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….
How Taeyang Created a Modern Classic
Ten years ago today, Taeyang released “Eyes, Nose, Lips”, a ballad that would become career defining for him and for a new generation of male vocalists.
Kai Caden and Brynne Are Bringing NEXT WORLD Everywhere
The collective’s mission is to empower and train artists. As a result, they’ve built one of the strongest artist-led communities in music.
Micah Yoo Takes the Lead
The singer-songwriter grapples with how to love and be loved on his debut EP “Yellow”. He hopes you see yourself in his stories.
BNZA Debuts New Project Band ben seasons
With his indie band ben seasons, BNZA explores a new genre — and proves he’s still unmatched as a musician.
MONSTA X’s Provocative Portrayal of Masculinity
In the 9 years since debut, MONSTA X have become a rare thing: A K-Pop group that is submervisive.
Orion Song Is Finding His Path
Orion Song describes himself as a “conscious R&B Asian American artist.” He’s just now begun to see how that means his music can be healing.
The Punk Defiance of 2NE1
The group debuted in 2009 with scathing comments about their looks and style. Fifteen years later, the group stands as a symbol of defiance and personal autonomy.
15 Asian Musicians Who You Should Be Listening To, Right Now
Asian Heritage Month is a great opportunity to spotlight the dynamic work of Asian musicians. But these independent artists deserve your support year-round.
What Is Driving The Hate Against LE SSERAFIM?
LE SSERAFIM was once one of the top girl groups in K-Pop. Then the trolls came for them.
Blish Is Transforming His Trauma Into Art
The Korean producer makes his debut as a singer-songwriter with the album “Wanderland”. The work, he says, covers the most traumatic time of his life.
On His New Single, Bobo.Xx Fires Up the Kerosene
The punk singer rejects conformity and looks back at his trailblazing career with the new song “Kerosene”.
Juju B. Goode Curates K-Oldies and Goodies on “GOODE radio”
Live from LA’s Koreatown, Juju B. Goode and Saké by the Water present a collage of soul, jazz and overlooked Korean tunes.
Is TOMORROW X TOGETHER Growing Up?
On their latest EP, “minisode 3: TOMORROW”, the group charts a turbulent road to adulthood.
The Meaning of Jonghyun’s Stories
A new look at Jonghyun’s poignant stories in celebration of what would have been the singer’s thirty-fourth birthday.
Why RIIZE’s Seunghan Deserves Justice
As RIIZE gears up for a new comeback and their first tour, Seunghan continues to be excluded from group activities.
Rina Sawayama’s Bold Advocacy for Women in Music
Misogyny in the music Industry is “an endemic”. Rina Sawayama wants to change that.
MONSTA X Bet Big on An English Album. Then K-Pop Exploded.
In early 2020, MONSTA X released their first English language album in a bid for North American success. Why is it still overlooked?
How JAE KIM Is Creating His Own Brand of K-Pop
A lifelong fan of K-Pop, the Toronto-based musician is capturing viewers attention on TikTok and creating cathartic music that blends pop and R&B.
Why Roman Kayz’s “trilogy” Will Still Break Your Heart, One Year Later
Released in 2023, Roman Kayz’s “trilogy” represented a turning point in the singer’s life and became his most honest music to date. The second edition of The Reissues Project examines why.
(G)I-DLE’s Radical Refusal to Conform
Political records have never belonged in K-Pop. But (G)I-DLE are pushing back with an album aimed at misogyny and the repression of women.