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….
EXO’s “The First Snow” Is No. 1 — Ten Years After It’s Release
Why did a Christmas B-side from 2013 became the smash hit of the season? A TikTok dance challenge had something to do with it.
Pluto Koi Writes Love Songs for Everyone
The singer-songwriter once denied being a hopeless romantic. Now he’s embracing the term — and writing about all forms of love.
K-Pop’s Highs and Lows in 2023
A look back at the biggest stories and trends of the year.
You’re Witnessing the Rise of G. Nine
After years of experimentation, the Korean singer-songwriter has found his place in music. But he says, “I'm not entirely satisfied with where I am right now. I know there's more to explore and accomplish as an artist.”
Meet The Rising Stars Class of 2023
A look back at some of the most promising artists profiled on Bias Wrecker this year.
The Best Independent Releases of 2023
Ten albums or tracks that come from the bold vision of independent artists featured on Bias Wrecker in 2023.
For Bobo.Xx’s First Show at the Forum, He Painted a Constellation
“My mentality now is I wanna show everyone what I can do, break boundaries and conquer those new challenges for future generations to be even better than I am,” the rock star says following his opening slot for The Rose.
On Validating Sulli’s Pain
In the two part special “Persona: Sulli”, the late singer discusses in harrowing detail the trauma she experienced in the public eye.
On “Smile! You’re On Camera”, Juju B. Goode Chooses Adventure
The singer-songwriter and producer’s debut album reinterprets K-Pop from his childhood, and defies categorization.
No, Seunghan Shouldn’t Apologize.
The idol cited a heavy mental burden and sense of responsibility as the reason for his departure. But he shouldn’t have to leave.
Eric Nam and The Rose’s Dueling Perspectives
On a dual track to artisitc freedom, Eric Nam and The Rose release two imaginative new albums.
Outsiders in K-Pop? WayV Relishes in the Freedom
Chinese idols rarely find the same success as their Korean counterparts. With “On My Youth”, WayV navigate their own lane.
ZEROBASEONE Inch Closer to Superstardom on “Melting Point”
Boys Planet was a pop culture phenomenon. Can ZB1 build momentum with “Melting Point”?
The Thrilling Return of Taemin
“Guilty” is Taemin’s first EP since returning from the military. He’s as daring as ever — and has much more to say.
jason chu’s Music Is For the Next Generation
Rapper and activist jason chu creates music that explores Asian American history and identity. “I’m very aware of where I stand in history,” he says in this interview.
Amber Liu Announces “No More Sad Songs” 2024 Tour
Amber Liu’s tour is her first in North America in nearly three years and supports new music.
On “I’VE MINE”, IVE Invite Us Into Their World
IVE experiment with new sounds and reveal, just slightly, a more authentic side of themselves.
Does North American Success Matter For TOMORROW X TOGETHER?
After two big attempts for North American success with mixed results, TOMORROW X TOGETHER move to new career heights.
“WHO’S NEXT” Proves BNZA is MVP
The single is BNZA’s third this year, and accelerates his moves as one of the best rising musicians in Canada.
HOHYUN Wants You to Know You’re Not Alone
HOHYUN was plagued by self-doubt for years. “But I’ve realized when you feel like giving up, it's the most important time to not give up,” he says in this interview.