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”.
From Singapore, the singer discusses a prolific decade-long career and why he’s just now reaching his artistic peak.
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.
the reissues project
A new series offering a second look at overlooked music released by Asian artists.
the rookies
In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.
The singer-songwriter grapples with how to love and be loved on his debut EP “Yellow”. He hopes you see yourself in his stories.
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.
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.
Roman Kayz has never sounded as charismatic or as bold as he does on “Fallout”. Hear the new single now.
critically speaking
Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.
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.
The Simmering Politics of (G)-IDLE’s “Wife”
The group’s provocative new single is a sharp missile wrapped inside a bubble gum package.
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
infinite scroll
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.
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.