Applegirl: The "Genius" Musician

This is a special re-launching day article brought to you by fudepen.

Did you know that the word "otaku" isn't just a Japanese word? That's right, the Korean language also has the word "otaku". Both "otaku" carry the same meaning, and sadly, they both carry the same negative connotations as well.

But the word "otaku" is only one of three things this post is about, and I'd like to end with that concept. Before that, I'll show you what's in store for you in this re-launched blog. But first and foremost, I am going to introduce the subject of my first review in this new blog, a Korean musician.

Why her? By talking about her, I can show all readers the power and diversity of this blog. By making her the center of our attention, I get to talk about things that this blog will soon feature - gadgets, apps, music, and even foreign language!

So without further ado, let me introduce our guest of honor. Ladies and gentlemen (but probably mostly gentlemen), meet Applegirl, the "genius" musician.

Know more about her after the jump.

(photo credits: popseoul)

Who is she?

Her real name is Kim Yeo Hee. She is more popularly known as Applegirl, a name she uses while performing in YouTube (handle: applegirl002).

I first learned about her while looking for demos of the popular Apple app, Garage Band, where you get to compose or play your own music using virtual instruments.

Applegirl performs songs on YouTube using Apple gadgets, notably the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4, both of which are going to be reviewed soon. In one performance, she uses Garage Band on the iPad, plus a little guitar strumming, to create her own rendition of Ke$ha's "Tik Tok". Not that she's going to win a Grammy anytime soon, but one just has to admire the way she was able to utilize a single gadget to create beautiful music.

Don't take my word for it, listen for yourself:

Of course, aside from her excellent use of the Garage Band app, she was also able to utilize a lot of the iPad's potential. And from a gadget-lover's point of view, that's brilliant!

And she can do more than that. If you liked the first video, you'll love the next one. Here, she uses FOUR iPhones to perform Lady Gaga's Pokerface.

Note also that in the second video, she spoke in Korean, Japanese, and English, which is both fun, and one of the topics in this blog. :)

I'm no musician, and I haven't watched all of Applegirl's videos, so if you're interested in her and her skills, please visit her YouTube profile.

However, if you're interested in her gadgets, her apps, and different cultures, languages, food, and pretty much anything anyone can find anywhere, then this blog is the place to go.

Welcome

On behalf of all otaku.ph contributors, I would like to welcome you to otaku.ph version 2.0.

In this re-imagining of this blog, you can expect our classics (anime reviews, japanese lessons), energized by a batch of new topics such as games and gadgets, and even food!

We know that the word otaku in Japan and Korea carries only negative meanings: fanatics, nerds, couch potatos, even disgusting people that should be avoided. These are connotations brought about by two powerful cultures, and we're not about to change that.

We're here only to start a brand new chapter of otaku, to bring out its positives: being inquisitve, having a comment, and liking and appreciating the good things in life.

Unlike the traditional otaku, our version is an explorer, a risk-taker, and an adventure lover.

In short, expect us to write about anything we like - anything we are fans of - because we're not the traditional Japanese or Korean otaku, we are genuine critics.

So join us in building this new otaku - the .PH kind.

Come and join us in enjoying what this world has to offer.

Thank you for your time in reading this post.