Sistar, AOA kicks off girl band battle this summer
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AOA performs at a press showcase at AX-KOREA, Monday. / Yonhap
By Kim Jae-heun
All-girl bands seem to be at war.
Top girl band Sistar, which has dominated K-pop summer charts, earning the nickname “queens of summer,” released a new album “SHAKE IT!” on Monday.
But rising-star girl band Ace of Angels (AOA) have challenged Sistar with “Heart Attack.”
At a press showcase at the Coexartium, Sistar revealed its third mini-album that has five songs. Music producers Duble Sidekick and HOMEBOY composed the band’s title track, “Shake it,” a funky song with a strong, catchy beat.
“’Shake it’ is a song for summer that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or sex,” said Sistar member Dasom. “The melody of the song and choreography are easy to follow.”
In a first, the album’s second track, “Don’t act childish,” is co-written by Sistar member Bora.
Sistar reveals “Shake it” at Coexartium, Monday. / Yonhap
“When I first received the guide song, I knew I would write my part,” said Bora, a rapper in the band. “I was told to edit it several times and I made it to the album, which I am fully happy about.”
Sistar's lead vocalist Hyolyn said she had been composing songs, too, but they had not been used this time.
On competition between the bands, Sistar refused to describe it as a war.
“I heard many girl bands are releasing albums this summer and we are happy to be part of it,” Hyolyn said. “I think ‘festival’ is a better choice of word than ‘war,’ because we all pursue different music and our concept is what only Sistar can adopt.”
AOA, which also held a showcase at AX-KOREA to release its third mini-album Monday, said the band wanted to avoid competition because members lacked experience. It has only been 18 months since their fifth single album, “Miniskirt,” catapulted them to stardom in January last year.
“We are the youngest among the girl bands,” said AOA’s leader, Cho-a. “They are (Sistar, Girls Generation, Girls Day and more) the groups we looked up to before we debuted. It will be great if we win first place on music charts, but our goal is to give the best performance on the stage.”
AOA’s new title, “Heart Attack,” has abandoned the group’s trademark “sexiness” and adopted an image of lovely, sporty teen girls. The track, like any other idol band’s title song, has an addictive chorus, composed by popular music producer Brave Brothers. The title track topped Korean and Chinese charts after its release on Monday.
“We wanted to show the bright and energetic side of us since it is summer now,” said Ji-min, a rapper in the group.
The seven-member girl band’s ages range from 19-year-old Chan-mi to 25-year-old Cho-a.
Chan-mi said she was honored to perform on the same stage as other girl bands and hoped to learn from them.
“Our goal is to make Heart Attack remembered as the song of the 2015 summer,” Cho-a said.