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Red Velvet came back with an ode to art, music, and fashion with their latest Korean comeback ‘Feel My Rhythm’.
Released on March 21 this year as their extended play "The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel My Rhythm’s" title track, the music video and styling are heavily influenced and inspired by classic paintings and past fashion trends. All the classical music lovers too may even notice a sample by a famous composer. ‘Feel My Rhythm’ is a love letter to all the art in the world, from paintings to past fashion and classical music.
Kpopmap will be delving into the references and inspirations used in Red Velvet’s masterpiece of a comeback.
Borrowing from Bach
Right off the bat, most fans noted the song itself cannot simply be categorized as a ‘Red’ concept or ‘Velvet’ concept. Rather, the song infuses both concepts to create a pop song that is both catchy and uses more experimental trap and EDM sounds.
What you may have not caught immediately unless you’re a huge fan of classical music, is Red Velvet’s song actually samples ‘Air On The G String,’ an arrangement by famous German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Try listening down below and the sampling will become apparent.
On paper, meshing classical music with K-Pop might sound like an odd combination but SM Entertainment has never been one to shy away from experimenting with their sound for their artists. SM brilliantly uses the sample to enhance the sophisticated essence of the song and simultaneously correlate with the music box concept seen in the teaser photos and album packaging.
Adapting Paintings to the Small Screen
The music video for the title track is a work of art and I mean that in the most literal sense possible. This lush video is loaded with references to historical art movements - Impressionism, Rococo, and Surrealism movements specifically. The video uses a watercolour effect while the five members recreate the works of French and European painters such as Raphael and Claude Monet. Never before in K-Pop has a video taken such huge inspiration from influential and redefining art movements until now. It is truly a feast for the eyes. Here are a few comparisons of shots from the video.
"feel my rhythm's mv was produced in the form of an opera that gives an homage to famous masterpieces, expecting to add to the fun of watching red velvet's special conceptual charms" pic.twitter.com/FPsMomSkxU
— lia (@kangseulia) March 21, 2022
red velvet's art history class – a thread
art references in 'feel my rhythm' mv pic.twitter.com/FhN0pwBk0n
— rin ✧ (@foxypeachie) March 21, 2022
Seulgi and Irene as "Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son" by Claude Monet (1875)#The_ReVe_Festival_2022#Feel_My_Rhythm #필마이리듬#레드벨벳 #RedVelvet#레드벨벳_필마이리듬_필이온다 @RVsmtown pic.twitter.com/7Rfq8tdpBW
— red velvet is art (@rvartparallels) March 21, 2022
RED VELVET AND THEIR TEAM REALLY DID REFERENCE THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS pic.twitter.com/Cez9of1X5p
— Seph 🏹 (@sephroo) March 21, 2022
The Exquisite Styling
Red Velvet is no stranger to fashionable stage outfits. Granted, some have been questionable over the years like those feather dresses from 'Zimzalabim'. No matter what though, the group always has memorable styling for each era. For ‘Feel My Rhythm,’ the styling covers an array of themes and aesthetics.
For their promotional photos, the group created two distinct concepts: one being ballerina-inspired looks and the other princess-themed looks. The five girls look amazing and radiant in both sets of outfits. The ballerina concept is very timely considering ballerina-inspired pieces like ballet flats and ribbons are making a comeback in fashion this year.
The era’s styling as a whole harkens back to prior elegant concepts like IZ*ONE’s ‘Violeta’ and even the group’s previous comeback ‘Psycho.’ Many of the stage outfits utilizes frills and tulle to radiate the aura of princesses. What sets this comeback from the rest are the little embellishments and added details. The addition of corsets with unique designs further adds to the classical music and Renaissance-themed motifs in the comeback. We also see the girls in certain stages and the music video wearing colourful outfits with more modern silhouettes and cutouts. By combining vintage aesthetics with modern wear, the styling feels one-of-a-kind.
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What is also important when creating outfits is how they will affect the choreography. These outfits and their flowing skirts and sleeves add to the beautiful arm choreography and movements the girls perform on stage.
K-Pop styling for comebacks is not just about whether the idols look good (although that should be a factor as well). The styling needs to be cohesive and work in tandem with the choreography and music video. The styling of Red Velvet’s ‘Feel My Rhythm’ masterfully creates a never-before-seen aesthetic that exudes the elegant and graceful tone of the song and music video.
Final Thoughts
In a time when it feels the number of elegant concepts in K-Pop are dwindling, Red Velvet proves these types of concepts deserve their place in the genre. Red Velvet has always pushed the envelope of K-Pop comebacks, always retaining unique visuals and sound and this comeback is no different. The use of classical art references and feminine styling is the heart and soul of this comeback and distinguishes it from anything else in K-Pop right now. Combined with their always beautiful vocals and choreography, this song and comeback are already a top highlight of 2022.
Red Velvet’s newest comeback ‘Feel My Rhythm’ is available on all music streaming services.
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