Taeyang of K-pop group BIGBANG debuts his silky R&B in Chicago

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Taeyang

Taeyang

Sun 9/3, 7:30 PM, Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence, $139.74-$341.14, all-ages

 

When BIGBANG’s T.O.P. began his two years of mandatory military service at the start of 2017, it felt like the future of the South Korean pop band might be in question. BIGBANG had just celebrated their ten-year anniversary, and multiple members had announced solo releases.

Then T.O.P. was arrested for marijuana use (it’s very illegal in South Korea) and overdosed on benzodiazepine. He’s recovering now, but the rest of the band (G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri) and their label, YG Entertainment, have been working overtime to make sure fans know BIGBANG isn’t dead—shouting out the group on Instagram posts, even announcing a T.O.P.-less Japanese tour to close out the year.

In the midst of all this chaos, Taeyang released his third solo record, White Night.

While BIGBANG have an almost Borg-like approach to pop music, relentlessly evolving their sonic palette, Taeyang’s work has been laser-focused on R&B. The genre’s a perfect fit for his silkily emotive voice. While the brittle warmth of lead single “Wake Me Up” gives Taeyang plenty of space for heartfelt crooning, White Night is at its best when he’s at his most immediate. The disco stutter of show-stealer “Amazin’” makes a perfect soundtrack for strutting around in summer, and “Naked,” an ode to drunken hookups, segues from Taeyang stewing in longing and second-guessing straight into a blunt chorus of “I want you naked.” This is his first Chicago appearance.   

 

Source: Chicago Reader

[Interview] Taeyang talks about what BIGBANG means to him, his World Tour, his future, and more

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Through Toronto based events production and promotion company KpopMe!, we recently had the opportunity for a Q&A session with BIGBANG’s Taeyang, who will be embarking on his <

During the interview, Taeyang talked about what BIGBANG means to him, his World Tour, his future, and more. Check out the interview below!

Q. How do you feel about your album release?

I am very excited and happy to be able to release a new solo album after my ‘RISE’ album, which was released 3 years and 2 months ago. I wanted to meet and give back to my fans with a good album because ‘Eyes Noes Lips’ had received so much love. So, by collaborating with new producers, we have created an album that has my own particular color. I am very satisfied that I am able to release an album in which I have fully express myself.

Q. Please explain your albums concept.

All my solo albums starting from ‘Hot’, ‘Solar’ and all the way up to ‘RISE’ were

all albums representing a hot sun ‘TAEYANG’ rising. That’s when I thought,

‘Once the sun rises, all it has left to do is to set; I started to ponder about what kind

of album I should make.’ After long hours of thinking alone, I had a sudden

inspiration by the idea of White Night; thus, the reason why I named this album,

“WHITE NIGHT”. I wanted to be able to show and express an overflowing and

dynamic life of a sunless white night. This is the base to my concept, in order to

portray myself at the fullest capacity.

Q. What is something that you consider the most important aspect when creating
an album?

Because this album is not a release just for myself, but for my fans, it is important

that they will be able to relate, therefore I think genuineness is the most

important aspect. Up until now in BIGBANG and my solo activities, genuineness

was always kept as a priority, and I will continue to do this.

Q. For the song “Darling,” it is hard to predict the choreography. What kind of
stage are you preparing for it?

I will convey the feeling of “Darling” with various visual elements reflected on the

stage rather than choreography. In addition, I want to express the broadest

possible stage through directing.

 

Source: AllKPop

Q. Is there anything you have been worrying about lately?

Many things I have been worrying about since I was young are slowly

disappearing. Rather, the more I age, the simpler I am and I question the nature

of my life more profoundly. It is very easy for one to age, however, it is very

difficult to mature according to that age. I want to portray Artist ‘Taeyang’ and just

human ‘Dong YoungBae’ as a more matured person.

In addition, music used to be something that I thought was the only thing I could

do when I was younger; however, now it is essential and I feel its importance and

am grateful for it being close to me.

Q. What does BIGBANG mean to you?

For me, BIGBANG is the most precious thing that has made my roots as an artist.

BIGBANG is something that I have been with since my childhood. I believe that the musical color that we presented for a long time as BIGBANG is so important that I absolutely cannot ignore it and it absolutely should not be ignored. Recently, G-Dragon also released an album and is on his world tour. We are positive motivators to each other. I think the influence of our group BIGBANG is vast even during personal activities.

Q. How does it feel to be going on a World Tour that has the same title as your album?

For any artist, a World Tour is one of the most ideal and desired goals. I am

always thankful and happy to be able to perform right in front of the fans that

listen to and adore my album. I am also very excited and anticipated to be able to

meet my fans not only in Korea but also fans abroad.

Q. In the future as a singer, what kinds of activities would you like to pursue?

After debuting as a member of BIGBANG, all the things I’ve been doing for about 10 years is what I have dreamed about doing even before my debut as a singer. I do not

know what the next 10 years will look like; however, if I continue to do as I have

done until now, with steady and continuous activity, I will be very happy.

Taeyang opens up on latest album: BIGBANG singer talks inspiration, beginning his military service soon

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Taeyang of BIGBANG is back with his third studio album “White Night,” after a 3-year hiatus as a solo singer. As soon as the first two singles, “Darling” and “Wake Me Up,” were released on the evening of Aug. 16, they hit No. 1 on iTunes charts in 23 countries and local music charts like Melon and Bugs Music.

As the word taeyang means sun in Korea, Taeyang’s albums have all been named in a similar theme – ”Hot,” “Solar” and “Rise.” The latest album, “White Night” refers to a natural phenomenon in which the sun doesn’t set in the evening, in regions above the latitude of 48.5 degrees.

It’s been more than 10 years since BIGBANG debuted as a rookie group in 2006, and nine years since Taeyang released his first solo mini album, “Hot,” but Taeyang shines just as bright as he ever has. On Aug. 16, when Taeyang met with the press at the D Museum in central Seoul to introduce his new album, he looked relaxed, calm and collected. He spoke candidly about his music, his love life and his teammates in BIGBANG.

It’s been three years and two months since Taeyang’s last album “Rise,” which stormed the charts with the hit song “Eyes, Nose, Lips.” Just as the name “White Night” alludes to an eerie image of a tranquil landscape, the album’s eight tracks are more subtle and calm than his earlier work.

“I’m pleased and happy to have released this album” said Taeyang. “I worked with a different producer this time. So I was able to find a new musical character. It helped me broaden my musical spectrum. It was an opportunity for me to make music that was the most ‘me.’”

Since Taeyang’s last song “Eyes, Nose, Lips” was widely loved by the public, Taeyang admitted that he felt somewhat pressured. “‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ was loved so much, and so it’s not so much a burden to me but I do feel more nervous than ever. People would inevitably be comparing this song [to the last one]. My only wish is that even though ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ was a good song, people find this one better.”

The lead single, “Darling,” is another love song in a long list of mellow works that have been hits for the singer, including “Only Look At Me” and “I Need A Girl.”

“It was wrongly reported [before the release] that the song was a break-up song, but it’s actually a song with multiple emotions mixed together, with lyrics that couples would easily identify themselves with,” said the singer. “I was working on ‘Darling’ while we were working on ‘Made’ (the latest BIGBANG album released on Dec. 12). I just had a rough idea of the chords and the melody. But it just didn’t fit me right. The song was created the way it was when Brian Lee [a U.S. song writer] dropped by the studio for a visit.”

Regarding Min Hyo-rin, Taeyang’s girlfriend, the artist didn’t hesitate to say that, “She is undoubtedly the love of my life,” and that “She affected not only this song, but ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ as well. She’s the person who gives me the most inspiration, and she is my muse.”

Even though Taeyang is well-known as a solo artist, he stands firmly rooted in BIGBANG. Yet, with group member T.O.P. recently sentenced to two years of probation for illegal drug abuse, the whole group was harshly criticized by the fans.

“As a fellow member [of the group] and also a close friend, I think it’s the best consolation for a situation like this to just stay by his side,” said Taeyang. “I’m sure that he’s well aware of his wrongdoings. Rather than giving him solid advice, I’m choosing to drop by or call him whenever I get the time. I’m trying to stick by his side as much as possible through such a hard time. I listened to him and told him my own stories. I talked about lighter and casual things. I thought those were the things that would cheer him up and help him [pull through].”

After spending some time promoting this album, Taeyang will begin serving his two-year military obligation. “I hope I finish this year well with this album. I’m glad I was able to make the kind of music I always had wanted to. After I wrap up this year well, I’m willing to answer to the call of the nation,” he said.

Taeyang’s biggest desire is to be on stage as long as he’s not forgotten by his fans. “The most ideal thing for a musician is to go on a world tour. I’ve been dreaming of this for more than 10 years. I hope that I can do more things like this world tour. I want to communicate with more people on the stage. It’s the biggest and the best responsibility of being an artist,” said Taeyang.

BY LEE MI-HYUN [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] – Joongang Daily

[Album review] Taeyang explores new style, but something’s missing

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Taeyang

“White Night”

Genie Music

(YG Entertainment)

K-pop fans have always expected something different from this particular BIGBANG member and when the emotional R&B crooner dropped his third solo full-length album “White Night” last week, the expectations were heightened.

With his mellow and soulful vocals, Taeyang explored new genres in this electro-R&B fueled eight-track album, successfully projecting himself as an irresistible mournful lover. The artist’s vocal is impeccable as always in “White Night.” Yet, it doesn’t seem to be his best work. It’s not as superb or jaw-dropping as the artist’s breakout hit “Eyes, Nose, Lips.” It is just, mediocre.

The two-minute intro track “White Night” featuring futuristic sound of sidechain compression best describes the latest album’s concept — a celestial image of white nights. Taeyang then leads into “Wake Me Up,” an ambient track based on electronic dance music, rarely seen in his previous works. While the song tried to incorporate many pop-electronic elements, it does nothing more than that. It sounds western and trendy, but less Taeyang-like.

(YG Entertainment)

The most-awaited lead track of the album “Darling” is next, but some may find this simple piano-based ballad unfamiliar because of the lack of sound diversity. Like his bandmate G-Dragon’s slow-tempo ballad “Untitled,” the most precious instrument for “Darling” is Taeyang’s own voice. The song conveys deep feelings of the singer who passionately howls for his “darling.” However, “Darling” may ring dull and hollow to those who are used to the singer’s rhythmic hits. Tracks such as “Ride,” “Amazin,’” “Empty Road” and “Naked” are also pleasant to the ears, but not attractive enough to hold listeners to the end of the songs.

Taeyang closes the album with “Tonight,” featuring rapper Zico, and surprisingly, this last track is truly the hidden gem of the album. The song features a unique R&B melody and harmonic layering and the 40-second finale, where Taeyang explodes with emotions, is a perfect wrap up for both the song and the album.

By Hong Dam-young (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) | Korean Herald

At Taeyang’s Seoul concert, fans can get taste of PyeongChang Olympics

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SEJONG, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) — A promotional event for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will be held on the sidelines of the upcoming solo concert by Taeyang, a member of K-pop group BIGBANG, a national content promotion agency said on Thursday.

The singer is set to throw a concert at Jamsil Arena in Seoul this weekend as part of his “White Night” world tour.

The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) said the agency will operate a promotional booth and photo zone where visitors can learn about the Olympics scheduled for Feb. 9-25 in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province.

There will be a giveaway event for fans who share a photo they take at the booth on their social media sites.

In June, Taeyang was picked as one of the honorary ambassadors for the Olympics tasked with promoting the global sports event.

Taeyang (L), a member of boy group BIGBANG, poses with Lee Hee-beom, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, after receiving a letter of appointment as a promotional ambassador for the sports event at the Press Center in Seoul on June 21, 2017. (Yonhap) Taeyang (L), a member of boy group BIGBANG, poses with Lee Hee-beom, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, after receiving a letter of appointment as a promotional ambassador for the sports event at the Press Center in Seoul on June 21, 2017. (Yonhap)

 

[BILLBOARD] Taeyang Scores 2nd Consecutive No. 1 on World Albums With ‘White Night’

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Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
Taeyang of BIGBANG attends the “Mademoiselle Prive” exhibition at the D-Museum on June 21, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea.

Once again, Taeyang proves his power as a solo star with the release of his third solo album, White Night.

The BIGBANG singer’s latest debuts at No. 1 on Billboard‘s World Albums chartmarking his second consecutive release to do so. The new album sold 2,000 copies sold in the week ending Aug. 17, according to Nielsen Music. White Night marks the star’s second-best sales week in America, following 2014’s Rise, which also hit No. 1 on World Albums after moving 3,000 in its first week.

Among solo K-pop acts, Rise still holds the record for highest-charting album on the Billboard 200 when it hit No. 112 in June 2014, beating out entires from BoA(whose self-titled English album hit No. 127 in 2009) and G-Dragon (who has landed three titles on the Billboard 200, peaking so far with One of a Kind at No. 161 in 2013).

Taeyang is now only the second solo K-pop act to score multiple chart-toppers on World Albums. Remarkably, the only other artist to do so is his BIGBANG band mate G-Dragon, who has three No. 1s.

From his debut solo record Solar released in 2010, Taeyang has always been a R&B crooner, but has continuously grown more experimental and ambitious with genre and theme explorations.

The LP’s overarching electro-R&B theme is set by the introduction track “White Night” and sealed as it moves into the gorgeous “Wake Me Up” single with its waterfalls of moving synthesizers. The sensual standout “Naked” sees Tae passionately pleading a case for intimacy (“I want you naked/ Through the night,” he sings over punchy production) while the record’s sole collaboration on “Tonight” featuring Zico sees the guys detailing the intricate intimacies of transforming a hook up into true love among a slew of sexy lyrics (Good luck not getting chills when Taeyang closes the track belting “Let’s make love because it feels so right/ Tonight is the night/ We can’t stop, baby, won’t stop” in his best Michael Jackson impression). Yet among all the artistic boundaries Taeyang pushes here, the simple piano ballad single “Darling” mostly proves how the 29-year-old’s most precious instrument is his own voice.

Elsewhere on the Billboard charts, White Night starts at No. 5 on Heatseekers Albums (his second entry on the chart that sees few K-pop acts) and “Wake Me Up” debuts at No. 9 on the World Digital Song Sales as the fifth-best selling K-pop song in America this week. As the main artist, Taeyang peaked at No. 2 on World Digital Song Sales with 2013’s “Ringa Linga,” but also has a No. 1 with G-Dragon (credited to GD x Taeyang) with 2014’s “Good Boy.”

Taeyang also debuts on the Social 50 chart at No. 47, marking his first-ever appearance on the ranking. He’s the fourth most active K-pop act in the world this week after BTS, EXO and Seventeen. Stay tuned to Billboard.com for a deeper story into Taeyang’s social gains on Thursday.

Source: Billboard

TAEYANG topped American Billboard’s album’s chart, proving his substantial influence in the global music scene

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[헤럴드POP=안태현 기자] BIGBANG’s TAEYANG took No.1 on the world album’s chart of American Billboard whose credibility has been recognized worldwide.

On August 22 (local time), TAEYANG’s new album “WHITE NIGHT” topped Billboard’s world albums chart in the first week on its release, to boast TAEYANG’s formidable influence in the global music scene.

TAEYANG made a solo comeback on August 16, after three years and two months of absence. TAEYANG renewed his own personal record by sweeping No.1 not only on domestic charts but also on iTunes charts of 24 countries In addition, TAEYANG’s new album took No.2 on the iTunes albums chart of the United States, the biggest pop music market in the world. 

“WHITE NIGHT” is receiving a rave review, being recognized as an album filled with TAEYANG’s diverse trials for new style and genres of music. “WHITE NIGHT” is also revealing TAEYANG’s new appeals by presenting new and fresh styles created based on collaboration with rookie songwriters of “THE BLACK LABEL”. 

TAEYANG has been actively presenting himself to the public in TV music shows and variety TV shows. TAEYANG will hold Seoul concert of his 2017 world tour “WHITE NIGHT” on August 26 and 27 at Jamsil Gymnasium. 

2017. 8. 23.

Source: YG Life

Watch: Taeyang Talks About Which Unique Hairstyle Has Gotten Him Teased Before

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On August 22, Taeyang sat down with SBS’s “Night of Real Entertainment” for an interview, in which he was asked about his trademark: unique hairstyles.

In the interview, a few of his hairstyles from previous singles and albums were brought up, Taeyang replied, “These all done with our opinions in mind.” He explained, “Before I have them done, I always think ‘Oh, that’s really cool.’ But sometimes there are styles that make me get teased a lot after I get them done.”

One such instance is his hairstyle in the music video for his song “Monster,” where his black hair was parted and styled so that it curled inwards on the top of his head. Taeyang explained, “People kept editing funny photos of me and sending them to me. Once, someone put kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) inside the round parts.”

Watch the full interview below!

Previously, Taeyang revealed when he was moved by G-Dragon and why he was surprised about the preview of his appearance on “I Live Alone.”


Source: Soompi


Watch: BIGBANG’s Taeyang Reveals A Time He Was Moved By G-Dragon’s Actions

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BIGBANG’s Taeyang talked about a recent incident in which G-Dragon pleasantly surprised him.

During an interview with SBS’s “Night of Real Entertainment,” Taeyang revealed that G-Dragon paid a surprise visit to Taeyang’s comeback rehearsal stage.

Taeyang shared, “I didn’t know that he was coming, but he visited as a surprise. I was really touched.” What was more moving about the visit was that the rehearsal date was in fact G-Dragon’s birthday.

In the video, G-Dragon is enjoying Taeyang’s rehearsal performance with the audience. He nodded along to Taeyang’s song and even recorded videos of Taeyang on his phone as a proud friend would do. Afterwards, G-Dragon clapped enthusiastically to cheer on Taeyang, showing their close friendship as group members.

Watch Taeyang’s interview below!

Meanwhile, Taeyang is currently dominating the Billboard’s World Albums Chart with his newly released solo album “White Night.”


Source: Soompi


BIGBANG’s Taeyang Tops Billboard’s World Albums Chart With “White Night”

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BIGBANG’s Taeyang is reigning over Billboard’s World Albums chart with his new solo album.

On August 22, Billboard revealed their weekly charts for the week ending in September 2.

Taeyang’s newly released solo album “White Night,” featuring the title tracks “Darling” and “Wake Me Up,” has taken the No. 1 spot on the World Albums chart.

This is Taeyang’s second time at No. 1 on the World Albums chart, as he previously took the top spot with his second solo album “Rise” in 2014.

“White Night” also comes in at No. 5 on the Heatseekers Chart and No. 12 on the Independent Albums chart. In addition, Taeyang himself is No. 47 on the Social 50 chart.

Other K-pop releases on this week’s World Albums chart include EXO’s “The War” at No. 3, Girls’ Generation’s “Holiday Night” at No. 5, Wanna One’s “1×1=1 (To Be One)” at No. 6, G-Dragon’s “Kwon Ji Yong” at No. 11, BTS’s “You Never Walk Alone” at No. 12, and JJ Project’s “Verse 2” at No. 14.

Congratulations to Taeyang!


Source: Soompi


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