Backtracks in kpop have given fans an unrealistic view on what live singing sounds like

Uhh

Backtracks aren't even a bad thing when used appropriately.

Some kpop fans have just made it seem like it is even though their own faves have used it several times in the past and probable future, too.

Backtrack is often used to support a live performance (by filling gaps where certain instruments are missing, adding effects that are tough to mimic live, etc) and in kpop where dance elements are often utilized, it is common to be out of breath so backtrack helps in these cases.

It does create an unrealistic view, sure but that depends on how you see it and how it's used by the artist.

Quote from Daileemidzy

I agree to an extent. But I'd much rather idols have idols be properly trained to to sing and dance live then have to rely on backtrack constantly. They're are other fields where live singing is pulled off while dancing. It's just a matter of proper training and choreographers taking into consideration the limitations of live singing.

I agree but it depends on the group, I guess?

Some prioritize singing, others prioritize dancing/overall performance and you're right.

I'd also rather they be trained to dance and sing live but this is something that requires maximum dedication and sometimes is perceivably not worth the hardwork only to get minimum recognition.

XG is an example of this. They incorporate a perfect blend of live singing and mesmerizing choreography all while using relatively little backtrack however, they still haven't gotten the recognition they deserve.

So yeah, I wouldn't wanna work my ass off only to not even get proper recognition, too. You can also say this is partly due to the fact that most kpop fans as well as companies and recruiters have placed an over-emphasis on visuals. A lot of them won't admit it but it's true as evidenced by the fact that the "most" visually appealing member gets more lines, more screentime, more attention and this has become a trend in a lot of main-stream groups that i will not name.

But idk. It can be helped but companies are starting to focus more on public-appeal than actually fostering the creation of art, music, and craft through talent and skill.

Most idols can’t be classified as Vocalists and their songs are out of their range hence most of them are lip syncing. Also in most kpop songs there are a lot of background vocals, adlibs, and harmonies which make it really difficult to sing all the lines in the song. Also kpop songs have a lot of modifications on vocals in order to fit the certain vibe or genre, which you can’t replicate in live performance.

Also, lately current 4-5th gen groups focus more on choreo, which makes singing even harder cuz they move their upper part of their body a lot.

So it is what it is. But there are SM groups who can absolutely sing but SM won’t let that happen for some reason.

Quote from Daileemidzy

All of the reasons listed here are things Phantom Siita does in every live performance and are elements of genres like musical theater. It can easily be replicated in live performance. Companies just need to properly train thier idols.

You know that most idols are casted for their visuals, and learning how to sing is much more difficult compared to dancing! It takes years to learn to sing properly, and if you weren’t vocally talented before it will be really difficult to learn singing in a short amount of time. Also stacked vocals can’t be sung live unless you have those background vocalists singing them

Quote from Taemin-Identity

But there are SM groups who can absolutely sing but SM won’t let that happen for some reason.

I find it funny tbh.

It's like buying something you never use. It's just stays there until you remember its existence.

I'm guessing that's why AESPA was finally able to sing live on the Tiktok Awards(?)

SM finally woke up and realized that they have the strongest vocals in the industry.

Hot take, but people need to acknowledge how much busier idols are compared to other artists.

Their choreo is usually so much more complex and active than other artists, and they do multiple performances and takes in a day, let alone a week, at stupid hours of the day, under the most intense scrutiny that any celeb around the world gets put under. Not to mention the rest of their busy schedules.

I can't imagine how it must feel to be expected to perform perfectly on every single occasion no matter your condition or health at the time.

I lose my voice singing karaoke for an hour. People expecting these idols to be absolutely perfect have unrealistic expectations in the first place.

I don't see the problem with backtracks or lipsyncing as long as they can actually sing and when it's time to deliver live then they do - like encores, static performances.

I mean most people listen to album tracks rather than lives anyway and these usually have some level of production on them

This performance by Phantom Siita is actually way better than some of these Kpop performances that are praised to the moon just because they are live when quite frankly, i have heard some way better live raw vocals with a choreography in the Kpop industry or elsewhere.

On the other side, it's true that the Kpop community can be too harsh with groups who try to perform live. They expect perfection from groups who hide behind loud backtracks most of the time and it's not even the idols' fault. Broadcasters just send the backtrack most of the time to make their job easier.

I don't know much about Phantom Siita but it's obvious that they are used to perform live like this. It was indeed not perfect but it was good enough. It's a question of training. Some companies should focus a bit less on pure dancing skills and propose more singing lessons and training on live performances.

Quote from Daileemidzy

Think about theater actors; when they have a 6 month long show contract, they are singing and dancing almost every day of those 6 months. Longer if you count rehearsals.

I mean that's kinda different.

Theator actors work on that show for months. And they usually work on just that show which is how they build their stamina to sing and dance simultaneously but idols have so many other activities they need to engage in from weekly performances to traveling to concerts to song writing to recordings and learning choreos and formations, etc not to mention shooting mvs that they sometimes have to do even more travel for.

Also, keep in mind that most theater choreographies are not very hard compared to some of the choreos idols have to learn.

Also, a theater performance can cast up to 50 people, if not more so that'll mean that the lines are divided up evenly.

Quote from Daileemidzy

I agree more or less with all these points save for this one. Theatre actors, in order to live, are working multiple survival jobs on top of doing shows cause the economy(at least where I live) is kinda shit. So theyre incredibly busy. Also actors in contracts where they perform around the world are traveling rather frequently.

That's a good point you bring up. I'm not sure theater actors are as busy as idols, though.

Just stan Mamamoo. That will solve all your problems.

can we just all accept that most of our faves are mid vocalists (except mine) and move on?

Quote from Daileemidzy

I agree with you to an extend. Giving idols backtracks every once in a while when they're vocally exhausted is healthy for thier vocals. However I'd also like to bring up that idols are supposed to be trained to sing for long periods of time. Think about theater actors; when they have a 6 month long show contract, they are singing and dancing almost every day of those 6 months. Longer if you count rehearsals.

Modern kpop prefers visuals over talent which such a major reason why these idols aren't properly trained. Modern kpop companies are debuting literal children and ruining thier voices at a time of development where thier voices are most vulnerable. I'm so sick and tired of these young, poorly trained idols debuting without the skills they need simply because thier companies wants to advertise to specific audiences. Its disappointing as a fan because you know your gonna get lackluster performances for the first few years and it sucks for the idols because they're gonna get dragged for things that aren't thier fault. Overall I just need companies to start debuting well trained performers so kpop can bring live singing back.

I agree that idols shouldn't debut too young. Personally I think they should have to finish high school first but that's just my opinion.

Level of training, I think it depends on your role in the group. Well rounded groups and individuals deserve praise but I think there should still be opportunities for those who bring other skills or visuals to the table.

As for theatre performers I think they are incredibly skilled to start with, but it is different. In addition to what Carafimie mentioned, performers can also have understudies to replace them if unwell. Not to mention that they are singing the same thing for months on end. They don't have to learn new songs and complex choreo often years out like some idol groups do. Also during a show, they'll often move to different scenes with different actors to give them breaks.

I said everything multiple times, so, I'm just sharing some videos for everyone to watch these before they say, their faves always sing live, or can sing live at all. 😅

More detailed video, if you're interested in post-productions!

Yes, even Mamamoo's Legendary Killing Voice performance was edited as well!

PS: using backing track is NOT a problem, everyone does it, not just Kpop artists, but when they HEAVILY rely on it, it means they either can't sing, or don't want to sing. Aespa is kinda the prime example, or more like SME.