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….
BNZA’s Sublime New Single “U”
BNZA’s back — with a new single each month till the end of the year.
After a Rebrand, BBGIRLS Are Back As K-Pop’s Reigning Summer Queens
BBGIRLS debut with their new single. It’s their first since rebranding from Brave Girls.
KCON Announces Special Stages and WONYOUNG, RAIN, and Bang Chan as MCs
KCON announced several new additions to their stacked festival, as well as released new tickets due to high demand.
Your Guide to Lollapalooza and Chicago’s K-Pop Weekend
Superstars TOMORROW X Together will headline Lollapalooza, alongside a stacked lineup of K-Pop and AAPI artists. This guide covers who to see and some of the best K-Pop events in Chicagoland.
On “Losing My Grip”, Milky Day Takes a Sharp Turn
New Zealand-Korean singer-songwriter Milky Day releases his most unsettling single to date, “Losing My Grip”. The song offers listeners a new side to Milky.
ABOUT Plunges Into the Deep End of “Fortunate Islands”
Recorded during the height of pandemic lockdowns and released in the winter of 2020, the double album “Fortunate Islands” is ABOUT’s most conceptual, challenging project to date.
BoA Has Nothing to Apologize For
Recently, BoA has leaned into her artistic instincts and abandoned a desire to create hits. The results are the most satisfying - and surprising - of her career
The Assembler: Chillmonday’s Experimental Music
UK based singer-producer Chillmonday has spent the last five years immersing himself in the best music Europe has to offer. Now he’s ready to share what he’s learned.
Can NewJeans Become Global Superstars?
A year ago, NewJeans transformed K-Pop. Now the pressure is on to do it again.
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.