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.

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?

TEEN TOP’S NIEL TAKES CONTROL

NIEL never had time to think about what kind of artist he wanted to be. Now as a CEO of his own company, the singer has the freedom to find out.

the rookies

In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.

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.

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.

Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed

critically speaking

Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.

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.

NewJeans Was the Future of K-Pop. Can KATSEYE Revolutionize That Vision?

A year ago, HYBE’s flagship girl group NewJeans declared war on the company. Now, a new girl group is looking to conceptualize HYBE’s vision for K-Pop without the “K”.

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

With ‘NOW Project’, MONSTA X Comes Full Circle 
Michael H Michael H

With ‘NOW Project’, MONSTA X Comes Full Circle 

To celebrate their tenth anniversary, the group released a digital album with re-recordings of music made while their leader SHOWNU enlisted in the military. The new music shows how transgressive MONSTA X has become since debut.

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Lyle Kam’s Catharsis Chasing Recollections
Michael H Michael H

Lyle Kam’s Catharsis Chasing Recollections

After six years of releasing music, Kam wondered how he could outdo himself. The result is a new EP, out next week, titled re:collections. “Every song could be a single,” he says in this interview.

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There Is No Limit for C.Y. Ing
Michael H Michael H

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.

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Don’t Disturb BNZA’s Peace
Michael H Michael H

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.

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