JACOB’s debut album is independently released and self-created. In a new interview, he reflects on why it was important to have creative control and why he refuses to limit himself.
Profiles in Music
How HEART OF WOMAN Scored a Huge Debut
The girl group debuted in May in a highly unusual way: with a full album. Now, the members recount their road to debut and why their success still surprises them.
Profiles in Music
The singer returns with an EP geared towards summer and a sizzling set at WATERBOMB. But 15 years into his career, he’s more determined than ever to be the best at his craft.
Listening Booth
On Rated R, from20 Leans Into the Gossip
‘Rated R’, the singer’s newest album, follows his breakthrough single “Eye Candy”, and is filled with scandalous disclosures.
Profiles in Music
EJEAN’s Balancing Act
Ahead of a headlining tour, the musician reflects on how letting go of shame and charting their own path led to their debut EP, Meant Love.
In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.
the roookies
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.
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.
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.
Profiles in Music
SIHYEON’s Hidden Charms
In her first solo interview, SIHYEON reflects on CSR’s first comeback in two years and why she wants to share a new side of herself with fans this year.
Profiles in Music
With “Stagefright”, 8TURN Make a Sharp Turn
8TURN has staged an artistic evolution since the release of “ELECTRIC HEART” last summer. Now, for the first time, the members reflect on why this change feels so natural and so important to their growth.
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
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.
A Bittersweet Farewell to ZEROBASEONE
From Seoul, the popular boy group hold a final encore concert and say goodbye as the group splits in half.
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….
Singer-Songwriter ABOUT Once Felt He Was Cursed. Now He Sees His Potential.
ABOUT is an indie darling who’s spent over a decade recording music that describes his pain. “I always say that my music is cry together music,” he says in this exclusive interivew.
Making Way for Kwon Ji-Yong
Six years ago BIGBANG’s G-Dragon released his last EP “KWON JI-YONG” and with each year it’s meaning of reclaiming the rapper’s personhood has only grown.
K-Pop Rookies TRENDZ Are Breaking Free on “NEW DAYZ”
TRENDZ arrive with a new comeback and the finale of the “Blue Set Chapter”.
South Korea’s Wunderkind SHAUN Announces “On the Road” Tour
SHAUN burst into unexpected worldwide fame with “Way Back Home”. Now he’s touring North America for the first time.
B.K Studied K-Pop’s Greatest Stars. Now He’s Ready To Be One.
Atlanta’s BK spent years studying from the best in K-Pop. Now he’s ready to show how far he can go.
GEMINI on Inspirations and What To Expect at the “Still Blue” Tour
On the heels of his first North American tour, GEMINI talks about the inspirations for his first album “Still Blue” and what fans can expect from his tour.
BOBO.XX and Tablo Collaborate on the “Crazy Skater Punk” Single “Pain”
BOBO.XX and Tablo, two dynamos working on the peripheral of the K-Pop industry drop their first collaboration together this Friday.
SHINee’s Key is the Anti-Hero of K-Pop
Armed with a repackaged album named “KILLER”, SHINee’s Key reminds us that the most complicated heroes are often the best.
P1Harmony Make History As the First K-Pop Group to Play Nashville’s Opry House
For their first time in Nashville, P1Harmony came as winners and proved K-Pop can go anywhere.
[INTERVIEW] JUNNY On Why The Upcoming ‘blanc’ Tour Inspires Him
In this exclusive interview, Junny chats about his upcoming tour and the diverse musical influences that led him to find his voice.
The Visionary Work of SHINee’s Taemin
Before enlisting in the military, SHINee’s Taemin released several masterful albums and challenged every perception we had of him.
How GOT7’s Jinyoung Found His Voice on “Chapter 0: WITH”
Jinyoung’s debut solo EP solidifies a shift that the actor began years ago towards an artist who takes challenging work. Here, he let the questions of growing older linger.
The Joys of Seeing N.Flying’s “DWUW” Tour
Ten years after their formation, N.Flying arrives Stateside for their first North American tour.
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?
JUNNY's 'blanc' tour is back for an encore.
After successfully completing the first 11 dates of his ‘blanc’ North American tour, Junny will return this February for more.
GEMINI Will Tour North America For the First Time This Spring
Korean R&B singer GEMINI will embark on his first North American tour this spring. He will travel to ten cities beginning March 16.
Meet the K-Pop Groups Taking Aim at the Genre’s “Manufactured” Stereotypes
K-Pop has encountered decades of accusations that the genre is manufactured. But three groups are challenging this notion— and at times turning it on it’s head.
The Year K-Pop’s 2nd Generation Groups Reclaimed Their Legacies
K-Pop’s second generation groups were given no creative control when they debuted. A decade later the surviving groups are reclaiming their names and legacies.
On “Life Goes On”, Onew Remembers His Rooftop Dreams
As a teen, SHINee’s Onew would sing on his company’s rooftop. Fifteen years later with the release of his first Japanese album, he’s still heeding the lessons he learned there.
[INTERVIEW] XENZU’s Sassy “Jelly” Ignites a Post-Pop Movement.
XENZU a force to be reckoned from China. With “Jelly”, she wants her fans to embrace self-love and confidence.

