By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Pop stars from Asia gathered once again in Seoul for the 6th Asia Song Festival (ASF) Saturday evening, but Korean pop groups stole the spotlight.
Fans of K-pop groups Big Bang, Super Junior, Girls Generation and 2NE1, Japanese stars Gackt and V6, and other Asian artists flocked to Seoul World Cup Stadium to see their favorite stars for free, though attendance seemed to be less than in previous years.
The annual music festival, organized by the Korea Foundation for Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), is touted as an opportunity for cultural exchange and cooperation among Asian countries.
However, the festival line-up was dominated by Korean and Japanese artists. There were four Korean groups and three Japanese groups invited to the festival, compared to one representative each from China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
The music festival kicked off with performances by Taiwanese singer Show Luo and rising girl group 2NE1. 2NE1, who received the ASF New Artist Award, quickly got the crowd on their feet with their hits ``Fire'' and ``I Don't Care.''
At a press conference Friday, 2NE1 leader CL said the group was very happy to have gained fans across Asia, even though they only debuted a few months ago. ``We enjoy music and as a group, we always say, `Let's go out there and play our music.' That's how we do it,'' she said.
Boy band K-Otic incorporated elements of traditional Thai music and culture in their performance. Chinese pop singer Chris Lee, who won the Super Girl singing contest in 2005, sang some of her catchy tunes on stage.
Popular Japanese pop group V6 charmed their fans when they sang and danced to three songs, including their latest single ``Guilty.'' It was the six member group's second appearance at the festival.
``We hope to see you again at our concerts in November,'' the group's Junichi Okada told the crowd.
Festival organizers also gave a special award to Ukrainian singer Ruslana, who is also a politician, for her efforts to bridge the cultural gap between Korea and Ukraine. Wearing a shredded green outfit, the sultry singer showed off the vocal chops that won her the Eurovision Song Competition in 2004.
Gackt, a former vocalist of Malice Mizer and one of the pioneers of the visual kei movement in Japan, gave one of the most explosive performances of the night. Gackt rocked the festival with his powerful voice, hard-hitting rock tunes, exciting visuals and special effects.
While they graciously applauded lesser known Asian acts, the crowd reserved its loudest cheers for K-pop's most popular groups. Girls' Generation had everyone on their feet with catchy songs ``Gee'' and ``Genie.''
Boy band Super Junior performed two of their hit songs to the delight of their fans. However, Kang In, who was involved in a bar brawl recently, was noticeably absent.
Big Bang was perhaps the most anticipated act of the night. Many fans had been missing the pop group, whose members have been concentrating on promotions in Japan as well as solo projects in Korea. There were only four members for the performance, as Dae-sung was recuperating from a recent car accident. The group performed three songs, including last year's hit, ``Lies.''
The festival ended with a surprise encore featuring members of Super Junior and Girls' Generation.
Amid a downturn in the music industry in the region, the Asia Song Festival was aimed at creating an environment in which Asia can be grown as a single music market, under the slogan ``Asia is One.''
One improvement at this year's festival was the introduction of a charity component, in cooperation with SBS Hope TV Popcorn. Fans could send text messages, which were posted on the big screens, for 2,000 won. The funds will go to seven non-government Korean organizations, including Good Neighbors, Save the Children and World Vision.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr
| lectronica Groups to Gather in Seoul |
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British band The Prodigy is expected to take the stage at the Global Gathering 2009, a festival of electronica music that will be held Sept. 18-19 at Han River Nanji Park in northern Seoul. / Courtesy of organizers |
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Summer is almost over, but there's still one more festival that will thrill and delight fans of electronic and dance music. The Global Gathering 2009 will bring together big electronica acts like The Prodigy, Underworld, Crystal Method and Royskopp, along with K-pop stars G-Dragon and 2NE1, in Seoul this month.
The two-day dance festival is being held from Sept. 18-19 at Han River Nanji Park. Other acts include Fantastic Plastic Machine featuring Verbal from M-flo, Pendulum, MSTRKRFT, The Potbelleez, Houserulez, Gogostar, Idiotape, Revolver 69, Risque Rhythm Machine and Astro Voize.
Global Gathering is an annual dance music festival started by Angel Music Group in the United Kingdom in 2001. It has since expanded and has organized festivals featuring top electronica artists in Russia, Australia, Turkey, Ukraine, Poland and Belarus.
For the festival in Seoul, British band The Prodigy is proving to be one of the main draws. Fans are excited about their upcoming performance, which comes on the heels of their latest album ``Invaders Must Die.'' The album, which was the first since 1997 to reunite all three original members of the band, debuted at the top of the British charts.
The Prodigy are expected to rock the festival with their trademark frenetic, electronic dance tracks ``Firestarter,'' ``Breathe,'' ``Omen,'' and the latest single ``Take Me to the Hospital.''
Underworld is another British electronic group composed of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith. Their mix of techno, house and pop music has earned them fans around the world. One of their best known hits is ``Born Slippy .NUXX,'' used in the soundtrack of the Danny Boyle film ``Trainspotting.'' They later worked with Boyle again on the soundtrack for his film ``Sunshine,'' released in 2008.
Norwegian electronic duo Royskopp will be performing in Korea for the first time. The duo is composed of Svein Berge and Torbjorn Brundtland. Royskopp's hit songs include ``Eple'' (used by Apple Inc. as the music for the video for Mac OSX 10.3), ``Poor Leno,'' ``Remind Me,'' ``What Else is There?'' ``Go With the Flow'' and ``Happy Up Here.''
 The inclusion of K-pop stars G-Dragon and girl group 2NE1 may initially seem like an odd fit for the electronic music festival. But G-Dragon, a member of Big Bang, recently topped the charts with ``Heartbreaker,'' a solo album filled with electronic, hip-hop and dance tracks. 2NE1 also chalked up hit dance songs such as ``Fire'' and ``I Don't Care.''
American group Crystal Method will also be doing a DJ set at the festival. They are considered one of the top-selling electronica groups in the United States and are best known for their album ``Vegas.''
Australian electronic rock production group Pendulum will also play a DJ set at the festival. The group is known for their exciting shows with a live band and visual effects. Their albums include ``Hold Your Color'' and ``Silico,'' which included their single ``Propane Nightmares.''
The Potbelleez is a house and electronic music group with members from Ireland and Australia. Some of their hit songs include ``Junkyard," ``Duuurty Dreemz" and ``Don't Hold Back."
Fantastic Plastic Machine is a popular Japanese artist and DJ, whose real name is Tomoyuki Tanaka. His music has been used in various soundtracks, such as ``Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,'' as well as a Louis Vuitton commercial created by Takashi Murakami. He will be performing with Verbal, who is more popularly known as one-half of the Japanese hip-hop group M-flo.
A one day ticket is 88,000 won, while the two-day pass is 143,000 won. Visit www.globalgathering.co.uk/kr. Tickets are available on Interpark (ticket.interpark.com or 1544-1555). For ticket reservations in English, send an e-mail to globalgatheringkorea@gmail.com.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr |
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|  Madonna
`Celebration'
(Warner Korea)
Fans of Madonna will no doubt be celebrating the release of her most extensive greatest hits album to date, ``Celebration.'' The two-disc set features 36 new re-mastered versions of her songs that will remind everyone just how good Madonna's music was, and still is.
Throughout her career, Madonna has consistently churned out hits, although many of these topped the charts in the 1980s and 1990s. The 80's just wouldn't have never been the same without ``Like a Virgin,'' ``Dress You Up,'' and ``Material Girl.''' Also included are her longest number one song ``Take a Bow," ``4 Minutes'' with Justin Timberlake, and new tracks ``Celebration'' and ``Revolver'' with Lil Wayne.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Mika
`The Boy Who Knew Too Much'
(Universal Korea)
You can tell Mika's sophomore album is going to be fun, just by looking at the colorful images on the cover. Listening to ``The Boy Who Knew Too Much,'' you'll find it offers more of Mika's flamboyant and over the top, but always fresh pop music.
The first two singles, ``We Are Golden'' and ``Blame it on the Girls'' are catchy and upbeat. Mika seems to be channeling Freddie Mercury with his falsetto, which is especially noticeable in the fun disco-influenced track ``Rain.'' A special edition version of the album features a bonus disc of Mika's acoustic show at Sadler's Wells Theater in London last June.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Beyonce
`I Am Sasha Fierce (Platinum Edition)'
(SonyBMG)
As excitement builds towards Beyonce's upcoming concert in Seoul next month, now is a great time to pick up a copy of ``I Am Sasha Fierce.'' The album's platinum edition features new songs, such as ``Why Don't You Love Me,'' ``Save the Hero,'' and a remix of ``Ego'' with hip-hop star Kanye West. Beyonce gives her own R&B spin on Billy Joel's classic ``Honesty.''
Beyonce is as much of a star for her memorable music videos as for her pop songs. A DVD includes behind-the-scenes footage and music videos for ``If I Were a Boy,'' and ``Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),' which won Video of the Year at the MTV Video Awards.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
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|  Pixie Lott
`Turn it Up'
(Universal Music Korea)
Pixie Lott is only 18 years old, and her first two singles shot straight to the top of the British charts this year. With her blonde hair and cute looks, it might be easy to dismiss Lott as another Britney Spears wannabe. But after listening to her soulful voice, it's apparent she's more like British diva Duffy.
The British singer-songwriter's debut single ``Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)'' is a sassy track that combines old school soul and pop music. Her songs are upbeat and cheerful, but never cheesy like ``Boys & Girls'' and ``Band-Aid.''' Lott also does well with romantic ballads ``Cry Me Out,'' ``My Love'' and ``Nothing Compares.''
-Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Eternity
`Eternity'
(SonyBMG)
Singer Jade Villalon was better known as Sweetbox, until she ditched the stage name in 2007. Now, she is working with music partner Geo under the name Eternity.
This time, the duo went back to their roots and created an album filled with pop, electro and R&B songs that sample classical music. For instance, ``Wonderful World'' and ``Love'' sample Pachelbel's `` Canon.'' The romantic ``I Will,'' based on Vivaldi's ``Spring'' from ``The Four Seasons,'' will no doubt be a staple at many weddings. Villalon's voice is beautifully matched with the timeless melodies arranged by Geo. This is an album that will delight both pop and classical music fans.
-Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Muse
`Resistance'
(Warner Korea)
The long-awaited fifth album from British rock trio Muse is finally here. ``Resistance'' is an ambitious effort, as Muse experiments a bit more with their sound. The album opens with the rock anthem ``Uprising,'' which will probably one of the highlight performances of any Muse concert in the future.
``Undisclosed Desires'' stands out mainly because of its catchy R&B sound. Frontman Matthew Bellamy sounds a lot like Queen's Freddie Mercury in ``United States of Eurasia.'' There's the soaring three-part symphony ``Exogenesis,'' which few rock bands even attempt these days. This is an album that will sell to old-time Muse fans, and attract new ones.
-Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
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|  The Beatles
`Beatles Remastered Albums'
(Warner Music Korea/ EMI)
The excitement over the re-release of the Beatles' 14 albums does not seem to be fading anytime soon. Both old and new fans will enjoy listening to classic Beatles songs that have been remastered. Songs sound fresh and new, but without ruining the integrity of the originals. It may be songs that you've heard hundreds of times before, but the remastered versions make you feel like you're listening to the Beatles for the first time.
Fans will have a hard time trying to fight off the temptation of buying the limited edition box set of all 14 albums in stereo or a box set of mono versions. The individual CDs also come with a short documentary on the making of the albums.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Eldar
`Virtue'
(SonyBMG)
Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Eldar explores new musical boundaries in his fourth album ``Virtue." A musical prodigy who came to the U.S. from Kyrgyzstan when he was 10, Eldar creates compositions with maturity and sophistication that few 22 year old musicians have.
He described the music as a ``fitting soundtrack'' to his life since he moved to New York City in 2007. Together with bassist Armando Gola and drummer Ludwig Afonso, he has created a youthful and energetic rush of jazz music that sounds like nothing you've heard before. ``This is a collection of thoughts, actions, and consequences ― an exposition of art, clarity, integrity and freedom. This is what virtue means to me,'' Eldar wrote on his album's liner notes.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Cocore
`Relax'
(Cub Music)
Cocore, one of Korea's top indie bands, has just released their fifth album. As the album title indicates, ``Relax'' offers laid-back rock music. From the album cover showing a sunset at a beach to the first track's guitar riffs that will conjure up images of white sand and blue waves, you get the feeling that Cocore had a very good summer vacation at the beach.
There's the electronic cool sounds of ``Hawaii'' and ``Listen-Repeat,'' which would be perfect for rave parties at the beach. Cocore, composed of Lee Woo-sung, Hwang Myung-su, Kim Jae-kwon and Jung Zi-wan, was formed in 1997. The album shows how the band continues to evolve its music and gain more fans along the way.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
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| The Prodigy Promises to Rock Seoul |
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British electronic group The Prodigy will headline the electronic dance festival Global Gathering 2009 on Sept. 18 to 19. / Courtesy of Kang & Music |
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
British electronic group the Prodigy promises to drive the crowd crazy with their exciting performance at the electronic dance festival Global Gathering 2009 on Sept. 18 to 19 in Seoul.
``Expect a loud bunch of guys on stage playing some big tunes, jumping around and getting the crowd going mad,'' frontman Liam Howlett said in an e-mail interview with The Korea Times.
Fans have been eagerly waiting for the Prodigy to come to Korea for years, but have been disappointed twice after previous shows were cancelled.
Rest assured, it won't happen again, said Howlett.
``It was totally out of our control that those two shows were cancelled but nothing is going to stop us from getting there. I will swim if I have to," he said. "We can't wait to play for the Korean people.''
The Prodigy was formed in 1990 with Howlett, vocalist Keith Flint and MC Maxim Reality. They first gained a name for themselves in the underground rave scene, and topped the charts with albums ``Music for the Jilted Generation,'' and ``The Fat of the Land.'' Through the years, Howlett remained at the helm of the group, while other members changed.
The group's original lineup reunited last year to record a new album ― their first together since 1997.
``We had our problems with each other but we sorted them all out," Howlett said. "We were very excited to all get in the studio and make this record. No one could make us or tell us to do it. We just wanted to."
``Invaders Must Die'' was released this year, under their own label ``Take Me to the Hospital.'' Howlett said it was important for the band to remain independent and not sign to a major record label. ``We can be very creative, move quickly and have total control, '' he added.
While several electronic rock music bands have fallen by the wayside in recent years, the Prodigy has proven they can still top the charts. ``Invaders Must Die'' shot to number one of the British album charts when it was released last March.
``It has a lot to do with us playing live and connecting with the people," Howlett said. "We survive on the edge of the electronic scene. We aren't totally in it. We like to be looked at as a separate band and not connected to a scene, I think. Sometimes, it can limit what you do if you are in a certain scene."
It's been 17 years since the Prodigy released their first album. Howlett believes the Prodigy's ``abrasive, electronic, in-your-face'' music cannot be placed into any category. ``We stand for the party people around the world,'' he said.
While their music has expanded, the Prodigy remains basically the same.
``We are now a good live band. We weren't in the beginning," Howlett said. "The music has broadened out I think, but the same thoughts and ethics are there. We pride ourselves on the fact we don't have to change too much. We think it's still the same, the same inspiration, same thoughts, same excitement."
The Prodigy will perform hits such as ``Firestarter,'' ``Breathe'' and ``Omen,'' at the Global Gathering Korea 2009, and will be joined by acts Underworld, Crystal Method, Royskopp, as well as K-pop stars G-Dragon and 2NE1.
A one day ticket is 88,000 won, while the two-day pass is 143,000 won. Visit www.globalgathering.co.uk/kr. Tickets are available on Interpark (ticket.interpark.com or 1544-1555). For ticket reservations in English, send an e-mail to globalgatheringkorea@gmail.com.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr |
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|  Whitney Houston
`I Look to You'
(SonyBMG)
There used to be a time when Whitney Houston reigned as queen of the pop world, but she was dethroned after her disastrous marriage to Bobby Brown and a dearth of hit songs. Now, Houston is attempting a comeback with her first new album in seven years.
Houston worked with some of today's hottest stars ― R. Kelly wrote some of her songs, including the ballad ``I Look to You,'' and Alicia Keys penned the catchy ``Million Dollar Bill.'' She also sings the duet ``Like I Never Left'' with Akon. Overall, the album's good, but it lacks the fiery, show-stopping power ballads for which Houston was known.
― Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Original Soundtrack
`Fame'
(Universal Music)
The remake of ``Fame'' is about to hit screens this month. The film has a cast of young new faces, and the soundtrack is throbbing with fresh energy and excitement. It offers a mix of hip-hop, R&B and dance music.
The theme song ``Fame,'' originally sung by Irene Cara, is given a modern update by the film's lead actress Naturi Naughton. Naughton also sings her rendition of ``Out Here on My Own. '' Other notable tracks include actress Megan Mullally's ``You Took Advantage of Me'' and Asher Book's soulful renditions of ``Ordinary People'' and ``Someone to Watch Over Me.'' If the soundtrack is any indication, the film is something to watch out for.
― Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Various Artists
`Music for Reading'
(SonyBMG)
Anyone who's tried to concentrate on reading a book and failed had better pick up a copy of this new two-disc compilation. As the title suggests, the songs on this album are the perfect accompaniment when you're reading a book. The first disc offers sweet and sad ballads from Westlife, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Ben Folds, Kelly Clarkson and Sara Bareilles.
Instrumental tracks by Andre Gagnon, Yanni, Jim Brickman, Herbie Hancock and The Dave Brubeck Quartet are on the second disc. The songs have been picked well, and provide a calm and soothing soundtrack for anyone reading a book or just wanting to relax.
― Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
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|  Colbie Caillat
Breakthrough
(Universal Music Korea)
Pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat became a breakout star in 2007 with ``Coco,'' an album of lighthearted tunes. Now she's back with a new album ``Breakthrough'' that promises more of the unfailingly cheerful and breezy love songs.
With her sweet and innocent voice singing about love, it almost makes listeners want to fall in love too. Some of the songs may have sugary lyrics, but it never gets annoying. Listeners will love ``Fallin' for You,'' ``Rainbow,'' and ``I Never Told You.'' Caillat worked with singer-songwriters Jason Reeves, Jason Mraz, and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi on several tracks.
-Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Apollo 18
`The Blue Album'
(GMC/ Estella Records)
Korean indie band Apollo 18 has just released their latest effort ``The Blue Album.'' The band, composed of bassist and vocalist Kim Dae-in, guitarist and vocalist Choi Hyeon-seok, and drummer Lee Sang-yoon, are known for a post-rock and experimental sound.
Apollo 18 opens the album with the haunting sounds of the ocean on ``Pause 02,'' followed by the strong beats of ``High Stepper.'' There's a lot of energy, screaming, wailing and swearing going on in angry, rock songs ``Iridescent Clouds,'' ``Manic Depressive'' and ``Magnolia.''
-Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Boom Boom Satellites
`Exposed'
(SonyBMG)
Japanese duo Boom Boom Satellites recently impressed audiences at Seo Taiji's ETPFEST in Seoul. Often compared to the likes of Prodigy, Underworld and Fat Boy Slim, Boom Boom Satellites' music combines electronica and rock, but with a Japanese flair.
Masayuki Nakano and Michiyuki Kawashima sing in a mix of English and Japanese. Their songs have a strong, distinct sound and offer fast paced energy. Their songs ``Easy Action,'' ``What Goes Round Comes Around,'' ``Morning After'' and ``Shut Up and Explode'' have been used in Japanese films and commercials.
-Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
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