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The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

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Jimin's Historic Billboard Hot 100 Triumph: Elevating K-Pop to New Heights on the Global Stage

March 7, 2024

lmost one year ago, BTS's Jimin etched his name in the hall of music history by becoming the first South Korean soloist to clinch the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his hit single..

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The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...

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"Laufey: Bridging Generations with Jazz's New Groove"

March 1, 2024

In an era where pop and electronic music dominate the charts, Icelandic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has emerged as an unexpected champion of jazz for Gen Z listeners...

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The K-Pop Wave Continues: March 2024's Exciting Comebacks and Anticipated Debuts

February 29, 2024

March 2024 is set to be an exhilarating month for K-Pop fans around the globe, with a lineup that promises both the return of beloved artists and the introduction of fresh faces to the music scene....

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Beyoncé Embarks on a New Journey with "Renaissance" Act II

February 28, 2024

This time, the buzz is all about her latest musical venture—a dive into country music with her new album "Renaissance" Act II. Announced during a Super Bowl for Verizon, the album marks a ....

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The Weight Behind the Power of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

February 24, 2024

‍In the annals of music history, songs that have sparked as much cultural resonance and transformation as Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" are unique to say the least. Originally written....

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IU's "The Winning" and H.E.R. 2024 World Tour

February 24, 2024

IU, South Korea's beloved singer-songwriter and actress, has once again captivated the hearts of fans worldwide with the release of her sixth mini-album, "The Winning."

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The 2024 Oscar Best Original Score Nominees: A Symphony of Talent and Legacy

February 21, 2024

The race for the Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards is diverse and compelling to say the least. This year's nominees have painted aural landscapes that are integral to the success of....

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Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

February 19, 2024

The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class...

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Shakira Unveils 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran': A Beacon of Empowerment and Personal Rebirth

February 16, 2024

In an era where the global music landscape continually evolves, few artists have managed to redefine their musical and personal journey as profoundly as Shakira. With the announcement of her...

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The Impact of Spotify's New Royalties Model on Music Creators

February 12, 2024

Spotify's upcoming overhaul of its royalties model marks a significant shift in the way the streaming giant compensates artists, aiming to funnel more earnings towards more popular artists, labels...

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With T.O.P.'s Departure from YG due to mental health struggles, is this the End of Big Bang?

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Photo: Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

After a long 4 year’s K-pop group Big Bang makes a comeback to the music scene with the song “Still Life.” This song has become another banger from the group reminding fans of the music they once heard from them years back. The song emphasises where the band and the fans are at in their lives right now and as the lyrics say “Goodbye now to my beloved young days” it shows they have grown since the last time they were in the public. It’s a little reflective of their past and as a slight reminder of where things are going from now on. 

The music video is a little different from music videos of their past as their are no group shots at all and each scene is each member showcasing their different styles individually. It was beautifully shot and a great way to start their careers backup so the fans can get to know who they are now.

Photo: BIGBANG - '봄여름가을겨울 (Still Life)' M/V

Big Bang has been well known for writing their own music, specifically T.O.P and G-Dragon being credited for this new song. There were some very deep lyrics giving us insight into the personal feelings of the members. 

 

After much anticipation for the group’s return we were sad to hear that this was going to be T.O.P’s only participation for a long time as he’s decided to end his contract with YG Entertainment. T.O.P has decided to pursue more opportunities individually as an artist and other projects he may come across. It has been stated that he may participate with the group some time in the future but has no current plans to be involved.

 

With T.O.P’s departure from the group we can’t help but think he may be struggling with mental health issues. He’s stated in the past that he’s experienced a lot of depression in his life since he was a young boy. He always thought he was much more sensitive than the other kids and in an interview says “I was born to be sad.” Just a few years ago he experienced some legal issues that worsened his depression and he opened up about almost ending his life during that time. 

 

As we all know the music industry can be a hard place to grow, no matter the amazing experiences it may bring it is a dark place where many artists face battles we may never know. Artists are human like the rest of us and go through depression and hard times but with their every move being watched. It must be incredibly difficult for musicians to push through these moments when the whole world is judging you, so T.O.P needing to take a step back for himself is a very commendable move that we hope fans take into consideration while the group moves on without him. We wish T.O.P success in any project he sets out for himself without Big Bang and maybe see him with the group again, later on in the future.

 

There is much speculation that Big Bang is at the end of their careers after the news of T.O.P ending his contract. There are comparisons to situations with other groups, for example Zayn leaving One Direction leading to the group’s end or Camila Cabello with Fifth Harmony. On the upside we’ve seen group’s succeed after a member leaves like Latin Group CNCO when Joel Pimentel left the group they both went separate ways in good terms and are thriving alongside each other. In the end every group is different and has the potential of success no matter what and with the support of loyal fans Big Bang will grow and be better than ever.