In the ever-changing landscape of K-pop or the music industry in general, a group’s longevity is hard to predict. Shinee , known for their strong musicality, unique fashion sense, and distinct sound, have maintained success since debuting in 2008 with their hit “Replay.” Shinee is a group that cannot be overlooked when looking at the history of K-pop and their songs are easily identifiable with the distinct voices of each member. When they first came into the public eye, Shinee caught everyone’s attention with their unique fashion sense and “boyish” appeal. Since then, they have released hit after hit and have experimented with a variety of musical styles. Shinee hasn’t promoted much in the West, but in Asia, Shinee have broken countless records both in sales and achievements. A look into Shinee’s discography will give anyone new to K-pop an idea of how the industry has evolved over time with a solid and diverse medley of tracks. Members Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin have been … [Read more...] about How K-Pop Group Shinee Stands The Test of Time
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Meet Me @ the Altar Are Jump-Starting a New Era for Pop Punk
Since pop punk broke through in the Nineties, the genre’s most prominent faces have been largely white (not unlike dozens of other scenes). But as the music industry begins waking up to its history of race and gender inequality, one band is ready to rewrite that unspoken rule: Meet Me @ the Altar , one of 2021’s most exciting new rock acts. Guitarist-bassist Téa Campbell, 20, and drummer Ada Juarez, 22, met online in 2015 after Campbell stumbled upon Juarez’s drum cover of a Twenty One Pilots song. Despite living in different states (Florida and New Jersey, respectively), the two became fast friends and decided to start a band. They held online auditions, where Edith Johnson, 20, tried out by singing Paramore’s “All I Wanted”; the Georgia native wasn’t chosen at first, but she was persistent. “Edith supported us throughout the two years that she wasn’t in the band,” Campbell says. “She was literally texting me every day [asking]: ‘Are you guys looking for another singer?’” … [Read more...] about Meet Me @ the Altar Are Jump-Starting a New Era for Pop Punk
Watch Iggy Pop’s New ‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night’ Video
Iggy Pop has dropped a new video for his interpretation of the Dylan Thomas poem, “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.” It’s featured on Pop’s 2019 album, Free . In the Simon Taylor-directed video, Pop delivers a dramatic reading of the classic poem, buoyed by guitarist Noveller and trumpeter Leron Thomas’ soundscape. Pop focuses a steadfast stare directly into the camera with the closeup shot style enhancing his deep timbre and expressiveness. In December, Pop released “ Dirty Little Virus ,” a song about Covid-19. He also recorded a French-language version of Elvis Costello’s “No Flag” from Costello’s recent album, Hey Clockface . The two friends appeared in Rolling Stone ‘s Musicians on Musicians issue , where they shared early memories of their longstanding friendship and their careers. “When I heard your music, I felt like you were the only thing coming out of the U.K. that wasn’t going along with the I’m-a-monster-with a-guitar-riff thing,” Pop told … [Read more...] about Watch Iggy Pop’s New ‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night’ Video
Song You Need to Know: Got7’s ‘Encore’ Shows the K-pop Powerhouses Aren’t Done Just Yet
After Got7 announced their departure from longtime management company JYP Entertainment in January , rumors began to swirl that the seven-piece K-pop act were disbanding. But the septet officially put those rumors to rest this week with the release of the surprise single “Encore.” Written and co-produced by Got7 member Jinyoung, the tender, R&B-tinged ballad reads like a love letter to their fans (affectionately referred to as “Ahgase”). “When everything was new to us/Everything about you was a gift to us,” Jinyoung croons in his falsetto, as the lo-fi verses give way to a sweeping chorus and rollicking beat. The earnest melody climaxes in a pleading final chorus that’s as much about asking Ahgase to stand by the group, as it is about the group reassuring fans that Got7 are here to stay: “What we’ve had for a long time/No need a reason, it’s because of you/After time passes by, please be right here/Be right here with me.” Got7 has always been known for their … [Read more...] about Song You Need to Know: Got7’s ‘Encore’ Shows the K-pop Powerhouses Aren’t Done Just Yet
Hear Pop Smoke’s New Song ‘AP’ From Posthumous Film Role ‘Boogie’
The late rapper Pop Smoke ’s song, “AP,” has been released. The track is featured in the Eddie Huang-directed film, Boogie , and it will appear on the upcoming soundtrack. Boogie also marks Pop Smoke’s posthumous acting debut. He portrays Monk, one of the basketball rivals of the titular character who aspires to play in the NBA in the coming-of-age film. Boogie arrives in theaters on March 5th. The lyric video for “AP” showcases footage from the movie featuring the rapper as well as behind-the-scenes photos. “AP, Spicy/I bust a check in my Nikes,” he raps on the hook. “Am I a killa? Might be/Two tone, icy.” Pop Smoke’s posthumous debut album, 2020’s Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon , bowed at Number One on Rolling Stone ‘s Top 200 Albums chart and it was the third biggest album of last year. … [Read more...] about Hear Pop Smoke’s New Song ‘AP’ From Posthumous Film Role ‘Boogie’