stayc main image

Ariana Grande: Pop’s Vocal Powerhouse and Cultural Icon

December 22, 2024

Ariana Grande is one of the most powerful voices in pop music today, known for her impressive vocal range, emotional depth, and versatility. From her breakout role on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” to...

Read more
stayc main image

SZA and Kendrick Lamar: A Groundbreaking Collaboration and the Power of “Healing”

December 22, 2024

After years of anticipation and speculation, SZA and Kendrick Lamar have finally come together to create what promises to be one of the most exciting collaborations in modern music. Their new album...

Read more
stayc main image

Lauren Mayberry: Charting a Solo Path with *Vicious Creature

December 22, 2024

Lauren Mayberry, best known as the magnetic vocalist and co-creator of the acclaimed Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches, is stepping into a new chapter with her solo debut album, Vicious Creature...

Read more
stayc main image

Lana Del Rey: Redefining Music and Culture Through Nostalgia and Authenticity

December 20, 2024

Over the past decade, Lana Del Rey’s ethereal voice and haunting melodies have entranced audiences worldwide, but her profound influence on contemporary music is what truly sets her apart. Born...

Read more
stayc main image

FINNEAS: A Transformative Journey From "Optimist" to "For Cryin' Out Loud"

December 20, 2024

FINNEAS O’Connell has had an extraordinary few years. At just 27, the singer-songwriter and producer has become a prominent figure in the music world, largely thanks to his collaboration with his...

Read more
stayc main image

The Billie Eilish Phenomenon: Why It’s a Powerful Movement for Music and Fans

December 20, 2024

The connection between music and fans has always been a profound one, but every now and then, an artist comes along who reshapes that relationship entirely. Billie Eilish is one of those rare...

Read more
stayc main image

Nickelback: The Journey of Canada’s Most Polarizing Rock Band

December 20, 2024

Nickelback, the iconic rock band from Hanna, Alberta, has carved out a place in music history that few others can claim. With a career spanning nearly three decades, the group—comprising Chad...

Read more
stayc main image

Alex Warren’s ‘Burning Down’ Marks a New Wave of TikTok Stars in Music

December 20, 2024

TikTok sensation Alex Warren has officially entered the Billboard Hot 100 with his new single, Burning Down, marking a significant milestone in his transition from social media star to music artist...

Read more
stayc main image

The Magic of Ed Sheeran: A Journey Through Music, Love, and Authenticity

December 20, 2024

Ed Sheeran: a name synonymous with heartfelt lyrics, soul-stirring melodies, and a remarkable journey of turning personal stories into global anthems. From humble beginnings in Halifax, West...

Read more
stayc main image

The Wicked Movie Soundtrack: A Cultural and Musical Phenomenon

December 20, 2024

The highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation has not only reignited excitement for the beloved Broadway musical but has also become a cultural sensation, making waves in the music and film...

Read more
stayc main image

Bruno Mars Celebrates Collaborations With Lady Gaga and Rosé

December 20, 2024

Bruno Mars is no stranger to collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry, and his recent projects with Lady Gaga and Rosé have cemented his role as a genre-blending hitmaker...

Read more
stayc main image

Conan Gray: The Vulnerable Pop Star Redefining Authenticity

December 20, 2024

In an era where pop music often celebrates perfection, Conan Gray has emerged as a beacon of authenticity. With his introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and relatable vulnerability, Conan has...

Read more

With T.O.P.'s Departure from YG due to mental health struggles, is this the End of Big Bang?

stayc main image

Photo: Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

After a long 4 year’s K-pop group Big Bang makes a comeback to the music scene with the song “Still Life.” This song has become another banger from the group reminding fans of the music they once heard from them years back. The song emphasises where the band and the fans are at in their lives right now and as the lyrics say “Goodbye now to my beloved young days” it shows they have grown since the last time they were in the public. It’s a little reflective of their past and as a slight reminder of where things are going from now on. 

The music video is a little different from music videos of their past as their are no group shots at all and each scene is each member showcasing their different styles individually. It was beautifully shot and a great way to start their careers backup so the fans can get to know who they are now.

Photo: BIGBANG - '봄여름가을겨울 (Still Life)' M/V

Big Bang has been well known for writing their own music, specifically T.O.P and G-Dragon being credited for this new song. There were some very deep lyrics giving us insight into the personal feelings of the members. 

 

After much anticipation for the group’s return we were sad to hear that this was going to be T.O.P’s only participation for a long time as he’s decided to end his contract with YG Entertainment. T.O.P has decided to pursue more opportunities individually as an artist and other projects he may come across. It has been stated that he may participate with the group some time in the future but has no current plans to be involved.

 

With T.O.P’s departure from the group we can’t help but think he may be struggling with mental health issues. He’s stated in the past that he’s experienced a lot of depression in his life since he was a young boy. He always thought he was much more sensitive than the other kids and in an interview says “I was born to be sad.” Just a few years ago he experienced some legal issues that worsened his depression and he opened up about almost ending his life during that time. 

 

As we all know the music industry can be a hard place to grow, no matter the amazing experiences it may bring it is a dark place where many artists face battles we may never know. Artists are human like the rest of us and go through depression and hard times but with their every move being watched. It must be incredibly difficult for musicians to push through these moments when the whole world is judging you, so T.O.P needing to take a step back for himself is a very commendable move that we hope fans take into consideration while the group moves on without him. We wish T.O.P success in any project he sets out for himself without Big Bang and maybe see him with the group again, later on in the future.

 

There is much speculation that Big Bang is at the end of their careers after the news of T.O.P ending his contract. There are comparisons to situations with other groups, for example Zayn leaving One Direction leading to the group’s end or Camila Cabello with Fifth Harmony. On the upside we’ve seen group’s succeed after a member leaves like Latin Group CNCO when Joel Pimentel left the group they both went separate ways in good terms and are thriving alongside each other. In the end every group is different and has the potential of success no matter what and with the support of loyal fans Big Bang will grow and be better than ever.