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.
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
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.
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.
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”.
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….
Hyo3 Returns with YUNG CHENS for the Single “RIP”
The independent singer’s new single “RIP” is a collaboration with Korean rapper Yung Chen.
On Their New Album “HARD”, SHINee Continues to Reinvent Themselves
SHINee’s back! On “HARD” the group excels at expanding the experimental music they pioneered in K-Pop throughout the 2010s.
How Rain Introduced K-Pop to the West
Though critics didn’t understand him, Rain’s two night concert in New York in 2006 shaped how K-Pop would retool itself for the next decade in an effort to succeed in the West.
Dreams Meet Reality in Devyn’s New Single “MOON”
Ready to ascend? Devyn’s new single “MOON” is the most transcendent song you’ll hear all summer.
Milky Day and Denise Julia’s New Single “Let Me” Is Perfect For Your Late Night Drives
The new collaboration between Milky Day, a Korean-New Zealand singer-songwriter, and Denise Julia, a Filipino pop star, is one of the dreamiest you’ll hear this year.
Townewest’s Jonum Wants To Change Your Perception of Boy Bands
Producer, musician, curator: Jonum’s ingenious music is shaping the sound of the LA underground. “I’ve always had an open mind and never boxed myself in as a producer or engineer,” he says in this exclusive interview.
Releasing “RECORD OF YOUTH”, GreatGuys Are Grateful To Be Here
In this exclusive interview, GreatGuys reflect on their six years together, their new single “LUV LUV LUV” and their debut.
Griffy’s Heartfelt Pop Songs Are For Everyone
Singer-songwriter Griffy left classical composition school to make pop music. He found his voice a storyteller along the way.
Bobo.Xx Is The First Asian American Rockstar
The transgressive artist created his own path through music and photography. “I wanted to break through the stereotype, and show a different side of Asian Americans,” he says in this exclusive interview.
GreatGuys Celebrate Their Anniversary with “RECORD OF YOUTH”
GreatGuys, an 8 member idol group, return on June 18th with a new mini-album and fresh concept.
B.I. Swings Hard For Greatness on “TO DIE FOR”
B.I. returns with his boldest work yet, mixing R&B, hip-hop and pop together for one of the wildest rides of the year.
Indie Wonderkid adore Releases New Single “Antics”
adore’s new single explores the end of a relationship and reminds us why he’s one of the most talented, undiscovered artists working in Korea.
It’s Jae Fontane’s Time
19-year-old Minnesota musician Jae Fontane deferred college to chase his dream. Armed with his mentors’ and fans’ support, he’s betting that he will succeed.
Keydom and Shoku Collaborate For the First Time on “MORE TIME”
The two musicians, who are part of the independent music collective EXPOSITION, dropped their new single “MORE TIME” today.
Roman Kayz Found His Voice. He Wants To Tell You About It.
As one of the most talented singer-songwriters to emerge in music, Roman Kayz experimented to find his sound. A musical trilogy allowed him to make his most authentic work to date.
Jimmy Brown Announces “Like The First Time: North American Tour”
As K-R&B’s popularity surges in North America, Jimmy Brown has announced a headlining tour with close friend and collaborator Rovv.
Why Milky Day Could Be The Next Big Thing in Music
Rising star Milky Day has been creating music from his bedroom for years. But he’s on the verge of a breakthrough.
Why XG Is a New Kind of Global Girl Group
As K-Pop expands, new groups are emerging that feature members of several different identities. XG, a seven member girl group from Japan, is leading the charge.
On “ICKY”, KARD Refuse to Be Conventional
A co-ed K-Pop group shouldn’t be unusual in K-Pop. But KARD are breaking boundaries with their new mini-album “ICKY”.
Semmi Wants His Music to Heal You
Korean American Semmi hasn’t even debuted yet. But he has a hell of a story to share behind his first single “RIP”.