Do What You Love And Love What You Do: Atea

By Taniya Talukdar

Boomrang, the Mizoram based band is all set to perform as the opening act for international band Korn. Atea, lead singer of Boomrang talks about their music and performing with the international band.

What kind of music are you into?
We're influenced by different types of sound, from jazz to metal, and blues to punk. We're trying to put all our favourite elements into one type of sound that we call Junk — jazz, funk and punk

You have performed in Bangalore on previous occasions. What do you think of the city and its audiences?
We've played in Bangalore several times, and have loved it every time we were here. Bangalore has a wonderful audience and lovely venues. We are always looking forward to playing here.

What do you think of the Korn? Do you follow their music closely? Have you played their covers?
Korn is one of the greatest bands and we would really like to see and meet them. We love Korn's music a lot, but we are not what you would call close followers since we are not into metal or nu-Metal. And no, we haven't played any of their covers.

What plans do you have for when you open for Korn? Will you play original tracks or covers?
Our plans are simple, and are the same that any band that opens for a big band has — making a huge impression. We play our originals most of the time and do covers once in a while just for fun.

With so many people from the North East leaving Bangalore, do you think it's a good idea for you to come and perform here, considering that you are from Mizoram?
We have no problem if the people want us to play here.

With so many bands coming together these days, how do you manage to stand out?
I guess that depends on the quality of the music we play. We don't have boy band-looks and charm, but we love what we play and always give it our best every time.

What are the basic things one needs to keep in mind when they are in the music business?
I am not much of an expert in the business part, but 'doing what you love and loving what you do' is what has kept us alive all these years.

Rewben To Make Melody in Final Episode of Dewarists

By DIPANJAN SINHA

Rewben Mashangva

Calcutta, Dec 17 : It was a sunny yet chilly day. Nothing unusual in Shillong. From a cottage in the city floats music that makes one break into dance. Not very unusual here either.

What set the day apart, however, were the two artistes whose chords set the feet of passersby tapping in the musical paradise of Shillong — Naga folk musician Rewben Mashangva and innovator par excellence Raghu Dixit, collaborating for the final episode of the Dewarists on Sunday.

The Dewarists, part travelogue, part music show on Star World, will sign off with flourish with a performance in the city, renowned for its love of music. The show features some of the biggest names from across the globe, such as Grammy award-winning singer Imogen Heap and Indian Ocean among others, and allows them a chance to collaborate with other stalwarts like Vishal-Shekhar, Mohit Chauhan and Shantanu Moitra and create music.

While Guru Rewben Mashangva, performer, songwriter, music researcher and the “King of Naga folk blues” is the principal exponent of Hao music, the Raghu Dixit Project, founded by Raghu Dixit, encourages the amalgamation of the talents of artistes from different cultures.

When Dewarists approached the musicians to perform for the final episode, they were pleasantly surprised. The last time this dynamic duo had got together, they composed and performed onstage as part of the sixth edition of the Roots Festival in 2008.

With all the earnestness of a poet, Rewben Mashangva, says, “I like Raghu. We have so much fun when we perform together.”

Raghu puts forward a perspective that is beyond familiar comprehensions of language, culture or even inspiration.

He highlights the nuances that set the performers apart.

“Rewben and I have no clue about each others’ languages. My attempt is to recreate ancient Kannada poetry and make it relevant for the people of our time. It is about many things in this world that we have started taking for granted and should learn to respect. Rewben’s songs and music come from a very different atmosphere. His songs are a louder call in a conflict-torn place for peace, for life. Way more revolutionary,” Raghu says.

He then points at the bridge between the genres.

“But every time he performs or sings or plays, something within me is happy, an effervescent chord is touched,” he added.

In Shillong, the duo decided to go for a lighthearted, foot-tapping number and the end result was Masti ki Basti.

“We decided to do something that is fun. So the song Masti Ki Basti we composed is all about the celebration of life. It is fun and festive and calls all of us to groove to the tunes of nature,” Rewben said.

Raghu, who is steadily gaining popularity across the country, welcomes the fact that two episodes of the show, which has gained an international following, have been shot in the Northeast — Kaziranga and Shillong.

“It is a very positive sign that two episodes of the show have been shot in the region. I hope this brings to focus the immense musical potential there. I have to admit that we are sort of cut off from this part of our country culturally and emotionally. Despite the huge talent pool rarely do we see bands from the Northeast performing in south India,” Raghu said.

Girish Talwar of Babble Fish Productions, the house which showcased the journey, is spellbound by the beauty of the region.

“There is just so much beauty in the Northeast that we had to come twice. The culture is also encouraging. Everyone there sings or plays instruments. There is so much music all around,” he said.

However, the anticipation for the episode is accompanied by the laments of die hard followers of the show who were captivated by the medley of amazing music.

Nachiketa Parikh, a fan of the show from Gujarat, said, “The Dewarists was a journey through the India we hardly knew existed. A truly musical journey, awaiting a befitting end in Shillong.”

Rockers Rejoice! Black Sabbath & Ozzy Reuniting

 

You're not being Paranoid. This is really happening.

It's been almost 33 years since Ozzy Osbourne first left Black Sabbath, so fans should be positively batty after hearing that all four original members of the band, including their legendary frontman, are reuniting for a 2012 tour.

And a new album!

Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward announced the news today at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in West Hollywood, where they played their first L.A. show 41 years ago.

Ozzy recently told Billboard that new Black Sabbath material wasn't available yet, it was "a very, very strong possibility. It's in the very early stages, so we haven't recorded anything yet."

Rick Rubin is onboard to produce the group's comeback album, which is expected to be ready by next fall. As for the tour, Black Sabbath will for starters headline the Download Festival in Donington Park, England, taking place June 8-10.

Nothing Else Mattered For Metallica Fans in Bangalore

Bangalore, Oct 31 : It was as good as attaining musical nirvana after riding the F1 fervour. When America's most-popular heavy metal band Metallica descended on Sunday, the city hit a different high.

Youngsters from across the country, and some from abroad, almost 20,000, and many among them flaunting the iconic band's T-shirt , flooded the IT capital to witness the gala event.

From New Delhi (where the concert was cancelled), to North-east , Bihar, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai, the 20-somethings flocked to Palace Grounds to listen not just to James Hetfield, but also to experience the sleek riffs of Kirk Hammett and groove to the drumbeats of Lars Ulrich.

The concert area, which was divided into three, saw the first portion packed with fans virtually clinging to each other and head-banging to some of the band's most-famous numbers . Boys let their hair down on a cool and wet evening, singing and dancing to chartbusters like 'Enter Sandman' , 'Unforgiven' , and 'Nothing Else Matters' .

While Hetfield captivated the audience with his 'metallic' voice, Ulrich was a stunner with the drums, especially with the 'Enter Sandman' number.

Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett's extended riffs and sudden shifts to melodic strains left fans asking for more. As always, bassist Robert Trujillo truly complemented Hetfield and Hammett.

The band played 'Wherever I May Roam' , 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' , 'Seek and Destroy' , 'Master of Puppets' , 'Of Wolf And Man' , 'Holier Than Thou' , 'Harvester of Sorrow' , 'Creeping Death' , 'That was Just Your Life' , 'Mama Said' , 'Whiskey in the Jar' and 'Die Die My Darling' .

The event began late in the evening but the mood was vivacious through the day. A middle-aged woman in a salwarkameez , wearing a Metallica T- shirt, stood patiently in a long queue to get tickets; young mothers were seen shaking a leg with their tiny tots; black was the colour of the day as a sea of fans proudly donned the T-shirts ; restaurants were packed with fans sipping beer, obviously as a build-up to the head-bang later in the evening.

Right from noon till 5pm, a black human chain was waiting along the boundary wall of Palace Grounds, stretching all the way to Mekhri Circle. Rain or sun, there was no stopping these music lovers. In big groups, they waited to get tickets , singing away popular numbers from the band's albums.

Many disheartened fans came from Delhi after the show was cancelled, determined to chase the band and rock with them. Crowds kept pouring in even an hour before the band started performing on stage.

Metallica All Set To Rock Bangalore Today

By Deepa Balakrishnan

Bangalore, Oct 30 : Rock band Metallica's maiden Indian tour started on a dismal note when their concert was cancelled in Delhi but the band is all set to rock Bangalore on Sunday night and the fans are hoping that finally they will see the legends perform live.

20,000 lucky ones who have got tickets for Sunday's gig at the Bangalore Palace Ground are keeping their fingers crossed. Not wanting a repeat of the Gurgaon fiasco, die-hard fans from Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune have started congregating at their pilgrimage point a day in advance.

"I have come all the way from Mumbai just for this concert, I've been a fan of Metallica some ten years now," a fan at the Bangalore venue said.

Frenzy apart, there is a sense of nervousness at the long queues as fans wait to confirm bookings. Friday's no-show at Gurgaon has left people worried.

"I booked tickets online and yet I stood here for two hours. Now they're saying I can't get the ticket. What's the point?" a fan said.

Friday's flop show has been bad press for the organisers, DNA networks, but they insist that they are not taking any chances for Sunday.

PR Manager Karuna Prithvi said, “We've put in extra barricades and more security for the Sunday’s gig.”

The city police have granted permission for Sunday's concert that starts at 5 pm, even as serious concerns over the turnout and the security remain.

Lady Gaga Says 'Namaste'

International pop icon Lady Gaga reached here and greeted her Indian fans with 'namaste'.

'I am finally here + what a dream come true. Performing at Formula 1 in INDIA, and my first day here I reached #15millionmonsters,' Gaga posted on micro-blogging site Twitter after reaching here India

'We're not in NEW YORK anymore! This isn't the #NewDeli, its #NewDelhi! We've come a long way since the lower east side. NAMASTE!' she further posted.

Gaga will perform Sunday at the Formula-1 after-party, which will be hosted by the Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal at the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

We spotted her in a long flowery gown, with her hair tied up

Just wait till her performance, said a fan.

We so love her hairdo. What about you?

Will she go for a weird hairdo? Green extensions like this?

She has tried the birthing on stage - will she do it in India?

Here is a look at her different styles

Here is a look at her different styles

Here is a look at her different styles

Nagaland Band Breaks into VH1’s Top 10 List

Mumbai, Oct 2 : Alobo Naga & The Band from Nagaland is the first band from the North East region to be in the Top 10 Countdown list of the international music channel VH1.

The Dimapur based band's music video 'Painted Dreams' is currently on number eight position in VH1 competing alongside international heavyweights like Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chilli Pepper, Superheavy, etc, claims a release by the producer of the music video.

'Painted Dreams' was conceptualised and produced by Guwahati-based Creovaent Productions, whose founders Prithish Chakraborty and Puja Chakraborty directed the music video.

The video was made as a promotional theme song for Creovaent Productions' first Guwahati International Short Film Festival held in May, the release said.

"In the coming days, the band is hoping to make it to the number one position," the release said.

Fans Send Band to Attend Metallica Concert in Bangalore

The members of Post Mark.

Imphal, Sep 25 : As a mark of tribute to Post Mark, a local band that pioneered heavy metal songs in Manipur, their fans collected enough funds to send the existing band members to Bangalore to attend a concert by Metallica on October 30.

Fans of Post Mark, numbering more than 1,000 around the world, collected the funds through an online group, rockmusicmanipur, and social networking site Facebook.

“We are grateful to the fans who donated money for the band members' trip to Bangalore and their journey back. We will bear everything, including the travel expenses and accommodation for the band members,” said Keisam Parmeshore, a spokesman for the fan group, here today.

“We never dreamt that we could watch a concert by Metallica. Thanks to the fans and their support. We will be getting a lifetime’s opportunity of watching the band perform live. We think our efforts did not go in vain,” Paras Nongmaithem, drummer of Post Mark, said.

Post Mark came into existence in 1989. They released an album titled Stamp on You and used to sing songs of Jamaica’s Bob Marley and Japan’s Loudness. But they loved to sing Metallica more than any other group.

The group faded away after its vocalist Abungcha Kshetrimayum died suddenly, after the group started creating waves not only in Manipur but also outside the state.

Abungcha died at a time when music companies like Magnasound of Mumbai wanted to record their songs.

The group was very popular because it blended heavy metal with local beats, adding a local flavour to their songs. Their album had 12 songs.

The number Soar high was based on the drum beat of thabal chongba, famous Meitei dance. Most of the songs had music from tribal dance, Ras Lila and Lai Haraoba, other traditional dance forms of Manipur.

“I was only in Class VIII when I first went to a concert of Post Mark at Yumnam Leikai in Imphal city. I found roots of the state in the heavy metal songs. I simply loved the group and followed them wherever they performed in and around the city,” said Parmeshore, who played a major role in collecting the funds.

There were many rock groups in the state during that time. But Post Mark left an indelible mark.

Of the six surviving members of the group, only the drummer is still a musician. The rest went on to different professions.

The fan group said guitarist Imocha Phurailatpam could not be traced.

And the New Top-Selling Digital Album Is ...?

Adele's 21 not your typical pop hit

And the top digital album seller of all time is ... Eminem? Lady Gaga? Nope, sorry, it's Adele, the young English singer-songwriter.

Adele's sophomore release 21 has now sold 1.017 million online copies, beating out Eminem's 1.005 million for Recovery, reports Hitfix.

Even more impressive is how Adele got her numbers—instead of a huge opening weekend like most pop stars, she has been selling strongly but steadily for weeks now, since 21 was released on Feb. 22 in the United States.

High On A Dream To Rock The Nation

- Manipuri heavy metal band Sandrembee releases first album

By KHELEN THOKCHOM

Members of Sandrembee perform at the album launch.

Imphal, Jul 4 : They are young and still pursuing higher studies in different cities of the country. However, this does not stop them from going ahead with their dream project “to rock the nation” with extreme metal tracks.

Sandrembee, an Imphal-based metal band, released its first audio album, Miscalculation and Cosmic Catastrophe, which has seven extreme metal tracks and an equal number of alternative rock tracts, here last evening as the first step to what they call rocking the nation.

“This is the first step to taking a big leap in Indian rock music. We will be seen competing in the western music competition of Nagaland’s Hornbill festival and touring outside,” Eroz Laishram, the vocalist, said after an electric performance by the band members, who don Korean-style haircuts, at the album launch function.

Eroz said the band was not just a group of heavy metal freaks. Its aim was to highlight the socio-political issues confronting Manipur through music before audiences outside the state.

For instance, one of the songs, Gangraped, describes how girls from the Northeast are raped and molested in big cities like Delhi. Revolt, another extreme metal number, is a voice against culture of violence in Manipur.

Producing the album was not a mean achievement as the band members managed writing, composing and practising over the Internet as they did not have enough time to sit down together.

“We sent the composed songs to our band members through the net. We also sent the vocal tunes and instruments over the net by converting them to MP3. We could not find enough time as we are pursuing our studies,” Eroz said.

The 23-year-old lead singer, after getting a degree in biotechnology, is now in his first year of masters in international business in Bangalore. Bass guitarist Themis Thoudam got a master’s degree in biotechnology from Chennai and is preparing to do a PhD either in India or abroad.

Drummer Richardson Maibam is pursuing an engineering course in Chennai, lead guitarist Chingkhei Nameirakpam, is doing his BSc through correspondence while staying here.

Their dream of forming a band found roots when they were students of Class XII at Manipur Public School in Imphal city. They gathered, sang and enjoyed. Then in 2007, they formed the band, Sandrembee — the name of a very popular woman character in a Manipuri folk tale — and performed on stage for the first time in Imphal in 2009.

“We wanted to do something that could be left behind for our future generation. This is the whole idea behind forming the band,” the vocalist said.

Miscalculation and Cosmic Catastrophe has tracks of extreme metal songs, based on the present situation in Manipur, on one side and the other side has songs related to human emotion.

“We have big dreams. But all these will depend upon how much time we can take off from our studies,” Eroz said.

Given the commitment and determination of the boys and the applause they won yesterday evening, Sandrembee will surely rock with its music one day.

Shakira On the Pole

Hips don't lie and neither do stripper poles. Both of which are common practice for one sexy little latina Shakira.

Check out this snippet from her latest music video and try keeping the drooling to a minimum.

Bob Dylan Turns 70

Bob Dylan

The man requires no introduction, his music speaks for itself. Bob Dylan the legendary singer born on May 24, 1941 turns 70 today. Wishing the legendary singer the best on his birthday...

In the picture: Folk singers Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform during a civil rights rally on August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C.

Image Source: Getty Images

His Many Talents

Robert Allen Zimmerman popularly known as Bob Dylan was not only a singer, he was a fabulous lyricist, poet and a painter.

The first break

Dylan trained himself to play the guitar and piano. After singing in high school bands, clubs Dylan was signed on by Columbia Records in October for his first album which released in early 1962.
In the picture: Bob Dylan and singer, songwriter Joan Baez in Embankment Gardens, London.

His marriage

Bob Dylan married Sara Lowndes in 1965 with whom he had four children. The couple divorced in 1977.
In the picture: Bob Dylan arriving at the airport with his wife Sara.

The anthem

Dylan came with his second album 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan'. It consisted the 1960s anthem "Blowin' in the Wind".
In the picture: Bob Dylan plays acoustic guitar and sings on stage during his performance at the Isle Of Wight rock festival, Woodside Bay.

The accident

In 1966, Dylan crashed his motorbike and was seriously injured. Although the extent of his injuries were never disclosed it is said that he broke several vertebrae in his neck. Dylan did not tour for eight years after that.
In the picture: Bob Dylan and actress Jessica Lange pose for photographers during the conference for the movie 'Masked and Anonymous' at the Sundance Film Festival.

With Johnny Cash

Dylan and Johnny Cash sang a duet together in Nashville Skyline(1969) and he later appeared in the first episode of Johnny Cash's TV series.
In the picture: Bob Dylan singing for MTV: Unplugged.

The films

Bob Dylan was signed to write and compose songs for Sam Peckinpah's film 'Pat Garrett' and 'Billy the Kid'. He was involved in the music for about 333 films, television series, short films and documentaries.

A baby girl

In 1985, Dylan had a daughter from his second marriage to Carol Denis and they named her Desiree Gabrielle Dennis-Dylan. Carol was a backup singer who formerly worked with him. Only to part way with her after six years.
In the picture: Bob Dylan performs at a live concert in Madrid.

Rolling Stone

He was voted the second Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.

Going political

Dylan and Baez were both prominent in the civil rights movement, singing together at the march in Washington in August 1963.
In the picture: Bob Dylan performs with an acoustic guitar on stage, 1984.

The awards

Dylan was graced with the Grammy, Goldern Globe and the Academy award over the years as a songwriter and musician.
In the picture: Carlos Santana and Bob Dylan at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards.

The Hall of Fame

Dylan is listed on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In the picture: Bob Dylan performs onstage during the 37th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Michael Douglas at Sony Pictures.

A road to name

In 2008 a road was named after Dylan. It was called the 'Bob Dylan Pathway' in the singer's honor in his birthplace of Duluth, Minnesota.
In the picture: Musician Bob Dylan and the bands The Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons perform onstage during The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011.

The painter

In the picture: Paul Green, President Halcyon Gallery, views 'Two Sisters' at the Bob Dylan on Canvas Exhibition at Halcyon Gallery on February 10, 2010 in London, England. The show debuts the music legend's first-ever paintings on canvas.

His autograph

Dylan was voted the seventh greatest singer of the rock era in 2008 by the Rolling Stone magazine.
In the picture: A guitar signed by Bob Dylan is seen ahead of the Pop Memorabilia auction at Christie's South Kensington.

Girls’ Generation

Due to popular following of Korean pop in Northeast India. We present to you a Girl Band...Girls’ Generation from Korea.

Girls’ Generation is a South Korean nine-member girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2007. Its members include (in order of official announcement) Yoona, Tiffany, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sooyoung, Seohyun, Taeyeon (the leader) , Jessica, and Sunny. International Girls’ Generation fans usually refer to the group as SNSD, the acronym of the group’s Korean name So Nyeo Shi Dae. Many of the members had already pursued entertainment careers before the group’s debut through music videos, commercials, and others. Their official fanclub is known as S♡NE named after a song from their debut single. Their official ballon color is pastel rose pink and while other idols have round shaped balloons, Girls’ Generation balloons are heart shaped to match their fanclub name.

The group has sold over 100,000 copies each of their first three albums, a first for female groups in South Korea.

Pre-debut

Each member was professionally trained in singing and dancing, but some were also selected to be trained in acting and modeling. Many of the members already had made names for themselves in the Korean entertainment industry through their participation in magazine ads, television commercials, and small television appearances. Before the official release of the group name, Girls’ Generation, it was rumored that the group would be named “Super Girls” after their so-called counterpart, Super Junior.

2007: Debut and first album

In July 2007, Girls’ Generation had their first performance on M.NET’S M!Countdown. Although this performance was never broadcast on television, many videos were shot by fans and uploaded onto the internet. The song the girls performed was called “Into the New World”, which became their first single.

In August 2007, the single “Into the New World” was released. This single included two other songs, “Beginning” and “Perfect For You”, later renamed as Honey for their self-titled debut album “Girls’ Generation”. An instrumental of “Into the New World” was also included.

The group began promoting the single soon after its release. Girls’ Generation performed their single on SBS’s Popular Songs, MBC’s Show! Music Core, and on KBS’s Music Bank.

After a short break, the group’s first full album was released in late autumn 2007, with the lead single “Girls’ Generation”, a cover of Lee Seung Chul’s hit. Promotion for the single started in early November. Marked by dance routines and vocals, “Girls’ Generation” was a hit for the group, and the album has sold 121,143 copies to date, placing 12th in the year-end charts. In early 2008, Girls’ Generation began promoting their second single, “Kissing You”. The music video featured Donghae from Super Junior. This song achieved the #1 spot in the three main TV music rankings—SBS Inkigayo, M.Countdown! and KBS Music Bank.

In March 2008, the album was re-released and re-titled Baby Baby. A third single, “Baby Baby”, was used to promote the album. A digital EP featuring Jessica, Tiffany, and Seohyun was released on April 2008, titled Roommate. The single from the mini-album is (Oppa Nappa) (literally “Bad Brother”, although contextually it refers to an older male friend).

Girls’ Generation, along with fellow SM artists such as BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, CSJH the Grace, Zhang Liyin, SHINee and other SM artists participated in SM Town Live ’08. The tour expanded its route to South Korea, Thailand, and China.

2008–2009: Other activities, return with mini-albums

It was announced in autumn 2008 that Girls’ Generation would be starring in a reality show on M.Net. Titled Factory Girl, the show chronicles the girls working as interns at Elle Korea. The program began airing in early October.During their absence from the music scene, they appeared in many commercials for Maple Story and Mabinogi. It was then announced that the group’s first mini-album, Gee, would be released in January 2009. A teaser video was released in January 2009 and the first single “Gee” released soon after. Interest in the song rose after the digital release, topping Cyworld’s hourly music chart on the release day. The song also went #1 on all major digital music charts within two days.

The group began its album promotion on January 2009 on Show! Music Core. They sang their new single, “Gee”, and “Him Nae/Way To Go”, another track from the Gee mini-album. This song is a remake of the song “Haptic Motion” that was used in cellphone advertisements and is a mix of bubblegum pop and punk rock. Meanwhile, questions were raised when the group did not appear on KBS’s Music Bank with “Gee”, even after winning #1 on the music chart show.

“Gee” is the record holder for the longest-running #1 on music portal M.Net (for 8 weeks), surpassing the previous record of 6 weeks set by the Wonder Girls’ “Nobody”. They also broke the record on KBS’s music show Music Bank by being #1 for 9 weeks, previously set by Jewelry’s “One More Time, which had 7 wins. Promotions for the song ended at the end of March.

“Gee” was a hit in Thailand as well, holding the number one position on the International Chart for six weeks straight. The girls were able to perform it at the Pattaya International Musical Festival, along with “Into the New World” and “Kissing You”.

Like the Wonder Girls’ “So Hot” and “Nobody”, 2NE1′s “Fire”, Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry,” and Lee Hyori’s “U-Go-Girl”, “Gee” was featured on perezhilton.com.

On April 14, 2009, Girls’ Generation released a digital single called “Hahaha” which was produced by Samsung for their “Hahaha” campaign. The song was created with the intention of lifting people’s spirits up during hard economic times.

After a short break, SM Entertainment announced that the girls would be back with a new single and showing a “Marine Girl” concept; the song, titled “Sowoneul Malhaebwa (Genie)”  “Tell Me Your Wish“, was released digitally on June 22, 2009. The mini-album includes a duet between Jessica and Shinee member Onew. The group’s first performance is scheduled for June 26 on KBS’s Music Bank.

On June 26, 2009, Girls’ Generation’s comeback performance was recorded on KBS’s Music Bank. They won the award for best-selling song in the first-half of the year 2009 for their song “Gee”. Girls’ Generation other comeback performance was recorded on MBC’s ‘Music Core’ and SBS’s ‘Inkigayo’ on June 27 and 28 of 2009 respectively.

Girls’ Generation’s 2nd mini-album “Genie” was released on June 29, 2009.

Their first win for their single “Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)” was obtained at the July 10th, 2009 episode of KBS Music Bank, acclaiming a total of 17995 points in areas of mobile downloads, album sales and others, beating out rookie group 4minute and ballad singer Seo Tai-ji. They have set the record of having scored the most points in Music Bank history, beating their seniors TVXQ who got 16,404 for ‘Mirotic’ last year. Their second award was claimed at the July 12th, 2009 episode of SBS Inkigayo (Popular Song).

Members

Taeyeon

Kim Taeyeon (Hangul 김태연; Hanja 金泰姸), known officially as Taeyeon, was born on March 9, 1989. She is a South Korean singer, known for being the leader of 9-member girl group Girls’ Generation (소녀시대), formed by SM Entertainment in 2007.

Jessica

Jessica was born and raised in San Francisco, California, and is fluent in English. She released two singles alongside with SeoHyun and Tiffany: “Oppa Nappa” (Korean: 오빠 나빠), and “Mabinogi (It’s Fantastic!)”. Jessica also stars in Kim Jo-han’s music video “Love is Late, I’m Sorry” and is featured in 8Eight’s song, “I Love You”.

Sunny

Sunny was a trainee under a different entertainment company before she transferred into SM Entertainment. After several months of training under SM Entertainment in 2007, Sunny debuted as a member of Girls’ Generation that same year. She was a co-DJ of ChunJi (Korean: 천방지축 라디오, literally Reckless Radio), along with Sungmin (Korean: 성민), of Super Junior until the broadcast ended on the July 30, 2008.

Tiffany - Human Jukebox

Tiffany was born and raised in Diamond Bar, California and is fluent in English. She was discovered in the SM Starlight Casting System 2004 in Los Angeles and began her training under the label until the debut of Girls’ Generation. Along with SeoHyun and Jessica, she released a single, “Oppa Nappa” (Korean: 오빠 나빠) and “Mabinogi [It's Fantastic!]“.

Hyoyeon - Dancing Queen

Hyoyeon was BoA’s silhouette during a dance break in BoA’s “Over the Top” performance in MKMF 2005. Hyoyeon once attended a hip hop dance school that specializes in waving, popping, locking, and animation. Prior to her debut, Hyoyeon traveled to Beijing, China in 2004 with Super Junior’s Siwon to learn Mandarin and more about Chinese culture.

Yuri - Black Pearl

Yuri joined the label when she took 1st place in the 2001 1st SM Youth Best Dancer Contest. She appeared in TVXQ’s “Beautiful Life” music video and had a small role as a ballerina in Super Junior’s first movie, Attack on the Pin-Up Boys. She also had a small role in a television segment, “The King’s Boyfriend”, which was part of the 2005–2006 KMTV Super Junior documentary, Super Junior Show. Yuri also played a part in the sitcom Unstoppable Marriage

Sooyoung – ShikShin

Before Sooyoung’s audition to Girls’ Generation, she made a brief debut in Japan as a singer in the group called “Route φ”. She first debuted with Marina Takahashi with the song “Start”. She was previously a DJ of ChunJi, literally Reckless Radio), along with Sungmin of Super Junior but was soon replaced by Sunny due to schedule conflicts.

Yoona

Before her debut with the girl group Girls’ Generation, Yoona had been well known in the entertainment industry. She began to film commercials and model for various magazines when she was a trainee.

Seohyun - Maknae

Seohyun is the youngest member of SNSD and is skilled in piano. She was a 2004 SMART uniform model with TVXQ. Along with Jessica and Tiffany, they released a single “Oppa Nappa” (Korean: 오빠 나빠), and “Mabinogi (It’s Fantastic!)”. On February 17, 2009, her duet with trot singer Joo Hyun-Mi (Korean: 주현미), was digitally released, called “JjaRaJaJja” Other Information

• Also known as : Double G, SNSD
• Origin : Seoul, South Korea
• Genre(s) : K-pop, Teen pop, Dance-pop
• Years active : 2007 ~ Present
• Label(s) : SM Entertainment
• Associated acts : SM Town

Discography

Studio albums

• 2007: Girls’ Generation

• 2010: Oh!

Repackaged albums

• 2008: Baby Baby (repackaged edition of Girls’ Generation)

• 2010: Run Devil Run (repackaged edition of Oh!)

Mini albums (EPs)

• 2009: Gee

• 2009: Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)

Special albums

• 2008: Sweet Memories with Girls’ Generation
• 2008: Heart 2 Heart with Girls’ Generation

Single albums

• 2007: The First Single Album (also known as Into the New World)

• 2010: Genie

Digital Releases

• September 13, 2007: “Into the New World” Remix
• March 11, 2008: “Kissing You” Rhythmer Remix Vol.1
• April 7, 2008: “오빠 나빠(Oppa Nappa)” Roommate 1st Digital Single : Jessica, Tiffany, Seohyun
• May 8, 2008: “Haptic Motion”
• August 1, 2008: “Mabinogi
• February 15, 2009: Gee Remix
• February 17, 2009: “짜라자짜” Seohyun & Ju Hyun Mi Feat. Davichi
• March 30, 2009: “A Girl, Meets Love” : Tiffany and K. Will
• April 15, 2009: “Samsung’s HaHaHa Song Campaign”
• May 9, 2009:”The Blue” Son Jichang ft. Tiffany and Sooyoung

Awards

• Song of the Month for the month of August from Cyworld <Into the New World> – 2007
• 2007 M.NET Golden Disk Awards: Anycall Newbie Award on December 13th – 2007
• 2007 M.NET Golden Disk Awards: Anycall Popularity Award on December 13th  – 2007
• 17th Seoul Gayo Awards: High1 Music Award on January 31st – 2008
• 17th Seoul Gayo Awards: Best New Artist Award on January 31st – 2008
• Song of the Month for the month of January from Cyworld <Gee> – 2009

Links

• Girls’ Generation Official website
• Wikipedia