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….
Townewest’s Bittersweet Summer
On their debut album “before it’s too late”, Townewest want you to relive your best — and worst — summer memories.
Beomhan’s Not Afraid of the Future
In his first interview since becoming an independent artist, the singer reflects on his biggest challenge yet: Believing in himself.
RAIN Announces “THE RAIN 2023 Still Raining” North American Tour
For the first time in sixteen years, the K-Pop superstar will hold two concerts in North America.
Key’s Journey Towards Self-Love on “Good & Great”
On his second mini-album, SHINee’s Key reminds us why he’s one of the best artists working today. Period.
Why G-Dragon’s “COUP D’ETAT” Is a Modern Classic
G-Dragon was not the first Korean to attempt to break into the American music industry, but his effort was the boldest. Ten years later, the album is still a force.
On “Running Off The Track (ROTT)”, Bobo.Xx Finds Freedom in the Pain
Rock star, photographer and trailblazer, Bobo.Xx releases a new single that embraces the mess of it all.
Juju B. Goode Wants to Introduce You to Mr. Lee
Korean singer-songwriter Juju B. Goode dug deep into the sounds of K-Pop’s past and his own history to create a new persona: Mr. Lee
How Milky Day Created His Most Honest Music Yet With “Impulses”
Known for his self-affirming singles, musician and producer Milky Day pushed himself further than ever before on his debut EP “Impulses”. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down how he did it.
BZ-Boys Release Their First Mini-album “OUTLAW”
Once believing it was impossible, BZ-Boys have defied the odds and released their debut mini-album following a successful year of “firsts”.
At KCON Day 1, An Icon and 4th Generation Leaders Take the Stage
Several K-Pop groups made their North American debut at KCON, while Taemin performed for the first time as a soloist.
Jimmy Brown Wants To Talk About Love on His “Like the First Time” Tour
In this exclusive interview, Jimmy Brown talks about his upcoming North American tour and why love is such an important theme in his music.
At KCON Day 2, Past and Present K-Pop Collides
Hosted by MC Rain, Saturday nights’ KCON brought together a new generation of K-Pop with the industry heavyweights.
The Future of K-Pop Was At Lollapalooza
After decades of being ignored, K-Pop took over last weekend’s Lollapalooza with performances that will likely change the trajectory of the genre.
eaJ Announces His First North American Tour
Following the best work of his career with the “insomnia” trilogy, eaJ is headlining his first tour.
DPR IAN Announces New EP “Dear Insanity…” and Lead Single “Peanut Butter & Tears”
Ahead of two major festival performances, DPR IAN returns with “Peanut Butter & Tears”.
DPR LIVE + DPR IAN’s Electrifying Lollapalooza Set
DPR LIVE + DPR IAN’s joint set at Lollapalooza felt like a pre-cursor to a major breakthrough coming for both artists.
Rina Sawayama Deserves to Headline Lollapalooza
Meet the pop star with the best set at Lollapalooza: Rina Sawayama
TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Triumphant, Headlining Return to Lollapalooza
A year after TXT’s career-defining performance at Lollapalooza, the group returns as headliners.
At Lollapalooza, The Rose Gives Fans Their Flowers
The Rose performed two very different, brilliant sets at Lollapalooza Thursday and Friday night.
NewJeans’ Powerful Stateside Debut at Lollapalooza
NewJeans’ North American debut will likely go down in history as a career defining performance for the group.