Content
I am working through my to-do list of backlogged items to review. Determining what was worth developing into an article took time, but now that my shortlist is finalized, more articles will follow.
Events
I didn’t attend any shows or watch any online concerts in August. Instead, I spent the month waiting for the release of VIP options and add-ons for the tripleS Alphie @% tour. This time, purchases were made directly from the Modhaus store, unlike the Come True tour, where I went through a third-party seller.
This made transactions much smoother. Having learned from tripleS’ previous tour, I prioritized 1:1 photos with my bias (Yooyeon) before she sold out. After securing hers, I considered other members in order of preference and checked if my budget allowed for more.
From the Come True tour (which took place in February), I had one regret: not getting photos with Sullin, Joobin, or Seoah. At the time, photo ops were priced in American dollars, making add-ons significantly more expensive in my local currency. As a result, I had to be highly selective about which members made my list.
Paying in Canadian dollars meant prices were already adjusted for the Canadian market, so I didn’t worry about exchange rates and went all out, getting 1:1 photos with all 8 members.
As of the posting of this article, my 1:1 photo list is:
- Yooyeon – 3 photos
- Hayeon, Chaewon, Nien, Kotone, Shion, Lynn, Jiyeon – 1 photo each
Music
Remixes/Productions
August was another month spent submitting songs for Japanese and Korean artists. I’ve become proficient in structure and arrangement from years of remixing.
However, I am still weak at toplining, which is required for the songs labels want. I understand the concept, but I’m not as fast with this part as the rest. With tight deadlines, it’s a skill I need to improve.
I’ve used Suno for assistance while testing apps like Synthesizer V Studio Pro 2. Suno is fun but limited, so I’m searching for something with more flexibility, even if it’s pricey.
Between song submissions, I finished a long-overdue remix.
BEBE is the title track from STAYC’s fifth single S. The original is minimal dance-pop with rhythmic spoken vocals in the verses and playful, sung vocals in the chorus. My BEBE remix draws on late 1980s and early 1990s dance music. The rhythm is looser and club-friendly, combining retro synths and a rhythmic bassline for a fresh take that keeps the original’s spirit.
Below are my favourites from August 2025
Albums
AVA MAX – DON’T CLICK PLAY
Ava Max’s third studio album is one that caught my attention early into its running time. Since it leans heavily into dance-pop, it perfectly caters to my musical preferences. Overall, I found Don’t Click Play to be a fun listen, with its only drawback being its short running time.
I appreciate brevity most of the time, but there are instances when it’s okay to drag things out a little, especially with some of the more catchy and hook-heavy songs.
BOA – CRAZIER
BoA’s eleventh full-length Korean album has her still dropping reliable bangers 25 years into the game. While this album may not pack the same punch as some of her previous works, it’s still a worthy entry in her discography.
MAROON 5 – LOVE IS LIKE
Maroon 5 is a band that I don’t follow that much. I’m familiar with their big hits, but I’ve never listened to one of their albums in full until this one. Love Is Like was another enjoyable listen. But it’s not enough to get me on the Maroon 5 bandwagon.
Songs
These are the singles or album cuts that caught my ear in August.
7co – Anata Kansoku Biyori
BoA – Good for U
Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu – Chosaikyo
Coco Jones & Alicia Keys – Other Side Of Love (Remix)
De De Mouse & Maria Miki – Swallowtail
DJ HASEBE feat. Monkey Majik – Pink Skies
FRUITS ZIPPER – ピポパポ
ICHILLIN – XL (Extra Love)
ILLIT – TOPPING
IVE – XOXZ
KiiiKiii – Dancing Alone
muque – Level Up
