Since the very beginning, Stray Kids have established a unique sound that has set them apart, and it’s one of the main reasons why they have become one of the biggest groups in K-Pop. The producing trio behind Stray Kids, 3RACHA, has always been at the core of what makes this group so special, and there’s someone whose hands have touched nearly every song in Stray Kids‘ discography: that’s Bang Chan. From picking the members for their voices, their tones, and energies, to writing over 240 songs in his 9 years as an idol, Bang Chan has been a major force in the shaping of Stray Kids‘ identity and the landscape of K-Pop.
Lyricism
Bang Chan’s lyricism is truly unique and recognizable. It complements the writing styles of Changbin and HAN, which is why they blend so well. And when a song is written solely by Bang Chan, we can tell a mile away. Influenced by growing up in Australia in a Korean family, his writing style seems to be the perfect meeting point between honoring his Korean culture while writing in his first language and playing with both. Bang Chan has a writing style that feels direct, yet holds so many layers and depth. Songs that are so emotional as ‘i hate to admit‘ or ‘Goodbye‘ feel like a piece of his heart when he isn’t afraid to explore the rawness of his emotions, worries, and struggles as he reflects on his life. We should’ve known right from pre-debut with a song like ‘4419’ that Bang Chan would pour every emotion into his music.
From writing a song named after the bus he used to take with idols like GOT7’s Bambam and DAY6’s Young K before they debuted to turning every little element into a song, Bang Chan has always used little moments as massive inspiration for songs. His imagination and creativity run wild, as shown with a song like ‘Butterflies,’ a song that was created simply because a butterfly happened to land on him.
But it isn’t only in the songs that he writes by himself that you feel his presence. His wittiness and his way with words is hidden in every single song he has ever touched. Bang Chan set the concept for Stray Kids with one song: ‘NOT!‘ As the sole lyricist on the song, he set the tone not only for Stray Kids‘ debut mini-album but also for the role that identity would play in Stray Kids‘ discography.
Composing
The melodies and ideas Bang Chan creates and develops throughout the songs are as much a part of Stray Kids‘ style as his lyrics. The concepts he creates translate beautifully into the melodies that get stuck in everyone’s head when they listen to Stray Kids. Songs like ‘Insomnia’ are full of meaning and hold a whole world on their own because he pours his soul into the lyrics, and the melodies reflect those emotions in the most complex and enticing way. It’s songs like this that show how every side of his life bleeds into his music and that prove he lives through his music: one of the reasons so many people resonate with it. ‘FNF‘ is a perfect example of melodies holding the message of the song, as it reflects longing, but also you feel the sun, the nature, in every single note.
We cannot talk about composing without talking about the beginning of it all: his rap verses in 3RACHA‘s discography and even after. One of the most unique rap flows he has offered is in ‘Maze Of Memories‘ and it showcases his intelligence with rhythm, sound, and melodies. It is that intelligence that makes melodies and instrumentals stick and ultimately make Stray Kids‘ music so infectious and unique. Not many will come up with such intricate melodies as 3RACHA does.
Production & Arrangement
Bang Chan has been a driving force in Stray Kids‘ sound since the very first day. From writing the songs and composing to producing and arranging, Bang Chan has slowly but surely made his way into nearly every single Stray Kids song credit. While 3RACHA have always had a hand in the making of their music, there was a shift after the release of GO LIVE, both in their career path and in just how much they got to be part of the process. Since that first full-length album, Bang Chan has been credited as a producer and arranger in nearly every Stray Kids song, going as far as making and recording the songs in his own Chan’s room. It has added even more creativity, freedom, and personality to Stray Kids‘ music and has helped create this unique, life-changing, and remarkable discography that continues to make its mark in the industry. But Bang Chan’s hands have always been full with creating songs that highlight each member’s attributes and make Stray Kids stand out. Songs like ‘Voices’ where Lee Know‘s falsetto is so subtle yet makes the song what it is goes to show just how good of a vision Bang Chan had for Stray Kids as a group. Bang Chan knew exactly what he wanted to do, and he continues to grow with it.
3RACHA‘s unshakeable creativity has made Stray Kids‘ production unique, and the wittiness in their lyrics and melodies has absolutely translated into the production and the details you find in every Stray Kids song. You don’t need a big, loud song; it is also in the subtle details, the ballads – the production will always push the song further. Songs like ‘Chronosaurus‘ are the perfect example of how Bang Chan hides gems and cares for every single detail of the song. ‘Broken Compass’ feels like a perfect example of how he perfectly captures a moment, an energy, and a vibe. We see his genius shine in songs like ‘Bounce Back‘ where he added the iconic whistling and the clapping element right before the second chorus. Songs like ‘VENOM,’ ‘SUPER BOARD,’ ‘ITEM’ and ‘JJAM‘ are genius in their own right because every detail is thought out so carefully and because every element makes them so fun. Absolutely nothing is a coincidence in Bang Chan’s book.
Stray Kids have such an intricate, special production that hides so many layers. And you bet you can hear Bang Chan’s voice in low-key every second of a Stray Kids song. Whether it’s the harmonies, the fun effects, the ideas behind a beat or a melody, Bang Chan is everywhere.
With Stray Kids‘ discography and by collaborating with artists like NiziU and Epik High, Bang Chan has set himself as the idol with the most KOMCA credits in history. From ‘Hellevator’ to today, his passion for music-making bleeds into every song and continues to grow. He may have had his hand in over 240 songs, but his creative mind isn’t done showing what he can do as an artist.
What’s your favorite song Bang Chan has ever written? What’s your favorite lyrics by him? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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