꒰ :page_facing_up: ꒱ — #wrt
hey sexies. im tired, you're
tired. but let's get into the
latest wrt blog. week 81
already?! call me old asf..
thank you bhoomi for the
cute cover and myself for
the dividers and posting 🙄
❛ kang daniel
– keni
Daniel is an artist I've kept up with ever since he appeared on Produce 101. He was one of my top picks and I being so elated when he made it into Wanna One as first place winner. He's had a long journey from training to founding his own company, Konnect Entertainment. Now, he makes his own choices; it's really heartwarming to see him creating the music he wants and it's surely music that suits my taste to perfection. Thus, today I wish to share a little on why Daniel is such an amazing individual and artist as a whole.
After a 6-months hiatus following Wanna One's disbandment, Daniel kicked off his career as a solo artist with the extended play, Color on me. "What are you up to" isn't a song I liked at first listen. It has this chill, bubbly vibe yet it uses an overlay of trap beats which already renders it so unique. At first I thought that made it kind of inconsistent, but the more I listened to it, the more the high-pitched synths and little pops grew on me. Not to mention the relaxing way Daniel sings in, it's so enticing to listen to. The MV matches the song flawlessly though, I wouldn't call it a completely cute concept, but it's definitely a bright and refreshing one. His next album also followed the theme of colors, called, Cyan, and I love how he made up this series of connected album themes, making the releases all the more intriguing. "2U" isn't too far off from his debut song, it's calm and uses a repeating loop throughout. There isn't a really strong melody line here, but the song is all about its soothing aspect and simplicity. "Touchin'" takes an even more colorful route with the prominent ad-libs, head voice moments and happy electric guitar. The pop beats and bass guitar work so well together to back his pretty vocals. I like these three songs, I really do, but they don't compare to his next album, Magenta. At this point, it's like he had a surge in production and literally every other aspect, as he comes at us with "Waves". I love this one to bits. I think this is when I really got into him as a soloist. As I said, I'd been following him for a while but he hadn't released that song yet that made me go "yes that's it!" But Waves certainly did. It's a full 180 degrees turn from his earlier concepts, as he adopts a much more lush vibe. This collab with Simon D and Jamie uses groovy beats and a catchy tune to entrall is in its beauty. It's such a flavor-filled song, not to forget the very equal line distribution despite the other two being features. "Who U are" also forms part of the same album, but is more EDM-based and makes use of drops and beats that you just want to get up and dance to. It's not the loud kind of dance music though, it has more subtle charms in its medium-pace and soft vocals in places.
Daniel's music is only getting better and better. Just recently, he released "Paranoia". It has quite an intense vibe, with the brassy sounds, but it doesn't go overboard as there are verses where it gets tamer as Daniel talks about the very feeling of paranoia. This might as well be my favorite song from him, but wait Waves exists. Ahh I love them both.
As for Daniel himself, he's such a talented artist in the sense that his vocals have the power to pull you in and when he goes into head voice it's even harder not to let yourself sway with it. He has shown so much growth since his trainee days in of singing, it comes like second nature to him now. He wasn't always so oriented towards singing though as there was a time when his rap skills would shine more, like in Wanna One's "Energetic". Yes, he's also a great rapper. Daniel is one of those guys with a squishy cute adorable personality, yet unleashes beastly potential as he starts dancing and steps right into the sensual moves.
There's so much more to say about him and his music, but I hope I at least managed to make you interested in checking him out if you haven't yet, you sure won't regret it.
❛ ato6
– jazz
let's pretend the section is here
❛ yugeom - franchise choreo
– luna
i am still pretending
❛ wind blows - dreamcatcher
– sania
Warning: Flashing lights
Okay, I don't know how I was able to choose a particular live stage for Dreamcatcher's "Wind Blows" which is one of the b-sides on their latest album - "Dystopia: Road To Utopia" because each one was done so well. However, I ended up choosing this particular one because the outfits are actually my favourite ones from this era. Dreamcatcher is a group that consists of some of the best dancers, vocalists and performers in the whole of K-pop so when I first heard this song, I instantly thought to myself "I wonder how they would perform it though?" and then they decided to promote it too, with the title track "Odd Eye". When I first heard this song, I also was captivated by the beautiful vocals and the strong EDM influences, because prior to getting into K-pop and even still today - I listen to a lot of EDM because some songs are bangers. So when I listened to this song, I really liked it because it included a very heavy-sounding dark-themed EDM drop which a lot of K-pop artists don't really do - so I was really surprised that the producers chose to incorporate it into a Dreamcatcher song. Anyway, let's get into this live stage though because I am really excited to be talking about in this edition of WRT. Okay let's pause at 0:05. I know we are only 5 seconds into the actual live stage performance, but I really wanted to talk about each element. So first of all the outfits - I love these outfits so much. They're consistent in of colour (black, pink and white), but I love how each member has their own style. I think Dami, Yoohyeon and Minji's looks might be my favourite- I really like Dami's fringe combined with the space-buns, jacket, top that shows her sides and shorts. She looks both bad-ass and adorable. I am also a huge fan of Minji's outfit even though the leather tros did worry me at first because I didn't know if they'd be easy or comfortable to dance in, but judging by how smoothly Minji performs - I'm guessing that I didn't need to worry at all.
Yoohyeon's outfit might be a bit more on the simpler side, but you know the saying "simple but elegant" - I'd definitely use that here. There are elements of her outfit that are more bling bling than other parts which really create a nice balance between all of the different layers. Her hairstyle too- I probably sound like a simp complimenting the right now but I mean every word. The stylists really did a good job in this era. 0:16- MISS KIM BORA- Okay, so I am the hugest fan of SimplyKpop's cameraman because they do such a great job at zooming in and zooming out whenever needed to create emphasis. Like the way he/she zoomed in on SuA winking? That was genius. I felt attacked- but in a good way since it's SuA. Also I swear Minji has all of the iconic lines in this song- like her "도시의 불빛... 보이지 않는 별... 너를 찾을 수 있을까." at 0:17 with the hand movements were just perfect. She looks so good too- All hail queen Minji. 0:22- See, this is why I love this camerman. They know exactly when to focus and where to focus at each moment. Can other music shows hire whoever filmed this? I swear- if you've seen those compliations on youtube of those awkward as hell live stages- Okay now I'm wheezing. But you can tell the difference, like this person clearly knew what the were doing and seem to have a lot of experience on focusing on different angles unlike those individuals. The lighting on the stage too- I'm glad they chose a blue/white because it doesn't blend with the outfits and allows for the to actually stand out, instead of being overpowered by the background which unfortunately has happened before. Also the facial expressions- I don't know if I've said this before but every K-pop idol needs to have charisma in any way or form. If they don't, then I don't think they'll do as well as the could (in my opinion anyway). However, each member of Dreamcatcher ooze charisma- just the winking, smiling etc. - the little things make the performace 500 times more explosive.
1:16- Dami has improved so much though, oh my goodness. I swear- if you compare her to how she was during her MINX days - I definitely feel as if she is one of the to look out for now because she has just improved so much in each aspect; dancing, performance, rapping, vocals and general. The camerawork though- Am I lin love with a cameraman? Yes, yes I am. Their talent is just phenomenal and the way they are able to capture each detail just makes the stage look so much better. I this one stage in which they kept zooming in on the member's legs instead of their whole body like- Sir, the fuck was that KSHSHSHS please- but this cameraman just seems like they know what they're doing and I love it. 1:29, aka the part of the song which me and one of my KA mutuals are in love with. "Jigeum yeogin panic in the city" will forever be one my favourite Minji likes like look at her- she looks like a whole goddess whilst she sings that verse. Then "Murky galaxy" aka Gahyeon straight after- Now for those of you who don't know, Gahyeon wasn't an original member of MINX but if you told me she was, I would have believed you. Her facial expressions and charisma just out of this world, it seems like she's had years of experience but in reality she has had less experience compared to the other . "바람아 불어라.. 너에게 닿을 수 있게." which is sung by Handong is also one of the most iconic lines in this song and I am so happy that she is finally getting more recognition for her talents. 2:27 - the flashing lights during that dance break- It was such a clever play because it balances perfectly with the power of the ' movements as they dance. Also the confetti- it just made the whole stage look more heavenly and I'm really glad that it was included. The ending pose- and Minji blowing a kiss to the camera killed me. Wow. I was so impressed by this live stage that I had to give it a 9.5/10. I highly recommend checking it out.
❛ night air + excalibur - kingdom
– sania
I am probably going to semi-ult Kingdom at this point because I really can't get over how beautiful their debut was and how much potential they all have, they really went all out and if someone was to tell me that they weren't rookies - I probably would have believed them. The way they were able to showcase their talents is beautiful and it's like each member has had years of experience - some of their techniques? I swear, some artists take years to perfect their techniques the way Kingdom did and the fact that they literally debuted 2-3 weeks ago but have perfected so many techniques is crazy. They really are the definition of monster rookies. I swear- I know people are slowly recognizing their talents, but I hope that people will realize how talented they actually are because they definitely have a lot to showcase. Like the whole "each member representing a king" concept? I am living for it. Now, I am so glad that the company chose to promote "Night Air" with "Excalibur" because it's undeniably one of the best songs on the album. Without any hesitation, let's get into this review/appreciation/recommendation. So I want to pause immediately on the first second of the live stage to talk a bit about what I am seeing right now. This set is undeniably one of the most prettiest ones that I've seen on SimplyK-pop. The lights in the ceiling which look like stars, the walls with the gold embroidery, the magnificent lighting and the outfits- I can't stop watching. I am literally in awe. They all look so majestic, magical- like princes. If they wore similar outfits to the ones Boyfriend wore in "Janus"- I would have cried because it would have all matched so well. The camerawork once again- The zooming in at the perfect times, just- This camerman deserves a raise okay. I will make a petition- he or she deserve more recognition for their hardwork. 0:13 - the way Dann looks at the camera with such intensity- Sir, I did not ask to be attacked but yes please keep going.
0:45- Arthur is definitely also capturing my attention a lot. Like you can tell he has had experience (he is a former member of Varsity) because his eyes continuously follow the moving camera, a technique that only those with experience can execute well. I'll be honest though, I am a little disappointed that we don't get a choreography - because I lowkey expected to see one with a lot of traditional, slow Korean dance movements incorporated to it (it would really match the vibe of the song). However, the beautiful vocals and outstanding stage presence really make up for it. 1:07 - the fact that the are singing each part including the harmonization, backing vocals and ad-libs- I cannot even emphasize how much I love this group. 3:08 - THE HIGHNOTE- Our king Ivan finally getting his lines. I was so disappointed in "Excalibur" when I realized he didn't get enough lines because the way he was able to sing that highnote which lasts the perfect duration, just shows that he has the talent but he is being overshadowed a lot. GF ENTERTAINMENT YOU GUYS BETTER FIX THAT LINE DISTRIBUTION NEXT COMEBACK- 4:56, now we have the stage for Excalibur but prior to it, we get a performance of "Majestic Departure" which is kind of like the intro. I was not expecting it to be dominated by the back-up dancers but oh my god- I feel like I'm watching movie of some sort. This doesn't feel like a live performance at all, which is crazy. The cinematography is ethereal and then we have the of Kingdom coming in at 6:20, dressed in all white. The all white outfits are gorgeous and look effortlessly regal, a very good idea on behalf of the stylists. Also the way Arthur holds up the sword in the beginning of the choreography before we hit the actual verse is so beautiful because it feels like I am watching a musical and not a debut stage. 7:45- Dann- sir- did you have to raise your eyebrow like that? I can see your charisma but you did not need to attack us so visciously please.
I paused at 7:56 to look more at the set which has definitely changed since the performance of "Night Air". I do like the colour scheme used in the videos(?) on the walls, but I do wish that they showed a castle and not what appears to be a graveyard of some sort. The castle would have matched the theme a lot better, but you don't really notice it since the group and back-up dancers take up more of the attention. 8:05, undeniably the killing part of the whole song. Arthur's "Modu gogae sugigo." is probably the most iconic line in the whole song because whenever I listen to this song, I instantly this particular verse because it's just so memorable. The lightning in the back was a nice touch, because the lyric is "Everyone put your heads down" so the lightning really creates an aura of power and dominance. 8:17 too- I definitely that Arthur and Dann are going to be the top candidates for people's bias because this part too- I cannot stop watching it because wow. Just wow- I am left speechless once again because of Kingdom. Dann, how are you so charismatic? The way he looks at the camera and his facial expressions- They're just beautiful. 9:11- A HUMAN THRONE- Nope, I refuse to believe that this is a group of rookies. There is just no way. I refuse to believe it. I can't ge over the choreography at all- each point is done immaculately without any faults. The way Dann walks on the back-up dancers' hands and then falls backwards, the way Arthur gets spun around- My goodness. Just imagine how much they have practiced, these movements are not easy at all. You can tell they must have practiced so much to perfect each and every detail of each and every movement. The shot at 11:07 with the confetti falling is so ethereal- It looks like snow almost, so it really matches the whole theme that they're going for. Overall, I have to give this live stage a 10/10. There were literally no faults and everything was done perfectly - I highly recommend checking it out.
❛ sweet dream - heechul + kyunghoon
– sania
Undeniably one of my favourite collaborations and songs of all time, "Sweet Dream" by Min Kyunghoon and Kim Heechul. Although you may recognize Heechul and Kyunghoon in their respective groups, they are actually regular cast of the South Korean variety show "Knowing Brothers" and actually collabed to produce "Sweet Dream". Honestly, I am so excited to be talking about it because it's just beautiful, despite the music video having a more comic/amusing imagery. So the song starts off with a very soothing piano instrumental, which made me think that the two could be going for a ballad in this song. However, the tempo of the song is not that slow to be known as a ballad, which makes me think that there may be some ballad influences but the overall song itself is not a ballad. By looking at the title, I'm wondering if it could be suggesting a sense of fake reality? So maybe the individual thought something, but it ended up being something else - a fake reality. As the instrumental progresses, we hear a very faint sntheysizer and an acoustic guitar - making me wonder if the song is going to remain like this throughout or if we are going to get a louder chorus, because at the moment the song is quiet. Kyunghoon starting off the song by singing "It's a night we can go through all of our past time. The time it took for us to get close wasn't short." was such a great idea, because it really sets the mood of the whole song. Also, I swear his vocals are so underrated like are you all hearing his tone right now? It's flawless. Why do people sleep on his talents- it's so disappointing. The lyrics are also beautiful because it is clear that it is a love song, but what does it imply? That the couple (before they got together) got close really quick and now they're ing their moments, but are they good or bad moments?
By looking at the lyrics, I feel as if they are talking about good moments but once you listen to the instrumental - it definitely feels as if they are talking about sad moments, because of the vibe I am getting. After Kyunghoon's verses, we have Heechul who sings "I wish to it with a smile even if the end is near, even if we have to say goodbye someday and even if it'll disappear immediately tomorrow." Okay so scrap what I said about the lyrics talking about good moments, I'm guessing the negative moments outbalanced the positive ones and the individual is trying to the good things of the relationship/other person because they know that their break-up is near. The disappearing could possibly imply that their love is doomed. Also, can we talk about Heechul finally getting lines? I definitely think his talents were overshadowed by the main vocalists and more popular of Super Junior, meaning that he only got a few lines. It's sad though, because I know he has a lot to showcase but the company just doesn't let him. At 1:06, I love how we have Kyunghoon singing a highnote before we get into the actual chorus. It was just such a nice way for him to showcase his vocals before we hit the powerful chorus. The chorus is a lot louder than I expected; a range of instruments are being used so it kind of sounds like ballad-rock? I don't know if that even exists but it's the only word I can use to describe what I am hearing right now. Can we also talk about how the instrumental isn't dominating the actual vocals? Please, this is just the perfect balance. I know for a fact that there are many songs in which the vocals or instrumental get overpowered by the otherand I'm just here thinking "Oh god, please no-" like for real. However, here? You can tell that the producers knew what they were doing. They knew not to overpower the vocals in any way or form, there is just a perfect balance between the two. So whoever produced/composed this song?
They deserve a raise because this song is just beautifully created. Throughout the song, I've also noticed how we get a lot of ad-libs throughout the song. Now, usually in a song - most artists tend to sing adlbs towards the end of a song because they're kind of like a way to conclude a song? But here we get ad-libs throughout the song, instead of solely at the end. It's a very high risk, because most people are used to hearing ad-libs towards the end of a song - but it was definitely a well-thought risk. The ad-libs work really well with the beautiful instrumental, which consists of an acoustic guitar, violin and many other unique instruments. The music video has me wheezing though, because it is such a different vibe to the actual song. Like the song makes you want to cry because it's so bittersweet sounding, especially the lyrics. But the music video makes you want to wheeze- I swear I love the cast of "Knowing Bros" so much. 3:43, That electric guitar- Okay, this song is definitely a ballad-rockesque fusion. The composers/producers combined a lot of rock influences with ballad influences to produce such a beautiful song and I know for a fact that I will be listening to this song on repeat, because it was so well done. I love how the instrumental has gotten so intense but then it slowly loses momentum and gets quiet, until it stops and the music video progresses. In the music video, Heechul wakes up - so what he saw was a false reality. Then Momo walks into the classroom and it is later revealed that Kyunghoon likes Heechul, but Heechul likes Momo and Momo likes Kyunghoon- basically a love triangle of some sort. But wow. This song just- It gets you so into feels. I've listened to it so much even though it was released like 4-5 years ago. It definitely deserves a lot more recognition because you'll see a side of Kyunghoon and Heechul that you've never seen before. If I had to give the song a rating, I'd give it a 9/10.
❛ ending
dont bother me ka...im sleeping!
hope u enjoyed the blog and had
fun. see you next week, or...........
#wrt .
Comments (2)
sexy missing sections 🤤
haha wrt ur so sexy