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….
Lucas Wong Wants a Second Chance. Will Fans Allow It?
After serious accusations sent the idol on hiatus in 2021, he’s re-emerged with an apology and a documentary. But questions about the truth remain.
jstnwng Is Creating His Own Lane
From his bedroom in Pittsburgh, PA, jstnwng has created alt-pop music that’s gaining traction on streaming. But his next move is a calculated risk.
Female Idols Don’t Owe You An Apology
Why did a 23-year-old idol release a handwritten apology to fans? Because she is dating a famous actor.
With New Single “Underneath”, DEVYN Wants You To Look Closer
The alt-pop star returns with a comeback that is her most experimental and freeing to date.
The Reissues Project: The Cool Confidence of BNZA’s “Soul Tree”
Released in 2020, BNZA’s debut album introduced a singer unmatched in charisma, confidence and songwriting.
Peach Luffe Wants To See How Far This Can Go
His unique blend of folk, alternative and pop music has singled him out as an artist to watch. But Peach Luffe is just grateful to be here.
brynne Is Championing the Next Generation of Artists
As President of NEXT WORLD Collective, the singer is creating space for young creatives to succeed while managing his own rising solo career.
Townewest Aim Sky High with “ENERGY GAVE ME A CHANCE”
Townewest’s hip-hop influenced comeback continues to challenge and innovate the group.
Meet XTIE, the Pop Star Reshaping the Music Industry
She’s one of the few self-made pop stars from Hong Kong, but XTIE is now on her way to becoming a supernova in global pop stardom.
TXT’s Soobin Debuts with the Tender Cover “Forest”
TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s leader debuts with a solo cover from Choi Yuree that captures his empathy.
On “Next Life”, Bobo.Xx Explores a New Theme: Vulnerability
A rockstar can only stay ferocious for so long. On “Next Life”, Bobo.Xx tries something new: Showing his feelings.
A Farewell in a Room Full of Love at Sarah Kang’s “Hopeless Romantic” NYC Show
The singer’s New York show is her last, for a while, before she becomes a mother.
Milky Day Announces His First North American Tour
After a stellar year in streaming, the singer brings his “Impulses” tour to five cities in Canada and the U.S.
Sarah Kang Brings Her “Hopeless Romantic” Tour to New York’s LPR This Sunday
Kang’s tour is the last before she takes time off to focus on her family. While tickets are sold out, a waitlist is available for all ticket tiers.
The Simmering Politics of (G)I-DLE’s “Wife”
The group’s provocative single is a sharp missile wrapped inside a bubble gum package.
Song of the Winter? It Belongs to RIIZE’s “Love 119”
The SM rookie group balances nostalgic flourishes and the pangs of first love in their latest comeback.
With “Minimal”, Towenewest Continue to Experiment
The innovative boy band is back with a new single and an appetite for pushing their music to the edge of pop.
BOYNEXTDOOR Won K-Pop’s Award Season
In a season full of painstakingly choreographed stages, BOYNEXTDOOR stood apart simply by being themselves.
Jessica Jung and Amber Liu’s Unexpected Collaboration
In Jessica Jung and Amber Liu’s new single “Get It? Got It? Good” two outcasts from K-Pop come together to find common ground in new beginnings.
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.