Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 825



Only Noblemtl

Episode 825. Bubble (3)

The recent trend in music is restrained arrangements and lightness.

In the past, mainstream music focused on highlighting the strong points. If so, recent trends can be seen as a backlash against the past.

The desire for intensity, represented by the ‘Loudness War’, is no longer dominant. Many people can no longer endure the pain and fatigue in their ears.

And how do you make the simplicity that emerged as such a reaction sound sophisticated rather than dull?

This is the topic of modern popular music, but… … .

‘This is different.’

The song written by Jeong Ho-hwan goes beyond modern topics.

He is a craftsman with over 30 years of experience. He pushes forward the grammar of the past with sincerity, as if his beliefs are history itself.

As a result, the grammar of the past has reached its limit and has reached the realm of classics.

‘But it doesn’t miss out on modern trends.’

While pursuing a classic feel that explodes clearly in the highlight after the verse, the verse before the highlight is trendy.

The orchestra, which sounds like gentle waves, changes abruptly in the highlight and turns into a storm that will engulf the world.

To put it simply, Jeong Ho-hwan’s songs only have a beginning and a conclusion in the structure of introduction, development, turn, and conclusion.

The device is fixed.

A song that captures the moment when waves turn into a storm, that was Jung Ho-hwan’s answer to the world.

Seongpil was moved. And his excitement was not simply due to Jeong Ho-hwan’s musical achievements.

[I want to have you

By any means

It doesn’t matter]

This song was sung by Jeong Ho-hwan.

This is a guide vocal sung by Jeong Ho-hwan himself.

He guides himself in all the songs he produces. He also directs all the recording sessions himself.

It was proof that it wasn’t just a rumor.

Moreover, his singing ability was far beyond the ordinary. He conveyed emotions beyond those of a skilled singer.

Seongpil was so moved that he felt like he was going to burst into tears, so he unconsciously pressed his fist against the bridge of his nose.

‘Oh my god… … .’

Humanity needs to develop an elixir of youth as soon as possible. So, we need to turn Jung Ho-hwan back to his 20s and have him debut as an idol.

That must be one of the earthly tasks facing humanity.

[Before anyone else

I want to have it

Your heart

I don’t know]

I never wanted it to end, but the music ended anyway.

There is a lingering sense of regret, but it is not disappointing. This song was completed with a perfect finale. The birth and the end were tightly packed in just 3 minutes.

“How are you?”

Jeong Ho-hwan asked with a nervous expression.

Seongpil nodded his head in excitement, like an audience member witnessing the curtain call of a masterpiece play.

“I want to applaud… … .”

“Oh, is that so?”

At Jeong Ho-hwan’s age, his shyness would have worn away. He was at an age where he could not preserve the feeling of shame because the years he had endured were rough.

But Jeong Ho-hwan smiled with boyish shyness, as if he was genuinely happy about Seong-pil’s compliment.

“Uh, it’s okay if you don’t give me too much credit. I used to be a producer myself, so I know how intense and cold the process of selecting songs is. I’ll take Director Park’s compliments as they are, and humbly accept the results.”

Sungpil wished he could say right then and there, “This will be the title song of Girls’ League.”

In fact, as soon as Sungpil heard this song, all the pieces came together in his head. The Girls’ League’s costumes and choreography, stage and music video, concept photos and even the album design…

However, the reason he didn’t say anything was because of the experience Seongpil had accumulated until he was 35 years old. If he had been a little younger, he would have given a definite answer to Jeong Ho-hwan.

‘Director Jeong Ho-hwan is right. The song he wrote is flawless, but there may be a better song that comes in.’

Under the direction of music producer Jung Ji-eum, the A&R team has been continuously selecting songs.

Since the work started early summer this year, it is possible that a suitable title song has been found by now.

‘Besides, there are still some songs left to write.’

Jeong Ji-eum is the one who composed and arranged all of the title songs of Girls’ League. His vision and ability are beyond doubt.

Jeong Ji-eum must have prepared a song that would stand up to Jeong Ho-hwan. Whether he composed it entirely or arranged it, the songs he chose never go out of style.

The success of the Girls’ League is a testament to Jeong Ji-eum’s abilities.

“Then can I take it with this song?”

“Yes, please.”

“Oh, right. What’s the song title?”

“Well… … . I haven’t decided yet. Since you said the concept is a phantom thief, why don’t we just give it a name?”

“Huh? Did the lyricist say anything separately?”

“The lyricist didn’t write it.”

Seongpil was thrilled.

“Then, did Director Jeong Ho-hwan write all the lyrics…?”

“Haha, I know it’s ambiguous. I just added it to the melody line, so don’t worry about it and feel free to modify it as you wish… … .”

“No, I just like it so much. I thought it was definitely written by a lyricist… … .”

Sometimes the still sound would say, that there were sounds in the melody of an instrument that clearly could not be pronounced by a human being.

Could it be that the lyrics that Jung Ho-hwan added are of that type? Did the lyrics come out smoothly because the melody was such that the lyrics could be heard from the moment it was written?

Even if Jeong Ho-hwan had explained it so proudly, Seong-pil would have nodded and applauded.

“You’re amazing, you even wrote the lyrics… … .”

Although Sungpil praised him, Jeong Hohwan showed signs of anxiety. When asked why, he occasionally showed concern.

“Wouldn’t it be better to have a lyricist? What I did was just writing my feelings, and to do it properly, I think a lyricist would be needed… … .”

Jeong Ho-hwan hesitated for a moment after saying that, then quickly revealed his concerns.

“If it’s not perfect, I might fall short in my final decision… … .”

“Then why didn’t you get the lyrics from the lyricist?”

“… … .”

“Isn’t it because you thought it was good?”

Perhaps Jeong Ho-hwan was wary of appearing arrogant.

Even though he wrote it himself, the lyrics were so good. But even so, he didn’t have the courage to push it through as is.

Because I am a person who has realized since ancient times that arrogance and complacency are the greatest enemies of creation.

“I guarantee it. These lyrics are good. If you’re still worried, I’ll get the lyrics for you.”

“… … No. Please go ahead.”

Jeong Ho-hwan had a relieved expression.

Seongpil expressed his agreement by accepting the USB.

Now Sungpil’s work here was done. However, he was sad that his time with his idol was coming to an end, so he wanted to continue the story.

“If this song is used as the title, what should we name the album?”

“Well, well, if the song title is similar to ‘Phantom Thief,’ it would be more formal to name it after the phantom thief. Lupin has been used too many times, so something like Arsene.”

“Arsene from Arsene Lupin?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t that be enough? Or, since Girls’ League used the title song as the album name in our production, except for ‘Intro: Love’, it would be appropriate… … .”

right.

At those words, Seongpil showed a slightly disappointed look. Then, Jeong Hohwan realized that he had made a mistake.

Another way to look at it is as a young athlete meeting and talking to his idol, a medalist.

If the medalist answers the questions vaguely, the young athlete will feel disappointed.

Of course, Jeong Ho-hwan didn’t answer carelessly because he was annoyed by Seong-pil. He was wary that the paint he had carelessly spit out might end up in Seong-pil’s drawing.

As a result, Sungpil became depressed like a child fan who was refused a handshake by a player.

Jeong Ho-hwan changed his answer in a fluster.

“Hey, these days, it’s a bit weird to use such meaningless words as album names, right? Oh, then, oh! That’s what you said when you first came to see me, right?”

To create the ultimate album that will bring the world to its knees.

“What about ‘Project Vostok’?”

Seongpil tilted his head when he heard the unfamiliar name.

“Project Vostok?”

“It is the name of the plan to send the first human into space. Yuri Gagarin became the first cosmonaut.”

Seongpil realized ‘Ah’ when he heard the name Yuri Gagarin. Then he looked at him with surprised eyes.

“Yes, it was a project carried out in the Soviet Union. The Girls’ League is also nicknamed the Soviet Union, so I think it has some symbolic significance. It may be less impactful than other space projects, as it was overshadowed by the Sputnik Shock and the Apollo Project, but it is still symbolic enough.”

“Project Vostok… … .”

A plan to send the first human into space.

Certainly, it is a name that fits Seongpil’s ambition.

The night sky is a space that mankind has longed for since the beginning of time. In the days before concerts, the movement of the celestial spheres must have been the best performance that people all over the world could watch.

Project Vostok is truly a historic event in history, where humans, who have longed for the stars since birth, finally ventured into space.

It’s a name that I’m embarrassed to even dare to use on the album… … .

“It really hit home.”

“Yeah… … .”

At that moment, Jeong Ho-hwan stopped talking as if something was bothering him.

Project Vostok… … Jung Ho-hwan, who was chewing on the word, realized the presence of Seong-pil sitting across from him and was shaken out of his thoughts.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m glad it resonates with you.”

“By the way, do you know what Vostok means?”

“It’s ‘East’ in Russian.”

Jeong Ho-hwan turned his eyes away from Seong-pil. All he could see was a wall, but he squinted as if he could see the sun beyond it.

“The sun rises in the east, and humans move towards the light.”

Apollon.

Humans went out into the dark universe in search of the name of the majestic sun god.

* * *

The enigmatic composer Helldog.

His song, which had been receiving a lot of attention from the A&R team at Garo Enter, has finally arrived at Garo Enter.

“Mr. Jaeho, listen to this.”

Seongpil first gave the USB to A&R Team’s Jaeho Lee, the head of A&R Team 3. From that point on, the tentative title ‘Thief’ began to circulate around Garo Entertainment.

“Wow, this is… … .”

Everyone who heard it could not help but be amazed.

The A&R team is always suffering from auditory fatigue. It’s not that their ears actually hurt, it’s that their senses have become dulled from listening to the same songs over and over again.

It’s like thinking about a problem for so long that you don’t even know what the problem is.

That’s why A&R team members treasure the impressions they get when they first hear a song. They even write them down in writing or in reviews. If you keep listening to it, the emotions will soon disappear and you’ll only be able to analyze it.

For those who had been listening and listening again to the candidates for the next title song of Girls’ League, ‘Phantom Thief’ composed by Helldog was a refreshing shock.

“This isn’t a fuss, I really like it.”

“I know…….”

Even Jaeho Lee, who is well-versed in all major and minor music from around the world, immediately acknowledged it.

Moreover, ‘The Thief’ surprisingly received good reviews from all A&R staff.

This was unusual, considering that everyone’s musical tastes vary.

‘The Thief’ stands out for its intensity that makes you feel nostalgic for the past while following modern trends.

“This vocal is also amazing.”

“Are you a current singer?”

“It says that Helldog called this himself.”

“Ah, there’s definitely no singer that comes to mind.”

Even the guide vocals were well-received.

“But it was a man.”

“Is it weird being a man?”

“I had a hunch. Director Park visits you often. I was hoping there would be some kind of romantic story, but it was a man.”

It was a dubious speculation. However, Lee Jae-ho did not think that such a groundless rumor was completely groundless.

There are quite a few composers who have constant contact with Garo Enter. Naturally, it doesn’t make sense for Sungpil to meet all of them, and it also doesn’t make sense for him to visit them as often as Helldog.

Why is it that among so many composers, only Helldog is of interest and that you even meet him in person?

There were many who sought the reason in love.

“Anyway, you sing well. You have such a beautiful voice… … Ah! Could it be that Helldog is quite young and could debut as an idol? That’s why Director Park is putting in the effort.”

“That sounds plausible.”

Lee Jae-ho could also easily agree with that hypothesis.

Anyway, everyone acknowledged Helldog’s skills to the point where they said, “He could debut as a singer like this,” and some even said, “Wouldn’t it be okay to release it like this?”

Of course, the sound used had a rustic aspect, proving that he was a new composer.

“I guess you don’t have any money yet.”

Composers naturally acquire many sounds while composing. Most of them are bought.

However, Helldog’s ‘Phantom Thief’ gave off a basic feeling that made you believe it was made only with the basic sounds of a composition program.

“It’s simple, but I think it’s okay to leave it like this… … .”

“are you okay.”

Lee Jae-ho spoke with eyes still filled with amazement.

“Since PD Jeong Ji-eum will touch it anyway.”

“Ah, that’s right. If the PD arranges it, even a crappy song that was just uploaded to Support (Sound Fog) can instantly become a masterpiece.”

Everyone called Jeong Ji-eum a genius in arrangement.

This wasn’t just talk.

‘Summertime Dream’, the predecessor of ‘Song for People’, was bought from a college student for several hundred thousand won. Jeong Ji-eum rearranged it and released it to the world as ‘Song for People’.

Does that college student know that the song he sold the copyright to for a few hundred thousand won has earned hundreds of millions in music revenue?

Of course, since the sound of the stop was completely transformed before and after the arrangement, it would be very difficult to determine the identity of the song.

“But really… … .”

The A&R team was delighted. And they weren’t just delighted because they had found a good song.

“thank god…….”

I couldn’t help but be happy that this hellish song selection process was about to end.

Finding songs is the most basic yet most difficult task for the A&R team.

Listen to things you’ve already heard, listen to them again, listen to new things you’ve heard, listen to them again, listen to things you’ve buried just in case.

It was no easy task to find one usable song among them.

Moreover, even if you save it, you take it to Jeong Ji-eum and offer it to Seong-pil, and if you hear, “Hmm, this is a bit much,” you just repeat the same thing.

“Director Park brought this himself. You’ll confirm it as the title, right?”

“Maybe so?”

Even Lee Jae-ho, who is usually cautious, expected that ‘Phantom Thief’ would be chosen as the title.

It’s a song that anyone would enjoy, and Sungpil brought it himself. He didn’t just get it from somewhere, he got it directly from a mysterious composer he’s recently started to favor.

“Ugh, finally the next task!”

As the A&R team member stretched his body in relief, Jaeho Lee also smiled.

‘It’s not true that idols become successful because they have good songs… … .’

This is really good.

‘The ultimate album that will bring the world to its knees. It might actually be possible.’

The global pop music industry is currently in turmoil.

It’s like after Lana Del Rey came out.

The 00s were dominated by party music represented by ‘Kesha’, and the time when ‘Lana Del Rey’ emerged as an alternative to the mainstream.

The music world at that time was an arena of parties and emotions.

It’s similar now.

Those who prefer ‘explosive’ music like in the past, and those who pursue minimal music represented by the word ‘easy listening’.

In the ongoing battle of popular music between classic and trendy, ‘The Thief’ has the power to captivate listeners on both sides.

‘What on earth is this composer called Helldog?’

If you’re a new composer, you have a maturity that doesn’t match your age.

Surely, he must have filled the gap from the past with a vast amount of study that ordinary people cannot imagine, and through that, he must have reached a level that was unattainable at that age.

‘If PD Jeong Ji-eum is a composer who opens up an invisible future.’

Helldog serves as the perfect bridge between past and future, light and darkness.

Lee Jae-ho begins to imagine.

‘If the Girls’ League is truly going to join the global mainstream, it will be possible by recruiting Helldog.’

If Jung Ji-eum and Helldog join forces, Girls’ League may be able to break the limits of K-pop.

If only the experience accumulated as a music producer and the sensibility of the new composer Helldog could be combined, that is, the time that Jung Ji-eum spent with the Girls’ League.

‘Maybe, really.’

Girls’ League might break the mold of K-pop.

* * *

“Umm… … .”

The reception room of Garo Enter, as the closing time approaches.

Seongpil and Rika were having a meeting about their relationship as album producer and main producer.

After Seongpil told Rika about ‘The Phantom Thief’, he waited with bated breath for her answer.

“hmm…….”

Rika tilted her head.

Seongpil swallowed hard.

“What the… … .”

As a kawaii bass DJ, Rika has an ear that is inclined towards kawaii bass.

What would she think of this song?

Seongpil felt his heart pounding… … .

“Not really.”

“ah.”

Project Vostok, scrapped.

“not really……?”

He said it wasn’t that great.

Rika.

Towards the song that Sungpil shed tears, towards the song written by Jung Ho-hwan, it wasn’t that great…

“To the ‘star’ of my heart!”

Seongpil grabbed both of Rika’s ears and pulled them upwards.

“Keeeeeeeeeek!”

Project Vostok, resurrected.

(continue)