Definition
Boy bands and idol groups build their sound on the combination of several solo voices. From the American and British model (The Jackson 5, New Edition, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Westlife, One Direction), K-pop developed a vocal writing based on roles (main vocal, lead vocal, sub vocal, rapper), line distribution and heavily produced choral stacks.
The roles
- Main vocal: the widest and most powerful range; sings the high notes of the bridge, the ad-libs of the final chorus, the hardest phrases.
- Lead vocal: a stable, recognizable voice, often in the chorus and pre-chorus.
- Sub vocal: short phrases, different colors, harmonies.
- Rapper: rhythmic verses, sometimes spoken hooks.
A good arrangement uses timbres as instruments: a gritty voice for the start of the verse, a clear voice for the pre, a full voice for the climax.
Writing the harmonies
- Group chorus: unison of all members + octave (low voices below), then harmonies in thirds above (often sung by the main vocalists or by session backing singers) and a sixth below.
- Pre-chorus: parallel harmonies in thirds that grow in number (first 1 voice, then 2, then 3).
- Ballad: more independent harmonies, “ooh” pads, countermelody from the main vocal in the finale.
- Bridge: often a single voice, then harmonies join in toward the last chorus.
- Ad-libs: from the main vocal over the last chorus (runs, held notes, falsetto).
The Western boy band tradition
- Boyz II Men: 4-voice R&B harmonies in close harmony, with extensions (ninth, eleventh) and a spoken bass (End of the Road, 1992).
- Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC: pop harmonies in thirds and fifths, powerful unisons, a cappella sections (many songs produced by Max Martin and the Cheiron team in Sweden).
- Westlife: ballads with wide harmonies and a final key change.
- One Direction: unisons and simple harmonies, more rock-pop.
K-pop examples
- EXO — Miracles in December (2013): ballad with elaborate harmonies from the vocal line.
- BTS — Spring Day (2017): built by sections with harmonies that widen.
- SEVENTEEN: a dedicated vocal unit within the group.
- Super Junior-K.R.Y., the vocal subunit of Super Junior.
- Girl groups: TWICE, Red Velvet, MAMAMOO (the latter known for a soul/R&B vocal approach).
Production
- In K-pop the producer or vocal director guides the recording of each member part by part; there is often a guide vocal (a reference voice recorded by the songwriters) from which the group learns pronunciation and phrasing.
- Every line is comped from many takes, precisely tuned (often with Melodyne), with layered doubles and harmonies.
- The harmonies can be sung by the members or by professional backing singers, depending on the production.
Mixing
- Each member must be recognizable: slightly different EQ and space for each solo voice (one member brighter, one warmer).
- Group unisons are often heavily compressed and wide (L/R doubles), with harmonies above that are even wider.
- Coordinated reverb and delay to make the group sound as if in the same space.
Common mistakes
- Distributing parts without considering the members' ranges.
- Group choruses in unison with no octave or harmonies: a “small” sound.
- Main vocal ad-libs that cover the chorus: they belong in the gaps.
Practice exercise
Write an 8-bar chorus in Eb major for a group of 5 members: group unison with the octave below, a third above for the main and lead vocal, a sixth below for a sub vocal, main vocal ad-libs only in the gaps. Prepare a table showing who sings what in each bar.
Links
Composing in K-pop Style, K-pop Arranging, Pop Choral Arranging, Vocal Stacks, Ad-libs and Vocal Runs.