Gangnam Style: Horsing Around Pop Culture

Amy: If they want to criticize bland music, take on the music producers, but these guys work their butts off. I remember the Kids React to Kpop episode. And while they had regular reactions to it (it’s catchy to they’re all the same!!!), one of the most striking reactions was to the question of “what would you say if I tell you they don’t produce any of their own material” that it suddenly diminished the quality of the product.

Amy: So they would rather have average lyrics and music written by the artist, than a prime performer with hired producers and lyricists.
Rodrigo: I’d prefer an artist being in control of most of their things. With pop, it’s harder to do that kind of thing… and dance pop, not always.
Amy: It depends, though… I would rather have a country singer sing material written by a lyricist, than have average pedestrian lyrics of love. Nothing against Taylor Swift and her composing. She’s got some decent stuff, but lyricism is lacking. In dance pop, lyricism takes a step back to melody, but you gotta know your music. I would rather listen to Max Martin than your average “I want you” song with default computer beat.
Rodrigo: He’s involved with Swift recently.
Amy: Even Pink’s music as catchy as it sounds with Martin at the helm can’t avoid Ke$ha comparissons since she’s also worked with Martin.

Amy: As long as the music sounds good, different, and innovative — it shouldn’t matter whether it’s written by the artist or a hired producer/writer.
Rodrigo: Yep. I think there’s extra value if the artist or group does it all by themselves, but it doesn’t happen often.
Amy: One can’t expect to have all rookie groups do it.