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”.
Growing up, the Korean musician was taught to never express their emotions. For their forthcoming album, hevel does the exact opposite.
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.
The multi-faceted artist’s journey from filmmaker to musician was a winding path. For his forthcoming EP, AVENU has found his vision.
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
B.K Studied K-Pop’s Greatest Stars. Now He’s Ready To Be One.
Atlanta’s BK spent years studying from the best in K-Pop. Now he’s ready to show how far he can go.
GEMINI on Inspirations and What To Expect at the “Still Blue” Tour
On the heels of his first North American tour, GEMINI talks about the inspirations for his first album “Still Blue” and what fans can expect from his tour.
BOBO.XX and Tablo Collaborate on the “Crazy Skater Punk” Single “Pain”
BOBO.XX and Tablo, two dynamos working on the peripheral of the K-Pop industry drop their first collaboration together this Friday.
SHINee’s Key is the Anti-Hero of K-Pop
Armed with a repackaged album named “KILLER”, SHINee’s Key reminds us that the most complicated heroes are often the best.
P1Harmony Make History As the First K-Pop Group to Play Nashville’s Opry House
For their first time in Nashville, P1Harmony came as winners and proved K-Pop can go anywhere.
[INTERVIEW] JUNNY On Why The Upcoming ‘blanc’ Tour Inspires Him
In this exclusive interview, Junny chats about his upcoming tour and the diverse musical influences that led him to find his voice.
The Visionary Work of SHINee’s Taemin
Before enlisting in the military, SHINee’s Taemin released several masterful albums and challenged every perception we had of him.
How GOT7’s Jinyoung Found His Voice on “Chapter 0: WITH”
Jinyoung’s debut solo EP solidifies a shift that the actor began years ago towards an artist who takes challenging work. Here, he let the questions of growing older linger.
The Joys of Seeing N.Flying’s “DWUW” Tour
Ten years after their formation, N.Flying arrives Stateside for their first North American tour.
The Trials and Bravery of LOONA
In June, LOONA announced their first world tour. Five months later their most popular member would be kicked out and nine members would file to terminate their contracts. What happened?
JUNNY's 'blanc' tour is back for an encore.
After successfully completing the first 11 dates of his ‘blanc’ North American tour, Junny will return this February for more.
GEMINI Will Tour North America For the First Time This Spring
Korean R&B singer GEMINI will embark on his first North American tour this spring. He will travel to ten cities beginning March 16.
Meet the K-Pop Groups Taking Aim at the Genre’s “Manufactured” Stereotypes
K-Pop has encountered decades of accusations that the genre is manufactured. But three groups are challenging this notion— and at times turning it on it’s head.
The Year K-Pop’s 2nd Generation Groups Reclaimed Their Legacies
K-Pop’s second generation groups were given no creative control when they debuted. A decade later the surviving groups are reclaiming their names and legacies.
On “Life Goes On”, Onew Remembers His Rooftop Dreams
As a teen, SHINee’s Onew would sing on his company’s rooftop. Fifteen years later with the release of his first Japanese album, he’s still heeding the lessons he learned there.
[INTERVIEW] XENZU’s Sassy “Jelly” Ignites a Post-Pop Movement.
XENZU a force to be reckoned from China. With “Jelly”, she wants her fans to embrace self-love and confidence.
[INTERVIEW]: Loopy’s “Departed” Tour Begins a New Chapter.
The “Departed” tour, which soon travels to North America, represents a change for the rapper: “This is a new me.”
From “ACE” to “CHASE”: How Minho Concluded The SHINee Plagiarism Series
Eight years after SHINee’s Taemin released his first debut album “ACE”, Minho concludes a series that each SHINee member contributed to.
[INTERVIEW]: THE FAKER CLUB Wants Their Art to Heal You.
“We’re liars. We’re so mischievous,” HELLO GLOOM tells me in this exclusive interview about one of the most exciting labels to emerge from South Korea, headed by two former idols.
Growing Older with Jay B and Jinyoung’s JJ Project
In celebration of Jay B’s first European tour, I’m writing about some of his best eras. This week we are revisiting JJ Project, a unique group with GOT7’s Jinyoung that explored the concept of youth — and growing older.