R&B Drops Off K-pop Radar

[uledy.livejournal.com]

Underground R&B singer Shin Bo-kyung, better known as Boni, says K-pop's rise has fueled the departure of underground musicians to the trendy music scene in an attempt to earn money and fame easily.

By Park Si-soo

For Shin Bo-kyung, music is her life.

Born to a hair dresser mother, also a music buff, the 27-year-old spent much of her childhood listening to various kinds of music at her mom’s salon with a broken microphone in one hand.

Her inherent musical talent, especially in rhythm and blues (R&B), was recognized in 2006 by now-defunct duo band 015B, which set the stage for Shin to debut that year with the R&B song “Lost My Way for a Bit.” Having released a debut full-length album in 2010, she is currently studying postmodern music at Kyung Hee University.

In a recent interview with The Korea Times, the underground R&B soloist, better known by her stage name Boni, said her wish in life is to work and play with music rooted in the Western gospel tradition. But she said it’s becoming increasingly doubtful whether her wish will come true.



Boni checks her performance schedule during a festival for the U.S. Forces Korea in Seoul on Oct. 19.

“R&B musicians in Korea are quickly losing their ground. Simply put, Korean R&B is in the darkness,” she said at a recording studio near Hongik University in Seoul. “The crisis came with the rise of K-pop. Many talented musicians in R&B have converted to other media-hyped genres with which they expect to earn money and fame easily.”

She didn’t identify those she described as “defectors” and also didn’t additionally criticize them in respect of their choice. But she remained worried that the departure, if continued, will deal a critical blow to musical diversity within K-pop, which critics claim is already dominated by hook-heavy dance music or “idol music.”

A recent report by the National Assembly shows that K-pop is oversimplified as a genre.

Analyzing songs ranked on the Gaon Chart last year, the report said 82 percent of the tracks were “idol music,” which represents K-pop globally.

Contemporary pop music came next in portion with 8 percent, followed by original soundtracks with 5 percent, hip-hop with 1 percent, rock with 1 percent and folk music with 1 percent. R&B took less than 1 percent, according to the report. It said neither U.S. Billboard Chart nor European charts had a single genre taking up more than 50 percent of the chart.


Boni sings during a festival hosted by the U.S. Forces Korea, headquartered in Yongsan, Seoul, on Oct. 19.

What’s worrisome is that there are many critics who are reluctant to define idol music as a genre, citing a lack distinctive musical identity. They insist idol music is like a “spaghetti bowl” in which various music genres including dance, hip-hop, rap and R&B are all mixed up in one category.

“I’ve so far met several promoters who said they will help me join the mainstream music scene and make a lot of money on condition that I sing trendy music. But I rejected this,” Boni said. “I don’t regret the decision...because I like R&B. This is the music I’ve grown up with and that I will live with.”

Boni eyeing overseas markets

She is working to release her first all-English language album during the second half of next year at the earliest, in an ambitious move to expand her presence into overseas markets. Prior to this, she will release sample songs through YouTube, iTunes and other global music file sharing Websites such as Datpiff.com, in an attempt to monitor the responses of overseas listeners.

“I’ve received several messages (through Facebook or Twitter) from underground R&B musicians in the U.S. who sought to collaborate with me,” Boni said. “They contacted me after listening to my Korean songs through YouTube. I think this is a good sign.”

In fact, she found a bigger possibility of success in the U.S. with her performances for American troops here. Boni is one of the most sought-after Korean musicians for them, according to her management agency chief Yeom Jung-bong.

“I took to the stage for U.S. soldiers for the first time last year at the invitation of a U.S. Army official, who was a big fan of my music, especially ‘ResQ Me,’” she said, referring to the lead track of her 2010 debut album.

“Since then I was invited several more times, including to a giant festival held in Daegu on July 4th to celebrate U.S. Independence Day. All the performances I held were really successful.”

Asked if there is a recipe for success, she answered, “I don’t know why (I’m popular among U.S. troops)” with a bashful smile. “Perhaps it’s because I sing in English... Actually I was told that my English accent and pronunciation are very natural.”

Boni said “ResQ Me” is the most loved of her songs among American soldiers, adding that it will be on her inaugural album with all songs sung in English.

She said her wish for her career is to have an opportunity to work with renowned U.S. R&B production duo, the Underdogs.

“They are awesome. I love them,” she said. “I really want to know how they produce music in such an awesome manner — not only for me but also the Korean R&B scene as a whole.


check out some of Boni's music!

Only Wanna Give it to You [omg girl stop (｡♥‿♥｡)]

ResQ Me [live performance *_____* ]

Only Look at Me [Cover]

Nu One (Feat. Verbal Jint)

Go Around (English Version)

It Hurts

Sources: korea times | onstage 온스테이지 | kajamiss | serenierl | rhythmer [2] [3]

Great read! She touches on some of the things we've actually discussed recently on Omona. I'd like to see people respond to her commentary. Anyway, homegirl's got a new fan <3

Apparently this is the second in a three-part series about declining musical diversity in the K-pop scene. I will post the first article later and the final one once it's released.

Comments

[canxi.livejournal.com]

She has a nice voice. It's got a nice tone to it and some soul, too. I like I like.

I definitely do agree. I always thought that this was something that was more of a problem overseas where people tend to think think that "idol music" is the only music they have bopping in Korea. Disappointed to know that it's also a problem there and the industry isn't as diverse (or becoming that way) as I thought, in a way. I do wonder if it's because the bigger companies tend to dominate with the amount of money and power they have--it must be easier for them to saturate the media, no? It may also have to do with the general public and what it seems they tend to like. It'd be really nice to see some other musical acts on the music programs or just more music programs, lol. Do they have live performances after SNL Korea? Maybe they should do that like how they do here, and introduce new bands to the public in that way O:

But, I do like getting to know the other types of music in Korea, too so all hope is not lost, here! I think they have a great indie scene and the dedicated hip-hop scene is small but also really good. I know they have some metal bands over there, too (saw some on tumblr one day while clicking around). I'm sure everyone knows there is other stuff out there, there just has to be more of a platform for it?

[45s.livejournal.com]

I hope she goes far. but regarding the lack of rnb, not surprised.

just like in the US, once black music makes the money, established the business, they ditch the black part and distance themselves from it. Same shit has happened in many markets and I think arama had an article on the decline of j urban (read:, black)

I'm guessing this is a temporary stage as thanks to the revival of Chicago house, old two step garage, and house sound in general. perhaps, Korea will catch up and this GAL will have her shine.

[45s.livejournal.com]

derp as with the resurgence of... perhaps shell get noticed.

[kaylaa7x.livejournal.com]

ugh i love boni so muchhh. her voice is so perfectly r&b. someone on omona posted it hurts in... 2011? i think and /boom/ obsessed. i really appreciate her perspective and desire to stick to her guns and do the kind of music she loves, fame or not.

[stoppedclock321.livejournal.com]

What has she been doing? I stumbled upon It Hurts and her cover of Mercy like two weeks ago on Youtube and fell a little in love, but I can't even find what she's up to apart from the handful of (old-ish sort of) videos...

[kaylaa7x.livejournal.com]

oh, the hell if i know lmao. i stan her voice and listen to her music but sadly don't have the time (or korean skills) to stan her properly. unfortunately this article probably sums up what she's been doing the past few months. </3 it's a shame b/c she's sooo talented.

[bishieaddict.livejournal.com]

I like RnB. I like some Kpop rnb like Tykeys and 8eight. Wheesung. But I usually listen to English artists for RnB.

[rawbabyoctopus.livejournal.com]

Oh I miss Tykeys. They were great.

[bishieaddict.livejournal.com]

I only discovered them after they broke up. But a few months later, MBLAQ debuted...at least G.O till sings

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

I really like the Go Around English Ver.

[erbalurbal.livejournal.com]

R&B singers are struggling in the west too. Of course, there are a few break outs but usually they have to hop on with a trendy rapper to get a top 20 hit. The main problem is the size of their industry and the way it works. The companies with all the power need to expand outside of their idol factories if they want other genres to grow. Artists like her don't have a chance if there is no push from the companies that control the market.

[mjspice.livejournal.com]

Wow that sucks. Poor girl.

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

I love, it hurts it's such a good song

there is two parts to this problem in Korea one is that there is no conscious effort by media broadcast companies and content providers to diversify music merchandise to ease accessibility for consumers.. it's like there is idol pop, ballads and then everybody else.

On the other hand r&b is not a static genre. r&b now versus the late 90's and early 2000 is not the same. it has changed tremendously. but the r&b scene in Korea has not. and therefore only appeals to a small niche market.

[broob.livejournal.com]

Been a fan of hers for years and as much as I think to myself "I'd like to see her make it big," I know that "making it big" in Korea usually amounts to becoming an idol or even a ballad singer that has little to no actual creative control over their music, which is the opposite of what she deserves.

There are a few really, really talented Korean R&B singers that I'm a huge fan of, but unfortunately I'm stuck waiting to hear them as features on hiphop albums, and maybe if I'm lucky, a solo single once in a while. It's honestly really impressive that Boni has been able to release the amount of solo work that she has. The people at her company must really have faith in her and her music, because I seriously doubt that they're getting rich off of her.

Junggigo signing to Starship X is a good sign for the genre, since last week I would have lumped him into the same struggling group as Boni. I'll wait to see what they actually do with him before I pass judgement, but the fact is that just like Mad Clown & Soyu, they'll need to pair him with an idol to get his name out there, even though he's been creating and releasing great music professionally since the Sistar girls were trainees.

@Boni_10 on twitter if anyone wants to show her some love. She also just released a single last week with Satbyeol called Girls Talk which is on iTunes, since the article didn't mention that at all.

[skonka.livejournal.com]

I read here a while back that kpop is music for twelve and thirteen year old children, so how is it dominating the charts?

[pigmi.livejournal.com]

ah, i always assumed it was for the same reason Bieber and other idols we associate with a younger fanbase make top charts here? *n*

[skonka.livejournal.com]

Me too but 82%, though? That's 9 out of every 11 songs... young teens can't be that powerful.

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

I love these posts, we need some love for the indie artists too. 'Nu one' is a jam, I love those early 2000s RnB songs!

[mnemo-syne.livejournal.com]

Wow, she's great. She should be huge! I'd be way into her style. Bummer :(

[blackstarnebula.livejournal.com]

Not surprising. I remember Boni and I lover her voice but Korea isn't going to be giving R&B the time of day any time soon. R&B is barely making it in the West. Can this turn into a KR&B sharing post? I love finding some good new artists and songs. My share is from All That (올댓). I managed to download their last album "Love Me" but almost everything seems to have been pulled off of youtube.

I recommend "You're So", and "늦었지만"
http://youtu.be/fatYooZFkqA
http://youtu.be/f7UrC_cV2n0

but you can find more here http://ohmytracks.com/#/music/%EC%98%AC%EB%8C%93