythms, head-bopping beats, as well as stellar, infectious verses, co-written by P1Harmony members Intak and Jongseob, as well as standout moments coming from vocalists’ hypnotic vocals.
Across the six-song EP, members Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Jongseob and Soul flaunt their burgeoning musicality and shine throughout the album with vivid storytelling (with all tracks written or co-written by the band), effervescent, silky vocals and charismatic flow flips.
DISHARMONY: FIND OUT― which is the last part of its trilogy series of previously released EPs: DISHARMONY: STAND OUT and DISHARMONY: BREAK OUT—speaks to the group’s overarching mission of bringing harmony to the world.
An album more light and bright compared to their past releases, DISHARMONY: FIND OUT boasts catchy tracks that span several genres and captures the members’ restless creativity as young musicians. All while maintaining P1H’s defining style of youthful energy, potent lyrics over slick production, and empowering messages to always believe in one’s unlimited possibilities and never ever give up your dreams.
Before 2021 ended, P1Harmony capped off their remarkable year by further showing their status as the future of pop music with new content as part of their metaverse content series called W+W (which stands for “Welcome to T World”). The group released a new set of photos, new-music previews, choreography clips as well as videos highlighting each member and all of the new songs.
Just one year into their career, P1Harmony has already established themselves as one of the more dynamic and exciting K-pop groups with high-quality music and scene-stealing performances and will continue to build on that momentum with a keen focus on connecting with international audiences in 2022 starting with DISHARMONY: FIND OUT.
LINKS
Do It Like This music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPXKWkSVDdE
Spotify EP link: https://open.spotify.com/album/13kHQp4zyK5jBpsFZmTvHz?si=OEhcblt6SdKFlym-WeXWZQ&nd=1
Apple Music EP link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/disharmony-find-out-ep/1602205497
SOCIAL LINKS
OFFICIAL WEBSITE : https://www.fncent.com/P1Harmony
OFFICIAL WEVERSE : https://www.weverse.io/p1harmony
OFFICIAL TWITTER : https://twitter.com/P1H_official
OFFICIAL MEMBERS TWITTER : https://twitter.com/P1H_members
OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/p1h_official
OFFICIAL FACEBOOK : https://www.faceb#ook.com/P1Harmony
OFFICIAL WEIBO : https://weibo.com/P1Harmony
#P1Harmony, #weibo, #newep, #Disharmony, #DoItLikeThis #newsingle #newmusic, #koreanidols, #kpop, #billboard, #Intak, #BestRookieOfTheYear #mamaawards2021, #toprisingkpopgroup, #kpopboygroup, #kpopband, #koreanboygroup, #Jongseob, #Keeho, #Jiung, #Theo, #Soul, #DisharmonyFindOut
On January 3, Korean K-pop boy band UP10TION held an online showcase to mark the release of their 10th mini album titled “Novella” – the group’s first comeback in six months.
Novella includes six tracks “Crazy About You,” “Give Love,” “PANDORA,” “INCREDIBLE,” “FALL,” and “SAD ENDING.”
KUHN: One, two, three.
UP10TION: Tension up! Hello, We’re UP10TION.
Q. How do you feel about making a comeback after 6 months?
KUHN: We’re back in 6 months. I think I was a little more immersed in working on the album because I wanted to show you a little more musical growth when I came back with a new album.
Q. UP10TION has returned with a mini album in nearly six months since its second full-length album was released in June last year! How did you spend your fall and winter?
KUHN: As the weather got colder, I was working on the album, and I was a little more focused. I think I wanted to see HONEY10 a lot, and I think I was a little more careful because of COVID-19.
HWANHEE: In my case, I’ve made music, too. The preparation time for this album was a little long, but we worked harder to prepare it. I spent 6 months looking forward to meeting HONEY10.
KOGYEOL: I think I was able to prepare while feeling excited while preparing for the album.
Q. Please briefly explain the new album [Novella] album.
GYUJIN: The name of this album, Novella, means a novel. So the songs in the album also contain music that continues like a novel. It’s an album where you can discover new charms of UP10TION.
Q. Today is the day the album is released. [Novella] What kind of album is it?
SUNYOUL: This album expresses the process of love with a total of six tracks. ‘Give Love’, ‘Crazy About You’, ‘PANDORA’, ‘Incredible(雪來)’, ‘FALL’ and ‘SADENDING’ are songs where you can feel the storyline of love in six songs, and I personally think UP10ITON and HONEY10 are happy ending.
Q. When it comes to UP10TION, powerful performance! Refreshing sexiness! is the first keyword that comes to mind, and this time I think the atmosphere will be different from before.
HWANHEE: Of course, great performances are natural in this album, and we plan to show adult sexiness. and added a lot of emotions to that. That’s the feature of this album.
Q. Previously, if it was a powerful performance, this time it seems to contain a lot of emotions, but what kind of emotions did you add?
XIAO: As the title suggests, it can be said that a romance novel is expressed in music. We are going to tell you a story through UP10TION’s sweet voice that anyone can sympathize with the excitement, emotion, and pain of breaking up.
Q. It wouldn’t have been easy to capture emotions such as love, excitement, and parting pain, but what thoughts and efforts did UP10TION make to express their emotions?
SUNYOUL: The choreographer’s special request was, “Watch a sad movie or drama the day before going on stage.” I remembered what the choreographer said, so I watched a sad drama the day before.
KOGYEOL: The intro part immediately comes out with a lyrical and sad emotion from the beginning. So I think I naturally focus when I listen to the intro of this song.
[Give Love]
Q. What kind of song is Give Love?
GYUJIN: It’s a song where you can feel UP10TIO’s appeal and emotion. The lyrics are like ballads, but you can feel the excitement of the beat like a dance song. It’s a song with attractive emotional lyrics.
[Crazy About You]
Q. SUNYOUL, please explain what the title song “Crazy About You” is.
SUNYOUL: “Crazy About You” is a song about love that has now become a past tense. The song contains the feelings that loved ones feel while recalling the memories they had together after breaking up. It’s a good song to listen to in the chilly and lonely winter.
Q. Why did you choose “Crazy About You” as the title song, not the dance song you’ve shown so far?
KUHN: “Crazy About You” is the title song because it is a song that has not been shown so far and has a spirit of challenge and greed to digest new aspects well.
Q. When should we listen to “Crazy About You”?
KUHN: Everyone has painful memories of the past. Taking advantage of that sensibility, after a busy work, you can come home with your tired body, take a shower, and listen to a song while getting hit by water, which can lead to a dangerous situation that could explode the water bill.
KOGYEOL: It’s my experience, but it’s so good to listen to on my way home from work. It goes well with the chilly weather like these days, and it’s good to listen to it during rush hour, so I recommend you listen to it on your way home from work.
HWANHEE: I can relate to the lyrics of “Crazy About You” first. When I listen to it by car or subway and pass through the Han River, it’s usually sad. The sadness and emptiness…
Q. Since the title song is “Crazy About You”, I’m curious. Is there anything that UP10TION members were crazy about?
HWANHEE: During this break, I fell in love with food so much. I was so happy to eat. I just felt happy eating delivery food, snacks, and jelly, so I gained 7kg. I took it out now, but… I was crazy about delivery.
XIAO: I’m not now, but I’ve been crazy about ice cream and jelly, so I always eat it when I see it, buy two to three at a time, and eat it instead of rice.
SUNYOUL: I was crazy in the past, I’m crazy now, and I’m going crazy in the future. I really like “Song.” I think I’ll be crazy about the song.
GYUJIN: Personally, I still have aftereffects, but I was crazy about HWANHEE. The charm of HWANHEE is overflowing…
[PANDORA]
Q. ‘PANDORA’ feels the most similar to the image UP10TION has shown! BIT-TO, please introduce yourself.
BIT-TO: PANDORA is a song with a stronger beat than UP10TION’s songs so far. It’s a song that HONEY10, who likes UP10TION’s music, would really like, so I competed with “Crazy About You” for the title song. It’s a strong song that worries you about the choreography just by listening to the beat. I hope you listen to it a lot.
[Incredible(雪來)]
Q. It’s a song that makes your heart flutter like the title ‘Incredible(雪來)’. Kogyeol, what is the song about?
KOGYEOL: It’s a song that expresses the excitement powerfully, although I think the title will make you feel lovey-dovey and excited. If you listen carefully, it’s not as romantic as you think, so it’s a song with an unexpected charm.
[FALL]
Q. I don’t know what it is, but I feel empty. Hwanhee, what kind of song is it?
HWANHEE: You got it exactly! It’s a song that expresses the sadness and emptiness of breaking up. It’s a great song based on band sound.
[SAD ENDING]
Q. Like the title of “SAD ENDING”, the song feels really sad. XIAO, please explain.
XIAO: As the title suggests, “SADENDING” is a song that expresses the pain of parting. It’s an R&B song. And, I participated in writing and composing this song along with “FALL”.
HWANHEE: KUHN and BIT-TO also participated in writing lyrics for all five songs except “FALL”.
Q. Since this album is composed of emotional songs, it would not have been easy to express the performance, but what is the highlight of the performance?
GYUJIN: In the BIT-TO type part of “Crazy About You”, there is a dance where GYUJIN and KUHN express watches, and I personally think that the dance is cool, so I would appreciate it if you could focus on that part.
BIT-TO: In addition, the point of this choreography is the shutter dance that uses hands as if taking pictures according to the lyrics of ‘Crazy About You’.
Q. I wonder what we can expect from UP10TION’s 10th mini-album. Is there anything you want to achieve for the new year?
GYUJIN: Thank you for the question. As it is a title song with a new concept, I hope many people will listen to it, and I will work hard to make it happen. It contains the passion of the members, so please look forward to it.
I hope more people know UP10TION.
KOGYEOL: I’ve done a lot of live performances, and I want to make sure that “UP10TION is a talented team” and “this team has its own strengths.”
Q. I wonder what UP10TION’s unique charm you want to show through this album.
SUNYOUL: It’s been 7 years, and I changed the mood of the song because I wanted to show a new change, but I want to show you a sentimental sexiness.
Q. UP10TION’s members KUHN, BIT-TO, and XIAO participated in writing and composing the song. What do you want them to focus on when they are working and listening to the song?
XIAO: Personally, I have a feeling of my favorite song. Like our title song, I like songs with pretty lyrics and sentimental lyrics. The songs I composed are also filled with pretty lyrics, so I hope you focus on the lyrics.
BIT-TO: I tend to look at the overall atmosphere when I work, and I hope you look at it as a whole again this time.
KUHN: I think I tried to write my part like a poem. I hope you can focus on the emotion of poetry.
Q. Which version do you think suits each UP10TION member the best?
Sequence: KOGYEOL, GYUJIN, SUNYOUL
SUNYOUL: I think it would be better to be happy than to break up.
Still: HWANHEE, XIAO, BIT-TO, KUHN
HWANHEE: The youngest members of UP10TION are now 25 years old. I was an adult before that, but personally, I think I’m a real adult now. So I think carefully that I can show you adult sexiness.
Q. It’s our first comeback in 2022. With UP10TION, we’ll share our new year’s wishes, aspirations, Please let me know if you have any New Year’s wishes and aspirations for each member.
GYUJIN: I want to let many people know about UP10TION. As it came out with a new concept, I hope “Crazy About You” will be a hit.
SUNYOUL: I hope there will be more days to meet HONEY10, and I hope everyone is healthy.
HWANHEE: I don’t fulfill my wishes or goals well, but I hope everyone is happy this time. I hope you have a happy year.
XIAO: It’s natural to be happy and I hope everyone is healthy.
BIT-TO: I hope there will be many opportunities to see HONEY10 up close, and I will do my best to make the performance satisfactory to HONEY10.
KOGYEOL: I hope we will work hard and get good results, and I want to put the first button well.
KUHN: I’m sure there were a lot of people who had a hard time in 2021. UP10TION’s new album “Novella” will be released with the start of 2022, so I hope our album will comfort you.
Q. Lastly, if there is a message of support or comfort through KUHN [Novella], please represent UP10TION.
KUHN: I think you must have had a lot of things to cry about as you spent the end of the year and faced a new year. There may be people who are excited about the new year, but I hope everyone doesn’t forget that they are the main characters of their lives. I hope this year will be a year of dreams, and health is natural. I hope you achieve your small wishes or goals. And I hope it will be a year where we receive the energy of a strong tiger with UP10TION’s new album. Happy New Year!
KUHN: In 2022, Lim In-nyeon and there are two members who were born in the year of the tiger, so we’ll work hard. Dear reporters, I hope that HONEY10s have a happy new year.
UP10TION: Happy New Year! Thank you so much~
—-J.Chung
#UP10TION #Kuhn #Kogyeol #BitTo #XIAO #Hwanhee #Sunyoul #Gyujin #Novella #kpopconcert #kpop #kpopgroup #kpopidol #newalbumrelease #korean #kpopshowcase #UP10TIONshowcase #kcrushinterview #UP10TION10MiniAlbum #januaryreleases #kpopsingers #kpopqanda
One thing I know about ATEEZ is that they deliver. ZERO: FEVER EPILOGUE gives listeners an album full of the classic ATEEZ sound. They really only continue to get better and better.
Turbulence: 8/10
This song is one you can easily feel without looking up the lyrics. ATEEZ has a way of portraying their emotions so well in their voices. If you’re looking for a heartfelt opener, with all the members contributing, “Turbulence” is it! Not only is the melody fantastic, but the lyrics are deep. Look at a few of the lines:
By the rough wind
By the wounded heart
As if the world
only asks me to give up
Only endless darkness
Be With You: 9/10
“Be With You” is a beautiful ballad, full of piano and strings. The lyrics are all about being in love with someone who is cold. They haven’t opened up to you enough to feel your love. One of the lines echoes this theme best: “Cold snowflakes//Withered down//Until you bloom//As a spring flower//I’ll be with you.”
The Letter: 8/10
“The Letter” has a lovely piano, airy vocals, and retro vibes. The sound is unique on the album and is a great reprieve from the intense tracks. I love the lyrics on this one too: As so many hours passed//Countless times we cried and laughed//Just by looking into each other’s eyes//Everyone knows//I’m you, you’re me//You know we’re not apart.
Still Here- Korean Version: 8/10
Originally released in Japanese, this track translated well. The variation in rhythms, instruments, and melodies make this song interesting and a great listen. It also highlights the best of ATEEZ, from their rap to their vocal prowess.
Better- Korean Version: 9/10
Also originally in Japanese, I’m so glad this one made it onto the album. From the lovely falsetto to the upbeat positive melody and lyrics, “Better” is a song to lift your spirits. This song is all about when you feel like you’re not progressing in life and are disappointed in yourself. The chorus reminds you that it’s okay to get disheartened, just don’t stop. You’re getting better, don’t worry. I think this song relates to everyone at some point in their lives and is encouraging to listen to.
The Real- Heung Version: 10/10
This song had me blasting it in the car from the moment I heard it. From the competition Kingdom, ATEEZ knew fans were begging for this to be on an album! This upbeat track is full of energy and displays ATEEZ’s strengths in a way that stands out on this album. For some reason, I always think of Egyptian vibes when I listen to this song’s instrumentals, too. “The Real- Heung Version” has all of the ATEEZ traits on it, from the classic laugh to Hongjoong autotune.
WAVE (Overture): 7/10
With a much more intense version of “WAVE,” ATEEZ performed this on Kingdom as well. When I first heard it, it threw me for a loop. It’s such a different twist on this upbeat and fun track. The electronic & symphonic take to this, making it more of a minor key, was a risk…but one that I think pays off.
WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”): 8/10
I’m so glad this song made it onto an album. Originally in the show Kingdom, this rendition is absolutely stunning! I encourage you to watch the performance if you haven’t already. This symphonic upgrade to “WONDERLAND” does what all “remixes” should, which is having the remix be just as good if not better than the original.
Answer (Ode to Joy) (feat. LA POEM): 8/10
“Answer” is an amazing song to begin with, but has a haunted feel to it in this rendition. I really enjoy the direction they took with this song, making it almost like a rock-n-roll, electronic symphony. Again, this is also from the song Kingdom.
Outro: Over the Horizon: 9/10
ATEEZ makes their albums so thematic. In some K-pop albums, I skip the intros and outros, but ATEEZ always grips me with their versions. “Outro: Over the Horizon” was no different. With a rock-styled instrumental goodbye to the album, I felt myself getting a little choked up. These guys work so hard on their albums, and it really shows in how all the songs work together lyrically and melodically. “Outro: Over the Horizon” seemed to combine all of these traits into one song. I love the words spoken as well:
Desire, obsession, fear, hesitation, self-hatred, trauma, frustration, distortion
Standing on the edge of where our confusions have led us
We are gathered here
The tears and sweat we shed comes back to a river
And it pulls us to this vast world
Can we find it?
Wandering around with this unknown fever
We now rise towards a new path
To a place where I can find myself
To a place where our treasurе lies
It is beautiful spoken words like this that keep me returning. I always make sure when a new ATEEZ album drops to listen all the way through because of how interwoven it all is and the impact the outro/intro has when listened to in one sitting.
Final: 8.5
ATEEZ: FEVER EPILOGUE makes me want to listen to the entire FEVER album series all the way through. ATEEZ are the masters at theming and this album was a wonderful conclusion to their FEVER era. They chose to incorporate some of their best previously released work into one album, with the addition of a few new songs. However, the way in which they added the previously released work felt like almost new tracks! Going from Japanese to Korean and having remixes of some of their previous hits, it gives fans a chance to experience it in all new ways! What a gift to ATINY as we wave goodbye to FEVER!
—-Ellie Boyd
#ATEEZ #FeverEpilogue #Fever #newalbumrelease #ATINY #songremix #OutroOvertheHorizon #kpop #kpopidols #albumreview #Turbulence #BeWithYou #TheLetter #StillHere #Better #TheRealHeung #Wave #Wonderland #Answer #koreanverson #kcrushalbumreview #ZeroFever
This all-English album is full of groovy tunes, amazing vocals, and memorable melodies. With some retro bops, Monsta X prove their musical abilities and how quickly they can get me dancing! Here’s how the album ranked.
One Day: 10/10
“One Day” is a song that I have absolutely loved from Monsta X. It had been previously released and I’m so glad it made it onto the album. Not only is the melody catchy and calming, but the lyrics are relatable too. Check out a few lines from the chorus:
They say hindsight’s 20/20
Maybe I’ll, maybe I’ll see you one day
One day, one day, I will
Yeah, I wish I could’ve made you love me
Maybe I’ll, maybe I’ll feel it one day
One day, one day, I will
You Problem: 7/10
“You Problem” has a great beat that will have you dancing in no time! This is a song that is all about shaking off someone you have feelings for because they simply won’t choose you, and that’s their problem. This track has a great retro groove and is easy to vibe to, making it the perfect go-to song.
Tied to Your Body: 8/10
The chorus has an interesting melody that sticks out on the album. The acoustic guitar is a primary instrument, as well as a fantastic drumbeat over the chorus. I can almost hear Latin vibes in “Tied to Your Body” which fits the lyrics well. This song is definitely reflective of Monsta X’s more mature groove as it talks about being addicted to someone’s body and waiting until you can be with them again.
Whispers in the Dark: 7/10
A pretty pop ballad, “Whispers in the Dark” highlights the amazing pipes of Monsta X vocalists because of the hushed instrumentals. With a simple synth background, it allows the lyrics to also shine. Check out some of the lines:
Whispers in the dark
No, you don’t even know who you are
There’s a price
that you placed on your heart
Oh a black dress can cover your scars
But I hear whispers in the dark
This song is all about those secrets we can keep from our romantic partners. But sometimes, they see right through us. “Whispers in the Dark” is about seeing your partner struggling with their demons and catching glimpses of their secrets without them telling you.
Blame Me: 6/10
I like the retro electronic feel of this song. The electric guitar is the main instrument in this, besides the synth, and it gives it a full sound. The lyrics are a bit risque asking, “Can you blame me for thinking about you naked? Look at you looking like a daydream on my mind.”
Secrets: 8/10
“Secrets” has a great bass groove. This laid back, EDM driven track is a good reprieve in-between heavier melodies. The lyrics are all about a quick burn, someone you go from friends to lovers in a short amount of time with. You know that they have a past and you do too, but want to just “start from scratch” and how you don’t want past experiences to paint how this relationship will go. It’s a valid concern and I don’t think I’ve heard a song address this issue before!
About Last Night: 7/10
“About Last Night” has a great beat and perfect synth; a song about a drunken night out never sounded better. There’s some great percussion moments in the track, too. The lyrics are on-par as well. Here’s the chorus:
About last night
I was undone
God, it feels right
Being so wrong and I realized
All the blurry nights are when I feel alive
Better: 5/10
“Better” has a good groove, but it meshes into some of the other songs on the album. As far as melody, it just doesn’t stand out. This song also drops an “F” bomb, which isn’t extremely suprising as Monsta X talks about more mature content. The best part of “Better” are the lyrics, rather than the actual music.
Blow Your Mind: 6/10
“Blow Your Mind” has a great instrumental with plenty of groovy beats and lead guitar moments. The lyrics focus on wanting someone to take a chance on you and blow their mind. In this particular song, I liked the melody more than the words itself. It’s only 2 minutes long as well, which I think cuts the song off a little too early.
The Dreaming: 10/10
This ballad is beautiful and the soft piano gives an opportunity for the vocals to shine.
The lyrics in “The Dreaming” are incredible, too. When I first heard it, I hit repeat immediately.
Check this out:
If finding the gold is losing the rainbow
The colors are there
They’re not the same though
Maybe you know
The moment you have it
But getting to hold it
Lets go of the magic
If touching the sky is why we arе all reaching
Are we missing thе point?
And missing the meaning?
Is it the knowing?
Is it the seeing?
Or is it the dreaming?
This is a lyrical masterpiece that makes an incredible end to this fantastic album!
Final: 7.5/10
The Dreaming has plenty of songs that are bops. There is also a holistic feel to it, each song makes sense and doesn’t deviate from the theme or tone of the album. Some of the songs lacked lyrical depth for me, and some got swept under the current because of the too similar sound, however there are some strong standout songs on The Dreaming that I’ll be singing for months.
—-Ellie Boyd
#MonstaX #TheDreaming #albumreview #OneDay #YouProblem #WhispersInTheDark #BlameMe #Secrets #AboutLastNight #Better #BlowYourMind #kpop #kpopboyband #kpopidol
#kcrushalbumreview
Singer and songwriter, Zion.T wanted to give his fans a present for the holidays in the form of a new song entitled “A Gift!” which is a jazzy, soulful, soft-pop ballad with touching lyrics. “A Gift!” provides warm comfort and sympathy to soothe a lonely heart to end the year and establish itself as a Christmas love song.
(Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/ctAmUvoDkXE
Zion.T reconnected with long-time producers, PEEJAY, JUNU PARK, and Seokcheol Yun who he has previously worked with to reunite on “A Gift!”. Zion.T also participated in writing and composing the song himself, adding his sincerity to the music.
“A Gift!” comes out on the heels of the success of Zion.T’s appearance on the hip-hop survival hit show, “Show Me The Money 10” for which he was a judge and producer. Zion.T once again showed his ability to produce hits as contestant SOKODOMO’s “Merry Go Round” featuring Zion.T and Wonstein has captivated listeners and remains on top of major domestic music charts more than a month after its release. The success of the show led to Zion.T wanting to gift his fans with a new song and music video that came together in just a few weeks in the form of “A Gift!”.
This is Zion.T’s first release since the collaboration with Gen Hoshino on “Nomad” for the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Soundtrack and expectations are high as to what he will convey with this new song to end a memorable year.
#ZionT #newsingle #AGift #ShowMeTheMoney10 #Sokodomo #merryGoRound #BlackLabel #musicvideo #PeeJay #JunuPark #Seokcheol #jazzy #soulful #kindie #kjazz #korean #GenHoshino #Nomad #dollaboration #musicidol #kpopidol #ChristmasLoveSong
The musical is available today worldwide for fans this holiday season
Premium streaming platform LIVENow announces a new musical, Meissa’s Song, streaming exclusively this holiday season. The show will feature the biggest K-Pop stars to commemorate the 30th anniversary of South Korea joining the United Nations, and will begin airing on December 21st. It will also be available to stream on-demand for two months and cost $15.00 USD. LIVENow has become a leading platform for watching live events such as sport, concerts, theatrical performances, comedy shows and lifestyle classes. Korean-based musical performances such as Meissa’s Song are the latest additions of live events that global audiences can watch wherever they are in the world.
Meissa’s Song will star EXO’s CHANYEOL, L from INFINITE, and Daehyun Jung of B.A.P, and will debut original music with a mixture of K-Pop sounds along with traditional musical elements, all in a first-of-its-kind format.
Fans can watch the musical by downloading the LIVENow app or logging onto their website and creating a profile. As the LIVENow platform expands its roster of entertainment to a wider global audience, this show is amongst many projects in the pipeline for the K-pop space. LIVENow customers can join in with the experience and invite their friends to watch the same event in real time from anywhere in the world.
LIVENow are leaders within the virtual event and experiences space, giving fans access to live and on-demand content across music, sports and entertainment. LIVENow was recently awarded ‘Live Music Innovation of the Year (Platform)’ at the 2021 Music Week Awards for the landmark streams of Dua Lipa: Studio 2054, Ellie Goulding’s ‘Brightest Blue’ and Gorillaz’ ‘Song Machine Live from Kong’.
About LIVENow
LIVENow was founded by Leeds United chairman and founder of Aser Ventures, Andrea Radrizzani.
Previous events on LIVENow include EURO 2020, Celeste: On with The Show, Live From London, theater production Our Little Lives: Shakespeare and Me starring Russell Brand, and an all-new four-part series, Live From Another World, featuring cutting-edge breakthrough bands. The restream of K-Pop sensations Mamamoo and Dua Lipa: Studio 2054 are also available to watch.
- Top European football leagues and EURO 2020
- Australia vs India Men’s International Test Cricket and Big Bash League
- RIZIN mixed martial arts
- The Heineken Cup and Champions Cup
- Ellie Goulding’s “Brightest Blue”, Pete Tong’s “O Come All Ye Ravers”, Gorillaz’ “Song Machine Live from Kong” and American Express UNSTAGED with Maroon 5 and SZA
- One World: Together At Home concert in support of the World Health Organizations Covid-19 relief efforts
#Messiassong #EXO #Chanyeol #L #Infinite #Daehyun #DaehyunJung #BAP #LiveNow #livestreaming #LeedsUnited #AserVentures #AndraeRadrizzani
Japanese rock band tricot released their third major-label album ‘Jodeki’, December 15.
The band have released a string of singles throughout 2021. They kicked off the year with ‘BAKURO’, followed by Japanese TV series theme song ‘INAI’, as well as ‘WALKING’ (produced by NUMBER GIRL member Kentaro Nakao), all of which are included on ‘Jodeki’. The album also features a new recording of ‘Super Summer’, which was originally included on a 2013 compilation album released by revered Japanese label Pizza of Death Records; ‘Tissue’, a song that has a comforting feeling of weakness; and the title track ‘Jodeki’, which offers a playful message from tricot as they are today. The 12 songs collected on this album form a dense work that shows a side of the band that can truly be considered “tricot 2021”.
The band made the bold decision to make the instrumental versions of all the songs and their lyrics available ahead of the album’s release, before anyone had a chance to actually hear most of the songs with vocals included. This led fans to make surprised comments on social media such as, “Will all of those lengthy lyrics for ‘KAYOKO’ really fit into the song?” and, “It’s incredible that tricot can make these songs work so well with just the music”.
The album jacket shows vocalist Ikkyu Nakajima’s pet dog Wicket standing proud in a dog-fighting cape embroidered with the album title, ‘Jodeki’.
From December 2021 into the new year, tricot will embark on their WALKING × WALKING TOUR 2021-2022, which will take them to Europe for the first time in three years and three months. After touring the length and breadth of Japan, they will travel to Europe for 18 dates in nine countries from March 30 through April 22. The full list of dates is below. For ticket details, please visit the official website of each venue directly.
‘Jodeki’ release information
Download and streaming links: https://tricot.lnk.to/Jodeki
CD purchase links: https://tricot.lnk.to/Jodeki_CD
■ WALKING × WALKING TOUR 2021-2022
IN EUROPE
March 30, 2022 (Wed) Brighton Komedia (UK)
April 1, 2022 (Fri) Leicester Firebug (UK)
April 2, 2022 (Sat) Leeds Headrow House (UK)
April 3, 2022 (Sun) Glasgow Stereo (UK)
April 5, 2022 (Tue) Manchester YES (UK)
April 6, 2022 (Wed) Sheffield O2 Academy2 (UK)
April 8, 2022 (Fri) Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach (UK)
April 9, 2022 (Sat) Bristol The Exchange (UK)
April 10, 2022 (Sun) London The Garage (UK)
April 12, 2022 (Tue) Paris Point Ephemere (France)
April 13, 2022 (Wed) Brussels Botanique (Belgium)
April 14, 2022 (Thu) Amsterdam Melkweg (Netherlands)
April 16, 2022 (Sat) Copenhagen Loppen (Denmark)
April 18, 2022 (Mon) Prague Futurum (Czech Republic)
April 19, 2022 (Tue) Budapest Turbina (Hungary)
April 20, 2022 (Wed) Banska Bystrica Zahrada (Slovakia)
April 21, 2022 (Thu) Bratislava Nova Cvernovka (Slovakia)
April 22, 2022 (Fri) Barcelona Sala Bóveda (Spain)
Further details: https://tricot-official.jp/live/tour.php?id=1002045
tricot profile
Japanese alternative rock band tricot formed in the historical and cultural city of Kyoto on September 1, 2010. The band have developed an unusual and distinctive sound that consists of harmonic pop melodies and emotional vocals with complex rhythm. While they are sometimes referred to as a math-rock band, the members themselves are in fact not familiar with the genre; they have arrived at a unique sound of their own imagining.
tricot’s headline concerts often sell out. They have toured in many countries around the world and successfully held a total of 109 shows overseas, including three tours of Asia, two tours of Europe, a supporting slot for Pixies in the UK, and further tours in the US and UK. These dedicated musicians have an active career and devoted fan base throughout the world.
tricot official information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8902.tricot/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricot_band_jp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tricot_band
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Xp4bKmRn8cmAzi0cc66KQ?sub_confirmation=1
Official website: https://tricot-official.jp/
Official online store: https://pro-store.bitfan.id/tricot
– 10th mini album [Novella] will be released on January 3rd.
– The teaser content scheduler, including track list, concept photos, and teasers, will be released.
The group UP10TION confirmed its comeback for January 3, 2022.
UP10TION released the comeback scheduler image of “10th MINI ALBUM [Novella]” on its official SNS channel on the 14th, announcing the schedule of teasers content along with the album release date.
According to the released comeback scheduler, UP10TION will release Concept Photo I, II in groups and individuals, starting with the new album Track List on the 16th, and release various teasers, including three “Sequence Posters” and “M/V Teaser,” sequentially.
In particular, the scheduler a comeback for the first image of the book is implicit in the meaning of novels naturally of the album title [Novella] and stir curiosity and anticipation about this new album is a story.
Every album with colorful performances and concept ‘universal concept idol’ and ‘performance director’ the world of launching new activities through the album’s comeback at the news over the activities of the expectations of fans also intensifying.
Meanwhile, UP10TION’s 10th MINI ALBUM [Novella] will be released through various music sites at 6 p.m. (KST) on January 3.
UP10TION’s 10th MINI ALBUM [Novella], which contains an emotional story like watching a romance novel, will be released on major music sites at 6 p.m. on January 3, and a physical album will be released on the same day.
#UP10TION #minialbum #newrelease #kpop #korean #Novella #musicvideo #physicalalbum #comeback #2022comeback
Gaho is an incredible Korean soloist. He is well-known for his work on Korean Drama OSTs, such as Itaewon Class and Start-Up. His vocal range is out of this world, as well as his songwriting abilities. This debut full-length album has been highly anticipated and is a great listen!
OOO: 9/10
What a great start to the album. This upbeat tune is just what I would expect from a good Gaho tune. Plenty of great melodic lines, unique instrumentals, and fantastic vocals. His style is unmatched and “OOO” shows he didn’t come here to play. This tune perfectly displays why so many people love Gaho.
Lost my way: 8/10
The audio panning in the beginning of this song was a little trippy, but I enjoyed the overall feel of this track. It’s chill and includes more of Gaho’s perfect harmonies.
Right Now: 10/10
The build up to this chorus is fantastic. The orchestral instruments, the backing vocals, the way the chorus explodes…it’s such a great song. “Right Now” displays all of Gaho’s incredible talent and why he deserves to be recognized as one of Korea’s best solo artists. The lyrics are full of hope, running past the obstacles of life. Check out the second verse:
I’m exhausted and tired
A ray of hope
Just been chasing it
Where to go now
I’ll go for it
Until the end of my life
Anyway: 7/10
“Anyway” is laidback and incorporates an R&B feel. The bass in this song really shines as well as the light melody. I can easily imagine “Anyway” featured on a K-drama OST. It’s optimistic nature is a great pick me up.
Rush Hour: 8/10
This track is sure to get in your head, and is likely why Gaho released it as a single earlier this year. “Rush Hour” has varied melodies, an easy feel, great electric guitar riffs, and a happy vibe. Of course, it features Gaho’s well-known vocal range.
Afraid: 10/10
The unique instrumental really shines in “Afraid.” From the synth to varied beats and airy instruments mixed with electronic vibes…this track shows Gaho is a musical genius. The hard work that went into the layering is on full display. “Afraid” sticks out on this album as a go-to song.
Part time lover: 8/10
I felt myself tapping my foot and bobbing my head to “Part time lover.” It’s full of great bass, some groovy electric guitar, and synth. The lyrics aren’t my favorite on this song, but I can’t deny the musicality of it, which is fantastic.
RIDE: 8/10
“Ride” is another track Gaho released before the album. It has plenty of that Gaho falsetto. Pack in some more bass, hard beats, and electric guitar and you’ll end up with “RIDE.” The song is a bop for sure and packs a punch. Here’s some of the best lyrics:
As I circle around you
I’m hoping to be next to you
When no one else is here
So no one else can have you
I’m placing you in my own brackets
I’m not gonna approach you suddenly
I’m seeping into your life, yeah
After this moment
High: 9/10
Gaho’s vocal layering skills are on display in “High.” The song itself feels a little trippy, and will transport listeners to a different place (the kind of stuff really good music does). The whistling in this song was a nice touch, too! There’s even a spot where some trumpets play. Gaho isn’t afraid to jump outside the box musically. He is a true musician.
Crush: 8/10
This is a sweet ballad. Gaho’s soft vocals get a spotlight in “Crush” because of the toned back instrumental. Keeping the background music to a minimum was a great move to allow Gaho’s warm voice a chance to really shine.
Friend: 9/10
The bass in this song slaps! Something I love about “Friend” is Gaho builds the instrumental as the song goes on, and it seems to burst at the chorus. Check out the sweet lyrics in this track:
Four seasons pass
Even if the years pass
Even if wrinkles are deeper
Even if I fall down againI will always believe in us
It’s nothing to wander the road
I cannot stop
Even if I fall down again
Like the moon: 9/10
“Like the moon” is like dancing under the stars. The track has a lovely sway to it and great instrumental, like the rest of the album. The bridge is the highlight on this song, with echoing vocals that almost remind of a good Brian Wilson track. Gaho does not disappoint on this final song.
Final: 9/10
Gaho fully proves his songwriting skill, musicality, and vocal prowess in this first full length album. I hope “Fireworks” is the first of many for him as he is so incredibly talented.
—-Ellie Boyd
2020 and 2021 have been years of rough times, yet many have made the best of them while others, not so much. During the Holidays we may have feelings of uncertainty and sometimes sorrow from lost loved ones or dealing with hard times. We at KCrush America want to offer suggestions of using hotlines or consultations with professionals if life becomes overwhelming. Our fans, friends, neighbors, loved ones as well as our idol biases, we say to you, take a breath, be kind to yourself and never give in to any self-harming ideas. Keep seeking help because your life is worth everything to you and to those that love you!
See our “In Remembrance” article as well as our Suicide.org logo at the bottom of this website.
Happy Holidays to you and your families. We welcome you to continue visiting with us year-round and take lots of time to “Smile!”
–The KCrush America Family
Kalen Anzai released a brand new single “Genjitsu Camera” (featured on Laguna Illumination TVC) on December 15h.
This song co-produced with Charlie XCX carries essences of the recent trend such as Vaporwave and City Pop, yet is packaged to be fresh sounding NEWTRO music. The lyrics written by Kalen herself, is based on the theme “Genjitsu Camera” a brand new retronym.
Retronym refers to a phenomenon in which, for example, how the word “land-line phone” which formerly was simply called a “phone” was created upon the invention of “mobile phones”. A term that is created from an advent of something else that falls in the same category, in order to differentiate them.
“Genjitsu Camera” is a camera with no processing, and is a retronym that was created with the advent of digital cameras with built in filters and effects. What Kalen Anzai intended to voice out in this song is her feelings towards what lies beyond… A phenomenon where for those who strive to live in the world of social media to be who they think they are, those processed pictured are becoming the reality of their alternate selves.
“Where am I in those eyes of these fake lives” is an impactful line from the song.
“Genjitsu Camera” may no longer mean a camera that captures non-processed reality, but it has gone through a cycle to become a retronym that describes one’s feeling of not being able to detach from the altered reality, an altered self, especially for the current gen-z who live on the borderline of reality and virtual world that is becoming more vague every day after day.
Music video premiered simultaneously with the release, is a collaborative work with Gaako who also designed the artwork.
In this “warped” music video, duplicates of Kalen Anzai (Kalen in real world, mirror world and illustrated world) dissolve into the virtual world: the illustrations, to wander around defying borderlines between different worlds, losing track of what is real and what isn’t.
The illustration in the artwork was created by Gaako who is best known for his cyberpunk styled art that portrays the gap between what is real and unreal. Two separate versions of Kalen Anzai dissolved into a kind of virtual word of the illustration (within the illustration there is real Kalen, and Kalen in mirror world)…
This too is an implication of her perception of borderless new world.
———
【Kalen Anzai’s INFOMATION】
“Yoruwamikansei” 2nd track of her 7 consecutive single release now available on streaming platforms
⏬Music Streaming Platforms
https://KalenAnzai.lnk.to/genjitsucamera
⏬Music Videos
【Kalen Anzai on Social Media】
◆Website：http://kalenanzai.com/
◆Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/kalenanzai/
◆TikTok：https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSfbY7s4/
◆Twitter：https://twitter.com/kalen_anzai
◆YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOFXUN-4bc36S1hEhdl3MIg
#jpop #KalenAnzai #GenjitsuCamera #CharliXCX #VaporwaveandCityPop #NEWTROmusic #landline #mobilephone #japanesemusic
Korea’s Popular Rhythm-Based Gaming App Adds K-Pop Group to Platform
SuperStar Series, the global music gaming app which allows fans to play games that are themed on the latest and hottest chart-topping songs, is announcing the launch of a version featuring music from award-winning K-pop boy group THE BOYZ. Starting today, they will have their music featured in the app. The rhythm-based game series recently collaborated with P NATION and ATEEZ’s KQ Entertainment earlier this year. The SuperStar App has already had successful launches in South Korea and the United States. You can download the SuperStar app for free on iOS and Google and enjoy playing along with your favorite top hits today.
To date, Dalcomsoft’s SuperStar Series has over 70 million downloads worldwide. The app features notable existing labels with their artists that are active and within the growing global market had early success in 2014 with major K-Pop labels such as SMTown. Since then, the company has been actively working with over 140 artists, skyrocketing Dalcomsoft’s notoriety with tremendous success. SuperStar launched in the U.S. in July with mainstream artists such as Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Juice WRLD, Olivia Rodrigo, Rae Sremmurd, and more. The app offers a range of highly engaging rhythm-based action games that are dedicated to specific artists and record labels. The platform is the first to utilize original sound sources from the artists, so players can feel connected within the performance they are playing along with. The behemoth gaming series also incorporates an engaging card collection feature, which allows users to collect, level up and upgrade photo cards with the featured artists in the game.
Powered by Korea-based Dalcomsoft, a leading global music gaming entertainment company, was launched in 2014 and since then has released Fourteen SuperStar apps: SuperStar SMTown, SuperStar JYP Nation, SuperStar BTS, SuperStar Pledis, SuperStar Starship, Superstar Woollim, SuperStar IZ*ONE, SuperStar GFRIEND, SuperStar YG, SuperStar FNC, SuperStar KANGDANIEL, SuperStar P NATION, SuperStar ATEEZ, SuperStar BRANDNEW MUSIC and now SuperStar THE BOYZ. THE BOYZ have shown again and again that they’re one of the most unmatched performers of K-pop’s current generation when it comes to showcasing their unique energy. From live high-intensity performances on hit TV show KINGDOM to breathtaking music videos (and with the viewing numbers to prove it), it’s no doubt they have received a warm welcome this holiday season with their third album MAVERICK. To celebrate THE BOYZ fourth anniversary, they have teamed up with The SuperStar to give back to their fans. The powerhouse collective has been on a whirlwind lately having recently scored an award for “Best Performance” at the 2021 Melon Music Awards, completed their three-day concert dubbed THE 4TH and just recently released their new holiday single, Candles – clearly there is no stopping them. The SuperStar App will have more notable artists and songs added to the app in the upcoming months.
#TheBOYZ #MAVERICK #Dallcomsoft #globalmusic #gamingentertainmentcompany #fourthanniversary #Dalcomsoftapp #SuperStarGameSeries #ExclusiveRhythemGame #kpop #kpopgame #kpopmusic #kpopidols #bestperformanceMelonMusicAwards2021 #MelonMusicAwards
J-Pop artists are gaining tremendous popularity in the world among the growing number of Asian artists. Groups like the electro-pop trio Perfume, Arashi, and Scandal all have built a devoted fanbase because of their spectacular performances and music.
Although Asian pop music has been topping the international charts with K-Pop and J-Pop music for a long time, many people might not have heard a lot about C-Pop until recently. Rather than being specifically pop music, C-Pop is an umbrella name that encompasses Chinese pop, rock, R&B, ambient, hip hop, and ballad music. A good number of C-Pop artists are from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Nonetheless, a few artists come from other Chinese-speaking regions, Like Singapore and Malaysia. Like J-Pop a few years back, C-Pop is on the rise, and it is here to stay.
One of the most important factors leading to J-Pop and C-Pop becoming increasingly popular around the globe is Fashion. Thanks to creative fashion stylists, famous Asian pop artists are known for their exquisite fashion sense.
The statement, behind every successful celebrity, is an influential stylist is especially true in Japan and China. Here, there are numerous amateur and professional personal stylists in-store. Moreover, artists trust experts, influencers, and opinion leaders to impact the success of trends significantly. As a result, brands are courting these players because of their allure in upselling goods and flash sales. These expert stylists built their fame by working closely with pop stars and celebrities.
Here is a list of the most influential fashion stylists for J-Pop and C-Pop artists based on their reputation, talent, and social media following.
Fashion Stylists for J-Pop Artists.
Emerging from an industrial and economic boom, Japanese stylists and artists found inspiration in fusing Japan’s explosive consumer technologies and American pop culture. Paying endless emphasis on an admiration for traditional Japanese art along with the forms and principles of modernism through channels of visual imagery, fiber technology, and three-dimensional sculpture, Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake can be credited for establishing the Japanese aesthetic in global Fashion.
Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake challenge conventional ideas and break norms with their unique approach to Fashion, which incorporates art into avant-garde styles to give prominence to new forms of artists fashion movement.
Rei Kawakubo
Rei Kawakubo is a self-made fashion designer well-known for her avant-garde clothing designs and high-fashion label, Comme des Garçons, created in 1969. Her iconoclastic vision placed her among the most influential stylists of the late 20th century.
Rei’s fashion empire blends an industrially inspired socialist work ethic with a somewhat fanatical ambition to design and sell clothing as a constantly evolving product of its socio-cultural surroundings, referencing both Neorealism and Futurism in runway shows and advertising.
Yohji Yamamoto
When Yohji Yamamoto first appeared in the fashion scene, he shocked the fashion world by introducing a gloomy approach to luxury womenswear. His androgynous, feminine avant-garde designs, as well as his worldwide popularity, laid the groundwork for a new generation of East Asian creatives in a world traditionally dominated by a Western style.
Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake is a Japanese fashion designer popularly known for combining Western and Eastern elements in his work. He has been in the industry for over 45 years and has created many outfits for countless J-Pop celebrities.
Miyake creates designs that celebrate the vitality and movement of the human body. Besides his technology-driven clothing designs, Issey Miyake is known for his collection of perfumes and colognes, with L’Eau d’Issey being the trademark.
Japanese fashion designers significantly impact the fashion world and the music industry as their designs disrupt the conventional approach to fashion design.
Fashion Stylists for C-Pop Artists.
Guo Pei
Guo Pei is one of today’s most talented stylists, dressing royalties, celebrities, C-Pop artists, foreign artists, and style icons. She is a Chinese designer, and she is best known for dressing Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala.
In the world of Guo Pei, fabric, texture, and shape blend with meaning. Her designs tell stories which embroidery and paintings have conveyed throughout the centuries.
In China, Li is acclaimed as the “Father of Color Cosmetics.” In the 1980s, he was one of the few dedicated make-up artists, working with A-list celebrities such as actress Gong Li, Li Bingbing, and Joan Chen. Not only has he delivered quality to the Chinese fashion industry, but he has also put top C-Pop artists on the map with his designs. He is also credited with developing world-famous supermodel Lv Yan on his own. In 1999, Li established his own styling business in Beijing, which he grew into a global fashion empire.
Bottom Line
Japanese and Chinese fashion designers are impacting the fashion industry. In addition, they are also making waves in the music industry globally with their designs. J-Pop and C-pop artists’ outfits represent these designers’ creativeness and innovative works.
—-Brea Lynn
#jpop #cpop #stylist #TonyLi #GuoPei #IsseyMiyake #YohjiYamamoto #ReiKawakubo #fashionstylists #cpoptrending #jpoptrending #GongLi #CommedesGarçons #Cpopstylists #Jpopstylists
– MCND, On December 18th, “2021 FANMEETING [MERRY MEET]” will be held!!
– ‘Dreams ★ come true’ MCND, It’s going to be the first offline fan meeting since our fans since our debut!!
The group MCND will hold an online and offline solo fan meeting and spend a special Christmas with fans for the first time since its debut.
MCND released a poster announcing the hosting of its first offline fan meeting 2021 FANMEETING [MERRY MEET] (hereinafter referred to as “MERRY MEET”) through its official SNS account on the 24th.
‘MERRY MEET’, which will be broadcast online and offline at the Unjeong Green Campus Auditorium at Sungshin Women’s University on December 18th, will be a more meaningful time for MCND and fans with a face-to-face performance where MCND meets and communicates with fans for the first time since its debut.
MCND’s first fan meeting, which will be held twice at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 18, will be a precious and special stage for MCND and GEMs under different themes of “MERRY MCND” and “MERRY GEMAS.”
MCND’s first fan meeting “MERRY MEET” will be held twice at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 18, while fan club pre-purchase tickets and online streaming tickets will be opened exclusively at Interpark at 8 p.m. (KST) on November 30. Regular ticket reservations can be made at Interpark at 8 p.m. (KST) on December 2.
Photo provided by TOP Media.
Ticket sales starts tomorrow!
An introduction playlist of the event and spot movie with scenes of the live performances unveiled!
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
Sony Music Labels Inc.
“Sony Music AnimeSongs ONLINE 2022”, which is an online live performance event in the style of a festival with 14 gorgeous music artists who belong to Sony Music Labels, will be streamed live on the 8th and 9th of January 2022 on Stagecrowd.
The tickets will be on sale tomorrow, at noon on the 10th of December (JST).
An introduction playlist of the event has been released in advance of the ticket’s sale. Each of the 14 songs on the playlist have been selected by the artists who will perform at the event. If you hear the playlist, it will be a perfect introduction for you to have an idea of the entirety of this exciting event: the festival of the theme songs of anime.
URL： https://smej.lnk.to/SMASO22INT
【Introduction Playlist of Sony Music AnimeSongs ONLINE 2022】
The opening theme song of TV anime “Sword Art Online Fairy Dance”
The inserted song of the TV anime “Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]”
The opening theme song of TV anime “NARUTO:Shippuden”
M04. Cö shu Nie ‘give it back’
The ending theme song of the second season of TV anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”
M05. Sayuri ‘‘Mikazuki’
The ending theme song of TV anime “Rampo Kitan : Game of Laplace』 E
M06. SPYAIR ‘Imagination’
The opening theme song of TV anime “Haikyu!!”
The theme song of TV anime “Pretty Boy Detective Club”
M08. CHiCO with HoneyWork ‘Sekai wa Koi Ni Ochiteiru’
The opening theme song of TV anime “Ao Haru Ride”
M09. T.M.Revolution ‘INVOKE’
The opening theme song of TV anime “MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED”
M10. TK from Ling tosite sigure ‘unravel’
The opening theme song of TV anime “Tokyo Ghoul”
M11. TrySail ‘Gomakashi’
The opening theme song of TV anime “Magia Record, Magical Girl Madoka Magica Gaiden”
M12. Who-ya Extended ‘VIVID VICE’
The opening theme song of the second season of TV anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”
The opening theme song of the 4th season of TV anime “My Hero Academia”
The opening theme song of TV anime “NARUTO”
A spot movie which contains part of the live performances has also been released today. In this movie you can take a glance at all 14 artists’ performances.
URL：
2022.1.8/1.9 Sony Music AnimeSongs ONLINE 2022 Teaser
Comment footages from the artists will be released in series on official Twitter channel @smasonline, so don’t miss it.
This event will be streamed to 20 countries and regions by simulcast broadcasting through Stagecrowd and through Veeps, a special version which is an edit from both days of the event, will be broadcasted to the world except Mainland China at 7PM (PST) on the 22nd of January.
【Official HP】www.smanimesongs.jp/en/
【Official Twitter】 https://twitter.com/smasonline
【Event Information】
Event Name: Sony Music AnimeSongs ONLINE 2022
Ticket Sales: Starts 10th December 2021
● Stagecrowd
Date / Time: 【DAY 1】 8th January 2022 (Saturday) Opens 16:00 JST / Starts 17:00 JST
【DAY 2】 9th January 2022 (Sunday) Opens 16:00 JST / Starts 17:00 JST
Archive: Up to one week after the end of stream
Ticket Price: 8th January JPY 4,400 (tax included)
9th January JPY 4,400 (tax included)
Two-day JPY 8,600 (tax included)
Countries & Regions:
North/Central America: US, Canada, Mexico
South America : Brazil, Peru
Oceania : Australia, New Zealand
Asia : Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia
Europe :UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain
Ticket Sales URL: https://intl.stagecrowd.live/smaso2022/
● Veeps (Edited Ver.)
Date / Time: 【Edited Ver. DAY 1 & DAY 2】 22nd January 2022 Starts 19:00 (PST)
Archive: Up to 24 hours after the end of stream
Ticket Price: 20 USD
Countries & Regions: Worldwide (Excluding Mainland China)
Ticket Sales URL: https://smanimesongs.veeps.com/
#SonyMusicAnimeSongs #SonyMusic #EirAoiINNOCENCE #SwordArtOnlineFairyDance
#AimerLASTSTARDUST #KANABOONSilhouette #FLOWGO #NARUTO #BLUEENCOUNTPolaris
#MyHeroAcademia #TokyoGhoul #sumikaShakeandShake #PrettyBoyDetectiveClub #Veeps #Stqgecrowd #CHiCOwithHoneyWorkSekaiwaKoiNiOchiteiru #AoHaruRide #Anime #Manga #Animesongs
Choi Ran is a notable Korean screenwriter who began her career as a broadcasting writer at KBS, where she wrote for various TV programs for 15 years.
Winning the Joongang Ilbo Scenario Competition and the SBS TV Literary Award launched Choi Ran’s drama screenwriting career. Choi Ran’s works include, “Iljimae”, “God’s Gift : 14 Days” and “Mouse”.
We would like to express our appreciation to Ms. Choi Ran for this insightful interview and we anticipate to see what she has in store for her drama fans in the future.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Nice to meet you. I am Choi Ran, and I write dramas. I am happy to be able to meet the subscribers in written form like this.
Tell us briefly on how and when you started writing and was this something you wanted to pursue when you were younger?
I began working as a writer after I graduated from university. I didn’t start off as a drama screenwriter but as a scriptwriter. And it wasn’t my dream when I was young, since I didn’t know there was a profession like a writer for broadcasts. But I would win prizes from essay contests since I was younger, so I think I did have some talent when it comes to writing. ^^
I thought about wanting to be a writer when I began work doing activities as a producer at my college broadcasting station during my college years. I would write the scripts and produce the program myself back then, and I think it occurred to me that this work could be something I could enjoy.
Back then, I was thinking of becoming a writer for educational documentaries and whatnot, and not a drama screenwriter. Then after seeing a notice hiring monitor staff at MBC, I applied thinking I’d do it at least for a part-time monitor job, and was offered a place as a writer to my surprise. So, I began working as the youngest writer of PD Notebook. That’s how I got my feet into the world of writers. I worked as a scriptwriter, then I later wished to be a writer who creates her own work, so I worked on a rough draft of a drama, and I got officially into writing dramas after winning a prize at a contest.
If you had to select one of your works that you are attached to the most or that you remember writing the most, what would it be and why?
Every one of my works is like children to me that I bore, so I can’t select one particular work that I’m attached to. Whether it is critically acclaimed or not, they are all equally precious to me. But there is one production that was released to the world after the script was largely distorted, and such work leaves a bigger mark in my heart since I feel so sorry and vexed by it.
How do you like to gain inspiration or ideas before you write?
I laze about and hang out, then things would suddenly come up. ^^
I read books, watch movies, chat with friends, go on trips…
Then a scene or a situation would abruptly form in mind, and thoughts of using that come up. And if it’s something interesting, I would start using my head from then on. Then a little content or a piece of idea can lead to a story.
We had a review of the drama Black on our magazine website, and there seems to be many who are perplexed about the drama’s ending. We are curious to know what your intent was and what you wanted the viewers to take from its ending.
Black remains a hurtful production for me. The drama Black that I had prepared for was generally a melodrama, then it suddenly got to air on OCN, so the whole script from the prologue had to be edited. The original prologue was supposed to start with an animated musical that had kind of like Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas vibe.
Then the entire mood and color got changed so much, then I had a hard time when I was told to reduce the 20 episodes to 16 episodes.
In the end, it was reduced to 18 episodes with much difficulty, but the director never filmed the large sequences and just deleted certain scenes without ever discussing it with me, then the entire content started to crumble.
I was at home watching the last episode, and I fell into a tremendous shock. I had only realized then that the last episode aired something that was completely different to the script that I turned in. The shock and the pain that I felt then still makes my heart ache.
I think for the first time ever, I regretted being a writer as a profession.
I still feel upset whenever I think of Black, and I have never been able to watch the drama again due to being so hurt inside.
For any writer, the drama’s ending is an especially important part, but to have the entire script edited without any discussion with the writer and ruining a production, is something unforgivable.
Through the drama Black, I wanted to fundamentally contemplate ‘death’ and talk about the essence of ‘love’. That was all expressed well in the script.
Please share with us your philosophy or mindset as a drama screenwriter.
I am cautious not to waste screen time. And not to write something that people don’t enjoy watching. I want to write a drama that will make the viewer so entertained that they wouldn’t know the time was passing by. Something that will not even make them leave to go to the restroom.
After they’ve completed watching, I hope it lingers in their heart and they’d realize what the writer was trying to convey to them.
What is your opinion about more and more K-dramas being recognized globally these days, and what do you think is the secret of a successful drama?
Well… First, Korean dramas are entertaining. I sometimes watch dramas from overseas on Netflix and others via OTT, but they don’t seem to be that entertaining to watch.
Unlike in the past, I think Korean dramas tend to continue trying out new subject matters and experimental contents.
Mouse was selected by Series Mania in the International category, so I was in Lille, and I could sense the popularity of the drama through the conversations I had with the audience and from having interviews with the press.
When I inquired why they liked Mouse to that extent, I was told that the people in France were very interested in psychopath gene, and they expressed that they wanted to debate about the topic on whether they’d have a baby that would be born with a psychopath gene or not.
The emergence of a lot of new subject matters and topics found in the current Korean dramas which the whole world can relate to, may be the reason for the popularity. And one of the assets that Korean writers have is that they are very good at expressing human emotions.
I don’t think the productions from overseas are very detailed at expressing emotions in that way.
When God’s Gift : 14 Days was adapted in America, I did ask the person in charge of the drama at CAA why they were remaking God’s Gift : 14 Days, and the person mentioned ‘maternity’ and that American writers can’t seem to express maternity in such a desperate and touching way.
If I might cautiously suggest, the main reason why Korean dramas are being highly acknowledged these days is because the fresh experimental stories blend with the universal emotions well.
Is there a reason why you prefer open endings?
[Warning – Spoilers]
People do often say that I prefer to have open endings, but that’s really a misunderstanding. I usually shut the endings tight.
In God’s Gift : 14 Days, Dong-chan dies, and Black dies in Black, and Ha-ram who remembers black dies and goes into heaven alone.
And in Mouse, Bareum repents of his sins and dies from the side effects of a brain transplant.
I don’t really understand why they refer to these as having open endings. I think people tend to misunderstand because of the other versions that I add on the scripts as a bonus or supplementary story.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on something? Let us know about any of your hobbies, interests, and ways of relieving stress.
My nickname is the sofa ghost. I am usually lying on the sofa when I’m not working. ^^ I enjoy hanging out by myself in the house.
But these days, I am a bit bored of having fun alone, so I try to reach others but they’re all busy to be hanging out with me. I think I am the only one doing nothing these days. I have to find work fast… ㅠㅠ
As I get older, I feel that my physical strength isn’t like before so since realizing that I need to keep up the strength in order to write longer, so after Mouse wrapped up, I’ve been learning to do diverse sports including boxing, tennis, golf, pilates, physical training…
Please recommend any movies, dramas or books that you’ve enjoyed.
I like the movie Love Actually. I watch it every Christmas like an annual event. I feel happiness coming over by just watching it. That doesn’t really suit me, does it?
I enjoyed watching an American drama called The End of the F…ing World. It’s about a boy who believes that he’s a psychopath, and the witty production, music and the main character’s acting are all worth seeing.
I also remember reading a novel titled Puppet Master for 3 days without doing anything else. Although the novel is about a cruel murder case, it leaves you with lingering emotions at the end.
We are curious to know what kind of genre or issue you would be writing for your next work.
People tend to call me a writer with a set genre, but I do not want to be bound by a particular genre. My dream is to write about the things that no one has thought about and stories that don’t exist in the world.
Please say a word of advice to the people who are wishing to become writers.
A good story doesn’t come up just because you’re sitting down and putting all your might into it. Don’t try so hard to write, but just enjoy imagining. An exciting imagination will eventually create a new story.
Having an ingenious content is what’s hot these days.
Think of something creative and provocative that no one else has thought of. And write it with enthusiasm!!! Without verifying things yourself and have self-pride!
– J.Chung.
#ScreenwriterChoiRan #ChoiRan #Drama_Black #Drama_Mouse #Drama_Iljimae #Kdrama #OCN #Netflix #CAA #MBC #Monitor #screenwriter #dramawriter #KoreanDramaWriter #PDNotebook #kdramafan #kdramaactor #kdramaactress #kdramawriter #kcrushblackreview #ChoiRanInterview #kcrushreviewofblack – Unpopular Opinion: Hated Black’s Ending? Well, You’re Wrong (kcrush.com)
Brave Girls with Brave Entertainment will be hosting a long awaited concert at Olympic Hall in S. Korea on January 15th and 16th, 2022. Pre-order and general tickets will be available soon.
⏰ 2022.01.15 – 2022.01.16
📍 Olympic Hall
🎟 Pre-Orders (선예매) 2021.12.13 8PM
🎟 General (일반예매) 2021.12.15 8PM
More information will be available soon.
Also, for as long as they last, you can now purchase the official Brave Girls’ “Light Stick” starting today, the 8th of December at the following link they provided:
(Buy) 구매하기 🔗 https://bit.ly/3y8pTTV
#BraveGirls #BraveEntertainment #concert #kpop #kpopgirlgroup #kpopidols #kpopgroup #OlympicHall #Januaryconcert #tickets #BraveGirlsconcerttickets #danceperformance #kpopsinger #kpopmusic #concertannouncement #korea #BraveGirlsLightStick #lightstick
International phenomenon and China’s top pop idol LAY (Lay Zhang) releases his new single Bee With You today by Zhang Yixing Studio on all streaming platforms. LAY personally took part in writing the lyrics and composition hoping to convey his emotions and feelings to his fans. The hit-maker is known for integrating familiar Chinese instruments and cultural metaphors with the soul of “Western music” plus top-notch modern production techniques, mixing English and Mandarin.
LISTEN TO “BEE WITH YOU” BY LAY
VISUALIZER TO “BEE WITH YOU” BY LAY
The single instantly grabs your attention with opening dynamic instrumentals before going into a mesmerizing soothing melody with a rhythmic flow. The R&B sound has a reminiscing tune from the Honey era. Lyrics like “I have seen a lot of scenery along the way, and you are the most beautiful one, accompanying each other, rushing towards the same direction” tell the message of how much gratitude LAY has for his supporters who have accompanied him on the long road. This story is a gentle reminder of his journey yet magnificent celebration for how far he has come.
LAY has been on a whirlwind this last two years after joining forces with Steve Aoki and will.i.am for the 2020 hit cross-cultural collaboration Love You More, reaching #1 on the QQ Music China chart. He then released a string of hits with an album, an EP and solo singles overseas further propelling his international star power. He has been and continues to be a household name in Asia. He is one of the most beloved stars in the region with a loyal and highly engaged 51 million followers on Weibo and over 13.7 million followers on Instagram. As a solo artist LAY’s career has skyrocketed from tremendous success becoming the highest-ranked Mandopop star on Billboard 200 chart and the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes Top 60 in the US with his third solo album NAMANANA. Outside of music, he is a powerhouse in the acting world of TV and film, hosted multiple top-rated reality shows in Asia and is one of the most awarded artists in China.
Last year, LAY released the hit album LIT and its title track of the same name. The digital album made over 30 million yuan in just 7 minutes 19 seconds after its release on QQ Music in China. Most recently, he released the EP EAST that featured his renowned “M-POP” style telling a story of LAY’s spiritual growth in his career using oriental elements and symbolic identities.
ASSETS
(credit: Zhang Yixing Studio)
ABOUT LAY
LAY (Lay Zhang) is a multi-talented Chinese artist, producer, singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, fashion muse, and philanthropist. He is China’s current top #1 idol becoming the highest-ranked Mandopop star on Billboard 200 chart and the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes Top 60 in the US with his third album NAMANANA. His big screen debut was the romantic-comedy film Ex-Files 2 and he won the Best Movie Original Soundtrack at 16th Top Chinese Music Awards for the film. His first solo single What U Need? debuted at #4 on China V Chart and Billboard’s World Digital Songs. His EP Lose Control stayed at #1 on Billboard’s China V Chart for 6 weeks in a row, reached #1 on the Gaon Album Chart, and reached #4 on Billboard’s US World Albums Chart. His second album Lay 02 Sheep broke five records on QQ Music, reaching Diamond Record in 9 hours and 11 minutes. His third album NAMANANA debuted at #21 on Billboard 200, ranking first on World Albums and Independent Albums chart. In 2019 he released a digital EP titled Honey and its title track of the same name in June. The EP reached over 1.87 million digital sales in just three minutes after its release on QQ Music in China. In 2019, LAY was invited as China’s Promotional Ambassador to attend the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. He reached unprecedented success when tickets for the concert at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China had sold out in eight seconds, while the stop in Nanjing, China had its tickets sold out in twenty-five seconds. He debuted in the music industry as a K-Pop idol with best-selling group EXO.
#EXOLay #Lay #EXOFan #QQMusic #BeeWithYou #SongforFans #Namanana #BillboardChina #BillboardWorldAlbumsChart #kpopidol #kpop #LoseControl #Honey #ChinaPromotionalAmbassador #61stAnnualGrammyAwards #BestMovieOriginalSoundtrackaward #Mandopop #LayZhang #MPOP #SteveAoki #Wil.i.am #LoveYouMore #CPop #Korea #China #bestselling
Known to many for their hit, “Teardrop,” SF9 is back with an amazing mini album. This is full of their classic EDM but also mixes in some R&B and calming ballads.
Trauma: 8/10
SF9 opens this album strong! “Trauma” has a great beat, deep lyrics, and a showcase of each member’s vocals/rap. This song has EDM as well as R&B vibes, and focuses on a love that is struggling to stay alive. Check out the lyrics to the first verse:
Love, once hot, shatters
Cold as ice
Pushing me away
Tangled like spiderwebs
Our connection reaches the end, oh no
The melody and darker tone of “Trauma” displays this feeling perfectly.
Memory: 9/10
With soft rap, simple yet elegant piano, and strong base, “Memory” is a song on this album that made me hit “repeat.” It’s not that there’s a spot that is super catchy or sticks in my mind per say, I just love the vibes on this song. It seems to stick to the theme of the album thus far, with lyrics like, “Time is short//Let’s keep on a bit longer//Even if I hold on to my heart//This growing longing…” and “Will you go, will you let me go now? Even if I call for farеwell that holds me, memory, mеmory baby.” This ballad is a shining track for SF9.
Dreams: 7/10
“Dreams” consists of airy vocals, fast-paced beats, and a loud, upbeat vibe. This song feels really unified, each member of SF9 contributing their skills. Also, the group chant in the chorus is one of the best parts of this song! As far as the theme of “Dreams,” it is about a longing to be with someone. There are barriers involved and obstacles to be overcome, but you still believe you can become one someday. And until you are with that person, you’ll meet them in your dreams. This song has some of the best lyrics on the album because of this heartfelt and honest sentiment.
Gentleman: 5/10
This song wasn’t my favorite, as it just doesn’t feel unique enough for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good song but it cannot compete with others on the album. The lyrics also don’t impress me, as they feel pale in comparison to the more colorful wording of previous songs. Check out the chorus:
‘Cause I’m your gentleman
Need your gentle kiss
You see now, our higher love only for the two of us
I guess you get it
I guess you get it (Yeah)
‘Cause I’m your gеntleman
Need your gentle kiss
Closе your eyes and feel me baby
Cuddle me baby
Like a gentleman, gentleman, gentleman
On And On: 8/10
This soft song reminds me of something I’d hear on a K-Drama OST. The gentle lyrics and relaxed melody is a great reprieve from the more intense tunes. A good album recognizes the need for balance, and “Rumination” does this. This song is all about not forgetting your love with someone, even if you are separated. Lyrics like, “You remember the day we first met//We both were purely allured//The day that came to me like fate//I remember that day//Every single day” and “Can we be together until the day we close our eyes?” really make this song a beautiful ballad.
Scenario: 8/10
“Scenario” is a fast-paced song and it reminds me of a song that would play during an action movie or mystery drama. When I first listened to this track, I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. But as the song continued to play, I grew to like it more and more. The rap ending was the cherry on top to sell this song to me! The vocals really shine on this track, too, as well as the fun beat. I can easily see myself working out to this or staring out a car window imagining my big heist. The lyrics of this song are all about falling deeper in love with someone and going round and round in their entanglement.
For Fantasy: 9/10
This ballad is lovely. The melody is the most memorable on the album and is full of heart. The pre-chorus says, “There’s only one, you, you, you, will I protect. My everything is, you you, it’s for you. You know, I felt like I’m carrying the world. The joy of my days where happiness sits: it’s you with precious memories.” This song has an additional meaning, because SF9 fans are called Fantasy. A dedication to Fantasy for their support and love was the perfect way to wrap up the album. My favorite lyric from this track is “Every day won’t be sunny. I will become the sky where you can be happy.”
Final: 8/10
Overall, this is a great mini-album. The only song I can really fault it for is “Gentleman.” It just didn’t live up to the high standards of the rest of the tracks. However, “Rumination” is still set to thrill SF9 fans with plenty of bops until their next release.
—-Ellie Boyd
#SF9 #Rumination #albumreview #kpop #Trauma #ForFantasy #OnAndOn #newalbum #randb #EDM #korea #boyband #kpopmusic #kpopalbum #Memory #KCrushReviewItRateIt
Rollers are the newest beauty and accessory trend overwhelming the South Korean peninsula and is increasingly creeping its way through the global fashion fabric. Fundamentally, these plastic cylinders are just but hair tools meant to bring out hair curls of diverse sizes and volume depending on the usage. Creating curls especially for one’s hanging bangs is quiet understandable given that the hair can be discomforting when it blows allover on one’s face all day. Curling the bangs is also associated with complementing one’s overall facial outlook by giving a flattering head shape overloaded with cuteness.
PRISTIN’s Zhou Jieqiong
Nonetheless, bangs are seemingly portraying a deeper sense in addition to the usual beauty aspect. South Korea is known for its high beauty standards ingrained in the perfection culture where one is expected to suit every other persons’ preferences and expectations of thems. Although the beauty standards are still prevailing, the culture of pleasing everyone around; fellows and strangers, is increasingly facing a backlash and defiance from the 21st century’s younger generation. This generation has taken up a different attitude refusing to be pulled into by the previously prevailing strict South Korean conventions. Living a carefree life and choosing to look your best only to the people that matter is the new ideology that these trendy hair rollers convey. Gone are the days where women had to not only do their hair and makeup out of sight, but also worry about the judgmental societal perspective on every aspect of their lives.
Lee Jung-mi attending President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment trial
In addition, symbolizing defiance and sense of confidence; in a bit to live care free of societal judgments, this plastic cylinder is now bringing out another inspiring aspect regarding women, especially in the Asian peninsula. This aspect is related to a highly respected figure, Lee Jung-mi, who once attended court proceedings with rollers still rolled in her hair. The then acting chief justice walked into President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment trial in pink plastic cylinders stuck in her hair. Interestingly, the eminence of rollers upgraded from not only a symbol of beauty and sense of confidence, but also an emblem of hard work. The argument was that Lee Jung-mi was so busy -as a family and career woman- that she forgot to remove the remaining rollers during her preparation session. This incident further skyrocketed the confidence of wearing rollers out in public even as several prominent personalities globally started rocking their rollers in snap shots across social media platforms.
Apink’s Namjoon
The recent COVID-19 pandemic forced individuals globally to stay at and work from home for quite an extensive period. The shift of focus from other things to sorely surviving the pandemic resulted in most people losing their guard regarding some previously upheld standards on various aspects, including beauty. Although people still paid attention to the basic beauty standards, the pandemic caused a ripple that saw a change in preference to more natural and simple looks. Rollers have since then gained a wider reception on a global scale making it the latest trend in the beauty and fashion world. Whatever the inspiration is; be it for confidence or voluminous curls among others, these plastic cylinders are indeed a look worth trying.
What about this, would you rock rollers out in public places? Give us your opinion and thank you for reading.
—-P. Earlkh
#koreanfashiontrend #koreanfashion #kpopfashion #korea #hairrollers #haircylinders #koreanhairfashion #kpopidols #kdramaidol #voluminoushair #fashionstatement #fashiontrend #fashion
Powerful vocal Korean soloist, Lee Michelle has returned with what some are calling a “Groovy R&B” sound with her digital single, “Lost In You,” released in the U.S. and worldwide on December 2, 2021.
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes at this posting with many other music platforms coming onboard within days.
Do not forget Lee Michelle’s heart felt album, “Day By Day” released in 2020, can also be heard on Spotify and other platforms.
#LeeMichelle #KoreanSingerLeeMichelle #LostInYou #DayByDay #pop #kpop #krandb #kindie #digitalsingle #newrelease #LeeMichellenewrelease #spotify #applemusic #itunes #koreanartist #koreansinger #koreanidol #LeeMichelleWithoutYou