Chapter 57
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Feeling the Vibration
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Virtual Reality's Musical Genius
Chapter 57
It is said that all sound is vibration.
When a string on an instrument is plucked, it vibrates. This vibration creates a wave that spreads in all directions through the air. When that wave causes the air to vibrate and reaches our eardrums, we hear it in the form of "sound."
To put it more simply, when the air vibrates, our eardrums vibrate, and our ears recognize that vibration as "sound."
In other words, hearing sound is ultimately about feeling and receiving "vibrations" with our bodies.
It's just that we perceive it in the form of "sound" through our ears, a part of the human anatomy.
Did he just put his hand on the woofer speaker?
His hand on the speaker? Why?
In that sense, the reason Yuhyeon placed his hand on the woofer speaker was simple.
It was to feel the vibrations emanating from it.
I can tell what kind of music it is just from the vibrations.
Vibrations have long played many roles in music, beyond being the fundamental cause of sound.
The quintessential example of this was the drum, particularly the bass drum.
The bass drum has always been the easiest tool to express a heartbeat.
Playing the drum at 60, 100, 120, or 200 bpm could transmit vibrations similar to a heartbeat.
Interestingly, listeners tended to prefer tempos similar to a heartbeat.
This could be explained instinctively.
The heartbeat is the primal rhythm that governs human life.
Could you play the song?
Thus, Yuhyeon sought to feel its essence through vibration.
What were the musics vibrations like? Did they deliver a strong vibration, like a heartbeat?
Even if he couldn't hear the sound, he could still feel excitement through the vibrations alone.
If it could make even him, a person with a hearing impairment, feel a sense of joy, then there could be no music superior to it.
Soon, at his request, music began to play in the conference room.
The three different arrangements of "Anthem" that Yuna had brought were played in order.
Yuhyeon simply closed his eyes and felt the vibrations pouring from the woofer speaker.
His demeanor was calm and composed, as if contemplating every aspect of the music.
Finally, after he had finished listening to all three tracks.
Ive heard them all.
Yuhyeon spoke, his tone filled with conviction.
The first song seems to fit my intentions the best.
He delivered the somewhat shocking answer that the first song was the one.
The first song seems to fit my intentions the best.
Yuhyeons calm voice echoed through the conference room.
Even though the original composer had chosen a track, no one dared to speak rashly.
After all, no one could fathom the reason behind his choice.
If its not too much to ask, may I inquire why you chose that song?
It was Yuna who bravely broke the silence.
She didn't know about the others, but she, at least, wanted to know Yuhyeons reason.
It was only natural, as she was the one who had arranged "Anthem."
Im curious. What was his reason for choosing it?
Although Yuna was the one who spoke, the other members were just as curious.
How on earth did he choose a song when he couldn't even hear?
And to say it best matched his intentions it was utterly incomprehensible.
Amidst the focused attention of so many people
I felt the vibrations.
Yuhyeon said softly.
Then, as if retracing a memory, he slowly clenched and unclenched his hand.
The thumping bass and drums felt like they were striking my chest.
He wasn't an expert on the genre of dubstep, but he could certainly feel the pleasure it provided.
The vibrations that burst through the speaker, strong enough to make his hand tremble, and the intense tension and excitement they brought.
Feeling the vibrations, I pictured it in my head. The sound of your drums layered over the song I created.
It was the act of taking the music in his head and overlaying it with the vibrations transmitted through his hand to create a single piece of music.
It wasn't an easy task.
Nevertheless, Yuhyeon imagined it with all his might.
The synergy that would be created when the vibrations of dubstep met a grand orchestra.
The completed version of "Anthem," where that synergy would amplify the existing tension and solemnity.
In this song, I could feel the thrill and tension that I considered important when I composed this piece, but felt were lacking.
Yuhyeon continued his explanation.
Of course, I know that what Im saying might sound absurd to you.
He also knew that all of this was just sound painted in his imagination.
And that the original composer shouldn't be offering such an abstract assessment.
But.
I definitely felt the resonance I was looking for in this song. That is why I chose it.
From a composer's standpoint, his words were irresponsible and unfounded.
Yet, no one in the room could dismiss Yuhyeon's answer as nonsense.
The reason was simple.
But isnt that how he made Anthem in the first place?
Despite what he said, Yuhyeon had, in the end, created "Anthem" through imagination alone.
To ignore the imagined sound he claimed to have felt would be to deny the very birth of "Anthem."
Are you serious?
Yes, I am.
Above all, Yuhyeons words were filled with conviction.
An immense conviction, as if he had actually heard and evaluated the music.
If the original composer felt that way
In this situation, no one would raise an objection simply because it was "abstract."
Instead, the members of Sugar Girls began to ponder with intensely serious expressions.
I felt that way too.
Just then, Arin spoke up cautiously.
Of course, all three were good, but the first one felt the most exciting. The beat was thumping and fast, so it gave me the biggest inner thrill.
As Arin opened the floodgates, Kanna added her thoughts.
I also felt the strongest urge to dance with the first song!
Kanna said, making a small gesture as if she were dancing.
Besides, its dubstep, right? Our comeback timing happens to be right during festival season
Nothing was set in stone, but Sugar Girls comeback was roughly scheduled for three months from now.
Assuming they returned around then, it would be right in the middle of a busy festival season.
Dubstep during festival season.
The sound of dubstep echoing through a university festival filled with youthful energy?
Wouldn't that be absolutely insane? Like a Waterbomb vibe.
Students jumping around like crazy while being sprayed with water, her own self dancing amidst the fervent cheers.
And on top of that, the low, fast beat of dubstep pounding in her heart.
You cant resist a festival.
Just imagining it sent a thrilling jolt through her body.
J, what are your thoughts?
After Arin and Kanna had their say, Team Leader Park Jeonghu looked at J and asked.
Hmm, the song is fine. But Im actually drawn to it for a different reason.
A different reason?
Park Jeonghus quizzical gaze fell upon J.
This whole meeting is being filmed, right?
It is. What about it?
J licked her lips as if her mouth was watering.
The scene where the composer feels the vibrations through the woofer. Dont you think that would be a huge hit if it was included in the making-of film?
In truth, she was more interested in the side dish than the main course.
It was a rather materialistic thought, but it was something only she, who thirsted for success more than anyone, could say.
This would be a huge story even if we just talked about it.
She could already envision a making-of film, live stream content, and even a "Woofer Challenge."
Especially these days, when the firepower and attention one could gain through social media had grown so much.
If all else failed, they could just tell the story in an interview.
Whoa, I didnt think of that.
Wow, amazing.
Arin and Kanna nodded their heads repeatedly in agreement.
They, too, had started imagining the scene of Yuhyeon in the making-of film, just as J had described.
The scene of a composer who had lost his hearing, placing his hand on a woofer speaker to feel the vibrations.
Thats ridiculously cool. And the fans will get to see all of it!
A composer who lost his hearing feels vibrations through a woofer speaker.
Thus, "Anthem" is completed, and Sugar Girls makes their comeback with that song?
It does create quite a narrative
However, Team Leader Park Jeonghu couldn't readily agree with Js words.
But I have no intention of putting the composer in a difficult position.
No matter how good the content, one must not cross the line.
Especially if there was a possibility of his disability being trivialized.
Of course, no one could possibly laugh at the scene they had just witnessed.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu carefully steered the topic back to the original point.
The musical aspect is more important. J, did you also think the first song was the best?
Hmm
J paused for a moment in thought, then opened her mouth.
Lets ask Yuna.
Oh? May I ask why?
At Park Jeonghu's puzzled question, J shrugged.
Arin and Kanna said they liked it. If Yuna says she likes it too, then its popular appeal is guaranteed, isnt it?
Well, thats true.
Park Jeonghu slowly nodded.
What dance to perform.
What kind of acting to do.
And even what kind of music to make.
No one knew better than them what the public went wild for.
If all of them were in unanimous agreement, that in itself was reason enough.
Then what do you think, Yuna?
I like the first song the best, too.
Yunas reply came without a hint of hesitation.
Hmm?
In fact, she had already made up her mind the moment she heard Yuhyeons answer.
My arrangement gave the original composer a sense of resonance
Yuhyeon had said he felt a vibration like a beating heart when he listened to her song.
For an arranger, could there be any feedback more heart-pounding than that?
However, she didn't voice her true feelings in front of everyone.
It was a bit too embarrassing to say it so plainly.
They usually say trends cycle every twenty years, right?
So, she decided to offer a different reason.
The last time dubstep was popular was in 2010, so I think it would be an appropriate challenge. In fact, Y2K was trending a few years ago, too.
Hmm, thats a valid point.
Yunas words made perfect sense.
Considering the trend cycle, it wouldnt be strange for dubstep to reappear on the market.
Well, I guess that settles it.
Park Jeonghu nodded repeatedly.
It was a song that all the Sugar Girls members had agreed on for the first time in a while.
Was there any need to spend more time deliberating over it?
Alright, lets lock in the first song.
And so, the arrangement direction for "Anthem" was decided.
After a 20-year trend cycle, it would be reborn in the genre of Dubchestra.
Its the perfect high-stakes move for Sugar Girls image change.
Whether this choice would be all or nothing, or if they would become trendsetters leading a new wave, was something they would only know once they put it out there.
Nevertheless, for some reason, Park Jeonghu had a pretty good feeling about it.
It feels like its been years since our girls reached a unanimous decision
A song chosen unanimously by the girls, who were more sensitive to popular trends than anyone.
There could be no surer answer in the world.
Im really looking forward to three months from now.
Team Leader Park Jeonghus bald head gleamed.