stayc main image

Stephanie Poetri: Navigating the Stars and Soundscapes

April 3, 2024

Indonesian-born artist Stephanie Poetri is not just a musician; she's a sonic storyteller whose narratives unfold against the backdrop of a world obsessed with digital connectivity and astrological...

Read more
stayc main image

Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

April 1, 2024

In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced...

Read more
stayc main image

The National: A Journey Through Melancholy and the Art of Songwriting

March 31, 2024

Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense....

Read more
stayc main image

NIKI: A Profile on Self-Discovery and International Acclaim

March 29, 2024

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary music scene, transforming from a self-made YouTube artist into a history-making star...

Read more
stayc main image

Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

Read more
stayc main image

SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

Read more
stayc main image

The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

Read more
stayc main image

Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

Read more
stayc main image

Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

Read more
stayc main image

The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

Read more
stayc main image

Jimin's Historic Billboard Hot 100 Triumph: Elevating K-Pop to New Heights on the Global Stage

March 7, 2024

lmost one year ago, BTS's Jimin etched his name in the hall of music history by becoming the first South Korean soloist to clinch the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his hit single..

Read more
stayc main image

The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...

Read more

Sunmi Becomes the 'Stranger' With New Single

stayc main image

Photo Source: Koreaboo

After over a year of absence from the Kpop scene, solo artist Sunmi has recently come back with her eighth digital single, “STRANGER.” Co-written by Sunmi, the single delves into her 17-year career (10 year solo career) through self-reflection and being genuine to herself. 

Sunmi first debuted in 2007 as a member of the girl group, Wonder Girls. She also debuted as a solo artist in 2013. Since then, she has established her own unique music style, “Sunmi-pop,” which incorporates electro-pop and retro elements with addictive melodies and powerful performances. While staying true to her colours and sounds, she also explored many new ventures as an artist, including becoming a singer-songwriter. 

In “STRANGER,” Sunmi becomes a stranger. The track opens with a dark and mysterious tone – with an abrupt, chanted chorus. The track moves away from her classic sound to reggae rhythms and a spoken-word chanted chorus. Her empowering vocals throughout the song present another dimension to the track.

Aside from “STRANGER,” the digital single also includes the songs “Calm Myself” and “Call My Name.” Narcissism is a common theme seen through all three songs. 

“Calm Myself” is an English-lyric track that opens the album. The song highlights the process of letting go and finding inner peace after a past relationship. The song demonstrates the process of self-healing and moving on from a failed romance. The last song, “Call My Name,” is a track inspired by her fans. Her voice and instrumentals contribute to a calming track about self-love sung from a fan’s perspective.