now, the first thing i am going to mention is that this is NOT me justifying kids this young in a group, nor is it me saying this should be normalised AT ALL. i am a staunch advocate for the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry and i do not like it at all. in addition to this, after finding out a20 lites age range as well as the AI news, i am no longer following them. but i think there’s really something special about a20 soul and they could potentially fill the gap in the industry left by the lack of true vocal performances and stripped back images.
listening to superstar was a surprising twist from lite when i heard it fro the first time. since it was a performance video and not the main music video, it makes sense that it was less flashy or elaborate, but nevertheless, i found myself thinking of the main melody alot the days afterward. what stood out the most for me was just how supported their vocals sounded, and there were a few people that really took me by surprise. now, i am not saying that the vocalists we have in kpop right now are bad – we have really good vocalists, but what we are lacking are vocal-focused tracks. these days, many tracks released follow a similar formula, focus on matching the theme of the release or the vocals end up not being the main focus, instead focusing on hooks, memorable melodies and catchy beats. i don’t necessarily have a problem with this, but it is clearly evident that we haven’t had a really good vocal performance in a very long while, or atleast where the vocals have played an integral part in shaping a songs identity.
that’s why i found superstar such a good song. the genre wasn’t too explosive or modern, definetly more laidback than usual boy group releases. but what was more interesting was how much the vocals itself remained an important part of it. some members genuinely were actually singing, with good support, and their vocal tones were well balanced while still having their own unique triats. i am not usually one to compare the past with the present, but there was a singer that really reminded me of baekhyun with how well-sustained his vocals were, and it was such a pleasant surprise to hear.
the point i am trying to make is that a return to songs that are more vocal-centric and focused on actual good performances is a shfit we really need. both the company and the audience has long sicne become accustomed to the new age formula of music and how trends and ‘riding the wave’ have become so important, but having a group return to the main focus of vocal performances, which is the vocals themselves, can be a really good step in providing audiences with a new perspective and fresher sound. i think a20 can really do that. cutting the whole visual-focused, catchy melody, electronic hooks and aesthetic value, and instead focusing on truly authentic vocal performances, digestable choreographies and the origins of not only kpop vocal performances but musical vocal performance in general, which is an actual vocal-focused song, can be something monumental. i can’t say it will guarentee success or be popular with majority of kpop fans who have gotten used to the new age formula of music, but i think it’s something the industry needs, whether they realise it or not.
the plus side of doing something like this is that the members of the groups themselves may be exposed to less of the structures that moden kpop is built around. if there isnt a pressure for outstanding visual and aesthetic order, if the members, as young as they are, focus on truly developing their vocals and their perfrmance abilities instead of the usual things groups focus on these days, it becomes a healthier environment for them as kids. if they are able to perform because of that connection to the music they sing and not because of the commercialisation or performance aspect of it, i would be much more comfortable listening to them. but of course, this is the kpop industry and asking for minors to be more focused on their musical identity and connection is hearsay atp, which is saddening.
in any case, my main point is that if a20 soul continue this vocal-focused trajection and choose to instead focus on their performances and vocal quality in their music, i think it could be something very big in the kpop industry and a sharp turn from what we have been given for the past few years. the lack of true vocal ability and passion is very little, with most idols debuting without experience in vocal training or advanced vocal ability, and even if they do have, being unable to showcase it other than in high notes or catchy hooks, is something that has made the kpop music industry, and the music industry in general, lack passion and connection. i truly think if a20 chooses to focus on this, they could provide a much needed breath of fresh air in the community.
i am very open to conversation, objections and criticism, just please no biases or critics that are based off of comparison to other groups
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