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….
Dru Chen Is Turning The Mirror On Himself
The singer-songwriter has been recording thoughtful, soulful music for over a decade. Now, at an artistic peak, Chen is looking back at a brilliant catalog with the first major, in-depth interview of his career.
How Orion Song Found His Voice Making “Time Machine”
Singer-songwriter Orion Song wanted to produce an EP that celebrated R&B’s history and sound. In the process, he found his artistic voice.
f(x) Influenced a New Generation of K-Pop. Why Are They Not Remembered?
The group debuted fifteen years ago today and quickly transformed K-Pop. But in an industry that prioritizes innovation, the group’s albums remain out of print and their music is rarely written about.
G. Nine Is Creating a New Future Classic
His last EP Closure was a surprise success. Now G. Nine is moving quickly to expand his audience — and cement his artistry with “Bad News”.
Roman Kayz Returns with an Electric “Fallout”
Roman Kayz has never sounded as charismatic or as bold as he does on “Fallout”. Here the new single now.
For brynne, a Viral Single Is Thanks to Friendship and Luck
“why do i still see u?” was never supposed to be brynne’s first viral single. But through a supportive group of friends and hard work, he’s reached 100k streams.
semmi Debuts. Finally.
semmi’s debut single “armageddon” is a year in the making and a pop punk masterpiece.
Jaie Takes the Plunge
Following one of the darkest periods of her life, Jaie turned to music and created her debut album, “Night Swim”.
beabaoodee and NIKI Are Tired of Being Strong Girls
Across two new albums, beabadoobee and NIKI use their distinct brands of storytelling to turn the mirror back to themselves. The results are nothing short of compelling.
What Home Means to Sam Kim
In 2016, a 17-year old Sam Kim debuted with an EP that made him a prodigy. Today, his search for home and the meaning of his Korean American identity still resonates.
KISS OF LIFE’s “Sticky” is the Vibe for a Hot, Sweaty Summer
Summer is a scorcher, and so are these five tracks from API artists, both independent musicians and idols from K-Pop.
How keshi Influenced a New Generation of Asian American Artists
keshi’s music has never fit the mold for Asian artists. Now, with his second album on the horizon, a new generation is following his lead.
THE PLAYLIST: keshi’s Big Swing For Mainstream Success
Five new tracks by API artists to stream right now, including brynne’s “CPR” and Sarah Kinsley’s “Starling”
How Sarah Kang Remembers Falling in Love
Sarah Kang makes beauty and poetry out of everyday matters. On her debut album, she wrote about love as she remembered it.
JUNNY Is Pushing the Boundaries of K-Pop
From Korea, the singer discusses why his new EP “dopamine” is his most experimental work yet and how he’s become a leader for Asian Americans in music.
3 Minutes That Will Make You Love TAEYEON
As the leader of Girls’ Generation, TAEYEON has become one of the most influential idols in K-Pop. Here’s a sampling of what makes her so great.
The Playlist: Can BLACKPINK’s LISA Teach Us Japanese?
Five new tracks by API artists to stream right now, including AleXa’s “distraction” and HOHYUN’s “Today”.
On “Nicole”, NIKI Wanted Us To Feel It All
For the latest Reissues Project story, I look back at “Nicole”, an album that NIKI wrote for her younger self. But it’s themes of of self-worth and heartbreak resonate far beyond teenage years.
HOHYUN’s First Headlining Concert Is A Moment Five Years in the Making
Billed as a visual experience for his debut album “DRAMA.”, the concert was a fiery debut for the singer-songwriter.
On “Mediocre At Best”, Pluto Koi Is Packing Up His Insecurities
Pluto Koi used to be known as a hopeless romantic. Now he wants you a more complex version of himself.