BTS Hits Reimagined in Spatial Audio on Apple Music

Streaming platform Apple Music has launched a new experience for fans of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS. As of November 10, 2023, six iconic albums from the band’s discography are now available in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. This exciting update includes the albums The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, released in 2015 and 2016, and Love Yourself, released in 2017.

These albums mark a significant point in BTS’s journey, showcasing their rise to international acclaim and establishing a deep connection with their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY. The introduction of spatial audio technology allows listeners to experience beloved tracks in a fresh and immersive way, transforming familiar songs into something new.

Transformative Listening Experience

Spatial audio creates a unique sound environment, allowing each element of a song to be distinctly placed within a three-dimensional space. For example, in “Young Forever,” the arrangement of vocals and instruments creates an engaging auditory experience. Fans can appreciate the intricate layers of the track, including the powerful gang vocal ending that resonates more deeply thanks to the enhanced clarity.

Similarly, “Burning Up (Fire)” employs spatial audio to envelop listeners, creating a sense of movement and dynamism within the song. The innovative technology not only revitalizes these tracks but also highlights the individual contributions of each BTS member, whether they provide lead or backing vocals. This attention to detail enables ARMY to discover new nuances in songs they may have listened to countless times.

Expert Insights on Audio Innovation

According to Yang Ga, a studio engineer at Hybe, the Dolby Atmos mix enhances the spatial characteristics of the sound while preserving the original song’s balance. “This Dolby Atmos mix is characterized by how it delicately complements the spatial expansion of the sound while maintaining the stereo image and balance of the original song as much as possible,” Yang explained. He noted that the adjustments made to the vocal layers allow for clearer differentiation between background and lead vocals.

Yang emphasized that fans can experience new emotional dimensions in these familiar songs. “If you pay attention to the separation of the vocals, the sense of distance between instruments, and the three-dimensional expression of space, you can feel a different emotional contour from the original song,” he added. This innovative approach not only maintains the integrity of the original recordings but also enhances the listener’s experience.

With the release of The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series — which includes The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2, and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever — as well as the Love Yourself series, fans now have the chance to explore their favorite tracks in a whole new way. The albums are available exclusively on Apple Music, marking a significant moment for both the platform and BTS’s legacy.

This innovative fusion of music and technology not only enriches the listening experience but also reinforces the enduring appeal of BTS, solidifying their position in the music industry as pioneers of K-pop on a global stage.