Composer/Lyricist SM Global Audition 2017 (Kuala Lumpur)

- disclaimer: this post is written merely based on my personal view and experience on 171111 SM Global Audition II in Kuala Lumpur -

So... I took part in the 2017 SM Global Audition in Kuala Lumpur.

I know I'm a potato but don't judge me yet... I wasn't there to sing or dance because I know I can't, so instead I joined the Composer(Lyricist) category.

Audition Date: 11 November 2017

Audition Venue: The Federal Kuala Lumpur

I do understand that most people were there for Singer/Dancer category but I didn't know it would be so difficult to find people who went for Composer/Lyricist category. I actually had a hard time looking for experience posts and I'm hoping this not-too-long entry will help a little.

I already shared my experience on my Twitter but since I ain't always active there, I'm writing one complete entry right here. (to keep as memory as well!) There isn't really much to say, though.

So... the story began in April when SM announced the list of countries included in SM Global Audition II. When I knew SM was going to hold Global Audition in Malaysia this year, I promised myself that I must join.

In June, I sent a few questions to the e-mail address provided for inquiry purpose, but sadly... I did not receive any feedback.

I was kinda afraid that I could not prepare enough work of sufficient quality by November due to my high level of procrastination and lack of confidence. I did not bother to submit my application until August... but still, I didn't submit because I was so hesitant and certain at the same time. (???) (if you understand what I'm saying... ermmm Taurus problem.)

In early October, I found out that some people had received response from SM by e-mail (I got nothing because I haven't submitted my application by that time) So I quickly and finally sent mine via e-mail, after a few days (see, it still took few days of hesitation.)

Time flies and it's already November! D-MONTH (???) YAYYY! And guess what? I haven't received e-mail from SM which means, I won't be able to take part, although I already knew the location of audition from others' posts.

So I resent my application through the official website, and received reply right on the next day.

Now you ask, why didn't I just submit using the online application in the first place?
- There was an UPLOAD option but unfortunately I couldn't choose DOC/PDF file types.
- I couldn't choose which category I was going to take part in. Basically I just fill in a few boxes (basic info), upload something and submit. (since I couldn't attach doc file, I simply uploaded a photo of mine.)

I'm guessing they could be too busy to check e-mails... and the reply I got was probably an auto-reply. Anyway, you know what to do 😁

e-mail reply from SM

Now another problem arose... My audition time is 17:00PM. But when I looked at others' posts there were mostly 12PM, 1PM and the latest I saw was 2PM. To avoid any issues, I went to the venue early on D-DAY.

There was a lot of young people but not as crowded as I expected. From what I read on Twitter, KL stop did not receive as much overwhelming response as compared to Bangkok.

I asked a staff where to continue with my registration and he showed me the way, then went to ballroom 2 and there were staff at the entrance. I asked around and a girl was kind enough to tell me that I only had to walk to the staff to get a queue number and a form.

It was on first-come-first-serve basis.

(I assume both the 'different time slots assigned' and 'You must receive an e-mail before you can come' parts was to avoid unregistered participants who would come and make the venue excessively crowded. /// But since there wasn't too much people, they didn't check whether one has already sent application online or what time slot one got. It was like you could just come without sending e-mail application / you could just come anytime no matter what time slot you got. /// For safety please don't skip the application part, and it's no harm to go early, IF there is a next time 😄)

There was a number on the form, which was the same as the queue number sticker the staff adhered to my shoulder. As soon as I entered the ballroom, a staff kindly instructed me to sit in the front row (according to sequence).

Note: bring a pen! | The form looks like this

As I filled in the form, I found that there was no Composer/Lyricist category. Asked one of the staff there, she told me to write that manually and call her once I'm done. Another male staff came to collect my work and my form. (because the female staff was busy) He needed my queue number to stick on my paperwork as remark... so I didn't get to keep it as my 'souvenir'. I was 22909th, anyway.

The staff said I could leave... so I left...

Unlike other categories which participants were gathered and led to different rooms to show off talents to the judges one followed by another, Composer/Lyricist participants only had to submit work and... go home... and endlessly wait.

There isn't even a chance to observe judges' facial expression or receive feedback... Kinda sad but alright......

Everything was done within 20 minutes.

and that's the end of my SM global audition experience......

- this post is written merely based on my personal view and experience on 171111 SM Global Audition II in Kuala Lumpur -