What can MAX 24:7 learn from U-Kiss, Noraniza Idris, After School and ZEA: Children of Empire
To date, there's been a M-Pop craze among Malaysians. The spotlight is on a newly debuted 12 member boyband Max 24:7 under Aesar Mustafa. Basically, Max 24:7 is like the Super Junior of Malaysia and Aesar Mustafa is like JYP. Well, he likes to feature himself just like JYP did in Wonder Girls' Tell Me and Nobody.
Basically, they're not really all the rage in Malaysia but we sure are raging about them. From senseless lyrics to gayish fashion sense, we Malaysians tend to bash them. But, I believe that we should not bash them. Instead, let us educate them on how to pop M-Pop tastefully.
Tip #1: Debut with a very simple concept
U-Kiss debuted with a very simplistic concept which was teenagers growing up. Observe that their outfits consist of jackets, hoodies, t-shirts and jeans. Okay, maybe some of their hairstyles are pretty laughworthy but hey, it's simple and clean.
Tip #2: Go easy on the makeup, especially guyliners
While a little bit of powder and lipbalm wouldn't hurt to make them look a little bit alive, guyliners should be ditched unless they're going for the glam look.
Tip #3: It's okay to go old school once in a while
I had to admit, their second concept kinda make me cracked up a bit and their outfits make me want to attack their stylist. However, going back in time once in a while doesn't really hurt. Who knows? Those 60s, 70s, 80s style are in again thanks to them. But, be careful. Sometimes, past trends tend to be a wee bit to bold for the present youngsters.
Tip #4: Go glam ONLY when fanbase has been established
In other words, do not debut with glam concept or bold concept. U-Kiss made two mini-albums and established an okay amount of fanbase for them to comeback with a glam concept that involved guyliners, blonde hairs and purple hairs for Man Man Hani. I got hooked on U-Kiss when Man Man Hani came out and to be honest, I don't really like the way they looked. But, somehow I got hooked on them. I don't know why. Charisma and confidence maybe?
Tip #5: Utilise your culture
The song Dikir Puteri by Noraniza Idris is a classic and yeah, I'm still listening to it now. M-Pop doesn't have to be all techno, autotune, generic pop music. It can be infused with traditional melodies such as gamelan. Or, you can just just debut with a traditional ethnic concept. Mash it up with modern or all out traditional, it's up to you. Try to explore other cultures and experiment.
Tip #6: Make sure the lyrics make sense
If you want to sing about hearbreak, please make sure that they lyrics are about heartbreaks. If you want to sing about a sucky ex-girlfriend/boyfriend, please make sure the lyrics are about sucky ex-boyfriends/girlfriends.
Tip #7: Dress up nicely
You don't have to invest on designer brands but just make sure you are presentable.
Tip #8: It's okay to be funny
Your fans are going to love it (I hope).
Tip #9: Have a unique concept
After School's concept for their third single Bang was a marching band (or brass band). They spent months practicing for their comeback and they managed to work the marching band concept. It doesn't have to necessarily be a brass band or some fancy concepts. It can be as simple as high school students or grand prix racers.
Tip #10: Look into films, novels and plays for MV ideas
ZEA's second MV All Day Long was based on a Japanese film and manga Crow Zero. And, it was one of their best MV in my opinion. Stuff from films, books and plays can really be used to make a good MV.
Tip #11: If you want to go topless, hit the gym first
Have a good workout and tone your body if you are planning to go topless in photoshoots and MVs. On second thought, it's best not to overexpose.
Good luck ^_^
Image credits:
pump. the. volume
Live Kpop
Korean Sound
K-Pop Express
Ye In Jee's Asian Journal
Asian Popcorn
K-Pop Love
Koja Productions
Broken Tsubasa
Photobucket
Effpoo4our
Universal Records Blog
Basically, they're not really all the rage in Malaysia but we sure are raging about them. From senseless lyrics to gayish fashion sense, we Malaysians tend to bash them. But, I believe that we should not bash them. Instead, let us educate them on how to pop M-Pop tastefully.
Tip #1: Debut with a very simple concept
U-Kiss debuted with a very simplistic concept which was teenagers growing up. Observe that their outfits consist of jackets, hoodies, t-shirts and jeans. Okay, maybe some of their hairstyles are pretty laughworthy but hey, it's simple and clean.
Tip #2: Go easy on the makeup, especially guyliners
While a little bit of powder and lipbalm wouldn't hurt to make them look a little bit alive, guyliners should be ditched unless they're going for the glam look.
Tip #3: It's okay to go old school once in a while
I had to admit, their second concept kinda make me cracked up a bit and their outfits make me want to attack their stylist. However, going back in time once in a while doesn't really hurt. Who knows? Those 60s, 70s, 80s style are in again thanks to them. But, be careful. Sometimes, past trends tend to be a wee bit to bold for the present youngsters.
Tip #4: Go glam ONLY when fanbase has been established
In other words, do not debut with glam concept or bold concept. U-Kiss made two mini-albums and established an okay amount of fanbase for them to comeback with a glam concept that involved guyliners, blonde hairs and purple hairs for Man Man Hani. I got hooked on U-Kiss when Man Man Hani came out and to be honest, I don't really like the way they looked. But, somehow I got hooked on them. I don't know why. Charisma and confidence maybe?
Tip #5: Utilise your culture
Click to viewThe song Dikir Puteri by Noraniza Idris is a classic and yeah, I'm still listening to it now. M-Pop doesn't have to be all techno, autotune, generic pop music. It can be infused with traditional melodies such as gamelan. Or, you can just just debut with a traditional ethnic concept. Mash it up with modern or all out traditional, it's up to you. Try to explore other cultures and experiment.
Tip #6: Make sure the lyrics make sense
If you want to sing about hearbreak, please make sure that they lyrics are about heartbreaks. If you want to sing about a sucky ex-girlfriend/boyfriend, please make sure the lyrics are about sucky ex-boyfriends/girlfriends.
Tip #7: Dress up nicely
You don't have to invest on designer brands but just make sure you are presentable.
Tip #8: It's okay to be funny
Your fans are going to love it (I hope).
Tip #9: Have a unique concept
After School's concept for their third single Bang was a marching band (or brass band). They spent months practicing for their comeback and they managed to work the marching band concept. It doesn't have to necessarily be a brass band or some fancy concepts. It can be as simple as high school students or grand prix racers.
Tip #10: Look into films, novels and plays for MV ideas
ZEA's second MV All Day Long was based on a Japanese film and manga Crow Zero. And, it was one of their best MV in my opinion. Stuff from films, books and plays can really be used to make a good MV.
Tip #11: If you want to go topless, hit the gym first
Have a good workout and tone your body if you are planning to go topless in photoshoots and MVs. On second thought, it's best not to overexpose.
Good luck ^_^
Image credits:
pump. the. volume
Live Kpop
Korean Sound
K-Pop Express
Ye In Jee's Asian Journal
Asian Popcorn
K-Pop Love
Koja Productions
Broken Tsubasa
Photobucket
Effpoo4our
Universal Records Blog