Profiles in Music

A.C.E’s JUNHEE’s Next Bold Move

JUNHEE never imagined he’d be a CEO of his own company. But now, with a debut album coming out in September under his own label, the leader is looking back at a wildly successful year. “I think life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths,” he says in this new interview.

Inside The Debut of Queenz Eye’s Second Season

Profiles in Music

The Trailblazer

 In his follow up to blanc, JUNNY set out to make “an R&B version of an opera”. The result is an ambitious album that defies convention and never plays it safe.

Listening Booth

X FACTOR

A decade into their career, MONSTA X are at a creative peak with their new EP THE X.

In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.

the roookies

A person with dark hair is performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a guitar strap across their shoulder. The image has a motion blur effect with streaks of red and purple light against a black background.

Minh Is Just Beginning to Find His Potential

For the past four months, Minh’s music has made gains on streaming services. In his first interview, he reflects on his new EP’s momentum and why he became a self-made musician.

Four young adults standing together outdoors with a scenic hilly landscape in the background, dressed casually.

Meet West of Eden, A Giant Group Much Larger Than It’s Four Artists

The Seattle-based group succeeds because of their strong friendship and an extremely creative team of designers, producers, videographers, photographers and artists.

Young woman with long black hair wearing a white tank top and jewelry, leaning against a pastel blue window with textured glass panels.

Yel Is Turning Her Best Memories Into Works of Art

The California-based singer-songwriter makes dreamy, romantic music that is becoming a smash hit on streaming services.

THE MAD SCIENTIST

Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed

Profiles in Music

After more than 25 years in the industry, Crystal Kay is regarded as a pioneer of J-R&B and J-Pop. Now, about to embark on her first North American tour, she is just beginning to grapple with the meaning of her legacy.

Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.

critically speaking

A woman with short blonde hair looking down, sitting outdoors near a pool with empty bleachers in the background, during sunset.

From Rain to Kai, San and from20: How Male Sexuality Has Evolved in K-Pop

A new generation of male idols are embracing a fluid view of sexuality. It’s a major course correction from years’ past.

Six women sitting on a couch in a dimly lit room with a red wall, a mirror, and a plant in the background. They are dressed in trendy, edgy clothing with various accessories.

NewJeans Was the Future of K-Pop. Can KATSEYE Revolutionize That Vision?

A year ago, HYBE’s flagship girl group NewJeans declared war on the company. Now, a new girl group is looking to conceptualize HYBE’s vision for K-Pop without the “K”.

Young woman with long dark hair wearing a yellow sweatshirt, smiling, and holding up a peace sign in front of a mirror.

BoA in Japan: Soft Powers and Teenage Dreams

In 2001, BoA was the first of her kind: a K-Pop star landing number one’s in Japan. Her success transformed K-Pop into a global super power.

Essential reading from the API music scene

and all the rest….

The Trials and Bravery of LOONA
Michael H Michael H

The Trials and Bravery of LOONA

In June, LOONA announced their first world tour. Five months later their most popular member would be kicked out and nine members would file to terminate their contracts. What happened?

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Growing Older with Jay B and Jinyoung’s JJ Project
Michael H Michael H

Growing Older with Jay B and Jinyoung’s JJ Project

In celebration of Jay B’s first European tour, I’m writing about some of his best eras. This week we are revisiting JJ Project, a unique group with GOT7’s Jinyoung that explored the concept of youth — and growing older.

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