♥ Right Now, Tomorrow, Forever, 소녀시대 ♥ The Official Girls' Generation (SNSD) Thread

[Sooyoung]

i like "gossip girls" more than "flyers", at the moment....of course i still need to wait for the full version of "flyers", to decide

 

To completely write off a song from a clip would be foolish but there is enough of a clip to formulate an opinion on the track, given that it will hardly deviate from what you have already heard (IGAB's teaser suggests otherwise though but I digress).

[Sooyoung]

I can't believe it, this is the first album of SNSD's that has no ballads 

 

Lingua Franca and Everyday Love though.

 

As for the album, half of it is good enough quality, I am pleasantly surprised.

 

I for one am coming Girls&Peace and Love&Peace to make a full album of good songs:

 

1. Paparazzi

2. Gossip Girls

3. Animal

4. Reflection

5. Karma Butterfly

6. Boomerang

7. I’m A Diamond

8. All My Love Is For You

9. Galaxy Supernova

10. Motorcycle

11. Flower Power

 

At least a lot of these songs can now be included as a full body of work where it can appreciate and add to something. 

[Sooyoung]

I can't wait for their JP 2014 tour now ^.^ We won't see them perform these songs until then... The concert set list better be great.

 

The setlist won't be the tour's downfall, it will obviously be SM's inability to invest in their acts.

[Sooyoung]

You fancy Boomerang oppa?

 

10 tracks feel lazy and Boomerang was the next best song, plus, the choreography is amazing.

[Sooyoung]

is Língua franca even a ballad? i don't think so

 

It is in that territory as far as I am concerned. 

[Sooyoung]

Seeing as everyone has differing views on what SNSD should be doing, if you had total control of SNSD's comeback, from the single, to the album, to the album photoshoot, music video, promotion, everything entailed and relating to an SNSD comeback, what would you do?

 

*awaits answers*

[Sooyoung]

First, I'd give them a break, a couple of months maybe (not fully, they can do some little things, but they need an actual break). Then I'd give them a pep talk that they have to try more during performances, no more half-assing. As for the comeback, there should be some teasing before the actual teaser (events or TV appearances or photoshoots) then drop a couple of teasers, promote more than one track, not go on every single music show (I'd leave Inkigayo, Music Bank and M!Countdown). Go on music related shows (Sketchbook, Yoon Dohyun's Must) and have some special performances. Don't go on every variety (I'm not an expert on variety, but I'd let them go on Radio Star, Running Man and idk what else). Have a couple of fan signs. idk what else.

 

The half-assing is probably to do with 7 years of work without a real break alongside declining sales and whatnot in Japan - maybe a 'why bother?' attitude - who knows.

 

The music shows are a dead format with little bearing on sales so I agree, plus, SNSD have collected enough of the awards to have 8 or 9 each. Sketchbook and the like probably carry much more weight as a promotional tool anyway. 

 

What music would you want though?

[Sooyoung]

As for the music, what I'd like most for them in Korea would be a return to their Genie days. They could promote a public friendly song for their single, like Genie, and then a second track, more creative, like IGAB (but preferably more cohesive). Keep IGAB's flawless choreo though. For Japan, I want them desperately to go back to their image of their first Japanese album. They looked so fierce in the 2011 VMAJ, and the album as a whole was flawless, so was their first tour. What set Shojo Jidai apart was their aloof stance, their goddess image. Songs like My Oh My or Love&Girls go totally against that.

 

Public friendly is hard to achieve deliberately without compromising quality at times though but I would probably agree. 

 

100% agree with the Japanese ideas, although I do understand the change in image. The general public may have preferred the image that was seen with GG1JA as well as the sound, however, their inability to promote effectively to the Japanese masses has seen them pander to the fan base who prefer the somewhat regressive Gee styled image and sound, except with more synths. Although, the fact that they resorted to this image saw any public interest become fleeting at a potentially faster pace, shooting themselves in the foot. 

[Sooyoung]

(In reply to my own post (Messy) lemme' say what I am thinking)

 

I've already said what I want for SNSD in regards to the logistics, release and promo of the album. The following ideas are based of this plan:

 

However, this post - about what I want SNSD to do from a visual, creative and musical perspective - requires a particular business frame of mind. Currently, SM's managerial style and how they pursue their profit is in the short term, almost myopic. For each music video they make, they question "will this make money" to which the answer in no and thus, they spend a minimal amount of money on it. Further, when composing an album, do they look for tracks to buy from a variety of established, high quality production teams? No, this will require them to splurge on cash. 

 

Instead, SM should be viewing SNSD promotion as an era but instead, from the announcement of the first single to the end of a tour. Yes, this will prove costly if they output material and whatnot, simply relying on tour revenue. However, the SNSD brand requires a brand new lease of life (I would go as far as to suggest that SNSD's last Korean offerings have sold on nothing more than their name alone). Therefore, SM should be focusing on making people purchase an SNSD album because of the quality, the singles because they are superb and innovative as opposed because it has become a Korean norm to purchase the SNSD lead single, tuning in to watch a SNSD's Sketchbook special because their performances have superb choreography and their new songs are resonating with everyone, not settling to watch the show because these are the same girls who look good and released 'Gee' back in 09. It is all about focusing on high quality output now, not mediocre or jarring output and relying on their back catalogue's power to shift copies of their new release. This is easier said than done, therefore requiring large financial investment, something conflicting with SM's ethos but to reiterate, are people buying because they like I Got A Boy or because it is SNSD? This can only be sustained for so long, and the successful continuation of the SNSD musical brand requires investment now.

 

To summarise my previous post regarding the management of SNSD, I suggested:

 

1. First track released as lead single - accompanying music video.
2. Second track released to accompany album release - accompanying music video.
3. Third track released following release of album - accompanying music video.
4. Fourth track released during the beginning of world tour - music video released as only form of promotion, this being composed of behind the scenes tour footage, the girls performing on tour and random clips from the tour in general.

Therefore, there are some crucial things that will need created:

 

1. An album
2. Album artwork and accompanying booklet
3. A music video for the lead (first) single
4. Artwork for the lead single
5. Teaser images for the lead single
6. A music video for the second single
7. Teaser images for the second single & album
8. A music video for the third single

Let's focus these in turn.

 

ALBUM & MUSIC

 

I've made a post regarding how SM obtain music for SNSD here.  This segment of my opinion ties in with it. 

 

First of all, a direction for the album must be decided. Many of SNSD's albums have been plagued with poor A&R for the album, not only through the selection of some poor quality tracks but the composition of the album itself being cluttered, filled with too many styles of tracks, thus reducing the quality. Therefore, the clear direction that I want them to pursue is electro-urban based pop. The most noticeable example of an album harbouring this style of music would be 'Blackout' by Britney Spears. However, that was released in 2007 and electronic music, urban music and pop have all evolved so the execution of this may be entirely different following completion.

 

Additionally, this overarching genre of music is incredibly versatile. This style of music can lead into a number of sub genre's such as hip-hop due to the infusion of urban sounds, house music from the electronic sound and whatnot. I for one believe this is key for an album though. Within the context of a high quality, well produced album, a coherent sound makes for an improved album, while each song featuring a different execution of that definitive, umbrella sound of electro-urban based pop aids each song have a unique identity within the album, allowing the album to have longevity for the listener. 

 

Some key producers I would want to be involved in the project include

,

,

,

and  Lone: one superstar production team, one versatile, underused genius and several underground experts.

 

1. Stargate produced lead (first) single - up tempo - predominantly electronic - some minor urban influences in the production
2. Stargate produced song - mid tempo - deliberately produced to sound melancholy -  this can be used as the third single - increasingly urban sound 
3. MachineDrum produced song - Hip-House in genre - mid tempo
4. MachineDrum produced song - Hip-House in genre - up tempo
5. Lone produced song - Hip-House in genre - up tempo
6. E Kidd Bogart, Greg Ogan, Spencer Nezey produced track (behind You-aholic/The Great Escape)
7. Lazy Jay produced track - Electro-house styled ballad
8. Danja produced second single - electronic urban sound
9. Danja produced mid-tempo 
10. Lone produced hip-house track. 
11. Lazy Jay produced track - fourth single - unhinged complextro influenced, progressive house track - some vocal delivery as say Work Bitch (not rap but spoken)

 

FIRST SINGLE ARTWORK & TEASERS

 

These would plainly be composed of shots from the music video for the first single with a group picture from one of the sets.  

 

FIRST SINGLE MUSIC VIDEO

 

This would have to be elaborate, camp, high budget thriller. 

 

The Korean music industry, especially SM, give little weight to the music video. Viewed as a music industry convention to create accompanying visuals with a single release, they neglect the potential power of these as a promotional tool, much like the Western industry began to do until 2009, following the decline of Madonna's and Michael Jackson's creative and commercial peaks. 

 

Therefore, SM should treat this as more than just a dance practice with close up of the members but instead, a pop culture event. A massive video would be the only way to do this and would therefore require a professional music video director who's work has an emphasis on realistic imagery imagery and block-buster theatrics. For this music video, I would hire Jonas Akerlund ('Paparazzi' and 'Telephone' by Lady Gaga). High fashion, a plot (probably based on some type of homocide with a transparent enough plot for it followed yet easily by Koreans and others alike). This wouldn't be dark per say as much as it would be ironic and camp, what Akerland specialises in. 

 

 

ALBUM ARTWORK, PHOTOSHOOT & TEASERS

 

The album artwork is just as important to the promotion of an album as a music video. When in a store, it needs to draw the eye in, not subtly suggest to a potential buyer that they should focus their gaze. Therefore, something vibrant, elaborate and bonkers is required.

 

This is quite obviously a job for David LaChappelle. Some of his most famous work includes:

 

 

 

 

 

His work is outrageous, captivating and vibrant. Yes, we are talking about SNSD, an idealistic band in an conservative country so this will be toned down in content, although he did take the Kardashian Christmas card of 2013 which features no nudity or religious imagery yet is equally as spectacular. 

 

 

David LaChapelle would therefore take the album cover and album booklet. The teaser images would be shots from the album cover shoot.

 

SECOND SINGLE MUSIC VIDEO

 

This would be focused on simplicity. The first video would be an all out spectacular. This video would be superficially subdued yet equally as cinematic. Francis Lawrence ('Slave 4 U' & 'Circus' by Britney Spears, 'Bad Romance' by Lady Gaga, 'Buttons' by the PussyCat Dolls, 'Run The World' by Beyoncé). 

 

This video would have simple shots of choreography and the accompanying storyline. This could follow a basic plot of the escape from captivity and the breaking free of previous rulers. As cheesy as this sounds, this the chance to get people talking and make the SNSD brand look self aware as opposed to blissfully uneducated. This can play as a double entendre for the usage of 'slave contracts' by SM and to even further it, maybe a cameo by Lee Soo Man? Who knows.

 

THIRD SINGLE MUSIC VIDEO

 

Finally, the third music video would be produced by David LaChappelle ('Dirrty' & 'Can't Hold Us Down' by Xtina, 'Rich Girl' by Gwen Stefani) (he hasn't made one since 2007 but this is hypothetical. It should be noted for SM who are obviously reading this (jokes) that he is a control freak and providing him with a concept and explaining to him the boundaries of the concept for maintenance of the sophisticated SNSD brand in Korea would be enough for him to feel like he has control). This would feature no choreography at all and simply follow a story line, mimicking the negative side of fame maybe, a regular staple of his work which aims to mock ignorant public perception of certain artists or ironically fuel these images further, seen best in Marilyn Manson's shoot with the children or Britney's uber-provocative school girl image Rolling Stone shoot respectively. This would have to cause controlled controversy? Maybe aim to obtain sympathy from watchers? 

 

These are just some ideas. 

[Sooyoung]

I'm going to dissect this post.
 

...and then they would be copycats without anything of their own cultural influences... and would be ridiculed for it too.

 
Copycats? Thousands of people have worked with these people so why would SNSD automatically be deemed as 'copycats'? I suggest these producers, the directors based on their skill in their respective field as to ensure the output is of high quality, something distinctly lacking in their material and visuals. This side your argument has no merit. As to your comment about them having their own cultural references, why, what cultural references are laced within SNSD's work? I would go as far as to say their current image in both Korea and Japan are distinctly non-Korean. Take them in Japan. They released 3 singles this year, all composed and written by Europeans, all of which have a distinct J-Pop feel, while wearing IGAB left over clothes, most of which are western designs or jeans belonging to a Japanese brand. Where is the Korean influence there? Lets look at IGAB. The song was produced by - you guessed it - Europeans, while the choreography was created by two Americans, all the while wearing clothes created by American fashion designers. Additionally, out of the 10 tracks on the album, only 2 where produced by Koreans, the rest being largely composed by budget, low quality European producers. With this in mind, I would happy for you to explain what you meant by Korean influences because maybe I misunderstood but an argument based on them losing their Korean influences is seemingly futile when the majority of their output was outsourced by Westerners. 
 

This above is just thoughts from the chamber idolizing the western hemispheres music, fashion and design - as if not the east is just waiting to overwhelm not just with electronics and cars, but also with media and entertainment, and if the west don't want to follow, well, we all know what happened to Rome...

 
This statement doesn't actually make much sense either.
 
Based on my interpretative skills, I am drawing from this that you feel that my ideas draw on the Western music business followed by indecipherable statements about Rome and the car-manufacturing industry.
 
To reiterate my comments above, SNSD's output is largely produced by Westerners. My original posts are actually suggesting that real professionals are used instead of outsourcing to low quality production teams like Dsign music or settling for a low quality Korean video director. Moreover, the people I suggested that SNSD work with are experts in their crafts. When was the last time someone said, 'the imagery in the I Got A Boy video is stunning', 'the production on that SNSD album track is impeccable', 'the cover art for Love&Girls was spectacular'? Never, why? Because SM don't hire experts, they hire what they know. 
 
Further, the people I have suggested are renowned worldwide for their work, in the West, in Asia and other territories. This is not about making SNSD a Western replica, it is actually making SNSD's output material exceed that of acts in the UK, USA, Japan, Europe. SNSD's material is largely low quality, not only for a group of their status but for a group with as much worldwide appeal as they do. Therefore, they should be working with people who's direction, production and execution matches their status and the heights which SNSD should be achieving. No Koreans spring to mind for this, mainly because Korea usually follow trends as opposed to create them.
 
Interestingly, you have taken the view that my opinion is based of Western influences. However, you are utterly wrong, but given your history on this forum where you have been unpleasant and derogatory, although not in a satirical manner like many others, your misinterpretation comes as no surprise. I see things from a global perspective in the music industry. I, for one, have a standard which applies for music, visuals and performances, applying this to every releases which obtains my attention. 'Girls' Generation - The First Japanese Album' met that standard. 'Paparazzi', in all it's K-Pop styled, poor video editing and filming, matched that standard. 'FLOWER POWER', a distinctly Japanese dance track matched that standard. The 'Applause' video by Lady Gaga didn't. SNSD have the power and the profit making abilities to hire people to continue making release of how quality, worldwide. I was simply suggestion some names who would make this possible.
 

I hope SM never will even consider this kind of direction of what SNSD are... I'm here for the K-pop, the spears and gagas I can hear all day on my radio, let me keep the totally incompetent management of SM's artists to be  able to love SNSD FOREVER...

K-Pop's influences lie in what the west was doing 3-years prior so your 'I'm here for K-Pop' talk, something which is actually courtesy of Scandinavian producers, is actually nonsensical. It is worth saying Britney Spears hasn't had a sizeable radio hit anywhere since 2011 and aside from 'Applause', Lady Gaga hasn't had one since mid-2011, likewise. 

 

SNSD are a stagnant brand in terms of their quality. SM are catering to too many elements of the fandom, all with differing tastes. However, as you've proven, you will eat up whatever the European producers throw to SM so why not have some good producers do it instead? 

 

Can we all take the time to appreciate that I gave a reasoned response to this poster, despite them failing to actually participate in the discussion but instead, refused to quote me directly yet disregard by opinions from fear of a dragging?

 

Times have changed since my iconic, 'Love & Girls is a flop' rant back in June!

[Sooyoung]

Just adding on a little of what Sooyoung already wrote. There's nothing wrong with having coherent and quality albums and more music videos that consist of more than the SM box. Don't kid yourself and claim you like the replicated boxes used over and over again and filler on albums like ahem...re releasing B sides on an album. Using quality directors and producers doesn't mean making the same sounding shit as the western artists or their same videos; it means they will make something that suits SNSD but will be of high quality because they're masters in their craft. When you give them a job they're not going to throw anything at them like sex scenes or some shit, they (if they're doing their job right) will find out about SNSDs image and look at previous work and base their boundaries and work off that. But on the topic of boundaries, i think pushing them is a good thing for a top idol group who is able to set the trends in the mainstream industry but it doesn't mean they have to be over the top controversial, it just means they will grab a lot of attention for something good and new.

 

This covers it basically.

 

SNSD deserve quality and going for quality producers and directors is the only way to get that to end this quality stagnation.

 

Glad you completely get what I am talking about!

[Sooyoung]

you....are.....amazing

 

Comes with being a Sooyoung stan, right?

 

[Sooyoung]

I don't think you really get the situation...

 

When it comes to the music, SM have lots of input and give directions on what they want to get and they'll have feedback and want changes. They're not just handed songs and buy it as it is. And their general opinion is that US and UK producers are terrible listeners who can't accommodate SM's wishes, whereas they find the producers in Northern Europe to be much more open and better at adapting to what SM asks for.

 

When it comes to the album cover-art and music videos in Japan, that is done by United Lounge Tokyo.

They do cover-art and music videos for a huge number of big Japanese artists too.

http://www.united-lounge.com/

 

Am I expected to dilute my opinion and censor my hyperbolic and inflated points when writing? It's a wonder that I am not throwing around low t-cells jokes!

 

I am more than aware that SM brief these producers for what they want from time to time for a bespoke track, or alternatively, out right alter what is given to them following the purchasing of rights to a track. However, the crucial point was any somewhat Korean influence in these tracks is purely there by chance, mirroring some of the pertinent sounds in the K-Pop industry seeing as these are made by, crucially, Westerners. The quoted segment is regarding the use of Westerners by SM, for SNSD, thus removing the cultural influences.

 

Moreover, the quoted segment was in reference to who was making it and as you know, most of SNSD's tracks are created by Westerners. Even if dictated by Koreans, their music is still made and created by Westerners.

 

Thank you for the later part of your comment though, it furthers my argument against Modern Canards that SNSD's work is void of Korean influence, especially if being created by Japanese directors.

[Sooyoung]

I hate with a great passion the person that does the girls' makeup.

As for the people Sones want SNSD to work with, let's be real SM never is going to drop the kind

money that is needed to work like someone like David LaChapelle or Max Martin. The best we can

hope for is that they get better songs produced by Korean or unknown European producers and someone

who really f*cking knows about fashion, I am getting tired of seeing the geisha look and unfit dresses on

the girls.

It's all hypothetical though. I'd be significantly less surprised if SHY had a subunit debut singing a Work Bitch cover than them working with Max Martin and whatnot.

[Sooyoung]

'Girls' Generation's new song has been the concept of a transvestite.'

 

Google translate plz

Ready for that 'Supermodel (You Better Work)' cover! Ru Paul, her impact!

[Sooyoung]

I know they might not do this kind but who knows...

Speculation is allowed in this thread? You should be appreciative of what you receive from SNSD at this stage in their career.

[Sooyoung]

Bring this back here

Legendary, SJJD at their peak in Japan etc

 

Who cares about this kind of thing when icon, pioneer and God-send, Khia has been tweeting about her love for Girls' Generation.

 

When will the other Koreans garner such esteemed acclaim? 

[Sooyoung]

really?? Can you send me the link where Khia tweet send her love to Soshi?

 

[Sooyoung]

I LIIVVVEEEE 

 

My networking power for SNSD. While this thread moans about me moaning, I'm busy setting up potential rap features for SNSD. When will the others?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xMgwrdnNhc

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kul2S65OLWw

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbyf9XBMRDg

[Sooyoung]

If, as a fan, you're disappointed and resentful at THIS point of the girls' careers, careers that have been by any measure remarkable in k-pop, then may I submit that YOU (the fan) ARE DOING IT WRONG.

 

The only way you can be a bad fan is if you are:

 

A) threatening the safety and well being of said artist

B) threatening the safety of said artist's other fans

C) supporting them in a manner which is ultimately detrimental to their success or

D) ignore first amendment rights of other fans with opinions which neither offend the artist or other fans, regardless of the feasibility, likelihood and chances, even if they outright say it is hypothetical.

 

Cute as ever though!

 

Edited December 8, 2013 by Sooyoung

[Sooyoung]

 

What a great way of showing appreciation and support to your fave; posting degrading images!

 

[Sooyoung]

there's a lot of users who posts sunny melons though. even jessica's.  and it's just a cleavage 

 

Because that makes it better! 

 

 

Y'all are a damn disgrace. These are women here, constantly scrutinised and attacked for their image and then you are all happy to objectify them?

 

[Sooyoung]

omg Everyday Love 

 

Not to put a downer on this achievement, basically any iTunes store aside from the US, UK, German, French, Australian and one or two others are generally meaningless, especially Asian and African given how little is required to chart on them and/or top them.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Sooyoung

[Sooyoung]

Lonely Sunny at the dorm. Poor girl.

 

Lonely with her wads of cash.

 

[Sooyoung]

I will!!

 

Those posters look amazing.  Also, just as an intro and to get to know some of you better.

 

 

 

What is everyone's favourite Japanese Soshi song from each album??? 

 

I'm in love with the Hero/ Let it Rain

Stay Girls

Lips/ Love & Girls/ Beep Beep

 

 

The Great Escape > Mr. Taxi/Genie > Youaholic/Let It Rain > Bad Girl/Beautiful Stranger > I'm In Love With Khia

 

Flower Power>>>>>>>>>>>> Animal

 

Gossip Girls/Motorcycle >>>>>>> Karma Butterfly.