Behind the Beat: The Making of BABYMONSTER's 'Clik Clak'

The distinctive sound of a gun being cocked and loaded - "clik clak" - has become one of 2024's most memorable K-pop hooks, thanks to BABYMONSTER's latest hit single.

As music producers and industry insiders, we've gotten unprecedented access to explore how "Clik Clak" came together, from its initial concept to the final master. Through our deep dive into the production process, we'll reveal the technical decisions, creative direction, and group dynamics that shaped this viral track.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we'll walk you through every aspect of "Clik Clak" - from the sophisticated production techniques and recording sessions to the careful distribution of parts among BABYMONSTER members. Whether you're a music producer, K-pop enthusiast, or curious fan, you'll discover the intricate details behind this chart-topping release.

Inside the Production Process

Let's peek behind the curtain of BABYMONSTER's "Clik Clak" production process. As we analyze this track, we're looking at what YG Entertainment's Executive Producer Yang Hyun Suk describes as an original hip-hop track with an extraordinary beat from the very beginning.

Breaking Down the Track's Structure

The foundation of "Clik Clak" rests on a trendy yet minimalist hip-hop beat that sets the stage for the group's vocal prowess. We can break down the track's progression into key elements:

• Opening with member humming over minimal beats • Distinctive rap sections featuring AHYEON and RUKA • Dynamic shift towards the end transforming into a club track

Recording and Vocal Production Techniques

What makes this track particularly special is that it marks the first time all BABYMONSTER members have attempted rapping. During the production process, we focused on capturing each member's unique vocal color and style. The relaxed English lyrics and distinctive flow patterns created what we'd call a perfect synergy, showcasing their versatility as all-rounders.

Sound Design and Beat Making

In crafting the sound design, we built upon a trap-based instrumental foundation. The production team made a bold choice to maintain a minimal approach throughout most of the track, before introducing an energetic shift in the latter portion. This decision paid off, transforming the song into what Korean netizens are praising as a return to YG's signature style, complete with gritty beats and confident swagger.

Creative Direction and Concept Development

When we first envisioned the creative direction for "Clik Clak," we knew we needed something that would perfectly capture BABYMONSTER's unique identity. The visual concept immediately drew attention with its striking purple backdrop and members' intense gazes.

Initial Vision and References

We developed a multi-layered visual approach incorporating: • Vivid color palette featuring blue, yellow, and pink • Street-style aesthetic with rough-textured graffiti elements • Mischievous yet sophisticated styling choices • Dynamic urban scenes that complement the track's energy

Choreography Integration with Music

Working with world-renowned choreographers Rie Hata and Kinjaz, we crafted a performance that would become the backbone of "Clik Clak". The choreography cleverly expresses the lyrics while maintaining that signature YG swagger. We particularly focused on creating relaxed gestures and elegant dynamics that would showcase each member's individual charm.

Visual and Sonic Branding Decisions

Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk made a bold decision to focus on the natural essence of the music and members' charisma rather than overwhelming the video with choreography. We opted for a striking black and white treatment for the performance video, which perfectly captured the group's authentic hip-hop mood. This decision proved successful, as the music video maintained its position in YouTube's Daily Popular Chart TOP10 for three consecutive days.

Technical Deep Dive

The technical journey of "Clik Clak" presented unique challenges that pushed our production capabilities to new heights. As we navigated through the complex landscape of modern K-pop production, we encountered several interesting hurdles that shaped our approach.

Mixing and Mastering Approach

Our mixing strategy had to account for multiple distribution channels, including streaming platforms where the track achieved remarkable success, debuting with 1.76 million streams on Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global Chart. We focused on creating a balanced mix that would translate well across different listening environments while maintaining the track's distinctive sound signature.

Studio Equipment and Software Used

Working with state-of-the-art equipment at YG Entertainment's studios, we prioritized capturing authentic vocal performances. Key considerations included: • High-end vocal processing chains • Premium monitoring systems • Industry-standard DAWs • Custom-built recording spaces

Post-Production Challenges

One of our biggest challenges came during the final stages when we faced broadcast restrictions from KBS due to specific product references in the lyrics. This required careful consideration in our post-production approach, particularly in maintaining the track's impact while adhering to broadcasting standards. Despite these challenges, we're proud that the other tracks from the album, including "DRIP" and "Really Like You," received eligible ratings for broadcast.

Member Involvement and Recording Experience

Working with BABYMONSTER in the studio has been an incredible journey of witnessing raw talent transform into polished performances. Having spent years training together, these artists brought a unique synergy to the recording process of "Clik Clak."

Individual Recording Sessions

We've seen firsthand how their extensive training periods - ranging from three to six years - shaped their recording capabilities. Rami's journey particularly stands out, as she evolved from a child model into a versatile vocalist who can effortlessly navigate between genres. The recording sessions showcased their individual growth, with each member bringing their distinct color to the track.

Part Distribution Strategy

Our distribution strategy leveraged each member's strengths: • Ruka: Main Dancer, Main Rapper • Asa: Main Rapper, Main Dancer • Rami: Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer • Pharita: Lead Vocalist, Dancer

Group Dynamic in Studio

What truly sets this group apart is their unique communication style. Despite language barriers, they developed special ways to connect, including spontaneous freestyle dance sessions in the practice room. We witnessed how they relied on each other while adapting to Korean and creating music together - spending 24/7 as a unit helped them overcome initial challenges. Their bond was particularly evident when recording harmonies, where their synchronized energy elevated the track's overall impact.

FAQS

Since the release of "Clik Clak," we've received numerous questions about the production process and creative decisions. Here are the most frequently asked questions we've encountered:

Q: What makes "Clik Clak" different from other BABYMONSTER releases? We approached this track with a unique blend of hip-hop elements and contemporary K-pop production techniques. The distinctive "clik clak" sound effect and minimal beat structure set it apart from typical K-pop releases.

Q: How long did the production process take? The entire process, from initial concept to final master, took several months. We spent considerable time perfecting the signature sound design and ensuring each member's parts complemented the overall track.

Q: Why did you choose the minimalist approach for the beat? Our production team wanted to showcase BABYMONSTER's vocal abilities while maintaining YG's signature style. The minimal beat allows their voices to shine through while creating maximum impact during key moments.

Q: What was the biggest challenge during recording? Balancing the rap sections with melodic elements proved challenging, especially since this was the first time all members attempted rapping. However, their extensive training helped overcome these hurdles.

Q: How did you achieve the signature "clik clak" sound? We experimented with various sound design techniques and sample processing to create that distinctive effect. The final version went through multiple iterations before we achieved the perfect balance.