A Response to Roman Kemp: Capital Radio or Capital Punishment?
As BTS return to the music scene with a brand new album Love Yourself: Tear, the boys have seen massive chart success across the globe making their debut performance of hit song 'Fake Love' at the Billboard Music Awards where they received the award for Top Social Artist for the 2nd year running. As the success of BTS has grown over the past year, the boys have received increasing radio airplay around the world and have been interviewed by some of the biggest names in showbiz including Ellen DeGeneres & James Corden.
Leading up to BTS' latest comeback, the BTS Radio UK project was formed in order to promote UK radio airplay whilst forming connections with the stations. As a group we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes contacting stations & encouraging fans to get involved through the official twitter account. The project has seen a number of successes since its launch last month & has plenty more aspirations to fulfil. Through Twitter we've campaigned for major UK stations to play 'Fake Love' and just the other day celebrated Radio 1's first play of the song thanks to the lovely Adele Roberts!
A short while ago, we ran a campaign encouraging Capital FM to play BTS' music. To date this is our most successful campaign which saw hundreds of fans get involved by sending their requests via text and on Twitter. The impact of the campaign would hardly have gone amiss and I'd be surprised if Capital FM were unaware of it. Earlier this week an article surfaced via the Metro newspaper; an interview with Capital FM presenter Roman Kemp about the impact of BTS and why Capital WON'T be playing their music anytime in the near future.
The interview in my opinion was a complete mockery of the Korean music scene specifically aimed at BTS and their dedicated fanbase of which I'm extremely proud to be apart of! The article clearly states that Roman finds ARMY hard to relate to and questions whether our dedication is actually down to music and not the membersS looks. The statements made in the article has caused quite a stir across social media which I suspect was the motive behind releasing it in the first place.
As a radio presenter myself, one of the most important parts of the job is catering to the listeners; playing the music they want to hear! If someone requests a song, I do my upmost to source the music and fund a percentage of what I play using my own money because it's extremely important that I create a positive experience for the listener. It doesn't matter whether I actually like the song, if someone wants to hear it I'll go out of my way to make it happen!
On the other hand, being a presenter has also blessed me with the unique opportunity to discover new artists and music. As a presenter it's important to constantly be ahead of the game keeping an eye out for upcoming artists and learning about the music you play. For Roman to say he finds it difficult to understand the 'phenomenon' and hard to relate to ARMY suggests he's only just touched upon the world of BTS. Perhaps if he took the time to delve into their music, research the lyrics and follow the captivating storylines; perhaps then he might understand even just a little of our dedication?
Throughout this article I feel it's important to represent the powerful voice that belongs to ARMY. In order to do this we conducted a survey which would allow ARMY to share their opinions alongside a number of polls through Twitter and on the Amino app in order to create a detailed image of our fanbase. As I work my way through the survey responses I feel extremely inspired by the feedback which has empathized the impact that BTS has made in the lives of their fans. Reading each individual story has been truly heartwarming and I sincerely wish that BTS could personally read them.
No matter how many times BTS are covered in mainstream media they are wrongly referred to as "just another teenage fad". Yet one of the most interesting factors made apparent in our survey of 695 people is that a large percentage of the fanbase span from the ages of 18-25. Our Twitter poll on the same subject showed similar results with the 18-25 years category receiving 45% of the overall 5,429 votes. Undoubtedly, BTS have a large percentage of teenage fans however research has proven fans of all ages do exist with both our survey and Twitter polls receiving a number of votes from fans aged 30 and above.
The Metro article discusses the Western population jumping on the bandwagon as they discover the K-Pop genre but yet again our research shows a significant variation in dates of fans discovering K-Pop. Our survey saw 166 people discover K-Pop between the years of 2010-2015 with 145 people discovering the genre within the past year. The Twitter poll on the other hand saw 43% of the 1,460 voters discover BTS since last year followed closely by 40% of people discovering the group between the years of 2015-2016. Perhaps K-Pop has been around in popular culture much longer than some initially realised?
Reading each fan's individual response it became very clear that such dedication doesn't stem from the appearance of the 7 members and is in fact much deeper and more significant than that. Unlike many bands/artists out there, BTS has a real connection with their fans something that was noted on countless occasions in our research. As a group they won the Top Social Artist and I genuinely can't think of any other artist that stays true to such a title. BTS open their lives to the public each day whether that be through Twitter or weekly reality shows on V Live. The most significant moment however, was skipping the BBMA's after party to host a V Live session with thousands of fans tuning in from across the world as they gathered round a table in their hotel room munching on snacks and sharing stories of their exciting night. Watching it felt like a casual night in hanging out with old friends.
For many BTS are like friends, they're the ones that they can rely on after a long and challenging day; an escape from reality that gives them a reason to laugh and smile. The 7 members of BTS don't sugarcoat their lives nor do they pretend to be something they're not. They're down to earth, relatable and always remember their roots. Ultimately, they're just like any other young person facing the same daily battles that many of us endure.
As artists they are exceptionally talented and are heavily involved in the writing/production side of their music. ARMY are drawn to the music which covers a variety of genres and sounds complimented by the raw emotion in the members' voices. Lyrically, BTS are astute as they air their honest thoughts and personal experiences with the listener which can't always be easy. Throughout their songs and accompanying music videos, they address subjects that are meaningful to modern society; stigmatised issues that NEED to be discussed. Nowadays, western music is so caught up in the world of party and sexual anthems, it's refreshing to finally see someone write about subjects that actually matter.
We asked ARMY in our survey why they think society struggle to accept non-English music and ultimately why they choose to listen to music in another language. Interestingly each response was of a similar nature. Collectively we believe that language should not be a barrier to music just as race shouldn't become a barrier to friendship. It's about time that society opened their minds to diversity and gave non-English music a fair chance. Thanks to modern technology we live in an age where we're able to translate lyrics with a simple click of a button. There is no excuse!
After all, just last year 'Despacito' took the charts by storm receiving a phenomenal amount of radio airplay across the globe. If a song sung entirely in Spanish can receive so much love and respect, why can't BTS be graced with that same courtesy? Why can't we learn to love and celebrate diversity within the music industry?
Whether the media like it or not, BTS are a big deal in music and will continue to grow as they make their mark on the music industry. Undoubtedly, they are a real game changer and are what the industry needed to break the stiff mould that the world have become accustomed to. Admittedly, I am extremely frustrated by Roman's views on BTS and the K-Pop industry as a whole. As a presenter it's your job to cater to the listener and considering the exceptional demand for BTS' music, Capital are missing out on a very large market adopting such a narrow mindset.
I for one truly believe that if given a fair chance the UK could learn to love non-English music and dream of the day where I turn on my radio and hear cultural diversity reflected in the music. I've learned a lot through writing this article and I for one will be evaluating how I can do my part as a presenter to reflect this aspiration. Capital FM, if you come across this article I strongly encourage you to take some time to learn about BTS, their music and the impact they're making on society. It's about time the music industry strives for change and we need your help to make this happen!
Article By: Robyn Sneddon (@The Hat Hippie)
Capital Radio or Capital Punishment?
Capital Punishment
Judging & sentencing before reading the case notes…
Ok, so I’m not used to writing Blogs or any pieces that are going to be read a good few times like I already know this one is. I am a very matter of fact person and some would say I’m quite pessimistic. Everything I say is my own words from my own thoughts in a similar fashion to how our subject matter writes their songs.
The subject matter is BTS. Of course! Why else are we here? But what do you think I’m going to say? How they are all good-looking and they are just “OMG I WOULD DIE RIGHT NOW IF ONE OF THEM BREATHED ON ME!!!”?
These are the sort of comments that we read on social media platforms such as Twitter & Facebook and you know, it’s OK that you write what you feel, when a person has a surge of hormones after they have just witnessed another person lift their shirt to reveal some very shapely abs or hip grind whilst biting their lip. it can cause something called a reaction, so could a very emotional lyric or verse that ignites something in you. This could be in the form of verbal or physical. In my case I’m more on the verbal side and just say “NO! NO! NO!” a lot of times when to be quite honest I really mean “YES PLEASE!”. I have been known to post things like “LIFE OVER” etc on Facebook or Twitter when such occasions arise.
Does this make me or you a ‘crazy fan girl/boy/unicorn’?
I don’t think it does. I think that people are assuming because we write such things (in force) on our media accounts for all to see and share that we are viewing
BTS as pieces of meat for us to devour instead of viewing them as human beings with individual talents and personalities. I also don’t think that I am a ‘Crazy fan girl’ for being involved in running projects that is all to do with BTS, contacting companies and mass tweeting businesses. But, I think that people are assuming because we all come together (again, in force) on Twitter/Facebook etc, that we are trying to barge our way through and coming on too strong.
However, I can understand why he said what he did in Metro’s Article where they interviewed Roman Kemp (Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet’s son) Let me explain…
Roman clearly has not been a Kpop fan or a fan of BTS, he probably hasn’t even heard Kpop before now or has but never really thought on it.
He doesn’t understand it. That’s the first reason why I understand why he has said all the things he has.
Let’s break down the statements he made and provide him with some constructive feedback, so he can understand fully about BTS and Army.
“I find the whole thing fascinating. The whole thing of how some of the Western world have jumped on that bandwagon, so to speak… Listen, when they release a song that goes big in the UK and we feel it’s the right fit for Capital, I don’t see any reason why we can’t play them on Capital at all. ‘At the moment, that time hasn’t come. I think that when that starts to happen, I’ll understand [the phenomenon].”
Yes, some of the Western world have listened and responded favourably towards BTS but what I think is always forgotten is that there were thousands of Western people who already listened and responded favourably towards BTS from 2013 onwards. I wouldn’t see it as jumping on a bandwagon, its more like being thrust into the spotlight after being in the dark for so long.
I think he is also referring to celebrities all tweeting and posting about how much they love BTS and how they are now in Army when it seems before BTS hit America and were aware of Army, they had no idea who they were, never mentioned them. Nada. But saying that, The Chainsmokers were working with them prior to the big blow-up of 2017 on the track ‘Best of Me’. As was Steve Aoki with ‘Mic Drop’. Celebs could have known about BTS years ago, but it was never brought up until now because no one (or very few) in the Western world media was talking about them OR any music that is not in English or Spanish.
“What I struggle to get to grips with is this: Listen, when they release a song that goes big in the UK and we feel it’s the right fit for Capital, I don’t see any reason why we can’t play them on Capital at all. ‘At the moment, that time hasn’t come.”
This statement bewilders me as I thought Radio was a place for current music, BTS has very current (in every way) music out, how is it not a fit?
What exactly is the criteria for a ‘right fit for capital’? On what are you basing that their time hasn’t come? Is that just your opinion Roman?
“I think that when that starts to happen, I’ll understand [the phenomenon].”
This statement makes me think and feel that you will never understand it. You are calling it a phenomenon for starters.
BTS has been around for 5 years working their way up in the Korean music chart, gathering fans all over the world. They were already an established, well respected group. The only reason why it has become this ‘phenomenon’ that you call it is because a lot of major, well known and successful platforms are now informed on BTS and because they came to the US and won a Top Social Artist award. Twice! We have always been here.
‘However, the radio host admits that he finds it ‘hard’ to relate to the ARMY as he’s not sure if their devotion stems from BTS’s music.’
“It’s hard sometimes, because when you get bands like that create this fandomania… are they there for the music, or are they there for what the kids look like?”
This is where I stand by my earlier statement of you not understanding BTS or their fans. We did a survey with over 1000 people and they told us the reason they listen to BTS and support them is because of the beautiful lyrics they write on subjects that really matter and are not spoken about often in the rest of the world, music that we want to listen to. Music that helps us and will continue to matter and help future generations. They also said how the lyrics within the song made them smile even when they didn’t feel like smiling because the words spoke to them and made them feel better about themselves when they have felt depressed and alone.
One quote from a person aged 13 – 18:
Q. Why this particular artist/group?
“There is never a dull moment with them; originally, I came for the music but the lyrics then made me cry and their stage presence is always mind-blowing. I looked further into them in late 2016 and fell in love with how humble they are. I learned about their background, how much they struggled, and my love for them continued to grow and still does today. They’re the only Kpop group I listen to. They know how to make music—good music. Their rapline are the best that I’ve seen. Their singers have such range and all work together so well. BTS isn’t just a kpop group, they have much much more to show and tell the world. They write and produce their music and Hobi helps the other members with dance and there is just so much I could tell you but I’m going to end it here. BTS aren’t just boys that attract people for their looks, their fans aren’t crazy fangirls. They are good artists. They are good people, good musicians, good producers and composers, and good dancers. They have so much talent and deserve all of armys support.”
Again, we have been here longer than you think; this isn’t a brand-new group that has just debuted. They have won numerous awards for their own writing and producing of their own songs.
We are certainly here for the music. Please remember that Army like BTS for their music and lyrics first and foremost. That’s what we listen to when we feel down, angry & happy. They cover it all. Also, you need to stop focusing on Army. Focus on BTS please. That’s why we are here also!
And yes, it helps when a group that you like the music of, just happen to all be beautiful with amazing personalities. That’s the cherry on top.
Oh, I almost forgot!
Roman, wasn’t your dad in a group where they had a few good songs but mostly people swooning over the members, pictures up on their wall, etc. Not so much listening to their music because they were too busy screaming at them for being too sexy? Please see excerpt from Independent.ie on March 1st 2015:
“The screaming girls came as a pleasant surprise, says Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp. "At first, our fans were mostly guys," he explains. "We were a cult band, playing clubs. Your mates go to the gigs. Then we started doing Top of the Pops, Smash Hits, kids TV. Everything changed. The girls showed up."
And how. Footage from the early 1980s shows Spandau Ballet pursued by hordes of squealing fans, the hysteria almost as over-the-top as the Londoners' cockatoo haircuts (but not quite). Dashing looks and catchy songs conspired to make the feather-fringed quintet irresistible to a significant chunk of the opposite gender. They were sex symbols in an era starved of poster boys”.
Which brings me nicely onto the last statement of Metro’s interview with Roman Kemp.
“Especially in the K-pop world, where it’s about so much more than the singles they release. For us, it’s just the music.”
I don’t think your father would agree with that.
To close on this I’m going to tell you a story, a story of a woman who lost herself and then gained a different self in the best way possible.
For a long time, I thought I was fine, I was carrying on even though I could feel the weight getting heavier on my shoulders pulling me into the ground with every step. I realised something was wrong when I started having intrusive thoughts, I would do reckless things in a moment of madness or I would lock myself away for days on end and hide from it all in my bed. I was feeling so lost. So down and deserted by my own feelings that I forgot how to feel.
I have been a listener of Kpop since 2005 so I was already familiar with groups such as SHINee, DBSK, 2NE1 & SuperJunior. I would always watch YouTube videos on an evening just before bed and watch any new comebacks, old videos and even sometimes funny cat videos. Don’t judge…
I happened upon a new video and the title of it summed up my feelings at the time perfectly, so clearly I had to watch it. The title was “No More Dream”
The line that caught my attention from the 7 young men dancing choreography that I'd not really seen before was “Don't know how to live, don’t know how to fly, don't know how to decide, now don't know how to dream!
SNAP!
I then thought to myself, “clearly I need to invest some time seeing what this group can bring to the table and if they had anymore songs that were so raw and truthful.”
After that song came some of the most beautiful creations I have ever heard. Songs about feeling so helpless and worthless, songs about feeling so down in life and how it really can be a struggle. All of this is written by the group themselves and put together. They talk about their own feelings and the struggles that they go through in their lives. I related to it instantly and followed the group through each comeback, growing and learning to understand and love myself more than I did before as their lyrics progressed onto self-acceptance and love for others.
BTS and their music has inspired me to not give in, to keep pushing even when I feel down and fragile. That its ok to feel down sometimes but they were there to help me get back up again. BTS say that they have given their best to us and I truly believe those words. Thank you BTS for helping me find myself, a different but much stronger self than before. Your words help inspire me to be better and to smile knowing I have support. I am Army. I am proud.
To quote ‘Magic Shop’ from their latest album ‘Love Yourself – Tear’ “You gave me the best of me, So you'll give you the best of you”
Love Yourself.
Marsha x
Article By: Marsha Night (@marshamoomoo)
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