Asian singers who are debuting in American market

[Yummyrice]

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p151/Udonlover/1.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p151/Udonlover/-1.jpg

Rain a.k.a. Bi(pronounced Bee) from Korea

Undeniably one of the hottest, most famous, and the most influential singers in the Asian market right now, the Asian pop sensation is trying to expend his boundary to the west right now. He's been picked as one of 100 most influential figures in the world by the Time magazine in 2005, and his first movie, directed by the director of 'Old boy' , got invited to the Berlin film festival this year. He is also a talented actor who has proven his acting skills in dramas 'Sangdoo, let's go to school' 'full house' and 'A love to kill'


Rain held two successful shows in New york in 2005, and two sold out shows in Vegas last Christmas. The singer has recently started his world tour which concludes 13 countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, USA, Canada, etc.




Se7en from Korea



http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p151/Udonlover/4.jpg




The hottest R&B singer in the Asian music scene along with Rain. Known for his cute face, his signature nike move, mellow voice and jaw-dropping dance moves, he is lately working on his American album with Rich Harrison, the producer of J-Lo and Beyonce.


Se7en is recently starring in a drama 'Goong S' based on a popular Korean manhwa.



These two have made it official that they are planning on breaking into the American music industry.... I don't know who else is planning on debuting in the insdutry, so if anyone tells me about other aritsts I will be happy to add them :D

+) Those who have already debuted in America


Ellegarden(Japan)


Dir en Grey(Japan)


CoCo Lee(hong kong)


Utada Hikaru(Japan)


L'arn~en~Ciel(Japan)


Nana Kitade(Japan)


Mucc(Japan)


Puffy AmiYumi(Japan)


Hyde(Japan)


Asian Kung-fu Generation(Japan)


Sakamoto Maaya(Japan)


T.M.Revolution(Japan)


Tata Young(Thailand)

[TonightMidnight]

Well...they've debut in America, but that doesn't mean they're suddenly household names. When Utada released "Exodus" in the US MTV did a 2 minute interview with her, and that was it. I don't think the album did too well. The same with Coco Lee, I suspect.

I don't think the American market is ready for serious Asian actors/singers. Vanness Wu said it best in the 2006 Interview with TalkASIA. He said Asians are stereo-typed in Hollywood. They're either a math genius or a Kung-Fu master.

That's true. Those are basically the two roles Asians are given.

[Iblis]

Rain's acting is great - for Kdramas. It couldn't hold up doing anything else, cause it's actually shitty. I'd like to know what you mean by "Asian music scene", by the way. Rain isn't a "most famous" anything anywhere except maybe his own country.

[TonightMidnight]

Rain's acting is great - for Kdramas. It couldn't hold up doing anything else, cause it's actually shitty. I'd like to know what you mean by "Asian music scene", by the way. Rain isn't a "most famous" anything anywhere except maybe his own country.

xD! I love reading Iblis's posts. She's so blunt and straight to the point.

[Yummyrice]

Well...they've debut in America, but that doesn't mean they're suddenly household names. When Utada released "Exodus" in the US MTV did a 2 minute interview with her, and that was it. I don't think the album did too well. The same with Coco Lee, I suspect.

I don't think the American market is ready for serious Asian actors/singers. Vanness Wu said it best in the 2006 Interview with TalkASIA. He said Asians are stereo-typed in Hollywood. They're either a math genius or a Kung-Fu master.

That's true. Those are basically the two roles Asians are given.


I quite agree with your opinion that Asians are usually stereotyped in hollywood and it is true that many Asian artists who tried to make it big here failed.

But IMO Chances are never going to be given if they only wait for the chances to come, and somebody has to go up front and try to break the boundary. Se7en and Rain are good examples. They have actually stated that although failaure is expected they still want to give it a try. Besides, Rain and Se7en already have a huge fan base around the globe.

It is their job to change people's opnions that Asians can be only math genius and kung-fu master in America and besides I think they deserve to be known by more people because I think they are as good as American artists if not better.

[MomoxD]

Rain... -mad at dad for not getting autograph ><- So close... I'm going to stow (spelling?) away in the trunk of the limo next time. >_>

XD

[Yummyrice]

Rain's acting is great - for Kdramas. It couldn't hold up doing anything else, cause it's actually shitty. I'd like to know what you mean by "Asian music scene", by the way. Rain isn't a "most famous" anything anywhere except maybe his own country.

oh yeah I tried to put 'one of the most famous' maybe I skipped.
I will try to change that XD

[TonightMidnight]

I quite agree with your opinion that Asians are usually stereotyped in hollywood and it is true that many Asian artists who tried to make it big here failed.

But IMO Chances are never going to be given if they only wait for the chances to come, and somebody has to go up front and try to break the boundary. Se7en and Rain are good examples. They have actually stated that although failaure is expected they still want to give it a try. Besides, Rain and Se7en already have a huge fan base around the globe.

It is their job to change people's opnions that Asians can be only math genius and kung-fu master in America and besides I think they deserve to be known by more people because I think they are as good as American artists if not better.

I agree with you. They have to step up to the plate if they want anything to be changed. That's what African Americans had to do in the entertainment business too.

I want Asian actors/singers to make it. I love 'em. Vanness Wu also said he's gonna try and make it in Hollywood. Hope he does! <3

[PururinEleven]

I guess you could say MUCC has debuted in America as well. They did play at Otacon. Although I'm still not sure how well-known they are here in the states.
Also, I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but Dir en Grey is spelled with an "e", and doesn't have those little "~" between the words. L'arc~en~Ciel does though, so maybe you just got them confused.

[sentaku-san]

What was disappointing to me about Utada Hikaru's American debut was that she seemed to change her sound for that album. It's more R&B-sounding than her recent Japanese work had been. Was she trying to assimilate with a style that was supposedly popular in America? Also, a few of the tracks on Exodus have a deliberate "Asian" flavour that seems to fit an American stereotype.

Exodus has a few gems on it, but I can't sit there and listen to it with the same rapture I reserve for Deep River and Ultra Blue, her Japanese domestic albums that precede and follow Exodus. I can see why she chose to sing in English for her American album (and it works because she is fluent!), but what was she (or her producers) trying to do by changing her style for the American market? It's like she was trying to make herself NOT stand out. I don't think that's the right approach for these artists...they should do what they're good at and not try to tailor themselves to what they think Americans want.

[silverash]

that's right! Dir en Grey seems to have been doing that as well...>_<
Also, other artists who have come to America are HYDE, L'arc en Ciel, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and I believe Nana Kitade

[PururinEleven]

Except Dir en Grey's songs don't seem to have a difference between the songs geared toward Japanese fans, and American fans. They've changed their overall style. From what I seem to be gathering though, the Japanese fans are liking the new Dir en Grey still. I'm not sure if they really do or not, but that's what it seems like to me.

[Yummyrice]

that's right! Dir en Grey seems to have been doing that as well...>_<
Also, other artists who have come to America are HYDE, L'arc en Ciel, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and I believe Nana Kitade



Well you can't really say they debuted in American because what they did was buy the license of their Japanese albums and simply released them in America. I was talking about singers who actually put on American albums.

[PururinEleven]

Well you can't really say they debuted in American because what they did was buy the license of their Japanese albums and simply released them in America. I was talking about singers who actually put on American albums.

But they have played live shows in America. So tecnically they have debuted in the US. And some of the songs that they played at those live US shows were on the FVT album, which was an American tour and mainly for the American audience. Also, the American release of their WtD album came with a DVD which wasn't released with the Japanese album. I'm not sure if it was included with the albums released in Europe though. The point is, is that DeG has debuted in America.
And if I recall correctly, L'arc~en~Ciel at some point also played one or two live shows in the U.S.

[Yummyrice]

But they have played live shows in America. So tecnically they have debuted in the US. And some of the songs that they played at those live US shows were on the FVT album, which was an American tour and mainly for the American audience. Also, the American release of their WtD album came with a DVD which wasn't released with the Japanese album. I'm not sure if it was included with the albums released in Europe though. The point is, is that DeG has debuted in America.
And if I recall correctly, L'arc~en~Ciel at some point also played one or two live shows in the U.S.


oh I meant........hm how should I put it......singers who expected more of long-term results from America.....

but I will add the artists you mentioned XD

[TonightMidnight]

What was disappointing to me about Utada Hikaru's American debut was that she seemed to change her sound for that album. It's more R&B-sounding than her recent Japanese work had been. Was she trying to assimilate with a style that was supposedly popular in America? Also, a few of the tracks on Exodus have a deliberate "Asian" flavour that seems to fit an American stereotype.

Exodus has a few gems on it, but I can't sit there and listen to it with the same rapture I reserve for Deep River and Ultra Blue, her Japanese domestic albums that precede and follow Exodus. I can see why she chose to sing in English for her American album (and it works because she is fluent!), but what was she (or her producers) trying to do by changing her style for the American market? It's like she was trying to make herself NOT stand out. I don't think that's the right approach for these artists...they should do what they're good at and not try to tailor themselves to what they think Americans want.

Though Exodus did have a more R&B feel than usual, I wouldn't say Utada was trying to make herself into something she's not for Americans. Exodus has a lot of songs that cannot be classified as R&B, and there are quite a few techno/funky tracks on there. Just because Utada sometimes 'wavers' her voice, and does a bravado here or two in a song, doesn't automatically make it R&B. Is that what people think R&B is? A few OoO's and Ah's?

Anyway I read up on Exodus on Wikipedia, and I even saw an interview in which Utada commented on the album. She said all she wanted to do was try new things. She wanted to try new beats and sounds and genres. And that's why I gave my Exodus CD away. Sorry, but it was too all over the place, and it certainly wasn't all R&B. I guess that's what happens when you experiment a little too much.

[sentaku-san]

Though Exodus did have a more R&B feel than usual, I wouldn't say Utada was trying to make herself into something she's not for Americans. Exodus has a lot of songs that cannot be classified as R&B, and there are quite a few techno/funky tracks on there. Just because Utada sometimes 'wavers' her voice, and does a bravado here or two in a song, doesn't automatically make it R&B. Is that what people think R&B is? A few OoO's and Ah's?

Anyway I read up on Exodus on Wikipedia, and I even saw an interview in which Utada commented on the album. She said all she wanted to do was try new things. She wanted to try new beats and sounds and genres. And that's why I gave my Exodus CD away. Sorry, but it was too all over the place, and it certainly wasn't all R&B. I guess that's what happens when you experiment a little too much.

LOL. At first, I thought you were defending Exodus. But you disliked it enough to give it away? Harsh.

I was mostly talking about the compositions being R&B-style. Like the beats and everything. Sorry Hikki-chan, but I think that's more "formulaic" than "experimental." I find her newer sound in Japan to be more experimental, because it's less like other things I've heard before.

I admit that many of the songs grew on me. It is an enjoyable album in its own way, but it just pales enormously in comparison to her Japanese work (excluding her older stuff). So I try to stop comparing it and I can enjoy it more. (I have always been a big fan of the song "Kremlin Dusk" despite everything <33)

So, what other artists have recorded CDs specifically for the American market? Utada had the advantage of being a fluent English-speaker. It's difficult to imagine the average American being interested in an album sung in a language they don't know a word of! (Which is true of most Americans for Asian languages.) Sad but true.

[TonightMidnight]

LOL. At first, I thought you were defending Exodus. But you disliked it enough to give it away? Harsh.

I was mostly talking about the compositions being R&B-style. Like the beats and everything. Sorry Hikki-chan, but I think that's more "formulaic" than "experimental." I find her newer sound in Japan to be more experimental, because it's less like other things I've heard before.

I admit that many of the songs grew on me. It is an enjoyable album in its own way, but it just pales enormously in comparison to her Japanese work (excluding her older stuff). So I try to stop comparing it and I can enjoy it more. (I have always been a big fan of the song "Kremlin Dusk" despite everything <33)

So, what other artists have recorded CDs specifically for the American market? Utada had the advantage of being a fluent English-speaker. It's difficult to imagine the average American being interested in an album sung in a language they don't know a word of! (Which is true of most Americans for Asian languages.) Sad but true.

Her producer was Timberland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbaland). So maybe that had something to do with it.

But I still think 'Exodus' has more of a "Dance" feel to it. But then again Timberland is known to blur the line between hip-hop and dance among other genres sometimes.

I liked a few songs on Exodus (like Easy Breezy and The Workout...etc) but I had a friend who wanted the album more than I did so I just gave it to him. Another reason why I easily gave the album away was: the lyrics. The lyrics really, really weren't good at all, and I was surprised at Utada for that. Not to mention a lot of the songs mostly talked about "Eastern blood and Western blood mixing....getting naughty." I liked The Workout, but when every other track on the CD started talking about multiple "Workouts" I got annoyed. And it's a little strange to think that sweet Hikaru Utada got sexual. Maybe it's because she got married around the time of the album development? :confused:

[YamPuff]

I don't think that's the right approach for these artists...they should do what they're good at and not try to tailor themselves to what they think Americans want.
The problem with that is that its a bit too risky. They have to appeal to an American audience in order to sell (or at least, that's what record companies want them to do). Once Asian singers become more mainstream and accepted, then they can begin to be more deviant.

The same thing happened when manga first hit the scene in America, everything was flipped and Americanised, to appeal to as large an audience as possible. Once people accepted the idea of manga and it became more mainstream, unflipped comments, honorifics, Japanese sound--effects started showing up.

[TonightMidnight]

The problem with that is that its a bit too risky. They have to appeal to an American audience in order to sell (or at least, that's what record companies want them to do). Once Asian singers become more mainstream and accepted, then they can begin to be more deviant.

The same thing happened when manga first hit the scene in America, everything was flipped and Americanised, to appeal to as large an audience as possible. Once people accepted the idea of manga and it became more mainstream, unflipped comments, honorifics, Japanese sound--effects started showing up.

That's a good point. And you can really see that in the manga too. Before NO ONE would've read a comic book from left to right, but now that's how a lot of manga is formatted in the US, and people like it that way. (I don't care either way though.)

I just hope one Asian singer can make it mainstream so they can open the door for the rest.

I don't know how the Asian actors are gonna break that "martial arts" or "genius" stereo-type though. I wonder what year it'll be when we see an Asian play the lead in a popular, non-martial arts related movie, in which they are not nerdy geniuses.

[omnistry]

Teriyaki Boyz just released a track with Kanye West. That alone means they're about to hit it big in America.

That is but a small list of Asian groups who have debuted in America. Here are more:

Electric Eel Shock
Guitar Wolf
Gito Gito Hustler
The Spunks
The Rodeo Carburettor
Shonen Knife (inspired Nirvana and the rest of the grunge rock scene, BTW)
the pillows
TsuShiMaMiRe
mono
Polysics
Caroline
Envy

There are a few more; but I can't think of them now. Look at JapanFiles for many, many, MANY more.

[Iblis]

I wish it was Rip Slyme heading for the US and not just a couple of members of it. I really don't like Teriyaki Boyz' style. It's not fun enough for me.

[TonightMidnight]

Teriyaki Boyz just released a track with Kanye West. That alone means they're about to hit it big in America.

That is but a small list of Asian groups who have debuted in America. Here are more:

Electric Eel Shock
Guitar Wolf
Gito Gito Hustler
The Spunks
The Rodeo Carburettor
Shonen Knife (inspired Nirvana and the rest of the grunge rock scene, BTW)
the pillows
TsuShiMaMiRe
mono
Polysics
Caroline
Envy

There are a few more; but I can't think of them now. Look at JapanFiles for many, many, MANY more.

Don't be too sure about that. They may have released a track with Kanye West, but the general public can still ignore them. I'm telling you, the US isn't ready. Utada's producer was Timberland, and she still went relatively unnoticed!

Pairing an Asian singer with a powerful or well-known figure in American Music doesn't solidify their success. Though I bet that's what Utada thought when she hooked up with Timberland.

[sentaku-san]

I liked a few songs on Exodus (like Easy Breezy and The Workout...etc) but I had a friend who wanted the album more than I did so I just gave it to him. Another reason why I easily gave the album away was: the lyrics. The lyrics really, really weren't good at all, and I was surprised at Utada for that. Not to mention a lot of the songs mostly talked about "Eastern blood and Western blood mixing....getting naughty." I liked The Workout, but when every other track on the CD started talking about multiple "Workouts" I got annoyed. And it's a little strange to think that sweet Hikaru Utada got sexual. Maybe it's because she got married around the time of the album development? :confused:

Eheh. "The Workout" is my least favorite song on the album and I usually end up skipping it! ^_^;; And yes, most of her lyrics on the album are shallow. Not that she doesn't do that sometimes in her Japanese songs... But the "OMG I'm from Teh Far East" theme is a little less excusable. "Oooh, Americans think that's so EXOTIC omg omg omg."

Yampuff, you do have a point. Familiarity is the gateway to selling something. BUT, why did she choose the "hip hop" niche where she really doesn't belong? I think she was less apt to make an impression on that scene than if she'd gone for something more "rock/pop" but still unique. Like I keep saying, she is fluent in English and singing the album in English was a good move. English is not only her "flipped panels and localized dialogue," it's also "color pages" to boot. What I mean is, I believe that flawless English is more than enough to localize music for comfortable American consumption. Now how many different styles of music are sung in English? Uncountably many. She could've used her Japanese audio style -- sounds like in "COLORS" and "Passion" -- with the English and it would've sounded smashing. ;)

[TonightMidnight]

Eheh. "The Workout" is my least favorite song on the album and I usually end up skipping it! ^_^;; And yes, most of her lyrics on the album are shallow. Not that she doesn't do that sometimes in her Japanese songs... But the "OMG I'm from Teh Far East" theme is a little less excusable. "Oooh, Americans think that's so EXOTIC omg omg omg."

Yampuff, you do have a point. Familiarity is the gateway to selling something. BUT, why did she choose the "hip hop" niche where she really doesn't belong? I think she was less apt to make an impression on that scene than if she'd gone for something more "rock/pop" but still unique. Like I keep saying, she is fluent in English and singing the album in English was a good move. English is not only her "flipped panels and localized dialogue," it's also "color pages" to boot. What I mean is, I believe that flawless English is more than enough to localize music for comfortable American consumption. Now how many different styles of music are sung in English? Uncountably many. She could've used her Japanese audio style -- sounds like in "COLORS" and "Passion" -- with the English and it would've sounded smashing. ;)

Like I said before...America is not ready for an Asian invasion. Speaking fluent English is definitely not enough to get an artist anywhere. It's at best a minimal requirement.

The first thing needed is an "image." You need to look a certain way, dress a certain way, and even speak a certain way to get people interested in you. Psh...Being able to sing and great audio sounds/arrangements have almost nothing to do with it. That's why there are studio people.

Now...Utada had no image. Her album cover just displayed...her- a Japanese girl. There wasn't really anything more to it. She's not an "old school glam Goddess" like Christina Aguilera with her Back to Basics CD. And she's not a "beautiful gothic rocker Queen" like Amy Lee from Evanescence. No Image means No Love from the industry and fans.

The second thing needed is "shameless promotion." Exodus had basically NO promotion at all. Just a two minute interview shown three times on MTV. That's how I found out about it. Otherwise I wouldn't have even known.

And even though I still feel Exodus sounded more "poppy and dance" than hip hop or R&B, it's safe to say that Utada didn't pick the right genre.

[ParaKiss]

OLIVIA is getting popular. She went over for PME last year.

I guess she has more advantages than most though. Being Jap/US, speaks fluent english (her japanese is actually a bit rough) and does mostly english alternative/soft rock.

I guess you could say she's actually making it big in Japan than America.

[Yummyrice]

Teriyaki Boyz just released a track with Kanye West. That alone means they're about to hit it big in America.




They did? I love Teriyaki Boyz! What song is that?
I heard they've been haning out with Def Jem but I dindn't know they were planning on working with them XD Good for them!

[Iblis]

The single is named "I still love H.E.R.".

[Yummyrice]

The single is named "I still love H.E.R.".



What album is that on?


Didn't the teriyaki boyz release few tracks for the movie 'Fast and Furious:Tokyo Drift?' I swear to god that was the stupidest movie ever made but the songs were catchy XD Yeahy

[Iblis]

It's a single. That just came out, as aforementioned.

[phishn37]

What about Nana Kitade? She's pretty well known in the us.

[Yummyrice]

What about Nana Kitade? She's pretty well known in the us.


Well maybe you should consider reading the first post

[TonightMidnight]

What about Nana Kitade? She's pretty well known in the us.

Well obviously not as well-known as you say, because I have no clue who you're talking about. :confused:

*does Google search*

She's pretty. But I still don't know who she is...

[Yummyrice]

Se7en and popstar Amerie's duet song

http://img.news.yahoo.co.kr/picture/e7/20061215/20061215090406313e7_091028_1.jpg

Se7en announced that he will have his formal debut in the US next year.

In March 2007, American popstar Amerie's new album "Because I love it" will be released and will include a duet song entitled "Take Control" with Se7en.

A "Take Control" music video is also positively looked into.

Amerie was looking for a partner in her song and requested Se7en to take part in it. Amerie, who is a Korean American, showed an interest on the Asian star Se7en and proposed to him to sing with her.

Amerie, born from a Black father and a Korean mother, debuted in America in 2002 and held a place in the Billboard Top 10 for every song she released and was impressed at the attractive vocals of Se7en.

"Se7en was so happy with the proposal because he knew that Amerie is a Korean American who is active in the American pop market. Both sides will benefit from this project", said a YG Entertainment official on December 15.

Se7en, who will also prepare for his formal American debut next year, is scheduled to participate in the promotions of the song.

"I am very delighted that I am able to sing a duet with a popstar like Amerie. I was really happy when Amerie complimented my vocal talent. I will do my best to be able to produce a good song", Se7en, who is making his first step in his US debut, said.

Source: newsen

Please credit http://kpopper.com + http://z12.invisionfree.com/Se7enth_Heaven/ when posting this elsewhere.


It's nice to see more Asian singers are starting to work with American artists :D
I say it'd be pretty cool when the single comes out

[kotani]

I hope kpop and jpop gets popular in America but Americans like all this depressed crap. GOOD LUCK RAIN! MTV SUCKS!

[TonightMidnight]

Se7en and popstar Amerie's duet song

http://img.news.yahoo.co.kr/picture/e7/20061215/20061215090406313e7_091028_1.jpg

Se7en announced that he will have his formal debut in the US next year.

In March 2007, American popstar Amerie's new album "Because I love it" will be released and will include a duet song entitled "Take Control" with Se7en.

A "Take Control" music video is also positively looked into.

Amerie was looking for a partner in her song and requested Se7en to take part in it. Amerie, who is a Korean American, showed an interest on the Asian star Se7en and proposed to him to sing with her.

Amerie, born from a Black father and a Korean mother, debuted in America in 2002 and held a place in the Billboard Top 10 for every song she released and was impressed at the attractive vocals of Se7en.

"Se7en was so happy with the proposal because he knew that Amerie is a Korean American who is active in the American pop market. Both sides will benefit from this project", said a YG Entertainment official on December 15.

Se7en, who will also prepare for his formal American debut next year, is scheduled to participate in the promotions of the song.

"I am very delighted that I am able to sing a duet with a popstar like Amerie. I was really happy when Amerie complimented my vocal talent. I will do my best to be able to produce a good song", Se7en, who is making his first step in his US debut, said.

Source: newsen

Please credit http://kpopper.com + http://z12.invisionfree.com/Se7enth_Heaven/ when posting this elsewhere.


It's nice to see more Asian singers are starting to work with American artists :D
I say it'd be pretty cool when the single comes out

OoOo. This sounds nice. I really hope Amerie and Se7en release the song along with a video. That'd be beautiful. Amerie could help open the door for other Asians.

Yay!

(Se7en looks like Vic Zhou from F4 in the pic you posted. xD)

[Yummyrice]

Updates on Se7en & Rain


Rain:

Picked as one of the 100 most beautiful in the world by People magazine

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p151/Udonlover/-2.jpg

His upcoming US tour schedule

6/9 Toronto, Molson Amphi Theatre
6/15 Atlanta, Phillips Arena
6/20 Vancouver, Not Confirmed
6/23 NY, Madison Square Garden Arena
6/27 SF, Cow Palace
6/30 LA, Staple Center

He is currently invited to a yacht competition hosted by LV in Spain and planning on going to America right ahead for his concert promotion.


Se7en:

Currently working on his American single in Philly!

Fan's account on him in Philly

well Se7en in PHiladelphia right now, i would know because I met him lastt night at work. There i was jammin on my ipo listening to SE7EN nonetheless waiting for another talbe (i am a server at FRiendly's) and there he comes in with 3 others, and i had a total fan boi moment. I was like omg YOUR YOUY SE7EN!!!. He responded like, you know who I am, how do you konw who I Am... it was great, i got a picture with him and everything. He told me he was in Philly doing some studio work.

http://i15.tinypic.com/663lbpz.jpg


Sunday, April 29, 2007

1...2...3...4..5..6..SE7EN!!!!!!

So some people know but not everyone does. Early this week I met one of my favorite kpop stars, SE7EN. So here is the story. So I am at work none the less bored off my ass waiting for another table to come in. So I started to less to my iPod listening to SE7EN just by chance. I was kinda piss cuz the last table i had left me nooooooo ****ing Tip...cheap asss bastard. Anyway, soon another table came in a table of four they said, I went to go sit the table and i began to freak out. Four Koreans walk in. I point and scream in fan boi fashion,

Me: omg your SE7EN.
Se7en: You know who I am ?
Me: Yeah, your like my favorite korean artist.
Se7en: wow that awesome.

So i ended up being there server and they let me a niice tip. I got a pic with him and that **** was great, i would go more into details but i am tired and lazy.




He recently feautured in Amerie's song, "Take control"


To listen->Insert "http://ftp6.ohpy.com/up/elbbs/2007/05/04/37186/1178252896/take_control-se7en.mp3"

[Yummyrice]

I tried to look for other artists who might be preparing for their US debut
But it's so damn freaking hard =.=

If anyone knows any Asian aritsts who are breaking into the American scene
feel free to promote them~ besides, this thread needs support :-)

[TonightMidnight]

Updates on Se7en & Rain


Rain:

Picked as one of the 100 most beautiful in the world by People magazine

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p151/Udonlover/-2.jpg

His upcoming US tour schedule

6/9 Toronto, Molson Amphi Theatre
6/15 Atlanta, Phillips Arena
6/20 Vancouver, Not Confirmed
6/23 NY, Madison Square Garden Arena
6/27 SF, Cow Palace
6/30 LA, Staple Center

He is currently invited to a yacht competition hosted by LV in Spain and planning on going to America right ahead for his concert promotion.


Se7en:

Currently working on his American single in Philly!

Fan's account on him in Philly

well Se7en in PHiladelphia right now, i would know because I met him lastt night at work. There i was jammin on my ipo listening to SE7EN nonetheless waiting for another talbe (i am a server at FRiendly's) and there he comes in with 3 others, and i had a total fan boi moment. I was like omg YOUR YOUY SE7EN!!!. He responded like, you know who I am, how do you konw who I Am... it was great, i got a picture with him and everything. He told me he was in Philly doing some studio work.

http://i15.tinypic.com/663lbpz.jpg


Sunday, April 29, 2007

1...2...3...4..5..6..SE7EN!!!!!!

So some people know but not everyone does. Early this week I met one of my favorite kpop stars, SE7EN. So here is the story. So I am at work none the less bored off my ass waiting for another table to come in. So I started to less to my iPod listening to SE7EN just by chance. I was kinda piss cuz the last table i had left me nooooooo ****ing Tip...cheap asss bastard. Anyway, soon another table came in a table of four they said, I went to go sit the table and i began to freak out. Four Koreans walk in. I point and scream in fan boi fashion,

Me: omg your SE7EN.
Se7en: You know who I am ?
Me: Yeah, your like my favorite korean artist.
Se7en: wow that awesome.

So i ended up being there server and they let me a niice tip. I got a pic with him and that **** was great, i would go more into details but i am tired and lazy.




He recently feautured in Amerie's song, "Take control"


To listen->Insert "http://ftp6.ohpy.com/up/elbbs/2007/05/04/37186/1178252896/take_control-se7en.mp3"

....

....

You're...a guy?

(It's really cool that you met Se7en. He's a cutie! Looks great in person too. How tall is he?)

[Yummyrice]

....

....

You're...a guy?

(It's really cool that you met Se7en. He's a cutie! Looks great in person too. How tall is he?)



No XD It's just someone else's post I just took it here XD

[TonightMidnight]

No XD It's just someone else's post I just took it here XD

Thank God. I was quite scared.

Se7en's so cute! :D I like his throaty voice- it's unique. I've only heard "La La La" and "Passion." (Are those names correct?)

[Yummyrice]

Thank God. I was quite scared.

Se7en's so cute! :D I like his throaty voice- it's unique. I've only heard "La La La" and "Passion." (Are those names correct?)


Why do you think a guy liking male artists is scary? :D
I've acutally seen a lot of male Se7en fans.

Oh no He's got so many more good songs than that!
Some tracks I recommande are 'I know' 'Come back to me' 'Style' 'Aitai'
'Hikari' 'I will do well'.......and his duet with Amerie is HAWT!

Just watch his performance on MTV Japan 2 years ago. You will be blown away.

[TonightMidnight]

Why do you think a guy liking male artists is scary? :D
I've acutally seen a lot of male Se7en fans.

Oh no He's got so many more good songs than that!
Some tracks I recommande are 'I know' 'Come back to me' 'Style' 'Aitai'
'Hikari' 'I will do well'.......and his duet with Amerie is HAWT!

Just watch his performance on MTV Japan 2 years ago. You will be blown away.

I don't think guys liking other male artists is scary. By your tone and the way you spoke and gushed about Se7en and Rain I thought you were a girl. That's why when I saw that picture and thought it was you I was like, "Douche! No way..." :eek:

What's the name of his duet with Amerie? I'm gonna give it a listen. I thought it was "Take Control of Me..." But how can it be when the single and MV have already been released with him excluded?

Does Se7en speak good English? I really hope he makes it in the US. (He looks so much like Vic Zhou sometimes!)

[RevengeBabyYeah]

The just a short step to England (hopefully ahah)
Aye it's really good to see asians in the western music market. In england theres a few local rappers but thats about it, pshhh.
Has Miyavi debuted in the US?
can't believe that guy met Se7en! I'd just be like
"Woah, that guy looks exactly like se7en!"
Rains done a duet with Omarion, sounds ok i guess.

[Yummyrice]

Updates on Rain:

Rain to cast in a hollywood movie

[16-May-07][Segye Times]Rain, confirmed to stars in “Speed Racer” by directors of Matrix

Source: http://news.media.daum.net/net/200705/16/s.../v16753978.html

Rain, confirmed to stars in “Speed Racer” by directors of Matrix

“Matrix” directors Wachowski brothers will direct movie “Speed Racer”

Singer and Actor Rain (Jung Ji Hoon, 25) will debut in a movie by the Wachowski brothers who directed the movie “Matrix”

“Speed Racer” is a movie that is a remake of a Japanese Anime named “Maha Go Go”. The movie is projected to come out on May 2008 and will go into filming in June of this year, and will require about 300 Million dollars to produce.

Rain will be a skilled Asian racer, who will fight to keep his family business alive.

Rain’s staff said, “In April, Rain personally visited Berlin in order to meet the Wachowski brothers. At this meeting the brothers showed Rain the clips they had of the Anime and they did not hide their enthusiasm about their knowledge of Rain’s outstanding skills.”

On the 31st of this month, there will be a public announcement of the movie with more than 100 foreign media present, Rain will be stand along with “Lethal Weapon” and “Matrix” Producer Joel Silver, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, who are popular Hollywood actors and actresses.

Rain will stay in Berlin for about 2 months in order to film the movie, after he finishes his currently on going World Tour.

Tranlation: Krn to Eng by jihoon♥tokki @rain-usa.com


Rain on Colbert's report

http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/?ml_video=86679


Hawaii's Rain's day

Hawaii is the first city that announces "Rain's Day" in their city.

Rain's going to hold his Hawaii concert at Aloha Stadium, Honolulu in June 15. Thus, Hawaii decided to announce that day as "Rain's Day" to celebrate his coming.

The concept of "Rain's Day" was proposed during Las Vegas concerts last year but there was no news about it later. However, this time Hawaii state wished to welcome Rain and they quickly proposed June 15 to be "Rain's Day". Rain is treated specially as he is the first Asian to perform in Aloha Stadium, which was the stage for super stars such as MJ, U2, etc.

To name a special day after a foreign artist is quite rare in USA, especially if it's for Asian artist.

State Governor of Hawaii, Mdm Linda Lingle had contributed to the proposal of "Rain's Day". She is said to be a big fan of Rain. Since Hawaii is the first station of Rain's USA trip, she would like to show support by doing so.

The atmosphere in Hawaii is wonderful before Rain's concert, the local news and media always report the news about Rain and his concerts. In particular, the local fans are actively involved in the publicity and ticketing of this concert.

[SuanTian]

I read Lim Jeong Hee is going to debut in America...(read the article awhile ago though)

[ParaKiss]

Disappointed at Australia's reaction to Rain's concert a few months ago. Small turnout, tickets were going for $50 on the day. It's probably cause Australia is unfortunately more close-minded people than Americans and no Australian magazine even mentioned him. My favorite section of my favorite newspaper had an article on him and of course, voiced their disappointment over a talented artist being overlooked in favor for stories on Paris Hilton and the like. Jay Chou is coming to Aus later this year too, I hope they pay more attention to him.

You would think Hikki would be more popular in the US since she is a US-born resident herself. Her english voice is also wonderful, such a pity the average person doesn't take much notice.

[TonightMidnight]

Disappointed at Australia's reaction to Rain's concert a few months ago. Small turnout, tickets were going for $50 on the day. It's probably cause Australia is unfortunately more close-minded people than Americans and no Australian magazine even mentioned him. My favorite section of my favorite newspaper had an article on him and of course, voiced their disappointment over a talented artist being overlooked in favor for stories on Paris Hilton and the like. Jay Chou is coming to Aus later this year too, I hope they pay more attention to him.

You would think Hikki would be more popular in the US since she is a US-born resident herself. Her english voice is also wonderful, such a pity the average person doesn't take much notice.

I think Hikki was over-looked, because her CD was too "out there" for the average person. If Exodus was pop/hip-hop she would've had a fine debut. Especially since Timberland helped her out. But since it was dance/techno no one in the US paid attention.

I love Hikki, but I actually thought Exodus kinda sucked. The only tracks I liked were "Easy Breezy" and "The Workout."

[ParaKiss]

Yeh she probably would have done so much better if they just let her do her own thing rather than try to influence her with what they want to release.

[HaruGirl13]

I don't really listen to asian bands... i listen to a german one. meh. ^^

[TonightMidnight]

Yeh she probably would have done so much better if they just let her do her own thing rather than try to influence her with what they want to release.

No one influenced Hikki. Actually, if they did then I'm sure her American debut would've gone better. Knowing Timberland, he would have probably suggested a funky pop/hip-hop style. Almost every artist he produces succeeds. I think the problem is that Exodus was too experimental for its own good, with no set genre. Being experimental on your debut CD is not a good idea. Waiting until you have a faithful fan base is wiser.

Exodus was completely done in English, yet it sold better in Japan.

The last problem with Exodus is that it was very poorly promoted. :(

[Yummyrice]

No one influenced Hikki. Actually, if they did then I'm sure her American debut would've gone better. Knowing Timberland, he would have probably suggested a funky pop/hip-hop style. Almost every artist he produces succeeds. I think the problem is that Exodus was too experimental for its own good, with no set genre. Being experimental on your debut CD is not a good idea. Waiting until you have a faithful fan base is wiser.

Exodus was completely done in English, yet it sold better in Japan.

The last problem with Exodus is that it was very poorly promoted. :(


The real problem with her Exodus album was that It wasn't the type of music
average Americans would like........:( Sure, she's got a Japanese music fanbase
but that wasn't enough. She should have put out something more attractive to
American listeners.

[TonightMidnight]

The real problem with her Exodus album was that It wasn't the type of music
average Americans would like........:( Sure, she's got a Japanese music fanbase
but that wasn't enough. She should have put out something more attractive to
American listeners.

That's what I said in my last two posts.