Music and desensitisation

After more than a month of not being able to use my computer due to some personal reasons, I returned to it and could not contain my joy just like a kid who had lost his dearest toy and was reunited with it.
In that period of time, I was also somewhat estranged from j/kpop and tv-dramas. Only watched bits and pieces on TV when I could.
I strongly felt the absence of kpop in my life but, much to my surprise, it didn't turn out to be such a bad thing after all.
Sure, I was behind on so many new songs coming out and I kept making lists of all that I was interested in for when I could finally use my pc and watch/listen to it all. (I refused to watch new releases on my phone as I considered it would hinder the all-around quality of my experience).
So, being back at my pc, I found myself, shyly returning to the world of kpop, a bit overwhelmed by the aforementioned releases I had missed during my absence.
And, what shocked me the most was that I, somehow became more picky about what I wanted to hear (I was like that before too but not to this extent - might be a professional defect or something). The smallest hint of autotune in a song would put me off and ruin my whole liking of that song, for example. Or a poorly prepared voice that wasn't fit for that particular song would make me put the song on hold, or a too synthetised instrumental would take away from the beauty of the song and so on. I found myself not having patience with poorly executed music more than before.
And then it hit me. It wasn't necessarily that I had become more sensitive and picky but that before my break I became somewhat desensitised to all these details that were now irking me.
And I remembered reading an article about this same experience a few people had, some of them being musicians while others purely fans of music in general.
Being exposed to music everyday has two options. One is to become extra sensitive to some details to the point of not being able to listen to a specific piece altogether or becoming so used to it that it's something you come to accept.
And here's another (kind of) downside: if the music keeps lowering its standards and is being pushed to the listeners' ears, they will, in time, become used to it to the point of considering it normal and even starting to like it.
It's said that the industry (no matter its purpose) caters to the buyer's needs. Well, I call bullshit on that. The buyer/listener (in this case) will chew what they're given. The industry is responsible for shaping the listener's ear and taste in music. The industry is the one that tries out new ideas and ships them out to the public wrapped in daring boy/girl groups or solo artists who can also dance an amazing choreography putting the music in the background.
It's hard to keep a moderation and be able to maintain a level head when we're almost constantly given new songs, new groups, new concepts (which aren't that new but they're refurbished for the newer generations). So, how are we to keep a keen sense (eyes and ears) on what we're given when even our tastes are modified, most of the times without our knowledge?
This break I took (although unwillingly) has proven itself to be quite the eye (and ear - yes, I know I made this joke-ish before) opener. I can only hope I'll be able to maintain it for a longer period and that maybe, I'll also be able to take some much needed breaks and refresh my musical taste just so that I can keep a level head.

A small rant about N.Flying's Kwangjin

Kwangjin doesn't need to prove his innocence. Those who accused him need to come forward with proof (that's how the justice system works). I've said it before and I'll say it again: innocent until proven guilty. There's also another thing to consider.
How some people may understand, interpret and act upon certain things we say is ALWAYS out of our control. We aren't responsible for what others will do.

An idol is just as human as any other of us. He is just as free to express himself as any of us are.

Anyone saying otherwise is simply stating that freedom of speech is dead.

That being said I will support (as I said before) kwangjin and being a fan of N.Flying since their debut, I choose to support him and the boys and not fall into the pit of doubt.
He is a man and a human and, just like any other person, he's bound to make mistakes in his life. I will believe FNC's statement and choose to stay by N.Flying and kwangjin's side.

"he who is without sin should cast the first stone".

There was a similar case these days where a fan tried to accuse jungkook of bts of trying to Dm a foreign fan and chat her up. And armyz stood by his side without a shred of doubt and accused the fan who tried to stir up the trouble.

I wish nfias would've done the same...
Before there's any proof, nfias should've been by kwangjin's side. I'm so sad to see how some nfias choose to act and how they say they're not choosing a side but they're clearly doubting kwangjin. I wish they would stay silent until we have solid proof of his wrongdoings.

About lipsyncing and the pride of singing live

Seeing some people talking about things they know nothing or close to nothing about is both funny and frustrating. On the topic of singers (not only kpop idols) singing live there's a whole lot more people don't know about. Let's get methodical about it, shall we?

The diaphragm and the abdominal muscles, no matter how well they are trained, will move if the body is moving creating gaps in the consistency and constant flow of air, thusly leading to pauses in the spoken or sang voice. Since the voice is only produced by the vocal chords that, through friction induced by the air flow, create sound, if the air isn't constant or altogether missing, there will be no sound. As such, if a singer will jump, run and move around more than walking, it will all lead to an imbalanced sound.

It's very normal to see singers using the advantages of lipsyncing and it's quite ok.
An idol, singer, performer is there to perform and put on a good show that will please the audience and bring in money and future events. This means that a show cannot have singers singing off key because they're out of breath (which, again, is a perfectly normal and natural thing when you move and talk or sing at the same time) thus leading to a displeased audience.

An idol is just that, an ideal image. And to keep that image, sacrifices and compromises need to be made.
Now, as a musician with over 30 years of experience and constant training, I can assure anyone that I'd rather go see a performance where idols lipsync but dance flawlessly rather than see them suffer all the while torturing my ears in their attempts to sing live.

On a different note, having to go through a live show or even to record a performance is very demanding for the body and a lot of that fatigue will first be noticed on the throat and voice. So, imagine, if you will, having to have daily performances and having to sing live in all of them. No matter how well one is trained, that will ruin a person, the needed time to recuperate being longer depending on how big the damages are. 

Also, the music industry, be it Korean, American or whatever you wish, won't take the chances of having displeased audiences. Too much money are involved and too many people's jobs are at stake. So, don't be all so righteous about who sings live and who lipsyncs and just enjoy the show.

Thoughts of a Kpopper noona/ahjumma

Hello, again!

I wondered long and hard if I should or shouldn't write something about this issue that keeps circling my head ever since I began my kpop journey.

I discovered the Korean music, kpop among them, over 18 years now and, at some point I became a noona kpopper (noona = older sister) heading straight to an ahjumma kpopper (ahjumma = older lady).

While I, personally, am not bothered by this aspect there have been people, of course, younger than me, asking me why I still like kpop at my age. Haven't I outgrown it yet?

Yet?

Is music something to outgrow?

Being a musician, I was always fully aware of the fact that a person changes their music tastes over the years and what yesterday seemed like an awful song, is today's favorite and vice versa. (will return to this later on or maybe make another post about it)

"Ok", came the next question, "but what about liking groups that have members younger to much younger than yourself?" 

What can I say? Refer to the ever-changing musical tastes (that aren't that ever-changing but let's suppose they are). I mean, what is most important for me, is the music. Only after that come the fan-like attitude and such.

Only if I'm interested in their music, will I pay attention to the members of a group.

"What if you'll end up becoming the fan of one or more members of said group?" came another question.

Well, now, this is something I cannot decide fully. Yes, by this age, I do have something of a preferred type of people, some that contain the features (both physical and mental) that attract me and, perhaps, an age I'm comfortable of considering, again, attractive. And that is, maybe, why I can be a bit more detached and objective about what and whom I like among the plethora of groups that swarm the kpop universe. 

Even so, there would be times where I get swayed and sucked into liking this or that group or member of said group a bit more than I know I should.

Because it's only normal for that to happen.

Reality kicks in again, soon and strong, and detachment rears it's head in astute protection. But with that reality kick something else appears. Softer, more diffused but, without a doubt, present. Questions and a smudge of regret fill for a few moments my head. "why was I not born later?" "why must I be older?" "even if I met them, nothing could happen, most of all because I'm older than they are. I wouldn't make an impact as to be remembered by them" (noona feels, as they say). "I could never exist in their universe. Then, why I am dreaming about this scenario?" (because, let's face it, everyone dreams, somewhere deep -or not that deep- inside that they'd make an impact in an idol's life, that they'd become at least acquaintances or be remembered by the idols somehow).

 And then, it all becomes clear, once again. This is nothing more than a product that is sold. Those groups and their members (leaving music aside) are images created especially with the purpose of capturing one's emotions and making them want more. It's how the industry works. Make a product so good that the buyer will think they absolutely need it in their life and they can't live without it. While this is all a very good strategy, there are huge flaws in it.

"What about discovering a person, among all those you like in those groups, that speaks out to you in a manner you didn't think possible? What if that person impresses you beyond expectations and you yearn to meet them?"

Oh, dear. There would be many, plausible scenarios. But, the truth is, I have no idea. I don't think I'd want to meet them (I did meet some kpop groups and it was an interesting experience. Maybe I'll talk about it in another post) because, you see, I created an image in my head and that's the one I'm crazy about. If I were to meet the real person, the persona in my head would be shattered to pieces and I'd be left without a dream, a safe haven to run to, so to say. And, of course, even if the real person were almost exactly like I imagined them to be, it'd still be something akin to pain for me because I know that nothing were to come of my meeting them other than me being one of the way too many fans. Or, who knows... Let's keep hope up.

Even so, with all this turmoil (?), it's something that's a big part of my life and that, for now, I don't want to give up. 

 
There are so many things I am tempted to write about concerning this subject.
What do you think? Should I continue the story of a noona (soon to be ajhumma) kpopper?
If you have any questions or recommendations, feel free to write to me and share your ideas with me.

A Kpop Amino and Kdrama Amino experience and what I learned about online communities

Hello, everyone!

Today's post falls, most likely, into the "Blow off some steam" category so, I do hope you'll bear with me and read until the end. I wonder if this has ever happened to you. Did you ever have the kind of experience I will be talking about or is it just my odd self acting up?

I was, until a little while ago, an avid user of two apps I thought the world of and a member of the two communities those apps were made for.

These apps are still nice and I recommend them to anyone who wants to get to know more about kpop and kdrama, share and meet new people who like the same things (if not being able to delete your account, should you choose to do so, isn't a problem for you as it was for me. but, about this, in another post).
My disappointment isn't entirely with the apps themselves or even their creators but with some of the members/users of those apps (members of those communities).

I know that this may look like the ostrich's head in the sand or hiding in my own bubble kind of attitude. But, this being one of my hobbies, this incident (or series of incidents) was something that made me rethink my attitude regarding some matters.
For me kpop and kdrama (anime, manga jdramas and so on) were a thing I had almost alone while growing up.

They were a hobby that I only shared with one other person (the other people we tried converting weren't impressed) and when that person got bored of this hobby, I was suddenly alone in it all. I wasn't as sad or bothered as I thought I'd be since I had my own likes and dislikes already formed. So, seeing this person leave our small world was somehow ok and expected. 

Now, growing up further while listening and watching kpop and kdrama (among many others), I was for the most part, as I said, alone. It was my own little bubble, my own safe haven, my relaxation time and I was, normally, really happy when I came across others that shared my passions and discovering K-pop and kdrama amino was an exciting moment for me. 

Well, that bubble burst quicker than a soap balloon. 

At first I was slightly curious about some of the behaviour displayed by so many of the people who shared my interests(I'm not saying that this kind of attitude and behaviour is to be seen only on kpop and kdrama amino, by no means. It's everywhere and it's what led me to my final conclusion) and I even engaged in conversations which, at times, led to unwanted arguments (due to misunderstandings). 

I thought and hoped it was a fleeting sensation and, maybe, a misjudgement on my part.
Alas, it was not so. More and more people with similar characteristics appeared. I kept seeing more and more articles and conversations that were straying from the starting point and the real topic which was music/tv series (in this case kpop/kdrama).

Again, I'm not talking about everyone, because I did meet some wonderful people there and I was even glad to befriend some of them. I'm talking about those who are (usually, the loudest ones) in need of attention and recognition. Those people who would do everything to stay in the spotlight and, alongside them, those who had no real understanding of what music, TV series or movie discussions really meant and were always deviating from the subject in the hopes of finding something completely different. 

I became increasingly frustrated with certain things these people wrote and, due to the previously mentioned arguments, I stayed away from any type of conversation that could turn into a misunderstanding and, as such, another argument.
It became so that, these apps that were meant as a way to connect with others who shared my interests and hobbies, turned into a source of continuous frustration. 

What made me stop and rethink about my priorities was the moment I experienced a feeling I had a few years back when, after an imprisonment style like opera masterclass, I, for over one month, didn't want to hear any kind of opera music, nor did I want to sing or do anything related to it. 

Remembering, all of a sudden that feeling when, one evening, I scrolled angrily past some kpop song and saying "tsk, this shit again!", I stopped, amazed by myself.
What had made me this angry about that particular song and that particular group? It was a post I saw on kpop amino and I was growing ever so tired of seeing that kind of people talking like that, stripping the music of all its beauty and turning it into something so dirty, trash like, by picking on petty things and trying (successfully, I might add) to create drama. 

Now, the problem with drama and scandal is that it has a mirage like effect, a fascination that drags everyone in. Even though I did not participate due to, as previously mentioned, the fear or creating misunderstandings and arguments, I did read the article(s), because, the curiosity is always an enticing little mermaid. And, after all, that was the purpose of those apps and communities,  to share one's thoughts about a certain topic.

But for me, so many of those articles were filled with superficiality, misjudgement, desire to stand out and had nothing to do with the main thing.
I felt like I was dragged further down and deep into that whirl hole of moving sands. Even though I stayed still, didn't post anymore, didn't comment anymore, I'd still click that button, go in the apps and read the many articles people posted. It was becoming like a drug. I knew it wasn't good for me yet I'd want more. 

Maybe the fact that I put time and effort in writing some articles myself and building a reputation had a part in my not leaving those apps.
But all that was taking away (what's worse, it was all with my consent) one of my hobbies, one of the things that made me who I am today and I'm not sure I want to give it up just yet, if ever, to be honest.
I decided to leave those apps; no, those communities. For now I just hid the apps from my sight (the lingering thought of that wretched reputation and hours spent on writing is still alive for now). I will, most probably delete them soon. 

Maybe, most certainly, I'm not one made to share my hobbies with others in the form they want it to. Maybe the age gap is making its presence known. Maybe, growing up with these hobbies alone is what stops me from engaging in conversations, arguments or whatever else.
Maybe I like the darkness that surrounds my sunk head. Maybe I like the warmth of my bubble.

Of course there still are some very few people I share my hobbies with and with whom I chat often, but as far as being the member of a kpop pr kdrama community goes, I don't think it's my cup of tea. I wish it were, since I do like to share my thoughts and hear other people's impressions and ideas about certain topics but seeing as the outcome of it leads to more frustration than pleasant times, it is something I shall, for now, stay away from. 

Should I talk about some of the topics that made me walk away from these communities? Would you think they're something worth disccusing about? What are some of the things that you find bothersome and frustrating in the kpop and kdrama communities?

Keep smiling and have a wonderful day!

Kpop Reviews nr.4  Winner - Baby Baby

After more than a year (17 months to be more specific) of keeping their fans waiting, Winner came back with style. They delivered not one but three music videos and a mini album to which they personally contributed in terms of composition and music arrangement. The group’s new mini album “EXIT: E” was released on February 1 at midnight KST.

From what it seems the album EXIT will be split into 4 parts, similar to Big Bang's MADE album, the difference, so far, consisting in Winner having 3 music videos instead of the 2 Big Bang had. YGE seems to have found another key to success regarding fan-service and keeping their idols in the spotlight. 

Both “Baby Baby” and “Sentimental” were written by members Nam Taehyun, Song Mino and Lee Seunghoon, and Nam Taehyun composed and arranged both the tracks. Nam Taehyun also wrote and co-composed his solo track “I’m Young". 
The E part of the "EXIT" album brings to front Nam Taehyun as its main character. Even if the other members are present; the story seems to focus on Taehyun this time around, which makes me hope that the other members will get to have their own spotlight as well in the coming parts.

I will talk about the songs in the order they appear in the album so, without further ado, here's my take on Winner's "Baby Baby" music video.

MUSIC
The music for this song is a mellow 4/4 beat (largetto) with soft instrumentals that alternate into a seamless line. There are clear but not blatant blues, gospel and country music influences that help carry the message of the lyrics all the more easily into the listener's heart. The fusion between the '70s gospel dominant line and clear punctuated singing style brings together a refreshing, full sound. 
The backbone of this song are the Hammond organ and the electric guitar that always intertwine and support each other, the percussion holding it all together flawlessly and not at all bothering or rough. 
The dominating word for this song is "mellow", mellow tempo, mellow singing, mellow playing of the accompanying instruments. Nothing in this song screams for attention or jumps out as being the "main character". 
The song opens up with Taehyun singing the chorus, the instruments following after for a soft intro of the song's colours. The verse is softly brought by Jinwoo's clear voice and Seungyeon's raspy tone who's combination isn't at all random, their voices blending in really well together.
After another chorus, shared this time by Taehyun and Seungyeon, comes the rap segment in which Minho and Seunghoon both deliver an almost whispered, at first, sang rap (which is quite difficult and tricky to deliver without proper training). Their different rapping styles are brought together by the light singing rap, the lyrics being well chosen for both of them with Minho rapping the slightly more sad part, his deep, whispering voice seeming a good choice for that particular part. SeungHoon's rap is flawless and, even though his pronunciation is strong and the words are well understood, the delivery is depleted of harshness being one that does carry the message of sadness.
After another chorus we find the bridge interpreted this time by Taehyun and Seungyeon who, bringing a slightly stronger tone and a louder voice, carry the listener to the final chorus followed by an outro and a conclusion.
This song is more of a "feeling" rather than a "messages" filled song, the repetitive melodic line filled with the "baby, baby" leitmotif putting emphasis on the delivery of the dominant feeling of loneliness. The slight discrepancy between the lyrics, action in the music video and melodic line makes the song slightly more heart-wrenching and more difficult to discard, showing, in the end that the major tonality which makes the song sound chirpier and the actions of the guys are at opposing poles to their true feelings which they cannot discard; the need to overcome or, at least, forget the loneliness being overwhelming.
Even though Taehyun's voice is often heard in the song, the singing distribution is equal, none of the members coming out short of being less important. 

IMAGE/FASHION/STYLE
Winner’s fashion in this music video is, as was with their other two videos, a casual look, thus remaining constant to their already set image. This time around though, the members are sporting also some elegant and, most probably, expensive items that come to support the story of the video. Winner showed a laid-back, simple, yet elegant image that would put emphasis on them as individuals and not an image set to shock and divert the eyes away from the singers.None of them wear flashy, out of place items of clothing, yet they manage to look sleek and possibly give a hint of their personalities through their chosen looks. 

The image they went for was a normal man's one, a man who, like every other person out there has his ups and downs no matter the clothes he’s wearing.
Fashion wise, the colors chosen for their clothes were white, black, grey, blue and darker tones that would easily compliment the general message of the lyrics. The fashion was very well chosen for this song, not taking the focus away from the song, but complimenting it, completing it, adding to the feeling and the story of the song.
The style Winner chose in this MV is a mature style, a style they got their fans used to from the start which also sets them apart from other groups. I don’t know if each member was left to choose what they wanted to wear, but I’d like to think so. This would only serve as an accent on their individual personalities rather than their personality as a group (I'm sure they weren't left alone though). Yet, the colours chosen brought them together giving the viewer the feeling of a group, of a whole.


LYRICS
The story here is a very simple and a all too common one. Feeling lonely. The lyrics keep showing a man who’s trying his best to run away from the loneliness that’s slowly eating at him. Yet, he fails and, even when he does meet someone, the loneliness is still his best companion.
The lyrics portray the man’s need of human touch, human interaction, even if with a stranger, just so there would be a connection again. This need becomes even stronger when the realisation that a mere touch from a stranger isn’t enough but it only serves as a channel to deepen the loneliness and the need for a real connection to and with someone who would know even the deepest secrets of him and who could reach out and save the man from his saddened loneliness. The habit and the familiar surroundings only serve to remind of this ever present loneliness and that no matter what he tries, for now, the man is still alone. Also, as seen in the MV, after the intro with Winner presenting the rookie award, there’s the thought that maybe, the lyrics are in reference to them being absent for so long that maybe their fans forgot about them, the fear being justifiable and reasonable.
ENGLISH – The English used in the song is noticeable yet very few words are used. The pronunciation is good, logically inserted and used within the phrasing of the full lyrics giving the song continuity and ease of understanding. A huge THANK YOU! to all the translators out there that took the time to translate there lyrics). I give them a 5 out of 5 for their use of English in this song.

MUSIC VIDEO

This is a very well made video, in which the actions, surroundings and general story is really well connected to the lyrics (I don’t really understand the cat at the beginning, but...oh, well).

The video begins with Winner shown on TV, tablets, and other media devices presenting “The New artist” award, an award that a year before Winner themselves were receiving. There’s a hint of nostalgia and probably frustration at the thought that they were gone from the spotlight for so long and, one can’t help but make the connection that, maybe, the lyrics are referring to this subject as well. A moment later, we see Taehyun exiting what seems to be a hotel (I can only guess here) and, with the help of a security guard who keeps away the journalists, he gets on an luxury car.

We see Jinwoo in an elegant bar, Minho in what seems to be his apartment, Seungyeon who is all alone and Seunghoon at a party. 

Neither of them seem to be truly enjoying themselves, the only one smiling being Seunghoon for some brief moments. 

Seungyeon, Seunghoon and Jinwoo are seen drinking alcohol which serves to show them as mature, adult men and also to portray the image of them drowning their sorrow. There’s a slight transition to Taehyun being alone at home, playing his guitar after which we see Minho trying to contact someone, Seunghoon drinking to the point where all faces look the same to him, not that it truly matters to him. 

They all try to evade being lonely the best they can, by going to meet new people, attending parties in clubs and playing dare games with strangers, calling whomever who would be willing to come just so that there’s the feeling of human warmth.

Even Taehyun who is alone at home is seen trying his best to do whatever just so that his remain hidden and there’s no need for him to face his demons. 

In the end, they all are alone, all their attempts of making the loneliness go away being in vain. The fireworks at the nearing end of the video is what gets all the guys’ attention and that seems to be maybe the only moment when they don’t feel as lonely. The video ends with Taehyun boarding a plane for, probably, Canada where his girlfriend or ex-girlfriend is.

All in all, “Baby Baby” is a very well written musical piece that is accompanied by an equally great video. I never had the feeling I was watching some people act but I honestly felt as if I was being shown bits and pieces of someone’s life as it is. I recommend this song and music video to everyone. This is another quality music that we should all enjoy.