KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1 Yellow Light)'

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

KARD's Journey: Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light) Explained

KARD, the dynamic co-ed K-pop group, has released their seventh mini album "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" on August 13, 2024. This highly anticipated release coincides with the group's seventh anniversary, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. The album features "Tell My Momma" as the title track. The announcement of the mini album came on August 1, following reports of the group's comeback on July 25. Fans can explore KARD's latest offering through K-POP USA, the largest Kpop store in the US, which aims to provide various Kpop albums and official merchandise to fans across the country.

Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)

Type
Mini

Artist
KARD

Released
August 13, 2024

Format(s)
CD, download, streaming

Recorded
2024

Genre
Dance, tropical pop, electro pop, hip-hop, reggae, R&B

Length
21:59

Label(s)
DSP Media

Distributor(s)
Kakao Entertainment

Producer(s)
DSPmedia Kim Jinwoo (executive producer)
Lim Sook Hyun (supervisor)
Kim Joohyun (project director)

Track list
"Waste My Time" - 3:04
"Tell My Momma" - 3:35
"Boombox" - 3:19
"Shimmy Shimmy" - 2:43
"Spin" - 2:24
"Tell My Momma (Inst.)" - 3:35
"Boombox (Inst.)" - 3:19

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

The Significance of 'Yellow Light' in KARD's Journey

KARD's seventh mini-album, "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)," released on August 13, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the group's artistic journey. The album's title, incorporating "Yellow Light," symbolizes a transition period for KARD, representing both caution and progress. This concept aligns with the advice to "slow down for yellow lights," suggesting a thoughtful approach to their musical evolution.

The album showcases KARD's growth, blending 1980s and 90s vintage influences with contemporary sounds. This fusion demonstrates the group's ability to balance innovation with their established identity, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The "Yellow Light" concept may also serve as a teaser for future releases, hinting at a potential series or continuation of their musical narrative.

While the album offers a polished and familiar sound, it also represents a new direction for KARD, showcasing their artistic versatility. This approach allows the group to explore new genres and sounds while maintaining their core appeal, potentially setting the stage for future musical achievements.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Album Production and Collaborations

KARD's involvement in the production of "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" showcases their growth as artists. BM participated in arranging and writing the title song "Tell My Momma" and the B-side "Waste My Time". He also contributed lyrics for "Boombox" and "SHIMMY SHIMMY". J.Seph wrote rap lyrics for "Tell My Momma," "Waste My Time," and "Boombox," adding his unique style to the tracks.

The album features predominantly English lyrics, except for J.Seph's Korean rap parts. This wasn't intentional but resulted from the songwriting process. Somin explained that many songs came from overseas producers with perfect English lyrics, which the group decided to keep. BM added, "We didn't want to potentially diminish what was already full and good".

KARD's musical style blends pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. The members draw inspiration from diverse sources, with BM citing hip-hop and R&B influences, while others are inspired by early K-pop and pop music.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Lyrical Themes and Storytelling

KARD's "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" showcases the group's growth in lyrical storytelling. The album features predominantly English lyrics, except for J.Seph's rap parts. This decision wasn't deliberate but resulted from receiving songs with perfect English lyrics from overseas producers. BM explains, "We didn't want to potentially diminish what was already full and good".

Overarching narrative of the album

The album's title symbolizes a transition period for KARD, representing both caution and progress. It signifies slowing down to evaluate their direction, with BM noting, "From here we can ask, 'Is this the right direction? Is there anywhere that we need to turn?'".

Individual song meanings

J.Seph expresses satisfaction with his verse in the title track, which he and BM recorded themselves. The relaxed vibe of "Tell My Momma" contrasts with their previous charismatic bass sound, opening up new musical possibilities for the group.

Connection to KARD's personal experiences

The album reflects KARD's artistic growth over seven years. Somin notes, "As an artist, I think each of us has grown a lot, and I think it's great that we can show our vocals and choreography on stage in our own style". J.Seph adds that they've adapted to enjoy their demanding schedules, indicating personal and professional growth.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Choreography and Performance Aspects

KARD's approach to choreography for "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" showcases a shift in their performance style. The group, known for their strong performances, opted for a more relaxed choreography to complement the softer sound of their title track, "Tell My Momma". This decision required simplification, which initially felt awkward but ultimately proved to be the right fit for the song.

J.Seph notes that despite the song's soft nature, they aimed to convey a sense of strength within the choreography. JIWOO acknowledges the challenges they faced in creating a performance that aligned with their new musical direction while maintaining their signature energy.

The choreography for this comeback was intentionally altered to be more relaxed, as Somin explains. This change reflects KARD's maturity in their music, with BM adding that choosing a less performance-heavy song was a deliberate route to showcase their growth as artists.

KARD's unique co-ed composition allows them to express a wide range of ideas through their performances, blending male and female voices and movements to create dynamic and harmonious stage presentations.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Fan Engagement and Promotional Activities

KARD has fostered a strong connection with their fans over the years. During recent music shows in South Korea, the group experienced unprecedented support, with Jiwoo, 27, noting, "The crowd was so loud here in (South Korea). That's the loudest it's ever been, which was really surprising for us, almost as loud as how it is when we're in the States".

To further engage with fans, KARD is set to embark on a nine-city U.S. tour starting October 4 in Washington D.C. The members are eager to showcase their new album, songs, and performances to their American audience. Jiwoo expressed excitement about visiting both familiar and new cities, promising an energetic and enhanced tour experience.

Throughout their career, KARD has consistently engaged in various promotional activities, including multiple concert tours across Europe, North America, and Asia. These tours have played a crucial role in strengthening their global fanbase and promoting their music internationally.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

The Impact of 'Where To Now?' on KARD's Career

KARD's release of "Where To Now? (Part.1: Yellow Light)" marks a significant milestone in their career. Dropping on August 13th, 2024, the seven-track mini-album coincides with the group's seventh anniversary, showcasing their growth and transformation. The album breaks new ground for KARD, featuring innovative musical ideas and bright, shimmering production. This release demonstrates KARD's ability to expand K-pop's reach with forward-thinking sounds and tight harmony, particularly in North and South America. Their signing with UTA, one of the major agencies in the United States, further solidifies their global appeal. With a world tour in the works, KARD is poised to show the music world what a real comeback looks like, potentially elevating their status in the international music scene.

KARD (카드) - ‘Tell My Momma’ M/V



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