REVIEW: BTOB "Press Play" Mini-Album

        Rookie boy band BtoB, short for "Born to Beat," made their debut late March of this year under Cube DC, a subsidary of Cube Entertainment. After three singles and two mini-albums, BtoB seems to be hitting their stride with their second mini-album "Press Play." Though the first song I noticed from them was "Insane," the track that fully turned my attention to the group was "WOW." The song brings back the 90's swing-jack genre and incorporates it with a hip-hip beat. The lyrics have the boys admiring a sexy woman with her eye-catching features and distinct aura. Though the music video didn't stand out much, the dance choreography definitely did. Along with the boy's youthful  charms and easy smiles, the choreography instantly turned energized and playful. I can't help but compare their track to their junior group Beast's debut track, "Bad Girl," or 2pm's "10 out of 10." Though the song style and lyrics are different, the joking (and slightly perverted) teen male enthusiasm when checking out girls are the same (and amusing) anywhere.

I also checked out their live stage performances for "Insane," "Father," "Wow," and "I Only Know Love." What keeps me riveted is how powerful their dance songs are live, especially for such high-energy and difficult choreography. Watching them, it looks like someone placed a hidden camera in a norebang (karaoke) while BtoB is goofing off, practicing generous fan-service, and having the best time of their lives. Though they perform so enthusiastically I can hear them panting a bit, each member still carries his tune confidently. Lines are distributed (as evenly as it gets) to all members in most songs. There's variety to when they participate- you just can't predict who will appear next. The best part is that everyone sings loudly into their microphones. Even when their pitch is a little off or the vocals become too breathy, I'm still happy because they hold nothing back.

I'm not sure what the standard is being a competitive idol nowadays, but BtoB is very multi-talented in a way that makes them true growing artists. It seems like there is no end to the new musical talents they are acquiring. After watching episodes of BtoB's MTV Diary and their Weekly Idol episodes, I've discovered the following:

• Eunkwang has super high-note potential, with a clear, enduring voice. In fact, the members almost never hear him out of pitch. He is also plays the piano like a pro. I'm not talking about practicing a few songs for a performance, I mean 'pro' like expressing hunger through an incredibly fast classical song. 
• Minhyuk seems to have many things going for him. He seems astute and focused, especially when studying English. Ontop of having a very athletic body, he can rap (with a very low, manly voice) and also sings well. He dabbles on the piano.
• Changsub is the cutie of the group. He has an emotional voice that can belt out some very sincere and impressive notes. Skater boy also has a knack for free-style rapping. In fact, Minhyuk claims that Changsub freestyles better than he speaks. He also dabbles on the piano.
• Hyungsik seems older than he actually  is. He's the 'muscle man' of the group and also the jack of many trades. Along with having a smooth, ballad voice, he is accomplished at rap/freestyle, composing, piano, bass, and the guitar. 
• Sangjae is probably the goofiest. If Eunkwang is first main vocal, then Changsub, Hyunsik and Sangjae will tie for second main-vocals. He has a surprisingly manly voice for his age, but can only be seen acting mature during performances. Sangjae also practices rapping.
• Peniel is from Chicago and is more fluent in English than he is in Korean. Though he usually raps and speaks the longer English parts, he also contributes to small singing parts as well. He plays either guitar or bass. (Or is it both?)
• Ilhoon is probably the most charismatic rapper in the bunch. He doesn't receive singing parts, but I've seen a small clip of him singing, and his voice is surprisingly low. He practices on the drums and also dabbles on the piano. 

I had to wonder, why is each member so multi-talented? Considering the Cube family itself, I don't know many other bands so musically ambitious outside of singing and dancing. It turns out that members Eunkwang, Changsub and Hyunsik originally signed on to train as a live instrument-playing band. However, their agency had other plans, so they eventually agreed to take on dancing as well. As a rookie group, the only thing they're missing is probably variety skills, but that can be developed over time. It's also too early to determine their free-style dancing skills, but if I had to choose, solid vocal abilities will help them more in the long run.

 BtoB MTV Diary Ep. 48 (Eng Sub)

Check out their interview in the allkpop article below:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/04/btob-members-talk-about-their-passion-for-music-in-an-interview-with-kuki-media

1. "Press Play" Ft. G.Na
(Hip-hop song with an old-school urban beat).

2. "WOW" (title song)

3. "I Don't Know Anything But Love"

(A laid-back, mid-tempo song with a catchy beat).

4. "U & I"
(A slow-beat ballad with smooth undertones. If I didn't know, I would've guessed that SHINee sang this).

5. "Stand Up"

(A dance track with electronic sounds. It sounds like every other song, until around the 2:35 mark, where the heavier drum beats make it sound pretty sexy).

6. "My Girl"
(A sweet old-school pop song that reminds me of Swedish pop band A*Teens).

It's rare, but I like if not really enjoy every song from the "Press Play" mini-album. BtoB covers a wide range of music styles, and none of their songs sound like a drab 'filler' song. What's more, the music sounds more experimental and doesn't take itself too seriously. It's refreshing when an idol group comes out with music that fits their age group without trying hard to be mature or too cute for comfort. So far, their best bet for a music genre is probably 90's inspired songs incorporated with strong hip-hop beats and catchy instrumental sections to liven the atmosphere. I can see them doing well with any dance track and even better if it involves flirting.

Side Note:
I'm really starting to appreciate Cute Entertainment. Not only are they a prominent, expanding agency, but they know how to make idols with distinct identities. You have female group 4Minute, who appears sexy and fierce, G.Na, who is fun and flirty, Beast, who portrays thoughtful and mature, A-Pink, who embodies girly and cute, and now BtoB, who brings youth and playfulness. So far, all of Cube's prior bands have been successful, so it won't be long before BtoB receives recognition.

For those Inspirits hibernating during the winter while waiting for Infinite to return, I seriously recommend checking out BtoB in various reality shows. Of course no band is the same, but BtoB shows similar qualities of cohesiveness and brotherhood that I love so much about Infinite. They really have a strong bromance (and plenty of skinship) while acknowledging each member's strengths. What's more, as they become more comfortable being filmed, these "get your swag" boys turn into total dorks for the camera, and it's hard to imagine just how weird and energetic they can get.

Check them out in the following reality shows:
BtoB's MTV Diary (65 episodes, up to episode 51 English subbed).
The boys are given cameras and film their every-day lives.
BtoB Amazon (5 episodes, all available in English subbed).
Two weeks after their debut, the boys must accomplish various missions assigned to them by the program.
Sik's Sense (Season 1 has seven episodes all subbed, Season 2 has five episodes- that I know of).
Hyungsik is designated as MC and goes around interviewing the members in his style and perspective.
BtoB MTV B+ Diary (First episode premiered on Dec. 4th, 2012, 5 episodes total).
This is a continuation of MTV Diary, but now the boys are given certain tasks and being filmed instead of just self-filming.


Check out photos from BtoB's "Press Play" mini-album below:
(They are quite a good-looking bunch, aren't they?)

Changsub (Vocalist)

Ilhoon (Main rapper)

Sungjae (Vocalist)

Hyungsik & Peniel

Hyungsik (Vocalist)

Peniel (Rapper, sub-vocalist)

Ilhoon, Hyungsik, Eunkwang

Eunkwang (Leader, main vocalist)

Minhyuk (Rapper, vocalist)

 Changsub, Minhyuk, Peniel, Sungjae

Interested in BtoB? Check out their official site link below:
http://btobofficial.com/

MISS A "I Don't Need a Man" Comeback

        Girl group Miss A made their comeback with a mini-album titled "Independent Women Part 3" released on October 15th. Their title track for the mini-album is called "I Don't Need a Man," and the album name plays homage to female group Destiny's Child single, "Independent Women." The mini-album contains a total of five tracks. Track "Madness" features Taecyeon from 2pm, while the composer of Pixie Lott's "Mama Do," Phil Thornalley also contributed to the album's production. Unlike Destiny's Child's concept of being affluent and unaffected in "Independent Women," Miss A placed their own twist into "I Don't Need a Man." The girls sing about being independent through hard work and not having to depend on their parents. Though they may just be getting by, they are still happy and proud of not having to depend on anyone (especially a male). The song is more pop-y and bright than the fierce and R&B vibe I expected, but the rap parts and "What? Really?" clips in the chorus bring personality to the song. Written and composed by JYP, the song is catchy, fun, and has traits of their usual punky style, but it's not as strong a title song as previous releases like "Bad Girl Good Girl" or "Touch." "Good Girl Bad Girl" was the debut track that defined their athletic, tomboyish yet sassy vibe, while "Touch" unveiled a more feminine, vulnerable side. Even "Goodbye Baby" made a stronger impression with its tougher choreography and heavy beats. For girls talking about working diligently to not need a man, their interpretation of it isn't so impressive.

At their level of popularity, their agency should have made a stronger comeback. It's JYP Entertainment, for goodness sake. They're basically the third largest entertainment company in South Korea, and usually the most fortright when it comes to showing an Americanized style. The song felt too playful and flirty for me to take them seriously, especially when the chorus sounds more pretty than determined. The dance choreography was too relaxed and mediocre, while their outfits looked quite plain and boring. It's typical for JYPE artists to have more simple and casual style concepts than other K-Pop artists, but the stylists are really starting to become lazy. There's nothing new or interesting about their outfits, nor does it make a statement. I paid attention to a total of two outfits; Suzy's open plaid shirt over black shorts, which made her look pretty yet tomboyish, and Jia's t-shirt and princess tutu get-up, which contrasts with her tough-girl look, making her look meek and unnatural. I wish they would've dressed in boyish, ripped clothing and rocked some 'tude instead. Instead, Min's rapid hand-spooning movement looked tacky, while Jia's body roll accompanied by the fluffy dog cracked me up. They were trying so hard to look like they didn't care about diamonds and gifts that it ended up looking more humorous than fierce. Then again, the song isn't meant to sound tough to tough or mature, so I guess it works.

Listen to the tracks from mini-album "Independent Women Part 3" below:

1. Miss A "I Don't Need a Man" MV (Eng Sub)

2. "Ma Style"

3. "If I Were a Boy"

4. "Madness" ft. 2pm's Taecyeon

 5. "Time's Up"

I commend Miss A for always singing live on stage, but sometimes they omit too many parts of the chorus. This has happened in basically all of their previous songs, and I always wonder if maybe it's because they only have four members in their group or if they too easily run out of breath. Suzy and Fei is usually the weak link when it comes to singing live, just because they tend to start running out of breath and look tired halfway through the performance. As a junior girl group and the only girl group aside from Wonder Girls in JYPE, I think Miss A and their agency really need to step it up and give their audiences something new.

Miss A "I Don't Need a Man" Comeback Stage M! Countdown (121018)

Miss A "I Don't Need a Man" on SBS Inkigayo (121021)

Miss A "I Don't Need a Man" on KBS Love Request (121020)

Miss A "I Don't Need a Man" SBS Inkigayo (121104)

Other News:
All four members of Miss A made a guest appearance on Immortal Song 2 performing Bae Ho's hit "Last Leaf" in November 24th. Though I never heard the song before, Miss A's performance made me a fan of the remixed song. What really sold the performance for me was how incredibly edgy and fierce they looked and acted on stage. Member parts were evenly distributed throughout the song, vocals remained steady, their gazes radiated strength, and their dancing never lacked energy. I couldn't help comparing the song to "I Don't Need a Man," which though is catchy and fun, lacks sassy attitude so characteristic in their other hit songs. Though typical, their black leather and lace outfits looked way more glamorous than their uninspiring matching blazer and shorts get-up from "I Don't Need a Man."

Immortal Song 2 Miss A "Last Leaf"  Live Cover (121124)

RANIA making a U.S. Advancement

From left: T-ae, Riko, Semi, Xia, Jui, Di

       RaNia's management DR Entertainment has announced the U.S. advancement of their sexy female group. Despite only having one hit song with their debut single, "Dr. Feel Good," their company is already planning to ride the wave of overseas interest in K-Pop after the explosive popularity of Psy's "Gangnam Style." If they are taking this risk because of Psy's popularity, I really hope they think twice.

Despite hitting the Billboard #1 spot, being the third-most watched video on YouTube, performing at several exclusive venues and making plans with Justin Bieber's agency, Psy is still more known for his music video and "horse dance" than for his name. Though people are looking deeper into his past discography and work, the American public is still heavily fixed solely on his hit track, "Gangnam Style." We don't know if Psy's song is the first stage to entering and progressing into the American market or a one-hit wonder, but we do know that it's not your typical K-pop music. Though K-Pop is all about trademark dances and catchy songs, the topics tend to be more conservative, and sometimes even corny. Mainstream music in the U.S. values catchy beats, but tends to be more picky in the lyrics- especially if the beats are lacking. Really, popular songs can have lyrics that are generally really shallow and all about having a good time, or thoughtful and deep. Psy is distinguishable because he's willing to make a fool of himself, and his music video has a fresh new concept. As for Rania, they have always portrayed themselves as sexy performers, and honestly, there is no end to the list of sexy female performers/groups already in America. If they want to play the sexy card, they will have to be surprising and sexy, and despite their super seductive dance moves (like in "Dr. Feel good"), have they even seen U.S. rap music videos? Girls are basically having sex in each scene, and with every new music video, it's getting closer to the real thing. I'm sure Rania is plenty talented- but if they can't set themselves apart, they'll just be flailing to fit in.

This is where the agency plays a huge role in marketing the girls. They also must consider where other artists, like BoA, Se7en, Wonder Girls, and even JYJ have failed. For South Korea, an unabashedly sexy girl group is still relatively new (and still a little taboo), so promoting that group image is not a bad idea. Consider Hyuna, who is rising to major success on the image of a sexy idol. It would be a better idea to become popular and have a solid fan-base to fall back on in South Korea first. After all, Psy didn't even think about entering the American market when he created "Gangnam Style," but it's popularity in South Korea spilled over and attracted international audiences. Honestly, if your own nation doesn't recognize you yet, what's the chance that one of the biggest nations will?

Fireworks will handle Rania's management in the States while Empire Records, a subsidary of Universal Records, is set to distribute Rania's productions. For those unaware, Empire Records is a known hip-hop and R&B label in the western states. Their CEO, Mike Williams, resides as the marketing director for Chris Brown, while also having prior experience as a promotion marketing manager at Interscope, aiding in the launch of artists like Eminem. Rania will start their U.S. venture in early November.

After finalizing the contract, Brett Lewis, a layer for Empire Records, stated, "Gangnam Style Korean ladies, RaNia, will break into the American music market. We’ll be watching over them as they grow from a K-Pop girl group to one with a worldwide audience, starting with America. It’s about time that a Korean artist with a brand new sound has come to America."

DR Entertainment noted, "A lot of people in the American music market are taking an interest in K-Pop. It was surprising to find out that they know a lot more about K-Pop than we think. They have so many unexpected promotional ideas which we will slowly reveal as they become confirmed. We’re nervous with this new challenge ahead of us but we’re going to do our best until the end to make sure we earn great results."

I was reluctant to refer to Psy's U.S. success at all, but their lawyer's reference to "Gangnam Style Korean ladies" urged me to contribute my two cents. There really is a huge risk difference between being discovered and purposefully paving your way through a different country. It's great that one of their new representatives sounds so confident and headstrong in his statement, but statements like, "girl group [...] with a worldwide audience, starting with America," sounds like they are being too ambitious. Western countries, particularly the U.S., have the most difficult music markets to break into. Breaking into the mainstream would be even more difficult, seeing as some radio stations only play a repeated list of about 20 hit songs every day. As for marketing, profit strategies for artists are very limited, while staying itself is very expensive. Music sales determine much of your income, while promotional activities that are typical to come by in South Korea, like CF's, variety programs, weekly music programs do not exist in America. Singer-turned actor scenarios are rare- only the most famous or talented artists are even given a chance to star in theatre, drama, film or commercial productions. Media appearances are based largely on formidable popularity and a good agency, so it would be hard pressed to appear on a radio or talk show for promotional interviews. In Korea, you start out as a "rookie" and instantly receive chances to appear on weekly shows or music programs. In America, there's a lot of groveling involved, and you start out as a "nobody." Just look at P. Diddy's "Making a Band (3 & 4)" in his creation of the popular former five-member girl band, Danity Kane. All of them were carefully hand-selected after going through many gruesome eliminating trials to test their performance skills. Despite appearing on a reality TV show and having a quality album produced by formidable Bad Boy Records, it was even more difficult trying to get radio stations to play and recommend their music.

Popular former girl group Danity Kane, who made their debut in 2005 and disbanded in early 2009.

With all this said, I'd like to address DR Entertainment with the questions: What will Rania be able to offer, and how will it set them apart from other popular U.S. artists? Did you consider the popularity you may lose in South Korea if your advancement happens to fall through?

On a positive note, I do hope they find some amazing songwriters and get an opportunity to integrate their multi-ethnic cultures into their music. So far, Rania has released some awesome, sultry R&B tracks like "Dr. Feel Good" and "Killer," so I hope that they'll also produce notable dance tracks in the future.

Check out some of their previous tracks below. Do you think RaNia has what it takes to take on the U.S.?

Rania "Dr. Feel Good" MV (English Version)

 Rania "Pop Pop Pop" MV (Eng Sub)

Rania "Killer" Performance at China-Korea Song Festival

Rania "Style" MV (Eng Sub)

INFINITE's Sunggyu's solo invasion

         Two weeks ago, Woollim Entertainment released a teaser video on their YouTube account posing fans with the question, "What is the next big thing?" After much speculation about a year-end release for Infinite H or the debut of their first girl band, the answer has finally arrived. Infinite's leader and main vocalist Kim Sunggyu is making his debut as a solo artist. No worries Inspirits, Sunggyu is still an Infinite member, but he is releasing a solo mini-album titled "Another Me" on November 19th. His solo debut stage will be on Music Bank that upcoming week, on November 23rd. The first single pre-released is "Shine," which is written and composed by Nell's leader Kim Jong Wan. Prior to the announcement, Sunggyu revealed a photo of himself and Jong Wang collaborating in the studio. Then, Infinite's official page released a raw clip of "Shine" and announced their leader's first solo attempt. A senior group from the same company, Nell is an alternative rock band known for producing meaningful and soulful songs. Think of them as the equivalent to the U.S.'s Death Cab for Cutie. It seems like Sunggyu's dreams are coming true- he has always inspired to work with his senior Jong Wan, and now he gets to release a solo album.

Nell's Kim Jong Wan & Infinite's Sunggyu in studio

 Sunggyu "Shine" (Raw audio) Teaser Clip

"Shine" is a really good start to Sunggyu's solo debut. It shows a more mature, laid-back side to Grandpa Gyu, and I like that he's exploring new music genres outside of Infinite's dance tracks. The song starts out well, with the electronic intro making one wonder if the song will be relaxed or gradually gather tempo. As soon as Sunggyu's voice enters, I'm instantly hooked. There's a wistful and mellow tone to his voice that only comes out in ballads like Infinite's "Only Tears," or on Immortal Song 2. However, the more upbeat tempo keeps the song from getting too emotional and instead sounds sexy and cool. It's the same Sunggyu voice that suggests he's closing his eyes and pushing his passion through to the audience. The chorus was unexpectedly soft, surprising since Sunggyu is known for belting out fierce high notes at the climax of most Infinite songs. Nell's Kim Jong Wan's has commendable compositional abilities, because even though "Shine" the raw teaser version sounds like another one of Nell's songs, (some even thought it was Jong Wan singing) the studio version's 'hybrid music' genre, comprised of electronica, pop-synth and guitar riffs, make "Shine" sound like a completely different, contemporary track. I would love if Sunggyu extends the "been there, done that" vibe to the rest of the album. Great start, Sunggyu!

Sunggyu "60 Seconds" Teaser

Sunggyu "Another Me" Teaser (Piano Version)

Tracklist for "Another Me" mini-album:
     1. Another Me

     2. 60 Seconds

     3. I Need You

     4. Only Tears (Acoustic Version)

     5. Shine

     6. 41 Days

Comments:
The title song, "60 Seconds" suggests that falling in and out of love can happen in any one minute. It also took 60 seconds for me to recognize that Sung Kyu's distinct voice is more interesting than his title song. Though I enjoyed the sweet, soft start of "60 Seconds" until the chorus, I thought the rock-meets-ballad chorus itself sounded generic. After the release of "Shine," I was really hoping for something more alternative as a debut stage. Track "41 Days," co-written with lyrical input from Sunggyu, also carries out that alternative hybrid feel that sounds both new and catchy.

The music video for "60 Seconds" was not as emotionally convincing as its track. I'm sure L being featured in the music video captured everyone's attention, but it ended up distracting from the fact that it was Sunggyu's music video. In fact, the first time I watched it, I didn't even pay much attention to the music. Scenes of the leader and his emotional piano-playing were believable, but the love story scenes between L and the actress were very awkward. I giggle at the fact that L was trying to play a guy in love and experiencing its pain when he hasn't even dated in real life. I must give credit to the director- the scenes were beautifully shot as if in a hazy, romantic dream, and the storyline itself was cute... but I still couldn't take anyone seriously. Sunggyu would have done a much more convincing job acting out L's character- fire-engine red hair and all.

I can't say I love every song from the mini-album, but I do have some favorites. They all have a theme of melancholy and loss, but it's more the feeling of accepting that the relationship is over than harboring any ill feelings or wanting to reconciliate. The more mature outlook and sharp blazers outfits fit Sunggyu well, since he knows how to make alternative ballad/pop-synth genres work in his favor. I could've done with him closing his eyes a little less when playing the piano, but no doubt that's just his 'cool-guy' style.


Check out lives performances of Sunggyu's "60 Seconds" below:

Music Bank Comeback (121123)

Music Bank Backstage Interview English Subbed (121123)

Infinite + Sunggyu joking around (121123)

Music Core Comeback (121124)

Inkigayo Comeback (121125)

How does the Infinite leader feel about going solo? Read an (extremely cute and thoughtful) interview article Sunggyu did with 10asia here:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/11/infinites-sunggyu-discusses-his-solo-debut-interview-with-10asia


It's really cute seeing the INFINITE boys showing support for their leader with twitter updates (right after his "Shine" pre-release):

Maknae Sungjong was the first to tweet, "Leader Gyu’s song is out!!!! o.o It’s the be~~~~~~st!!!!!!!! The early release song~ Listen to the song "Shine" a lot ♥♥♥."

Shortly after, Hoya also tweeted, "Shine"… Sunggyu hyung’s solo album’s early release song!!!!!! It’s really good… I’m going to be his fan from today, kekeke."

Woohyun wrote a simple, "Sunggyu- shine," while L also left a short message, "Shine, congrats."

Sungyeol declared, "I will support INFINITE’s Sunggyu’s first solo activities for life!! Listen to "Shine" that was released early today. It’s just the best, if you listen to it, it’s the best! Sunggyu-god ♥♥ Fan-cafe chairman: Sungyeol."

Dongwoo included a selca (self-camera photo) and commented with the longest message, "INFINITE’s leader hyungnim Gyu-jiji. The master of emotions has finally had his solo invasion! The early release song is right next to me! I get refreshed just from the name "Shine." I’m going to spend this winter with this friend..☞☜ Hyung, the second oldest is next to you, fighting!!"

Sunggyu himself wrote the following, "Hi? I'm Gyu. My new song "Shine" was released today. Thanks to my family INFINITE dongsengs for cheering me on and thank you so much to Jong Wan hyung for giving me such a great song. I’m really excited right now!!! Kekeke."

Not many hours later, he posted a message with a picture of Infinite (short of one member) and holding a cake, "My dongsengs who came to cheer me on – except L." (Myungsoo is busy filming for rom-com drama "What is Mom.")

Woollim Entertainment really is the best as surprising its audience. They always give the most minimal hints about upcoming debuts, releases or comebacks, and only when it's very close to the actual date (the one exception being Infinite's comeback teaser video back in March, which actually revealed nothing about the details of their June "The Chaser" comeback). This is why so many people were led astray in thinking either Infinite H (comprised of Infinite's Dongwoo and Hoya) will release their sub-unit album early, or Woollim will finally debut its first girl group. Really, no one saw this coming. Infinite had joked about Sunggyu wanting to go solo, but there was never any serious indication of the sort, even when he garnered vocal recognition on Immortal Song 2. This makes me wonder if they'll actually debut their girl group, since possible members and rumors have been circulating since early this year. Still, I'm glad they're not debuting another dance group in 2012, because goodness knows there have been way too many new faces to count. It wouldn't hurt to prepare all trainees more thoroughly, especially since people are starting to identify the Woollim name with distinguished artists and quality music.

2012 Woollim Entertainment Teaser