At the rate we’re going, 2019 might just set the record for having the most K-pop debuts. While the year has been relatively underwhelming so far, a rush of new acts has helped to buoy the industry. And with the arrival of Everglow, we’ve got yet another compelling girl group to add to the scene. … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. DAVID AMBER … Continue reading
I’m in love with the idea behind The T-Bird and The Pink Ladies — two project groups taking on a musical theater concept. K-pop is ready for some new sounds, and this conceit has the potential to be really fun. The Pink Ladies’ God Girl was a great first step, and has only grown more … Continue reading
I often feel that, if given complete creative freedom, most idols would release nothing but ballads and coffee-shop style acoustic tracks. For a fan of megawatt pop music, this suspicion is a little depressing, and only reinforces the over-played idea that only some musical styles hold real artistic merit. Perhaps this is why I’ve struggled … Continue reading
So, let me get this straight, 100%. You’re going to tackle a retro concept and not give Sweetune a call? I mean, talk about a missed opportunity! For a few brief months in 2016-17, the guys met their perfect producer match in the form of Sweetune. After parting ways, their music has become the definition … Continue reading
Mamamoo’s new album completes their colors concept, in which the group released material each season and matched it with a defining color. Gogobebe (고고베베) arrives right at the tail end of winter, but it’s not the style of song you’d expect from this time of year. Rather than close their series with a big, sweeping … Continue reading
For me, the single most important thing a rookie group can accomplish during their first few releases is the establishment of a core sound. Even if their songs blur together when it comes to style and melody, an overall brand can work wonders when it comes to developing a loyal fan base. GWSN are following … Continue reading
