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….
Away From The K-Pop Machine, ONEW Is His Own Maestro
The singer begins his first North American tour on April 24th, and over the past year, has released the most freewheeling music of his career.
brynne Wasn’t Supposed To Make This Album
For months, brynne has been working on a project that has a strikingly independent and experimental sound. But is he ready to release a debut album into the world?
The Mad Scientist: Hikaru Utada’s ‘SCIENCE FICTION’, Reviewed
Hikaru Utada’s twenty-five year retrospective project SCIENCE FICTION makes a case for the singer being one of Japan’s most forward-thinking, experimental artists.
There Is No Limit for C.Y. Ing
The singer walked away from pursuing a career in music in 2024. Now he’s ready to talk about why it was important to forge his own path.
“Requiem” Tests The Limits of keshi’s Power
Requiem was supposed to shoot keshi into superstardom. How far has it taken him?
brynne Isn’t Quite Ready To Leave Behind His Hometown
On his new single “hometown”, brynne admits that he’s scared to grow up.
HOHYUN’s Houston Homecoming
HOHYUN’s first hometown show in Houston was a homecoming and a reconnection with his past.
Don’t Disturb BNZA’s Peace
In a new interview, the R&B singer reflects on his “hectic” year and a fresh single about taking time for yourself. "It’s a song about keeping your inner peace,” he says.
Being An Outsider Didn’t Silence hevel. It Empowered Them.
Growing up, the Korean musician was taught to never express their emotions. For their forthcoming album, hevel does the exact opposite.
A Re-Introduction From AVENU, Three Years in the Making
The multi-faceted artist’s journey from filmmaker to musician was a winding path. For his forthcoming EP, AVENU has found his vision.
A Triumphant Return for BIGBANG and G-DRAGON
Nearly a decade after their last performance together, BIGBANG returns more resilient than ever.
As Kep1er Celebrates a Billboard Debut, A New Era Begins
Their sixth EP “TIPI-TAP” offers a new sound and an intriguing pivot for a group who has outlasted many project groups.
Bobo.Xx Knows This Pain Will Be Useful One Day
In a new interview, the singer opens up for the first time about the lifelong challenges that inspired his punchy new single “TELL ME WHY”.
Anxieties and Strange Vibes Abound. Dru Chen and Juju B. Goode Can Help.
Two forward thinking independent artists release fresh takes on love, loneliness, and anxiety.
For 82MAJOR, Success Is Built Off of Friendship and Hard Work
In a new interview, the group discusses their second mini album X-82 and how their friendship makes them an unstoppable rookie group.
How Nicole Han Transformed Her Heartbreak Into Empowerment
Nicole Han’s first EP was “sad girl” songs. Her new music reflects a newfound freedom and power.
VANNER Soar to New Heights with “BURN”
Five years after their debut, VANNER notches a hit single and their first music show win.
The K-Pop Industry Will Never Change
After Seunghan's removal from RIIZE, how at fault are K-Pop's toxic fandoms?
On Witnessing CHA EUN-WOO’s Pain
After Moonbin’s death, ASTRO’s Cha Eun-Woo wrote an EP titled “Entity” to remember him. Can grief and darker emotions find a place in K-Pop?
“Escaper” Is The Electrifying Debut Sarah Kinsley Deserves
Her new album is a singular force that proves there are so few artists making music as audacious and bold as Sarah Kinsley.