January 31, 2023
Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because
Read more.png)
February 1, 2023
Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI
Read more.png)
January 28, 2023
What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
Read more.png)
January 26, 2023
Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?
Read more.png)
January 26, 2023
What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...
Read more.png)
January 23, 2023
As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...
Read more
January 19, 2023
Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...
Read more.png)
January 19, 2023
Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...
Read more
January 16, 2023
Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...
Read more
January 6, 2022
Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....
Read more
December 28, 2022
Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...
Read more
December 7, 2022
Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
Read more
Photo Source: Rolling Stone
NCTzens, the wait is finally over. On October 6, NCT 127 returned with their fifth album, Fact Check, accompanied by a futuristic music video for the album’s title track.
In 2016, SM Entertainment debuted NCT, a boy group that currently consists of 26 members. Among this group, five subunits exist: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DoJaeJung. Each subunit has their own unique sound and performances. Since their debut in 2016, NCT 127 has become known for their experimental hip-hop and R&B music, while showcasing their strong vocal and rap abilities. With their new nine-track album, Fact Check, their sound becomes far more mature and powerful. The comeback features Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jongwoo, Mark, and Haechan.
The album’s single, ‘Fact Check,’ is an energetic Afrobeats-inspired dance track that oozes confidence. It carries the electro-synth rhythm that NCT 127 is known for with a trendier sound to engage new listeners. The chorus consists of a repetitive beat using percussive elements. The bridge also showcases the outstanding vocal performances of members Doyoung, Jaehyun, Taeil, and Haechan. Then it leads into a cool rapping section from Mark and Taeyong, accompanied with dramatic drumming. The lyrics express the group’s unmatched confidence in their music, despite any attempts to ‘fact check’ their credentials. In the music video, the group hops to different landmarks across Seoul, as well as more futuristic landscapes.
The album’s b-sides are great gems as well. ‘Space’ is a groovy, chill song that masterfully utilizes a saxophone. ‘Parade’ is a fun hip-hop song that showcases the group’s versatility. ‘Angel Eyes’ is a lively 80s-inspired rock song, co-written by Mark and Taeyong. Continuing the summer vibes, ‘Yacht,’ is an easy-listening song, perfect for a night on a yacht. ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ blends NCT 127’s signature style of rap with R&B vocals over a grungy bass. ‘Love is a beauty,’ presents sentimental lyrics written by Taeil, Taeyong, and Mark. The emotional ballad, ‘Misty,’ co-written by Mark and Taeyong, is sure to send shivers down your spine. The album concludes with ‘Real Life,’ discussing the magical feeling of being loved.
