KPOP is bigger now internationally than ever, so we choose that as the theme to close out the work week with this round-up. There are some familiar faces along with a few unexpected & fun surprises from artists you’d never peg as KPOP listeners. Each cover/remix has it’s own merit, so check out the whole lot and enjoy your Friday!
Dia Frampton Covers “Lonely” by 2NE1
Nylon Pink Remixes “Gee” by SNSD
It looks like 454′s Thai has a new mixtape in the works called The Statement with 19 tracks including the following two singles which were leaked recently. The first is called “One Way Trip” featuring some old vocals of the late Tupac. The second song leaked is a remix of KPOP star Se7en’s “I’m Going Crazy” with V8 filling in for the vocals. The new mixtape is said to be “coming soon” so be on the lookout. For now you can enjoy these two singles.
AllKPop reported this morning that Korean R&B star Wheesung is in plans to debut here in the states, linking up with Darkchild, the producer behind Se7en’s single ‘Girls’. While I’m excited for Wheesung because I’m a big fan I wonder if his result will be any better than Se7en’s. If Wheesung gets a c-level instrumental similar to Se7en’s, it doesnt matter who the producer is. Hopefully this will all amount to more than a plug as the new joint of the day on BET’s 106 & Park.
Also, he’s gotta have a little chat with his stylist to make sure his promo photos don’t end up like this:
… Cause I don’t think the US is ready for that. Shoot I don’t think Korea should have been ready for that.
So I decided to give vlogging a try and I realized I talk WAY too much. I apologize for being so verbose, I’ll work on it for the future =).
Anyways, the point of the video is this: Support the music you love, because we, the consumer can shape the market for Asian American musicians.
Here are the articles I referred to:
Hope I didn’t bore you to death! Thoughts? Comments?
This marks a special edition of Weekly Thursday Freebies as we are presenting what is hoped to be the first of many releases to come in a series uncreatively titled ‘a-Tunes Mix’. In short, the a-Tunes Mixes are going to be digital mixtapes comprised of music released by Asian/Asian-American artists here in the states. These mixes should fit on a standard 80 min CD when burned and/or play on the media player of your choice.
The main purpose of this project is to promote artists you wouldn’t normally hear in mainstream media and increase their exposure because they truly do deserve it. In no way are these mixes meant to undermine or serve as a substitution to actually supporting these artists by buying their music. In fact, it is meant to encourage all of you to find new artists you really enjoy and show your support. That being said, if there any artist(s) or members of their staff who are reading this and object to their inclusion, then please let me know (giftedthought at gmail) and I will respectfully leave you out of future releases.
Now, with all the information and disclaimers out of the way… a-Tunes is proud to present the ‘a-Tunes Mix Vol. 1: Summer Break’. I know the summer season is rapidly winding down, and many of you will find yourselfs back at your fine educational institutions soon (if you haven’t already). However, that doesn’t mean we still can’t appreciate some fun, catchy music. All the songs included on this mix were released in roughly the past yr (given a couple exceptions), and are light and infectious enough to simpley relax and enjoy like it’s summer break all over again.
You can find the tracklist, links to the artists, and link to DL all after the jump!
The Korea Herald had an interesting piece about the flock of KPOP singers attempting to break through the US market. It’s a great, short read and I’ll quote the entire article after the break just in case the page is ever removed.
Although nothing is really shocking about what’s written, it poses some good questions and summarizes the current pop culture climate and obstacles many of these singers are facing.
With so many Asian artists attempting to cross over to the US music industry this year (BoA, Wonder Girls, Se7en, Utada Hikaru, etc), it goes without question that increased public awareness also brings increased scrutiny. Across the board it seems like a lot of people are commenting on how (fill in the name of an Asian artist here) needs to work out their accent (Utada being the exception). Or how they sound foolish or embarrassing. Go to any youtube video or forum post about these artists and you’ll undoubtedly see all the negative remarks. You know I’m not going to lie, I’ve made similar comments many times myself.
However I think it begs the question, what makes an Asian accent so “ugly”? I mean, British and Latin accents are almost unanimously considered attractive or sexy, yet Asian accents are often the subject of ridicule and shame. What makes Enrique sound so exotic and smooth, but Se7en awkward and funny? What made the Spice Girls sound so endearing but the Wonder Girls like level 2 ESL students?
According to AllKPOP, Se7en‘s video for ‘Girls’ ft Lil Kim will premiere tomorrow on BET’s 106 & Park.
Although there have been plenty of asians that appeared as video girls and/or extras in BET music videos, not too many have been the star so its a welcome sight to see Se7en gain some additional exposure. Although I gotta be honest, I’m expecting a lot of hate on this one.
Make sure to check out AllKPOP for the details along with some additional news/rumors.
It’s been a little crazy for me lately as I’ve been preparing for 3 performances in 5 days so I’m bringing you another quickie post instead of 10 separate detailed ones. Let’s just say there’s been an influx of minor exposure for the KPOP crossover to the US. I immediately haven’t had a chance to watch everything yet but I’ll post my thoughts later.
With so much news about so many different KPOP artists attempting to cross over to the US simultaneously I decided it’s best to group it all together and let you read it yourselves. AKA I’m lazy and actually a bit over saturated by the whole fad.
You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives.
