Archive | February, 2011

Namie Amuro & After School – Make It Happen Song & MV Teaser

17 Feb

Japan’s undisputed Queen of Hip Pop recently announced that she will be releasing a special collaboration album (which is cutely getting called Amuro’s Collabo by fans). Amongst the news that she will be dueting with lots of famous J-pop stars was that After School will be making their official, Japanese debut on a track with Amuro!

Amazing right?! Namie is one of my favourite J-pop artists (definitely top 5), and whilst After School aren’t my favourite band, I do like their music and style so I’m super stoked for them! Check here for a brief teaser for the MV and you can hear a short clip of the song:

Everyone looks amazing right? Especially Namie and Kahi. The song sounds really good too so be sure to check back for the full audio!

For me, this represents a landmark development in the Korean, Hallyu wave. Of course you had/have artists like BoA and DBSK and in the past few months we have seen the surge in popularity of KARA and SNSD (Shoju Jidai), but to my knowledge, this is the first time a Korean idol girlgroup has dueted with such a huge star in Japan. It will be interesting to know why Namie selected After School – I think they have similar, punchy and fierce attitudes and stage presence.

With KARA’s future looking stressed, and SNSD following a cuter image, After School definitely has a chance to launch in Japan with a strong, powerful debut.

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LA.G – Don’t Flatter Yourself

15 Feb

Quick post before I rush out to meet a friend – new girl idol group, LA.G has released the audio for the debut single, Don’t Flatter Yourself. LA.G are distinguishing themselves from other idol groups by playing classical instruments. What do you think?

I think the song isn’t as catchy as some other K-pop hits but it’s definitely nice to see that there is a band bringing something new and different than the average idol group. I think we are seeing a trend away from the normal idol groups – CN.Blue and Piggy Dolls both offer something unique (rock-band stylings or powerful vocals with unstereotypical presentation).

I think ultimately though that it’ll be a long journey for LA.G to become as famous as other idol groups. Firstly because it’s all very good playing instruments but most netizens (and correct me if I’m wrong) greatly appreciate vocals and dancing skills. It’s all very well being able to play an instrument but it’s much harder to compare to other performances and additionally, I can’t help but feel lots of people won’t relate as much as it’s a different kind of performance compaed to singing and dancing. However, I wait to see their first live stage and if they can impress me then I’ll be very happy for them!

Goodluck LA.G!

Hello! Hwaiting!

11 Feb

So… I have been away for ages, right? I’ve not posted a blog in many weeks… sorry about that! And I haven’t been keeping track of your comments (sorry!) but I’ve been so busy! ;_;

I’ve started a new job which is awesome! Hwaiting~! I now work for a web design agency in London called MintTwist doing SEO work so I’m really excited and working very hard at the moment. It’s actually gone pass 6:00pm in the office on Friday and I’m still here! Technically I’m not working (and am instead blogging here…) but it’s still hardwork! I’m coming in on Sunday to do some more work. I’ve never worked so much! Not even at university!

Anyway, I don’t really know what to blog about at the moment – I think I missed all the most important K-pop stories (Kara Drama, T-ara ending promotions, SNSD’s Hoot promotions). So instead I’m just going to post a random video of T-ara performing Bo Peep Bo Peep because T-ara are hwaiting and so am I! I’ve also lost my ipod so commutes are painful… I have an old one instead but all the music there is 2 years old! Need to update it soon ^_^ Anyways~! I will try to blog more often, Colin hwaiting! T-ara hwaiting! MintTwist hwaiting! Woooo~~~~!