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?
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.
Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed
Bouncing back after a challenging year, keshi gave a ferocious performance that jolted life back into his second album Requiem.
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
Rina Sawayama Deserves to Headline Lollapalooza
Meet the pop star with the best set at Lollapalooza: Rina Sawayama
TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Triumphant, Headlining Return to Lollapalooza
A year after TXT’s career-defining performance at Lollapalooza, the group returns as headliners.
At Lollapalooza, The Rose Gives Fans Their Flowers
The Rose performed two very different, brilliant sets at Lollapalooza Thursday and Friday night.
NewJeans’ Powerful Stateside Debut at Lollapalooza
NewJeans’ North American debut will likely go down in history as a career defining performance for the group.
BNZA’s Sublime New Single “U”
BNZA’s back — with a new single each month till the end of the year.
After a Rebrand, BBGIRLS Are Back As K-Pop’s Reigning Summer Queens
BBGIRLS debut with their new single. It’s their first since rebranding from Brave Girls.
KCON Announces Special Stages and WONYOUNG, RAIN, and Bang Chan as MCs
KCON announced several new additions to their stacked festival, as well as released new tickets due to high demand.
Your Guide to Lollapalooza and Chicago’s K-Pop Weekend
Superstars TOMORROW X Together will headline Lollapalooza, alongside a stacked lineup of K-Pop and AAPI artists. This guide covers who to see and some of the best K-Pop events in Chicagoland.
On “Losing My Grip”, Milky Day Takes a Sharp Turn
New Zealand-Korean singer-songwriter Milky Day releases his most unsettling single to date, “Losing My Grip”. The song offers listeners a new side to Milky.
ABOUT Plunges Into the Deep End of “Fortunate Islands”
Recorded during the height of pandemic lockdowns and released in the winter of 2020, the double album “Fortunate Islands” is ABOUT’s most conceptual, challenging project to date.
BoA Has Nothing to Apologize For
Recently, BoA has leaned into her artistic instincts and abandoned a desire to create hits. The results are the most satisfying - and surprising - of her career
The Assembler: Chillmonday’s Experimental Music
UK based singer-producer Chillmonday has spent the last five years immersing himself in the best music Europe has to offer. Now he’s ready to share what he’s learned.
Can NewJeans Become Global Superstars?
A year ago, NewJeans transformed K-Pop. Now the pressure is on to do it again.
Hyo3 Returns with YUNG CHENS for the Single “RIP”
The independent singer’s new single “RIP” is a collaboration with Korean rapper Yung Chen.
On Their New Album “HARD”, SHINee Continues to Reinvent Themselves
SHINee’s back! On “HARD” the group excels at expanding the experimental music they pioneered in K-Pop throughout the 2010s.
How Rain Introduced K-Pop to the West
Though critics didn’t understand him, Rain’s two night concert in New York in 2006 shaped how K-Pop would retool itself for the next decade in an effort to succeed in the West.
Dreams Meet Reality in Devyn’s New Single “MOON”
Ready to ascend? Devyn’s new single “MOON” is the most transcendent song you’ll hear all summer.
Milky Day and Denise Julia’s New Single “Let Me” Is Perfect For Your Late Night Drives
The new collaboration between Milky Day, a Korean-New Zealand singer-songwriter, and Denise Julia, a Filipino pop star, is one of the dreamiest you’ll hear this year.
Townewest’s Jonum Wants To Change Your Perception of Boy Bands
Producer, musician, curator: Jonum’s ingenious music is shaping the sound of the LA underground. “I’ve always had an open mind and never boxed myself in as a producer or engineer,” he says in this exclusive interview.
Releasing “RECORD OF YOUTH”, GreatGuys Are Grateful To Be Here
In this exclusive interview, GreatGuys reflect on their six years together, their new single “LUV LUV LUV” and their debut.