TOMORROW X TOGETHER has kept their momentum. This new album brings some serious game and has quite deep themes as well. The loss of love, the confusion of life, and trying not to fall for someone–TXT gives it all to us in The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE.
1. Anti-Romantic 10/10
This song is a great opener to the album. It’s rare to hear a song about not wanting to fall in love. “Anti-Romantic” is all about straying from the feels and staying level headed. Check out some of these lyrics:
I don’t know who loves me
And I don’t care, it’s a waste anyway
We find out from the song that they have been hurt in the past by relationships, and just are over the tears they’re left with. However, the chorus admits that “My entire heart burns” but “I’m afraid.” Haven’t we all been in a spot where we were afraid to fall for someone? “Anti-Romantic” is just that.
2. 0x1=lovesong (i know i love you) 10/10
This song is one to loop, for sure! The melody is a bit more rock than I’ve normally heard from TXT. However, it stays on brand for their quality and catchy choruses. The lyrics portray a feeling of lovesickness. I love the line, “I’m a loser in this game” because love truly can feel like that! TXT’s songs are not only great to bop to, but they have relatable lyrics and that’s a big part of their appeal. I’m also impressed by how they keep stretching their sound, and reinventing themselves in different genres.
3. Magic 8/10
Coming to the world with this all English jam, “Magic” is such a fun song. With a groovy beat and retro vibes, I can imagine the members dancing to this in 70s themed clothes. “Magic” even includes an anthem at the end– “Everybody clap your hands, if you got a broken heart just take a chance!” Who doesn’t want to yell that at the top of their lungs on a car ride?
4. Ice Cream 6/10
On brand for a near summer release, “Ice Cream” has a chill vibe. Despite the happy feel of the song, its lyrics actually keep with the theme of the album, which is heartbreak and the struggle bus of love. Check out some of these lyrics:
It’s like ice cream, everyone wants to be happy. I dreamed of it too, a cool dream, where everyone’s happy.
5. What If I Had Been That PUMA 6/10
“What If I Had Been That PUMA” is a song all about choices, and being jaded in the process. Lyrics like, “I’m at a crossroads” and “probability is fifty/fifty” allude to this theme. How do you decide between A and B? As young adults, TXT will be encountering these types of problem solving scenarios often, just like the rest of us have to do. The song is down to earth and reminds us of universal human issues. Here’s a few lines from the track:
In this tricky choice of palette, I don’t know my color. This continuous dilemma ends in the darkness. I need you to tell me if you feel the same. I need you to tell me…
6. No Rules 6/10
“No Rules” is such a bop! Lyrics like, “I just wanna dance until we can’t” is reflective of that youthful spirit TXT exudes in many of their tunes. This upbeat song really will make you want to get up and dance!
7. Dear Sputnik 7/10
“Dear Sputnik” has a bit of a more serious tone. It is about feelings of loneliness and then finding the one that makes your world turn. They are your orbit, and you glow around them. This catchy song is a keeper.
8. Frost 7/10
“Frost” has an unusual vibe and feels a bit edgier than the others. The rugged vocals are back from “0x1=lovesong (i know i love you).” This song has a deeper theme, involving loss and confusion. It ends the album on a bit of a depressed note, but one that brings us full circle and sticks to the album title. Take a peek at some of the words:
I’m in a confusion led by a name. Really lost my mind. What is my destiny? What? Answer, really.
Total 8/10
TOMORROW X TOGETHER returned with a solid album. I wouldn’t skip any of these songs. Something I especially appreciate about this album is that it not only has some strong melodies, but the lyrics are deep. You can really take the time to dissect each song message. And the great thing is, they’re relatable, too. Make sure to give this album a listen and support this amazing group.
—-E. Boyd
(Photo Credit: Rock Records)
NekoJam is a female electronic music group with four members hailing from Taiwan. “Neko” means cat in Japanese, and “Jam” refers to instrumental experimentation and improv.
NekoJam members have been good friends for over a decade, and have been making music together for years.
Since releasing their EP I Feel So Good in 2017, NekoJam has set a new standard for Taiwanese electronic pop music.
We thank the NekoJam members for this great interview and we wish them all the best in everything they do!
Hello. Thank you for your precious time. Introduce yourselves to our readers please.
Kim: I am a drummer.
Sandra: I’m a vocalist.
Molly: I’m a bassist, synthist, DJ and producer.
Ching: I’m a keyboardist.
Tell us about your musical sound and how you were first inspired to make music.
Kim: I was influenced by my parents, and I listened to Western rock music when I was young.
Sandra: I’ve always loved music since my early teenage days. Bands with vocals inspired me to become a singer: Garbage, The Cranberries, The Kills, Radiohead…
And then I met the girls and decided to sing for NekoJam.
Molly: Catchy dance music inspired by pop. I started my music journey when I was 4 years old, went from classical music to speed metal and then funk music to electronic music.
Ching: I started to learn piano when I was 5. Never thought I would continue my musical life with the “keyboard”. Pop music and curiosity inspired me to be one of the band members of Nekojam.
Name some of your fav artists/musicians who have inspired you.
Kim: Michael Jackson, DJ BT, The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, DJ Sasha, The Chemical Brothers, Galantis…
Sandra: So many. Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse, Daft Punk, Massive Attack, Clean Bandit, Arcade Fire, Death Cab for Cutie, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Celeste, Men I Trust, Elderbrook… Just to name a few.
Molly: MJ Cole, Disclosure, London Elektricity, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Tchami…
Ching: Bach, Oasis, Frente, Daft Punk, Disclosure…
How was your experience at SXSW 2021? And what do you like most about performing in general?
Kim: It was my first time performing in the temple. It felt very special. I thought it’s just like singing and playing in a church. The gods felt our passion and blessed us. I am honored to perform at SXSW 2021 Online.
Sandra: It was such a special experience to have played at the temple. A big thankyou to the crew that helped present us that way. What I love about performing most is being on stage with my gals and making the crowd happy and getting them on their feet dancing.
Molly: Had an epic moment played inside Monka Qingshan temple, I like playing our original music and getting feedback from the crowd.
Ching: I had lots of fun playing in front of gods, feeling safe and blessed. What I like most about performing is watching the audience smiling and dancing with our music.
Please recommend just one song by NekoJam that you’re the most attached to?
Kim: Bling Bling.
Sandra: Together.
Molly: Be Yourself.
Ching: Bling bling.
What kind of music are you into these days?
Kim: Spanish pop songs, Spanish rap songs.
Sandra: Electro, Soul.
Molly: U.K. Garage, Tech House, Bass House, Electro.
Ching: House, Electro.
What is the most prized possession that you own?
Kim: My healthy body.
Sandra: My BOSE speaker.
Molly: My cat? No, actually I’m her possession.
Ching: My dog.
(Left to right: Kim, Sandra, Molly, and Ching. Photo Credit: Rock Records)
What do you enjoy doing for leisure?
Kim: When I have free time, I like cooking, photography, traveling, listening to music, swimming, reading comics… Learning French, science, medical knowledge…
Sandra: Yoga, movies, reading, chilling with friends.
Molly: Jogging, spinning, baking, painting, reading, and DJing.
Ching: Aerial hoop, aerial yoga, walking the dog.
If you had to select one place/venue to perform at, where would it be and why?
Kim: I hope it can be in front of the pyramids in Egypt, because it is a world heritage site and it is very magnificent.
Sandra: Ibiza? Hahaha.
Molly: On the beaches in Bora Bora. I love having connections with oceans and small beautiful islands.
Ching: New Zealand. Watch animals watch us.
Who would you like to collaborate with and why?
Kim: Fiel, House combined with Spanish rap concert, I think it will be cool.
Sandra: Faye Wong. Because she’s my goddess.
Molly: Tchami, his music presents the modern music industry and brings lots of energy into every dance music scene.
Ching: Elvis Presley? Modern technology may realize my dream to make cool music with this handsome guy. Hahaha.
Let us know of your future goals and plans ahead.
Kim: After the epidemic is over, we can go to music festivals around the world and get to know talented musicians from all over the world.
Sandra: Staying safe and sound through this pandemic, being able to travel again and having gigs around the world.
Molly: Making new music at the moment, possibly releasing them soon. My goal is playing at different international music festivals and collaborating with cool talents around the world.
Ching: Staying at home. I hope the epidemic will pass quickly and we can start the next performance soon.
(Photo Credit: Bana Chen)
–J.Chung.
I thought green was the unwearable hair color until K-pop idols did it again, this time glamming in yellow. And not just a deep blonde or a faze and pinch of “yellow,” the literal basic yellow to neon yellow shade. The hair shade factor has gradually become a fashion statement oozing out an individual’s personality, uniqueness, style, and occasional moods portrayed to the ever eagerly awaiting fans. As a statement piece, the hair shades bestow an identity to the idols’ personal brand further promoting their musical creations. Sophistication and exceeding normality with every fashion piece makes idols stand out despite what it is paired with as it portrays their unmatchable ability of pulling together exceptional statement pieces. Consequently the icons’ trend status increases awarding them an advantage of maintaining power in the fashion and entertainment industry they ascribe to. Moreover, the statement pieces creates inspiration in particular idol’s diehards further increasing fan base capacity and overall idol success.
Quite a number of K-pop idols have ventured into the yellow hair challenge bringing out different overall looks that attracted diverse reactions from fans.
1. BTS’s J-hope
BTS band members are the most anticipated fashion trenders not only in the Asian peripheral but the world at large. The members’ king of style, J-hope, swept the frenzy fans off their feet in a yellow-shaded hair look during their debut for the “Butter” comeback. The smoothly blended yellow shade running from the roots to the ends of the hair matched and acted as a metaphor symbolizing the new single (Butter)’s lyrical content.
2. WINNER (위너)’s Mino
If you think you have seen all that the YG’s WINNER member Mino has to offer in terms of hair hue, you are in for a surprise. The star once again demonstrated his ability to go beyond expectations as he elegantly shone in mustard yellow-shaded hair after a substantial period of blondness.
3. GOT7’s Yungeom
GOT7’s tallest member Yungeom wowed the fans with a breathtaking new look primarily owing to the yellow hair. The dancing machine stood out from fellow members who also wore flamboyant colors according the brand fashion credit in the entertainment industry.
4. Sandara Park
The fashion diva and k-pop idol had fans streaming in her social account upon her provoking neon lemon hair tint stunt that impressively blended with her personality. The one-sided shaved part in natural black flawlessly fused with the long dazzling yellow-shaded hair birthing spontaneity and attention.
5. Red Velvet’s Joy
As usual, Joy anew exceeded our prospects by mortifying the two-shade trend in a blonde and yellow hair look. The light blonde hair stemming from the scalp craftfully blends into a neon yellow hair strands at mid-length to the ends. The beautifully straightened blonde bangs and the culled yellow ends clearly bring out the color difference between the two hues.
6. Blackpink’s Lisa
Blackpink’s queen Lisa is known for her iconic hairstyle with a fringe statement. The idol has however, compensated for the long-decade style through bold and bubbly hair colors giving her fresh new looks. During the four-girl band’s “Boombayah” debut, the diva wore a two-shaded hair of blonde from the roots and neon-yellow highlights fusing in from mid-length all through to the hair ends.
7. TXT’s Yeonjun
The TNT member, Yeonjun, mastered the art of playing beyond safe zone with a two-hue hair statement. The bleached hair roots that gracefully blended with yellow hair strands at mid-length outlining the vibrant splash of colors.
8. NCT’s Jaemin, Xiaojun and Winwin
The SM Entertainment’s South Korean boy group, NCT, has subunits whose members enjoy experimenting beyond the normal fashion expectations. Some of their members who have tried the yellow-hair challenge include Taeyong, Xiaojun and Winwin. Jaemin went for a full yellow version, all the way from the hair roots to the tips. Xiaojun rather further added some color and did a two-shaded look with light blonde from the hair roots which gracefully blended with yellow at mid-length. Winwin also decided to color clash; but with two bold colors, and went for a yellow shaded front (from the center) and a bright pink back.
9. Super Junior’s Eunhyuk
The bubbly Super Junior member, Eunhyuk, has always wowed his fans with overly bright and vibrant colors. This time, the idol went frenzy in a neon yellow hair shade.
10. BTS’s RM
The rap monster has shared with the fans diverse versions of himself in different hairstyles and hair hues. The aesthetic K-Pop band member has gone all wild from blonde to cotton candy hair colors always creating a frenzy in the k-entertainment industry. RM made yet another fashion statement with a neon yellow hue hair in one of their shoots. The yellow tint craftfully blended with the white-themed attires stunningly flaunting the BTS member’s fine facial complexion.
Who wore yellow best?
Of course, no one can beat J-hope whose facial framework and tone combined to create an amazing blend of color-merge. Despite his regular dying, J-hope’s hair looks absolutely healthy given that the yellow shade clearly showcases the streamline hair strands. The star’s hair appears smooth with a shade of yellow that perfectly matches the real cooking butter’s color hue. Hence, the smoothness and shade type indeed symbolizes and illustrates the particular single (Butter)’s lyrical content, making J-hope’s yellow hair most appropriate; lyrical-wise, and best worn.
Do you agree with our choices?
| BTS’s J-hope: | 32 votes |
| WINNER (위너)’s Mino: | 9 votes |
| GOT7’s Yungeom: | 7 votes |
| Sandara Park: | 4 votes |
| Velvet’s Joy: | 20 votes |
| Blackpink’s Lisa: | 24 votes |
| TNT’s Yeonjun: | 26 votes |
| NCT’s Jaemin, Xiaojun and Winwin: | 7 votes |
| Super Junior’s Eunhyuk: | 3 votes |
| BTS’s RM: | 17 votes |
—-P. Earlkh
JYP Entertainment has posted a statement regarding the school bullying allegations made against ITZY’s Lia.
In February, JYP Entertainment officially denied the school bullying allegations made by Lia’s middle school classmate, who posted a statement online that she was a victim of school violence perpetrated by ITZY member, Lia. The statement had been circulating online since 2018 under multiple nicknames.
A statement was posted with the title, “Victim of school violence perpetrated by a famous female idol born in 2000.”
And it went on to claim that she was classmates with the female idol in middle school who borrowed money without ever paying back, and made herself and other classmates outcasts for no apparent reason.
JYP immediately took legal action after two years since the first statement emerged online, but the alleged victim was cleared of defamation charges on June 13, since the police judged that there wasn’t enough evidence whether these allegations were true or otherwise. Thus, the online statement couldn’t be classified as defamation by law.
The entertainment company has since expressed that they won’t accept such a result, and stated that they will request a reinvestigation further into the case.
JYP Entertainment released the below statement.
“Hello, this is JYP Entertainment.
We would like to inform you of our position about the recent media coverage of our label artist Lia. The first charges concerning the accuser were not against the person as a victim of school violence, but against the posts and comments that were considered as malicious.
1. The articles cited were posted on internet community sites for over 2 years since 2018, and we could not find out who the original poster was. The posts also did not complain about school violence. Our company operates on a system that takes legal action against malicious posts based on fan reports and post monitoring. During this process, the articles also were subject to legal action in December of 2020.2. During the police investigation, it was discovered that 4 of the above 5 posts were written by the same person with different nicknames, and the other post was written by another person. However, while the police were investigating the case this February, another Internet community post was posted by the person believed to be the author of the post, stating that they were under investigation by the police. The author and their acquaintances complained about being bullied at school, but soon a person who was supposedly an acquaintance posted an article on the same internet community that they did not consider the incident to be school violence and thought it was not a big deal. The person who posted the original article also posted and deleted the article repeatedly.
3. After the legal representative presented the complaint and took legal action on Lia’s behalf, the police filed charges against the two posters. However, through an interview with the media, the police dropped the charges against the publishers, stating that there is no evidence to show that the content is false nor is there any evidence to show the content is true. In other words, the charges being dropped does not mean Lia admits to school violence. Therefore, we plan to file an objection to the police and request a re-investigation for defamation by false facts. Both the artist and the company want the truth to be revealed through a more in-depth investigation. We believe that there should be no victims who have been unfairly treated, but at the same time, there should not be any victims of false or distorted information.”
Meanwhile, the woman who has been making these claims, stated that she still suffers from mental anxiety whenever she thinks about the past incidents and she just wishes to receive a sincere apology.
-J.Chung.
Singing Cosplayer Hikari has been actively promoting Japanese culture by singing cover songs and cosplaying characters from Anime and Vocaloid. Hikari is releasing the cover song ‘Aitai/ I want to meet you’ by Gumi to the world through both music and video distribution. This song is a Vocaloid song which was released on Nico Nico Douga in August 2010. This song is composed by Dios/Signal P and the lyrics were made by Deadman. Singing Cosplayer Hikari released a music video for the cover song ‘Aitai /I want to meet you’ on the 30th of March this year. She wore a Japanese school uniform by LucyPop that carried a nostalgic feeling about the memories of her own school days. Her photo movie has been played over 350,000 times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxzJlPC6FPI
The cover picture was illustrated by illustrator Tama specially for Hikari
Illustrator Tama, who Singing cosplayer Hikari has been admiring since she was in junior high school, created a portrait illustration of Hikari in school uniform in 2D. She uses this beautiful illustration as her cover picture.
Singing Cosplayer Hikari’s last video of a cover song, ‘Yume To Hazakura’ by Hatsune Miku (lyrics and music by Aoki Gekkoh) has been viewed over 1.5 million times on YouTube.
This cover song ranked in the J-POP chart on iTunes and Apple Music in 19 countries and ranked top in 8 countries. And she ranked in the top 10 on iTunes music video top song ranking on the 27th of May in Japan.
She also ranked the 6th in April and 7th in May on USEN CAN SYSTEM’s next break artists’ discovery ranking.
In addition to Hikari’s latest cover song ‘Aitai/ I want to meet you’ and her last cover song ‘Yume To Hazakura’, she has also released ‘Soul’s Refrain’ and ’A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ on music streaming and downloading sites.
And ‘Aitai/ I want to meet you’ and ‘Yume To Hazakura’ have been released on video streaming and downloading sites worldwide.
< Music streaming services where Singing Cosplayer Hikari ‘ Yume To Hazakura’ (cover song) has been released >
-iTunes Store / Apple Music https://music.apple.com/jp/album/1561529433
-Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/2I7eFcMaPYd3B7krRaQauU
-YouTube Music https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=4mODLMdULX0&feature=share
-LINE MUSIC https://lin.ee/RPyLSmg
-KKBOX https://www.kkbox.com/jp/ja/song/.jf00.d18CNtkc3xtkc3x0XL-index.html
-Amazon / Amazon Music Unlimited
-TikTok / Facebook / Instagram
-Othere sites https://linkco.re/zu2RNHAz
music.jp STORE /ORICON MUSIC STORE/utapass / RecoChoku.jp / mora / Google Play Music / e-onkyo music / AWA / SMART USEN / dwango.jp / OTOTOY / Rakuten Music / mysound / DEEZER / Chakushin★Uta♪by KONAMI / PlayNetwork / Tencent / NetEase
< Video streaming services where Singing Cosplayer Hikari’ Yume To Hazakura’（Cover song video）has been streamed >
-iTunes Store / Apple Music https://music.apple.com/jp/music-video/1562217940
-LINE MUSIC https://lin.ee/gBmMLq1
-RecoChoku.jp https://recochoku.jp/song/S1011305088/video
-the list of other streaming sites for this video
https://linkco.re/ERrsdTCQ
GYAO! / music.jp Store / RecTV / Amazon Music Unlimited / Tencent
< Costume cooporation : LucyPop >
-official website https://sp.lucypop.jp/
-onlone shopping https://shop.lucypop.jp/
-Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LucyPopJapan/
-Instagram @lucypopjapan https://www.instagram.com/lucypopjapan/
-Twitter @info_lucypop https://twitter.com/info_lucypop
-Singing Cosplayer Hikari×Lucy Pop https://shop.lucypop.jp/?mode=f33
< Singing Cosplayer Hikari’s YouTube cover videos >
-Hatsune Miku ‘Yume To Hazakura’ (viewed over 1,5 million views)
-KurousaP feat.Hateune Miku /‘Senbonzakura’ (viewed over 500,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hghXHqXNlUQ
-Linked Horizon ‘Shinzo wo Sasageyo’ (viewed over 410,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaZcjW2fOdg
-GUMI ‘Aitai/ I want to meet you’ (viewed over 350,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxzJlPC6FPI
-HoneyWorks feat.GUMI ‘Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu/Confession Rehersal’ ( viewed over 340,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqHOPEVQfRA
-Linked Horizon ‘Guren no Yumiya’ (viewed over 300,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN6v-MIFK4k
-Yoko Takahashi ‘Soul’ Refrain’ (viewed over 150,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8S_5t3czTs
-Lisa ‘Homura’ (viewed over 120,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzj4jJUrE4I
-Yoko Takahashi ‘A Cruel Anegel’s Thesis’ (viewed over 150,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFlCBgq3s0I
-FictionJunction/‘From the edge’ (viewed over 100,000 views)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSN4eRLaM0k
< Singing Cosplayer Hikari Information >
-YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfYu9XdES0FHC0LYs4uAxbQ
-YouTube community
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfYu9XdES0FHC0LYs4uAxbQ/community
-Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SingingCosplayerHikari/
-Instagram @singingcosplayerhikari
https://www.instagram.com/singingcosplayerhikari/
-Twitter @SingCosHikari https://twitter.com/SingCosHikari/
-TikTok @singingcosplayerhikari
https://www.tiktok.com/@singingcosplayerhikari/
-WEAR @singcoshikari https://wear.jp/singcoshikari/
-ニコニコ https://www.nicovideo.jp/user/118807162
TENGGER is a traveling musical family, consisting of itta, Marquido and their son, RAAI who create music through the use of harmonium, voice, toy instruments and analogue synths. TENGGER refers to “unlimited expanse of the sky” in Mongolian and also means “huge sea” in Hungarian.
We would like to thank the members of TENGGER for taking the time out for this interview, and we hope they achieve all their hopes and plans ahead.
*Thank you for your precious time. Please briefly introduce yourselves to our readers.
itta: I’m playing my voice and Indian harmonium in TENGGER.
Marqido: I play the synthesizers.
RAAI: I do dance performances and play toy instruments.
*Could you introduce to us what kind of music you create and what initially inspired you to take this path?
itta: Are you asking about genre? People say our music is ambient, drone, psychedelic, new age, and hypnotic.
Marqido: We can say our music is inspired by nature and traveling.
*How would you describe TENGGER’s music in one word?
itta: Innertravel.
Marqido: Nature.
RAAI: Love.
*Name any artists/musicians who influenced your music.
itta: Gregorian chant and Korean traditional music.
Marqido : VGM (Video game music).
RAAI : I’m just dancing naturally.
*Please name a song/album that you’re the most attached to.
itta: Kyrie from album Spiritual 2. When we start playing this track, I can see some tear drops from the listeners and myself.
Marqido: Eurasia from the album Nomad. We think we’ve created a good motoric for walking through this song.
RAAI: Water from album Nomad. It’s the first time I’m dancing alone in the music video for this song.
*What do you like to do in your free time?
itta : I like to stare at ocean waves, watch anime, and read books.
Marqido: Nowadays, I enjoy watching the garden.
RAAI: I like to go to the beautiful ocean and mountains with mama and papa.
*Share with us what your favorite food/beverage is.
itta: Fruits and Indian curry.
Marqido: Coffee. Caffe latte with soy milk.
RAAI: Ice cream, cheese, chicken, and sushi.
*You must have done a lot of traveling. Tell us which country or region have you most enjoyed traveling to?
itta: Uwa Sea in Shikoku, Japan. It’s such a calm and meditative ocean.
Marqido: India. It was my first time traveling to the country, and it was a really stimulating experience.
RAAI: Indonesia! I really enjoyed riding a motorcycle with many musician friends, and in every city we were doing live tours. I loved the delicious fruits, foods, and Bromo!!!
*Where would you most like to perform (anywhere in the world), and why?
itta: Kyzyl, Tuva Republic. I got a chance to play in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before I started doing live tours with Marqido. And it was a great cultural experience. TENGGER has two nationalities, islands countries. South Korea is like an island because of the situation. We can only travel via planes and ships to other countries from South Korea, and Japan is really a country with many islands. Since our music is not very popular in our own countries, we were always outsiders. So we were always thinking and envied the EU and Silk road communications. I also want to visit the Obelisk, the center of Asia.
Marqido: Some spiritual places in Mongolia. Our name TENGGER is from the Mongolian language that means the sky god, unlimited expanse of the sky.
RAAI: USA. Mama and papa did a live tour in the USA before I was born, but I haven’t been able to visit. So I was looking forward to playing at SXSW last year but it was canceled just one week before we flew to Austin. I really hate COVID. I cannot even meet papa because of COVID…
*Can we wrap this up by discussing your future plans and goals? And would you add a special comment for the fans?
itta: We will continue to create sounds, do better performances, and meet you somewhere on this planet. Now, a year after the pandemic, I am reminded of how difficult it is to do this work that my family used to take for granted.
RAAI: I released my solo debut album on May 7th. And I have a concert with mama on June 11th at Ancheolsun, Seoul. I will make one more solo album this year. I’m also recording my voice with mama for TENGGER’s new album.
Marqido: We are currently taking our time to slowly record a new album. And I really want to do a live tour. See you!!!
-J.Chung.
On June 10, the sentence hearing for K-pop boy band BtoB’s former member Jung Il-hoon was held at the Seoul Central District Court, where the former rapper was charged for purchasing and taking illegal drugs – violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics.
The 26-year-old was sentenced to two years in prison, fined $119,200 (an approximate sum) and also detained in court.
Jung had seven accomplices who were also sentenced to one year to two years of imprisonment, or one year in prison and three years on probation, depending on the times they purchased and consumed illegal drugs.
Jung and his company were charged for purchasing 826g of marijuana worth 133 million Korean won (about $116, 638) and smoking the substance over 160 times from July 5, 2016 until Jan 9, 2019, which came to light in 2020.
In the previous trial, the prosecutors on the case had requested up to four years of jail time for Jung, but his attorneys pleaded by saying that the K-pop singer went through really rough times as a member of an idol group.
At the trial, the attorneys stated that, “The defendant is reflecting deeply on his past actions. He worked in the entertainment industry from such a young age and he tried to relieve the stress in the wrong way.”
In turn, the court said, “The defendants communicated through the dark web so their crime would not be easily detected, and they used elaborate criminal methods like making transactions with the cryptocurrency bitcoin.”
Jung and another defendant were identified as the leaders of the group, who played the biggest roles as leaders and carried out the illegal acts of crime, the most number of times.
K-pop boy band BtoB is currently signed under CUBE Entertainment, and was formed in 2012 with seven members. Jung Il-hoon, who was the rapper and songwriter of the group, made his departure from the music industry in December 2020 when the news of his drug scandal broke while he was serving as a social service agent.
-J.Chung.
LOONA, the music chart topping ambassadors of Korean culture overseas are back to sweep their fans off their feet with a mini-album release and a double night event at the end of June. The first night of their online live event begins on June27th at 4PM (KST) with the fanmeeting 이달의소녀 Premier Greeting [D&D], and is followed up on June 28th at 10PM (KST) by their concert 이달의소녀 LOONA ON WAVE [&].
After almost two years, LOONA is ready to meet fans again from around the world for their fanmeeting, 이달의소녀 Premier Greeting [D&D] on June27th. Fans can look forward to the growth since their last one in December 2019. The girls are back with the new slogan of D&D, focusing on ‘Destiny & Discovery’. It follows the members on the journey in search of their destiny through their LOONAVERSE as they discover the answer to their fate meeting with Orbit (fandom name).
Following their first online concert last October, LOONA is ready to take the big stage again in celebration of the release of their 4th mini-album “&” with a concert of the same title, 이달의소녀 LOONA ON WAVE [&]. Their 4th mini-album will be released hours before their concert showtime on June 28th, giving fans double the excitement as they look forward to seeing LOONA live again.
In particular, this second online concert will be the first large stage that member HaSeul stands on after her hiatus. With all 12 members together, the fans can look forward to a stage that exceeds all expectations.
Since their pre-debut activities in 2016, LOONA has been making headlines for their original concepts and elaborate storylines that intertwine with one another to become a complex universe for fans to enjoy.
After their official debut in August 2018, they’ve swept the charts with hits like “Hi High”, “Butterfly”, “So What”, and “Why Not?” – becoming the global emerging trend that has garnered attention both domestically and abroad, as seen in their entrances and ranking on international music charts like the Billboard 200 and iTunes.
With achievements like their 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards win for Best Korean Act and2019’s sweep of the Asia Artist Awards when they took home both the Focus Award (Singer) and the STARNEWS Popularity Awards (Girl group, LOONA continues their rise to the top with their 2020 Next Generation Award win at the Golden Disc Awards. Along with the list of awards and chart top listings under their belt, LOONA moves forward in reaching out to all their fans from all over the world despite the ongoing pandemic through their online fanmeeting and concert.
For this concert, LOONA continues their collaboration with MyMusicTaste, a technology forward platform that breaks the barriers set by the pandemic and brings fans and artists together to create a new way of connection. LOONA’s twelve members: HeeJin, HyunJin, HaSeul, ViVi,YeoJin, Kim Lip, JinSoul, Choerry, Yves, Chuu, Go Won, Olivia Hye.
Further information regarding ticketing and the show itself can be found throughhttps://mmt.fans/McJSor through MyMusicTaste’s other social media channels. 이달의소녀 LOONA [이달의소녀 Premier Greeting [D&D]] June 27, 2021, 4:00PM (KST) – MyMusicTaste 이달의소녀 LOONA [이달의소녀 LOONA ON WAVE [&]] June 28, 2021, 10:00PM (KST) – MyMusicTaste
About MyMusicTaste:
MyMusicTaste is a fan initiated live event making service that brings fans, artists and promoters from all over the world together in one place to create a valuable and meaningful concert experience for everyone involved. MyMusicTaste puts the power in the fans’ hands, allowing fans to request their favorite artist’s concert in their city. With the mission to connect and amplify the voices of fans all over the world, MyMusicTaste successfully promoted concerts of artists such as EXO, GOT7, MONSTA X, The xx, Machine Gun Kelly, and more in over 57 different cities. With the simple idea–empowering fans to bring their favorite artist’s concert in the city of their choice based on fan demand–MyMusicTaste is challenging the $27 billion concert market through cutting-edge technology and sophisticated, user-friendly service. Currently, www.mymusictaste.com supports more than 30 countries and offers 15 different languages.
About Blockberry Creative:
Blockberry Creative is a South Korean record label formed in 2016. It is a subsidiary of Ilkwang’s Polaris Entertainment. The label is home to the girl group LOONA. Blockberry Creative has lived up to its own name through the unique approaches of artists development and promotions.
K-pop superband BTS is celebrating the eighth anniversary for the group’s members and fan club this coming weekend (literally just a couple of days away) with a two-day live streaming event broadcasted from Seoul, South Korea – BTS 2021 Muster Sowoozoo.
BTS Muster is an annual event for BTS fans where the K-pop group members perform their hit songs from their discography, put on skits and interact with their fans, known as ARMY. Since the formation of the band and before the pandemic occurred, BTS Muster events used to be held with audiences.
In October of 2020, “Map of the Soul On:E,” fan event managed to break the Guinness World Record for most viewers of a music concert livestream in history, with 993,000 people tuning in from 191 countries.
Regarding this year’s event, Jin, the eldest member of BTS, said in the announcement, “We are working hard to prepare a great performance, ARMY. So, please look forward to it.” Jungkook went on to add, “I am looking forward to spending some time with ARMY.”
To successfully pull off this year’s online anniversary event, HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) will join VenewLive again to provide BTS fans ARMY 4K resolution experience with multi-views from different camera angles. Chat rooms will also be available for people to interact with one another, and some lucky fans will be given the chance to talk to the group members via “ARMY on Air” event during the live streaming.
The first edition of the fan event will begin on June 13, 6:30 PM KST, while the “World Tour Version” is to be held the next day, on June 14, 6:30 PM KST. Encores of the show will be available from June 18 to 19.
There are several ticketing options – If you don’t have a fanclub membership, you can choose an HD Single-View ticket for the event on June 13, an HD Single-View ticket for the second day event, or an HD Single-View 2-Day Pass which will allow access to both shows.
There are more options to select for those with the BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY membership. As well as the above-mentioned tickets that are available to everyone, fanclub membership holders can purchase HD Multi-view tickets, an HD Multi-view 2-Day Pass, and a 4K Single-View with an HD Multi-view ticket for both events.
You can check the schedule and details to get tickets via webview.weverse.io.
-J.Chung.
#BTS #HYBE #SOWOOZOO #kpop #fanmeeting #livestream #concertstream
#BTSMuster #MapOfTheSoul #ARMY #VenewLive #kpopidols #BTSGlobalOfficialFanClub #BTSWorldTour #BigHitEntertainment #ArmyOnAir
Former CEO and founder of K-pop powerhouse YG Entertainment, Yang Hyun-suk, is to face another criminal trial – this time for allegedly covering up a drug scandal of K-pop boyband iKON’s former member and rapper, Kim Han-bin, professionally known as B.I.
B.I. was investigated back in 2016 for illegal use and purchase of marijuana and LSD, which is considered a serious offence in South Korea that could lead to long term imprisonment.
Since the scandal, the 24-year-old rapper kept fairly quiet after leaving his band, but he made his solo debut with an EP in March and released a full-length solo album this month on June 1, despite having to deal with an ongoing investigation on drug allegations and harsh criticism from the public.
The singer’s agency, IOK Company released an apologetic statement after news of B.I.’s indictment on charges of purchasing illegal drugs broke.
“We apologize for releasing a new album amid the unpleasant issues revolving around the artist. Our company and the artist admitted to past wrongdoing and know that we can’t change what has already happened. But we have been seeking ways for him to become a better and more valuable person to the world.”
B.I. founded his own label 131LABEL last year and is the executive director of IOK Company.
In 2019, B.I. confessed to the police of purchasing illegal drugs but was acquitted after he tested negative for drug use – a whistle-blower who was also his acquaintance – recently made claims that Yang Hyun-suk coerced her to falsely testify during B.I.’s drug investigation and trial.
This whistle-blower is a former trainee and also connected to actor and Big Bang’s member T.O.P in a linked drug scandal.
The informant also claimed that Yang conspired to send her overseas so she couldn’t testify in 2016. Since Yang is not in Korea right now but abroad, that particular investigation is suspended as of now.
Amidst his legal troubles, he is also facing charges of gambling overseas and attaining money, which he could be fined for if found guilty, according to South Korean law.
Yang’s hearing will take place on June 25, while B.I’s is to be held on July 9.
-J.Chung.
[UPDATE – 6-16-21] Woo!ah! and GWSN have been added to the JRC’s lineup. Heize will not be in attendance because of unforeseen circumstances. [UPDATE]
Livestreaming from the famed Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, this event will be one of the biggest K-Pop festivals in the world and undoubtedly the biggest K-Pop virtual festival in the Western world.
Tickets Available At: sessionslive.com/joyruckusclub
(Download hi res flyer Here)
Following this week’s announcement of I Hate Being Hated, sessionslive.com/ihatebeinghated, Sessions is thrilled to announce another new collaboration with Joy Ruckus Club, the largest Asian music festival in the world, to present K-Pop SuperFest on Sunday, June 19, 2021 at https://sessionslive.com/joyruckusclub at 9PM ET. The one-day festival is the first of its kind for Sessions, and features performances from the premiere K-Pop superstars. The exciting line-up includes 11-member K-pop group The Boyz, legendary South Korean pop star Rain, powerhouse vocalist and chart topping singer/songwriter Ailee, and one of K-Pop’s most exciting rapper and singers’ Jessi. They will be joined by boy band AB6IX, American breakthrough girl group Momoland, singer and rapper Heize, boy bands Cravity and Golden Child, girl group Lovelyz, rapper Bloo, and DJ Soda. K-Pop sensations AleXa and Kevin (The Boyz) will host the global event.
Even as a one-day festival, with livestream filming taking place at the famed Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, K-Pop SuperFest will be one of the biggest K-Pop festivals in the world and undoubtedly the biggest K-Pop virtual festival in the Western world.
The founder of Joy Ruckus Club, Kublai Kwon made his name as a pioneer of the Asian American music scene. His first cousin is the late great Shin Hae Chul, who is Korea’s first K-pop superstar and creator of the K-pop music genre. According to Kwon, this new festival honors his legacy by highlighting the superstars of K-Pop today.
“Sessions’ growth is rapidly accelerating across Asia,” said Sessions co-Founder Tim Westergren. “The K-Pop SuperFest represents another milestone as we bring even larger events to fans across 194 countries and 18 languages. Sessions’ unique combination of gamification and marketing is driving attendance and revenue for artists at an unprecedented level, and our partnership with Kublai and Joy Ruckus Club continues to deepen.”
Event t-shirts, NFT videos, signed posters, and virtual 1-on-1 meet & greet opportunities with artists will be available in the festival’s and artists’ stores on Sessions. This is the first time that Sessions will be promoting a K-Pop only festival.
Complete Lineup
AB6IX
Ailee
AleXa
Bloo
Cravity
DJ Soda
Golden Child
Heize
Jessi
Lovelyz
Momoland
Rain
The Boyz
About the lineup:
AB6IX
Four-member K-pop boy band AB6IX have been superstars even before their debut in 2019. Park Woo Jin and Lee Daehwi appeared on the K-pop audition show Produce 101 and joined the highly successful K-pop boy band project Wanna One. Kim Donghyun debuted in the duo group MXM, releasing two EP albums and a full album over the two years. Jeong Woong has been known as a “Super Trainee” in the K-pop scene. The quartet recently released their fourth EP Mo’ Complete: Have a Dream.
Ailee
Born in Colorado and raised in New Jersey, Korean-American singer-songwriter Ailee has been a staple in the K-pop scene since moving to South Korea in 2010. Following her debut in 2012, with the single “Heaven,” the powerhouse vocalist has been on top of the charts and amassing numerous awards since. Her 2017 original soundtrack, “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow,” became the most streamed K-pop song of the year and the highest selling soundtrack in South Korea of all time. In 2019, after eight years with her former label, she started a new company called Rocket3 Entertainment. The singer recently released her 6th EP Lovin’.
AleXa
The daughter of a Korean adoptee, AleXa grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A lifelong dancer, AleXa competed and won the talent competition Rising Legends. Afterwards, AleXa signed to ZB Label and competed on the South Korean audition show Produce 48. In 2019, she made her multilingual debut with “Bomb.” In addition to her K-pop prowess, AleXa continues to expand her entertainment empire as the co-host of the People’s Choice Award winning podcast “How Did I Get Here?” with Jae of Day6, a YouTube channel titled AleXa 360, and a forthcoming acting debut.
Bloo
Born in South Korea and moving to the United States as a child, 26-year-old hip-hop artist Bloo is undoubtedly influenced by American hip-hop. He co-founded the hip-hop label MKIT Rain with fellow rappers Nafla and Loopy. The trio moved back to Korea in 2015 and in 2016, Bloo debuted with the single “Drive Thru.” Right out-of-the-gate, his distinctive vocals and jazzy styles made him an artist-to-watch. The rapper has released three EPs since then. His 2017 single “Downtown Baby” reached the top of the South Korean charts in 2020 after singer Lee Hyori performed it on a variety show.
Cravity
As the first boy group to debut under Starship Entertainment since K-pop powerhouses Monsta X, Cravity, (also standing for Center of Gravity) have been destined to make a splash on the K-pop scene. In 2020, they released their debut EP Season 1. Hideout: Remember Who We Are. The album debuted at the top of the South Korean album charts and made them one of the best-selling rookie groups of the year. At the 2020 Soribada Awards, Cravity won the New Artist Award.
DJ Soda
South Korean DJ, Soda embarked on her journey to become a world star DJ in 2013. Her background in musical acting has led to her signature stage move, the viral “Flute Dance.” She also has a presence in the modeling world and the face for a variety of global brands. Heavily influenced by hip-hop and fashion, DJ Soda is capable of captivating audiences worldwide complete with her charming and enigmatic personality. This has led to her playing some of Asia’s top music festivals.
Golden Child
10-piece K-pop boy band Golden Child debuted in 2016 with their EP Gol-cha! and funky single “Dam Da Di.” This marked the first boy group to debut under Woollim Entertainment in seven years since K-pop legends Infinite. Known for their EDM and bass-heavy musical style and complex choreography, the band has amassed a loyal following since debut, releasing four more EPs and one full-length album.
Heize
South Korean singer-songwriter, producer, and rapper Heize blends R&B, soul, hip-hop, delicate vocals, and crisp songwriting to craft the most comforting of music. After releasing her self-titled debut EP, the multi-talented star came into prominence after competing on the reality competition Unpretty Rapstar in 2014. She’s been a force in the industry and has topped the South Korean charts since then. She released the critically acclaimed LP Fine in 2019. Heize finished 2020 with the ultimate power move by signing with P Nation, an entertainment company founded by Psy. She recently released her seventh EP, Happen under the new label.
Jessi
Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Korean-American singer and rapper Jessi wasn’t made overnight. In 2015, Jessi starred on the reality show Unpretty Rapstar which catapulted her to superstardom. She’s released a slew of singles since then and established herself as one of K-pop’s most exciting artists. In 2019, Jessi became one of the first artists signed to P Nation, an entertainment company created by Psy. In 2020, she released her first album Nuna under P Nation which spawned the hit single “Nunu Nana.”
Lovelyz
Formed in 2014 by Woollim Entertainment, eight-member girl group Lovelyz is your quintessential K-pop girl group. Living up to their name, the group curates cute and fresh concepts that make for the most infectious of music. Since their debut album Girls’ Invasion, the band has released two studio albums and seven EPs. The group competed on the 2019 reality series Queendom and released their single “Obliviate” off their seventh EP Unforgettable in September 2020.
Momoland
Under MLD Entertainment, K-pop girl group Momoland formed on the 2016 reality show Finding Momoland. They released their debut album Welcome to Momoland later that year. The six-member piece has released a total of six EPs since then. In 2018, the group released the wildly successful, “Bboom Bboom,” peaking at number two on the South Korean song charts. The group is set for a breakthrough in the American market after signing with ICM Partners in 2020. They most recently released their album Ready Or Not and single with the name title.
Rain
Legendary South Korean pop star Rain released his debut album Bad Guy in 2002 under JYP Entertainment. In the next few years, he went on to become one of the biggest and most influential stars in Asia and around the world. In 2015, he created his own agency called RAIN Company. Most recently, he reunited with his mentor Park Jin-young on the collaboration “Switch to Me” off his third EP Pieces by Rain.
The Boyz
11-member K-pop group The Boyz was formed in 2017 under Cre.ker Entertainment. Later that year, they released their debut EP The First and lead single “Boy.” In 2018, the rookie group then went on to release their second and third EPs, leading to their winning of numerous awards. In 2020, they released their first studio album Reveal and single of the same name. In another milestone, the group won the South Korean reality show Road to Kingdom securing a spot in its sequel Kingdom: Legendary War. They released their fifth EP Chase and its lead single “The Stealer” in September 2020.
About Joy Ruckus Club
A humanitarian-oriented, virtual concert series, founded by Asian Americans, and led by artists of Asian descent from all over the world, Joy Ruckus Club is a revolution in pan-Asian music. Not silent, not complacent, not foreign, Joy Ruckus Club is a society of woke Asians who are in solidarity with all truthfully progressive movements of the oppressed and conquered.
About Sessions
Sessions is co-founded by digital music pioneer and former Pandora founder Tim Westergren and fellow entrepreneur and long time developer of virtual games Gordon Su. Sessions is the only live streaming solution providing all of the necessary components for musicians to succeed: audience development, fan engagement, and state of the art monetization drawn from the most advanced techniques of virtual gaming. Sessions is creating a space to bring artists and fans together for intimate live experiences 24/7. In less than a year after its public launch, Sessions is attracting thousands of artists to its live video streaming service. Available in over 194 countries and 18 languages, Sessions offers musicians anywhere in the world, at any stage of their career, an unprecedented opportunity to develop a global audience and earn substantial and sustainable revenue.
From pop and hip-hop to country and classical, there’s an artist for every music fan in Sessions. Since the start of 2021, Sessions has expanded the platform’s focus from just musical performances to staging various cultural events including “Alaska’s Drag Queen of the Year 2021 Pageant” this March and Joy Ruckus Club 3, featuring over 180 Asian American artists from around the world making it the largest ever Asian American virtual music festival. Available online and on all mobile devices worldwide, artists and fans can play more, earn more, experience more in Sessions.
서울 ‘예스24 라이브 홀’에서 생중계되는 이번 행사는 전 세계에서 가장 큰 K-POP 페스티벌임과 동시에 서구권에서 가장 큰 K-POP 가상 음악 축제가 될 것이다.
티켓 구매: sessionslive.com/joyruckusclub
(고해상도 이미지 다운로드)
미국 캘리포니아 샌프란시스코: 2021년 5월 28일 – 이번주 ‘I Hate Being Hated’ (sessionslive.com/ihatebeinghated) 발표 이후, Sessions Live(이하 ‘세션스’)는 세계 최대의 아시안 음악 축제인 Joy Ruckus Club(이하 ‘조이 러커스 클럽’)과의 또 다른 콜라보레이션을 발표하게 되어 기뻐하고 있다. ‘K-POP 슈퍼페스트’는 미국 동부 시간으로 일요일인 2021년 6월 19일 저녁 9시(한국시간 6월 20일 오전 10시)에 https://sessionslive.com/joyruckusclub에서 생중계된다. 하루 동안 진행되는 이번 페스티벌에서는 K팝 슈퍼스타들의 공연이 펼쳐질 예정이다. 라인업에는 11명의 멤버로 구성된 K팝 그룹 더보이즈(The Boyz), 한국의 전설적인 팝 스타 비, 파워풀한 보컬리스트이자 음원차트 1위에 빛나는 가수 겸 싱어송라이터 에일리, 그리고 K팝의 가장 신나는 래퍼이자 가수 중 한 명으로 꼽히는 제시가 포함되어 있다. 이들은 보이그룹 AB6IX, 미국 시장 진출을 예고한 걸그룹 모모랜드, 가수 겸 래퍼 헤이즈, 보이그룹 크래비티, 화려한 퍼포먼스와 완벽한 라이브의 ‘완성형 아이돌’ 골든차일드, 감성과 아련함의 대명사 ‘믿고 듣는’ 러블리즈, 래퍼 블루(Bloo), DJ 소다 등과 함께 무대를 펼친다. 이번 글로벌 행사의 진행은 K팝 열풍을 이끄는 알렉사(AleXa)와 더보이즈의 케빈이 맡는다.
서울의 ‘예스24 라이브 홀’에서 라이브 스트리밍 촬영이 진행되는 K-POP 슈퍼페스트는 단 하루 동안 열리는 페스티벌임에도 불구하고, 전 세계에서 가장 큰 K팝 페스티벌임과 동시에 서구권에서 가장 큰 K팝 가상 음악 축제가 될 예정이다.
조이 러커스 클럽(Joy Ruckus Club)의 창립자인 쿠블라이 권(Kublai Kwon) 대표는 아시아계 미국 음악의 선구자로 이름을 떨쳤다. 그는 한국 최초의 K팝 음악 장르 창시자이자 슈퍼스타인 故 신해철과 사촌 관계다. 권 대표에 따르면, 이 새로운 축제를 통해 오늘날의 K팝 슈퍼스타들을 선보임으로써 그의 유산을 기린다.
세션스의 공동 창업자인 팀 웨스터그렌(Tim Westergren)은 “세션스의 성장은 아시아 전역에서 빠르게 가속화되고 있다”고 말했다. “전 세계 194개국의 팬들에게 훨씬 더 큰 행사를 선보이는 것인 만큼, K-POP 슈퍼페스트는 또 하나의 이정표를 상징합니다. 세션스만의 독특한 게임화와 마케팅 조합으로 아티스트들의 참석과 수익을 전례 없는 수준으로 끌어올리고 있으며, 쿠블라이, 조이 러커스 클럽과의 파트너십은 더욱더 깊어지고 있습니다.”
세션스의 페스티벌 및 아티스트 온라인 스토어에서 이벤트 티셔츠, NFT 영상, 사인 포스터, 아티스트와 1:1 영상통화를 할 수 있는 가상 만남 이벤트 등의 기회가 제공될 예정이다. 세션스가 K-Pop 전용 페스티벌을 홍보하는 것은 이번이 처음이다.
전체 라인업
AB6IX
에일리
알렉사 (AleXa)
블루 (Bloo)
크래비티
DJ 소다
골든차일드
헤이즈
제시
러블리즈
모모랜드
비
더보이즈
라인업 소개:
AB6IX 4인조 보이그룹 AB6IX는 2019년 데뷔 전부터 슈퍼스타였다. 박우진과 이대휘가 K팝 오디션 프로그램 ‘프로듀스101’에 출연했고, 이후 폭발적인 인기를 끈 K팝 보이밴드 프로젝트 그룹 ‘워너원’에 합류했다. 김동현은 2년에 걸쳐 2장의 EP 앨범과 1장의 정규 앨범을 발표하면서 듀오 그룹 MXM으로 데뷔했다. 정웅은 가요계에서 ‘슈퍼 연습생’으로 알려져 왔다. 이 4인조는 최근 네 번
째 EP 《Mo’ Complete: Have a Dream》을 발매했다.
에일리
미국 콜로라도에서 태어나 뉴저지에서 자란 한국계 미국인 싱어송라이터 에일리는 2010년 한국으로 이주한 이후 한국 가요계의 주류를 이루고 있다. 2012년에 데뷔한 이후 싱글 “Heaven”으로 파워풀한 보컬리스트로 이름을 떨치며 음원차트 정상에 올랐으며, 그 이후로 수많은 상을 휩쓸고 있다. 2017년 오리지널 사운드트랙인 “첫눈처럼 너에게 가겠다”는 올해 가장 많이 스트리밍된 K팝 곡이자 역대 한국에서 가장 많이 팔린 사운드트랙이 되었다. 2019년, 8년 동안 함께했던 전 소속사를 떠나 로켓쓰리엔터테인먼트라는 새로운 회사를 설립했다. 최근 6번째 EP 《Lovin’》을 발표했다.
알렉사(AleXa) 한국인 입양아의 딸인 알렉사는 미국 오클라호마 털사에서 자랐다. 평생 댄서였던 알렉사는 오디션 프로그램인 Rising Legends에 참가해 우승했다. 이후, ZB Label과 계약을 맺고 한국의 오디션 프로그램인 ‘Produce 48’에 참가했다. 2019년, “Bomb”으로 다국어 데뷔를 했다. 알렉사는 K팝 역량 이외에도 데이식스의 Jae와 함께 ‘피플스 초이스 어워드’ 수상 팟캐스트인 ‘How Did I Get Here?’의 공동 진행자로 활약하고 있으며, 유튜브 채널 ‘AleXa 360’을 운영하는 등 엔터테이너로서의 영역을 넓혀가고 있다.
블루 (Bloo)
한국에서 태어나 어린 시절 미국으로 이주한 26세의 힙합 아티스트 블루는 의심할 여지 없이 미국 힙합의 영향을 받았다. 그는 동료 래퍼인 나플라, 루피와 함께 힙합 레이블 MKIT RAIN을 공동 설립했다. 이 3인조는 2015년에 한국으로 돌아왔고, 블루는 2016년에 싱글 “Drive Thru”로 데뷔했다. 그의 독특한 보컬과 재치 있는 스타일 덕분에 즉시 신예 스타 반열에 올랐다. 그 이후로 3장의 EP를 발매했다. 그의 2017년 싱글 《Downtown Baby》는 가수 이효리가 버라이어티 쇼에서 공연한 후 2020년 한국 음원차트 정상에 올랐다.
크래비티 (Cravity)
‘Center of Gravity’라는 뜻의 Cravity는 K팝 강호 몬스타엑스(Monsta X) 이후 스타쉽 엔터테인먼트 소속으로 데뷔한 첫 보이그룹으로, K팝 음악계에 돌풍을 일으켜 왔다. 2020년, 데뷔 EP 《Season 1. Hideout: Remember Who We Are》을 발매했다. 이 데뷔 앨범으로 한국 앨범 차트 정상을 차지했으며, 2020 올해의 브랜드 대상 – 신인 남자 아이돌 부문에서 수상했다. 2020 소리바다 어워드에서 신인 아티스트 상을 받았다.
DJ 소다
한국인인 DJ 소다는 2013년에 월드 스타 DJ가 되기 위한 여정을 시작했다. 뮤지컬 연기 경험은 그녀의 시그니처인 “피리 춤”으로 이어져 유명세를 떨쳤다. 또한 다양한 글로벌 브랜드들의 얼굴로 모델 활동을 하고 있다. 힙합과 패션에 크게 영향을 받은 DJ 소다는 수수께끼 같은 성격과 매력으로 전 세계 관객들을 사로잡았다. 이로 인해 몇 차례 아시아 최고의 음악 페스티벌에서 공연할 기회를 얻게 되었다.
골든차일드
10인조 K팝 보이그룹 골든차일드는 2016년 EP 《Gol-cha!》와 펑키 싱글 “담다디”로 데뷔했다. 이로써 울림엔터테인먼트 소속으로 데뷔한 보이그룹으로는 K팝 전설 ‘인피니트’ 이후 7년 만에 처음이다. EDM과 베이스 중심의 음악 스타일과 복잡한 안무로 잘 알려진 이 밴드는 데뷔 후 4개의 EP와 1개의 정규 앨범을 더 발표하며 추종자들을 끌어모았다.
헤이즈
한국의 싱어송라이터, 프로듀서이자 래퍼인 헤이즈는 R&B, 소울, 힙합, 섬세한 보컬, 그리고 맑고 산뜻한 작곡이 어우러진 힐링 음악을 만들어낸다. 데뷔 EP 《HEIZE》를 발매한 후, 2014년 리얼리티 쇼 ‘언프리티 랩스타’에 출연해 두각을 나타냈다. 이후, K팝 음악계에서 영향력을 끼치며 한국 음원차트에서 정상을 차지해왔다. 2019년에 평론가들로부터 호평을 받은 LP 《Fine》을 발매했다. 싸이가 설립한 엔터테인먼트 회사인 P Nation과 계약을 맺으며 2020년을 마무리했다. 최근 7번째 EP 《Happen》을 새로운 레이블로 발매했다.
제시
뉴욕에서 태어나 뉴저지에서 자란 한국계 미국인 가수 겸 래퍼 제시는 하룻밤 사이에 만들어지지 않았다. 2015년 리얼리티 쇼 ‘언프리티 랩스타’에 출연해 슈퍼스타덤에 올랐으며, 그 이후로 많은 싱글 앨범을 발표해 K-Pop의 대세 아티스트 중 한 명으로 자리매김했다. 2019년, 제시는 싸이가 만든 엔터테인먼트 회사인 P Nation과 계약한 최초의 아티스트 중 한 명이 되었다. 2020년, P Nation 소속에서의 첫 번째 앨범 《Nuna》을 발매했고, 이 앨범은 히트 싱글 “Nunu Nana”를 탄생시켰다.
러블리즈
2014년 울림엔터테인먼트에 의해 결성된 8인조 걸그룹 러블리즈는 K팝 대표 걸그룹이다. 그룹 이름에 걸맞게 귀엽고 신선한 컨셉을 바탕으로 전염성이 강한 음악을 큐레이션 한다. 데뷔 앨범인 《Girls’ Invasion》 이후, 2장의 스튜디오 음반과 7장의 EP 음반을 발매했다. 2019년 리얼리티 시리즈인 ‘퀸덤(Queendom)’에서 경연을 벌였고, 2020년 9월 7번째 EP 《Unforgettable》을 발매했다.
모모랜드
MLD엔터테인먼트 소속 K팝 걸그룹인 모모랜드는 2016년 서바이벌 프로그램 ‘모모랜드를 찾아서’를 통해 결성되었다. 그해 말, 데뷔 앨범인 《Welcome to MOMOLAND》를 발매했다. 6명의 멤버로 구성된 이 그룹은 이후 총 6개의 EP 앨범을 발매했다. 2018년, “Bboom Bboom”을 발매해 한국 음원 차트에서 2위를 기록하며 크게 성공했다. 모모랜드는 2020년 ICM 파트너스와 계약한 후 미국 시장 진출을 예고했다. 최근 앨범 《Ready Or Not》과 동명의 싱글을 발매했다.
비
한국의 전설적인 팝 스타인 비는 2002년 JYP 엔터테인먼트 소속 당시, 데뷔 앨범 《Bad Guy》를 발매했다. 그 후 몇 년 동안, 그는 아시아를 포함한 전 세계에서 가장 영향력 있는 스타 중 한 명이 되었다. 2015년, RAIN Company라는 자신의 소속사를 만들었다. 최근, 멘토인 JYP(박진영)와 재회해 콜라보한 듀엣곡 “나로 바꾸자(Switch to Me)”가 포함된 세 번째 EP 《Pieces by Rain》을 발매했다.
더보이즈 (The Boyz)
11명의 멤버로 구성된 K팝 그룹 더보이즈는 2017년 크래커엔터테인먼트 산하에 결성되었다. 그해 말, 데뷔 EP 《The First》와 리드 싱글 “Boy”를 발표했다. 2018년 두 번째와 세 번째 EP를 발매했으며, 여러 번 수상했다. 2020년, 첫 번째 스튜디오 앨범인 《Reveal》과 동명의 싱글을 발매했다. 또한, 한국의 리얼리티 쇼인 ‘로드 투 킹덤(Road to Kingdom)’에서 우승하며 후속작인 ‘킹덤: 레전더리 워(KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR)’의 출연을 확정 지었다. 2020년 9월, 다섯 번째 EP 《Chase》와 리드 싱글 “The Stealer”를 발매했다.
조이 러커스 클럽(Joy Ruckus Club) 소개
아시아계 미국인들에 의해 설립된 조이 러커스 클럽은 전 세계의 아시아계 아티스트들이 주축이 된 인도주의 중심의 가상 음악 콘서트 시리즈로, 범(汎)아시아 음악의 혁명이라 불린다. ‘침묵하지 않고, 현실에 안주하지 않으며, 외국적이지도 않은’ 조이 러커스 클럽은 억압받고 정복당한 사람들의 진보적인 움직임과 연대하고 있는 깨어있는 아시아인들의 커뮤니티이다.
세션스(Sessions Live) 소개
디지털 음악의 선구자이자 전 판도라 창립자인 팀 웨스터그렌(Tim Westergren)과 동료 기업가인 가상 게임 개발자 고든 수(Gordon Su)가 공동 설립한 세션스는, 청중 개발 및 팬 참여, 그리고 가상 게임의 진보된 기술로부터 끌어낸 최첨단 수익화 모델 등 음악가들이 성공하기 위해 필요한 모든 구성 요소를 제공하는 유일한 라이브 스트리밍 솔루션이다. 아티스트와 팬들을 한데 모아 언제나 가까이에서 소통할 수 있는 라이브 경험을 제공하는 공간을 만들기 위해 노력하고 있다. 세션스는 공식 런칭 이후 1년도 채 되지 않아 라이브 비디오 스트리밍 서비스에 수천 명의 아티스트를 끌어모으고 있다. 194개 이상의 국가에서 18개 언어로 제공되는 서비스를 통해 전 세계 어느 곳에서든, 음악 경력에 상관없이, 아티스트가 전 세계적으로 청중을 개발하고 실질적이고 지속적인 수익을 얻을 수 있는 전례 없는 기회를 제공한다.
팝과 힙합부터 컨트리 및 클래식 음악까지, 모든 장르의 음악 팬들을 위한 다양한 아티스트를 세션스에서 만날 수 있다. 세션스는 2021년 시작 이후, 단순한 음악 공연에서 올 3월 ‘2021 알래스카 올해의 드래그 퀸 선발대회’와 전 세계 180여 명의 아시아계 미국인 아티스트들이 참여한 ‘조이 러커스 클럽 3’ 등의 다양한 문화행사로 플랫폼의 초점을 넓혀 역대 최대 규모의 아시아계 가상 음악 페스티벌로 자리매김했다. 온라인 및 모든 모바일 기기를 통해 전 세계에서 이용 가능하며, 아티스트와 팬들은 세션스를 통해 더 많이 공연하고, 더 많은 수익을 내고, 더 많은 경험을 할 수 있다.
Hazy Sour Cherry is an indie band from Tokyo, Japan. The band members played in various bands in the Tokyo indie scene before joining forces in 2018.
We’d like to thank the three members of Hazy Sour Cherry for this great interview and wish them all the best in their future adventures!
Hello, introduce yourselves to our readers please.
Tsuzumi: Hello, I’m Tsuzumi, a vocalist.
Jun: Hi, I’m a lazy guitarist.
Karin: Hello, I’m Karin, a drummer.
What made you become interested in music and was it something you wanted to pursue since a young age?
Tsuzumi: My parents love music, so music has been in my life since I was child. The first time I played in a band, I was a drummer and teenager.
Jun: The reason I became interested in music is my parent’s influence. My dad played in the band, and I played guitar with his band. When I was fifteen, I formed my punk rock band.The sound was like 70’s style punk.
Karin: As a listener, I loved music, but never thought I was someone who could play. I started playing the drums five years ago when a friend invited me to play.
How were you inspired to name your band “Hazy Sour Cherry”?
Tsuzumi: Hazy, Sour Ale and Cherry are types of craft beer. We love beer, so I named it.
Jun: It was named by Tsuzumi. I wanted the name “Teenage FBI”, but she rejected it, because it was not cute.That was the right decision.
How would you describe your music in one word?
Tsuzumi: What I really enjoy and want you to listen to.
Jun: New Nostalgic Music.
Karin: A record of us, by us, for someone else.
Please select one of your favorite songs to recommend to our readers.
Tsuzumi: Of course, every song. But if I had to choose one song, it’s “Hot Summer Night” because summer is coming soon in Japan.
Jun: “I Need Your Heart” from our first album. The first song I wrote for Hazy Sour Cherry. Everything started from it.
Karin: All of it, of course. ♡
What do you think is the best thing about making music and being in a band?
Tsuzumi: To make miracles. And that wasn’t just thanks to myself only, but to everyone’s effort.
Jun: Make many friends and go to every place. And being honest to myself.
Karin: It can be friends all over the world. And a lot of dreamy things happen.
What would you advise someone who wants to start music or join a band?
Tsuzumi: Let’s get started!
Jun: Need no advice. Take action.
Karin: Whether you like music or not, whether you’ve done it before or not, if you’re at all interested in it, you should start now. I am sure there is something that only you can do. Because that’s how it was for me.
What do you do during your free time? What are your hobbies outside of music?
Tsuzumi: Drink with my friends. When I’m alone, I like watching Netflix.
Jun: Alcohol and cycling.
Karin: I like watching horror movies and learning 3DCG and languages.
Which venue or country would you like to perform the most in the future?
Tsuzumi: I wanna play not only in Japan but also in places where there are people who like Hazy Sour Cherry.
Jun: I want to tour all over the world. Last year we planned a US and UK tour. But it was canceled because of COVID-19. I wanna meet everyone who likes our music in the world.
Karin: UK, Indonesia, Korea, China… I want to join and play with the Damnably family living overseas.
Are there any musicians or artists that you would most like to meet?
Tsuzumi: The Clash – I really wanted to see their show.
Jun: The Young Fresh Fellows, BMX bandits, Go-Kart Mozart, Squeeze, Shy Boys, Khruangbin… etc.
Karin: Viv Prince. I love The Pretty Things. I was so sad when Phil May passed away. Viv is my favorite drummer. I hear he’s growing an orange field now.
Please share with our readers your future goals and plans…
Tsuzumi: I wanna tour everywhere, as long as there are people who want us!! Wait a minute!
Jun: We’ll release a new album soon. I think it’s our best album ever. I’d like to tour around the world with it.
Karin: By the time our second album is ready, we will be able to perform live all over the world. I will take care of my health and work hard on my performance.
-J.Chung.
K-POP ARTIST KEVIN WOO LIVE!
Arlington Backyard
Friday, August 6th | 6:00PM
Kevin Woo, member of XING and U-Kiss is hitting the Texas Live Arlington Backyard Stage with a live concert on August 6, 2021. He is extremely excited to meet the KLOVERs in-person once again!! GA and VIP tickets available!
*VIP Ticket purchasers are entered for a chance at a brief Meet & Greet and photo with Kevin!
Presented by Asia Time Square, Grand Prairie, Texas. Make sure to grab your tickets TODAY!
Tickets now on Sale! https://texas-live.com/events/20210806_kevinwoo
About Asia Time Square:
Asia Time Square – The Asia Times Square Development is one of the largest Asian Markets in Texas, and is located in Grand Prairie. It borders the city of Arlington and is positioned in between 4 major State Highways: 360, 161, I-20, and I-30. This super Complex is much more than your average shopping center. It was thoughtfully designed to commemorate and honor the Asian Community by building a safe, family-friendly environment, filled with restaurants and shops.
#asiatimesquare #kevinwoo #asianmarkets #texas #texaslive #kpopstar #ukiss #liveconcert #xing #axsevents #klovers
BATTLE OF TOKYO is a next-generation entertainment project from LDH, the major Japanese artist management agency behind EXILE and J SOUL BROTHERS III. Now, the project will be fusing the real and virtual worlds to create never before seen entertainment.
A total of 38 members from the 4 groups that make up the Jr.EXILE collective – GENERATIONS, THE RAMPAGE, FANTASTICS, and BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE – have been transformed into avatars, marking the start of a unique “Mixed Reality Entertainment” project that crosses the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds. The project will produce a wide variety of digital and virtual content, from animation to games, live performances, music videos and even theatrical productions. The team has already released a set of incredible hybrid music videos, and a new album is set for release on June 23.
The BATTLE OF TOKYO project centers on the Jr.EXILE generation, and offers a glimpse into Super Tokyo, a vibrant futuristic city in a parallel world that exists in a totally different dimension from our own.
Each group from within the collective has their own virtual counterparts: MAD JESTERS (GENERATIONS), ROWDY SHOGUN (THE RAMPAGE), Astro9 (FANTASTICS) and the JIGGY BOYS (BALLISTIK BOYZ).
The production staff on this project include top-class Japanese creators, such as ‘Ghost in the Shell: The Movie Virtual Reality Diver’ director Hiroaki Higashi; Yusuke Kozaki, the character designer on ‘Pokémon GO’, ‘Pokémon Sword and Shield’, ‘Fire Emblem’ and the ‘Godzilla’ anime trilogy; and mechanical designer Yutaka Izubuchi, who has worked on the ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’, ‘Mobile Police Patlabor’ and ‘Kamen Rider’ series. Meanwhile, the avatars will be voiced by some of Japan’s top talents such as Yuki Kaji, Subaru Kimura, Kaito Ishikawa, Shun Horie and Shunsuke Takeuchi.
This new incarnation of the BATTLE OF TOKYO project recently kicked off with a set of four animated music videos – one for each song by GENERATIONS, THE RAMPAGE, FANTASTICS and BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE. Available now on YouTube, each music video combines intense, action-packed animation with live-action performances from each group.
Be sure to check them out below!
Music Videos
GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE / ‘LIBERATION’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAcywK_V1UQ
THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE / ‘CALL OF JUSTICE’
https://youtu.be/6TBPthuEMSc
FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE / ‘PERFECT MAGIC’
https://youtu.be/cdDs9G_5AMs
BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE / ‘VIVA LA EVOLUCION’
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7m6d3xXhJG8
Release info
New album ‘BATTLE OF TOKYO TIME 4 Jr.EXILE’ to be released on June 23.
This new album includes six new songs and four music videos! It also includes a concert video of ‘BATTLE OF TOKYO ~ENTER THE Jr.EXILE~’, which was filmed in July 2019 at Makuhari Messe in Japan, and is now available for the first time! There are seven versions of the album and videos available, including first-run limited edition and regular edition releases.
CD track list
1. LIBERATION (GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE)
2. CALL OF JUSTICE (THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE)
3. PERFECT MAGIC (FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE)
4. VIVA LA EVOLUCION (BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE)
5. Alternate Dimension (GENERATIONS & THE RAMPAGE)
6. UNTITLED FUTURE (Jr.EXILE)
DVD & Blu-ray track list
DISC 1
LIBERATION (GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE) (Music Video)
CALL OF JUSTICE (THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE) (Music Video)
PERFECT MAGIC (FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE) (Music Video)
VIVA LA EVOLUCION (BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE) (Music Video)
DISC 2
BATTLE OF TOKYO ~ENTER THE Jr.EXILE~ @Makuhari 4DAYS
DISC 3
BATTLE OF TOKYO ~ENTER THE Jr.EXILE~ @Makuhari 4DAYS
Online preorders (overseas shipping available)
https://shop.mu-mo.net/avx/sv/list1?artist_id=JREXI
https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/RZCD-77355?s_ssid=e3538160ace707ab64
BATTLE OF TOKYO official YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCAFzScnTAKPEubuXEoFItg
BATTLE OF TOKYO official social accounts:
Twitter: @BattleOfTokyo
Instagram: battleoftokyo
BTS’ latest single “Butter” becomes the Korean pop group’s fourth chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart – all achieved in the last nine months, which is the fastest record since Justin Timberlake and the Jackson 5 in 1970.
“Dynamite” ~ three weeks ~ Sept. 5, 2020
“Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” with Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo ~ one week ~ Oct. 17, 2020
“Life Goes On” ~ one week ~ Dec. 5, 2020
“Butter” one week ~ June 5, 2021
Since “Dynamite,” “Life Goes On” and “Butter” have all successfully debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, BTS is now the first group with three executive No. 1 entries; no other group has achieved more than one.
Pop singer Ariana Grande currently holds the record with five.
BTS’ leader RM said in an interview before the 2021 Billboard Music Awards that BTS’ first No. 1 single “Dynamite” was an upbeat, disco-pop that they tried to give hope to global listeners in the middle of the pandemic, while “Butter,” is a more upbeat, fresh dance-pop track, more like a summer anthem. Just with all the positive vibes and upbeat energy.
Released on May 21, “Butter” collected 32.2 million streams (just in the States), 242,800 downloads, and 18.1 million radio airplay audience impressions in the first week of release.
“Butter” debuted on top of the Digital Song Sales chart for the seventh time, which is the most among groups in the chart’s history.
“Butter” is the 10th song to climb to the top on its first week at the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2021. This year was also the first to have 10 songs hit No. 1 by the first week since the Hot 100 started using MRC Data in 1991. The year of 2020 owned 20 acts, which is the most in current record.
“Butter” also became the seventh song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 2021. A record 12 titles launched at the top of the chart in 2020, after no more than four did prior. The single also topped the Billboard Global 200 chart, which accounts for 200 countries.
-J.Chung.
The F16s is an alternative band from Chennai, India. The band consists of Abhinav Krishnaswamy, Harshan Radhakrishnan, Joshua Fernandez, and Sashank Manohar.
They began their journey with a 6-song EP “Kaleidoscope” released in 2013. The band later released their debut album, “Triggerpunkte” in 2016. The F16s maintain a nostalgic vibe through its indie and alternative roots into styles of experimental, funk, and jazz.
We would like to thank the band for providing us with a great interview, as we wish them all the best in all their endeavors.
Introduce yourselves to our readers please.
Hello, we’re four boys from Indian east coast who make pop music disguised as rock and roll for a living under the banner of ‘thef16s’
Tell us about your musical sound and how you were first inspired to make music.
We’re obsessed with creating, and when the opportunity to make money out of our art arrived we grabbed it and have been holding on since. Sonically, we make easy going music. Tunes you can listen to on a long drive to the beach or when you’re trying to shovel dirt so you can bury the bodies you’ve been hiding in your freezer.
Please introduce your latest single and how it will raise funds to help combat the coronavirus.
Our latest single is “To Be There With You”, is out for sale on Bandcamp till the 7th of June. All proceeds from the sale go towards the foundations GOONJ, Milaap, Feeding From Far and Give India for Covid relief.
How has life changed for you since the pandemic?
Easy answer: no shows. Live shows are a big part of how we keep doing what we do. We had an EP out that we needed to promote and someone ripped the rug out from under us. However, we did finish another EP which is out very soon.
If you could recommend just one of your songs, which would it be and why?
‘WKND FRNDS’ from WKND FRNDS
Why: It’s a good bridge between the older material and the newer material. Also, you asked us.
Name the artists/musicians that influenced your lives or your music.
Miley Cyrus, Barry White, Hotel California.
What do you like to do for leisure and in your free time?
Be plant dads/cat dads/dog dads. When we aren’t locked down we hit the beach to surf.
What is your favorite food or beverage?
Coffee/Red wine and Chole Bhature.
What would be your most prized possession and why?
Our albums and our rare vintage holographic charizard pokemon card.
Which artist/musician would you most like to do a collaboration with?
Honestly, we’d much rather like to do collabs with brands like Balenciaga or Tupperware.
One last question. Please share with us your goals and hopes for the future.
Right now, how about we start with a world without a pandemic.
–J.Chung.
#thef16
2Z is a five-member South Korean band under GOGO2020.
The members consist of Hojin, Jiseob, Junghyun, Bumjun, and ZUNON. 2Z made its debut on January 14th, 2020 with the release of EP We Tuz:.
We’d like to massively thank the members of 2Z and their management for the great interview and wish them all the best in the future.
Hello, thank you very much for your time. Please start the interview by introducing yourselves to our readers.
HoJin: Hello. I am HoJin. I’m the vocalist of 2Z.
JiSeob: I am JiSeob, the red-haired guitarist of 2Z.
JungHyun: I’m JungHyun, the bassist and maknae of the group.
BumJun: Hello. My name’s BumJun and I’m 22 years old. I am the leader and drummer of 2Z.
ZUNON: Hi, I am ZUNON and do this and that in the band, aka the multiplayer of the group.
What does 2Z refer to and how did it come about?
Bumjun: First, 투지(Pronounced Tu Ji) means “to set a firm mind to fight” in Korean. The Z in 2Z refers to “to Z” meaning that we’ll fight til the end. Since we’re a band that was formed not just for Korea but for the rest of the world, we wanted something that could work for both Korean and English. We did have a lot of names that came up during the meeting with our company’s producers, CEO and the band members, but 2Z had both the same pronunciation for Korean and English which had a great meaning, so we went for 2Z.
That’s how we came up with the name.
Please explain how you all got to join the band.
HoJin: I’ve been friends with JiSeob since I was younger. He introduced me to rock music all throughout middle school. He later asked me to join him for an audition and I got in and became a member of the band. I worked hard to become a great vocalist and now I’m a proud vocalist of 2Z.
JiSeob: I always felt that it was so amazing and cool that one could become happy or tearful just through music. I also wanted to become a person that could be a hope for others that they can relate to.
JungHyun: I was a fashion model at the time when I was recommended by the agency to take an audition for the band by luck. When I got to the audition, all I could show was my passion and I expressed strongly that I really wanted to join. I was really lucky to become a member with the rest of the group members.
BumJun: I worked as a model before I started doing music. As a model, I was at a number of fashion shows including Seoul Fashion Week and did various photoshoots for magazines and commercials.
The CEO at the agency I was signed under at the time, recommended that I should take an audition to join a band. So that’s how I became a drummer of 2Z.
ZUNON: I actually wanted to become an actor at first. I was working as a model when I came across the band’s audition. Since music and acting were all forms of art, I took the audition and became a member of 2Z.
What makes 2Z’s music appealing in your opinion? And which one of your songs are you the most attached to?
HoJin: Our music has a distinctively strong sound compared to other bands currently existing in Korea. The lyrics that we convey are beautiful with clear messages and melody. Our tracks sound all different but they share the same theme. You can discover diverse sounds in our album. Also, 2Z’s music has a lot of parts where the audience can sing along with us.
All I Need would be the song that I’m the most attached to. It’s the first time that I sang as the vocalist to express emotions like that into a song. The song is kind of heart-wrenching and complicates your mind a little bit.
JiSeob: The song that I am the most attached to has to be Keep the Promise. This always brings back different emotions, scent and memories each time I hear it. Whenever we play and sing this song, the feelings I get are always different. But the funny thing is, I can never erase that feeling I felt when I sang it for the first time.
JungHyun: Turn My Camera. When other people hear the song, they would probably say, “Oh, the bass sounds nice in this song.”
We spent long hours in the studio to produce the great groovy sound. I learned a lot about bass the day we recorded this song. Actually, I learned and felt a lot of things while recording our latest album recently.
BumJun: It’s “Keep The Promise” for me too. Whenever I play or listen to this song, I think back to the past memories I have had since starting music, which makes me tear up. When I’m down and fatigued, I get consolation when I listen to the song. To be honest, I feel attached to it the most because it was the first song that featured my voice.
ZUNON: “Keep the Promise.” I think the emotions of the song go really well with 2Z and musically it’s pure and truthful.
Due to the pandemic, your activities must be limited. How are you spending your time these days?
HoJin: We’re very frustrated that our activities are currently limited, but we get to spend more time on making new music or at practice, so we’re actually enjoying ourselves in the studio nowadays.
Before the pandemic occurred, we used to go out to have a drink after practice, but we don’t get to do that anymore. So that’s a pity.
Please introduce to our readers any music that you’re listening to frequently.
HoJin: LANY – Malibu Nights. The song expresses emotions after a breakup, and I really relate to the lyrics “I got way too much time to be this hurt.” I don’t normally listen to songs about love but when I listened to this at dawn, I couldn’t really get to sleep due to the strange feeling I got.
JISEOB: I listen to 347aidan – Dancing In My Room the most often.
The song has this vibe that only boys can express. The bright and innocent vibe of the song is what makes people feel good when they hear the song. I love the unique beat, witty lyrics, and casually-shot music video.
JungHyun: Mötley Crüe – Take Me To The Top.
“Mötley Crüe” is a band that I liked when I first started doing music.
I used to imitate the bassist and “Take Me To The Top” was my favorite song. I recently looked up all the songs that I used to listen to when I joined the band, and I find myself getting re-energized after hearing it again. I’m listening to it a lot these days.
BumJun: ESEGYE – RomanceYouthLove is one of my favorites which I listen to quite frequently. Back when I was tired and going through a hard time, a good friend of mine shared the song and recommended that I should hear it. My mind becomes calm whenever I listen to it while I’m fatigued and not doing well.
ZUNON: Leellamarz X The Quiett – Another Body is what I listen to a lot. The melody is beautiful and I relate to most of the lyrics.
Tell us what your favourite food or beverage is. And what kind of food or beverages do you dislike?
HoJin: I find eating kind of bothersome. I don’t really like eating…^^
I hate all kinds of vegetables – kimchi the most.
JiSeob: I love Maltesers chocolate. I always have them when I have a headache or need to refresh my mood. Ha ha. I hate rice with peas. Since childhood, I’ve always tried not to eat rice containing peas. Apart from that, I eat almost anything quite well.
JungHyun: My favorite food is hoe. I don’t get to eat it too often but I had some on my father’s birthday recently, and it was really delicious since I hadn’t had any for so long. I’ve made up my mind to have hoe more often from now on when I eat out. 😂
For beverages, I like green tea latte. I recently had green tea mixed with cold brew coffee, and I really loved it! I don’t really have any food or beverages that I dislike. 👍🏻
BumJun: I enjoy eating chicken with sweet powdered flakes on top, cheese balls, and fries a lot. Energy drinks are what I love to drink the most. The calories are low and you lose sleep due to the caffeine.
I don’t have foods I dislike but what I don’t like is coconut drinks.
ZUNON: I drink iced americano often because I love coffee so much. At times, I drink up to 6 cups a day.
What kind of person are you attracted to?
HoJin: My ideal kind of person is someone who doesn’t change their mind easily. A change of heart is the scariest thing in a relationship.
JiSeob: A cute puppy-like facial features, medium height with a good fashion sense. My ideal person is someone who is artistic, considerate for others that I have a lot of things in common with.
JungHyun: I don’t have a specific type in mind. I think the most crucial thing for me is whether our minds can get connected. I also like someone who is always positive and active.
BumJun: I like someone with a catlike or foxy facial features, who dresses well and emits a positive vibe.
ZUNON: Someone who loves and respects me. And has a great sense of fashion.
Other than anything music-related, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
HoJin: I really love webtoons!! It’s usually just a 30-second long cartoon but it really gives me joy, philosophical messages and excitement. One time, I was smitten by a leading female webtoon character. LOL.
JiSeob: You could say that I like to zone out. Since every day has the same routine, I don’t get to have that much free time anymore. So I like to stay numb for my pastime. I often zone out then I start imagining things…
JungHyun: I go for walks at dawn. My old hobbies used to be billiards, bowling, soccer, going to cafes and so on. But I can’t really do those things frequently due to the present circumstances.
There’s no one in the dorms after practice, so I like going to the stream to organize my thoughts which is kind of like a healing process for me. Sometimes, I get scared since it’s so calm and quiet at dawn. 😂
BumJun: I meet up with friends to go shopping or play basketball and soccer. I also love to visit well-known eateries.
ZUNON: I like taking walks and watching movies or dramas via Netflix.
Which country or venue would you most love to perform at?
HoJin: I’d like to perform in England the most. Especially at Glastonbury Festival. The bands that I love the most have performed in front of the huge crowd there. So I also really would love to go on that stage. Not as part of the audience, but as a musician.
JiSeob: Jamsil Sports Complex. Back when I was younger, I used to often think to myself, “What if I became a singer…” Then later I visited the stadium at school and thought that I wanted to perform there one day. I still have that wish, as I work hard each day to fulfill that.
JungHyun: Right now, we would be happy to perform anywhere, even if it means just busking. It’s not easy to go abroad during this time due to covid but if we get the opportunity to perform overseas, I’d love to busk in well-known parks there.
BumJun: There isn’t a specific location where I want to perform at. I just want to perform wherever FromA are at.
ZUNON: I want to perform and communicate with the audience at the rooftop in Itaewon while the sun is setting.
Let us know your plans and wishes this year and beyond. Would you add a nice comment or two for the fans as well?
HoJin: Our goal for this year is to make people hear my singing sound like I’m talking to them. Someone that I really respect told me that music should be heard like a language. As I got to learn what that really means, my goal is to sing naturally so it conveys into words.
FromA!!!!!!!!!! You’ll all be coming to our second concert [ACT1] on May 22nd, right? Can you fly over to Korea?? I’ll buy you dinner!
JisSob: I hope this year will be the year that we can make more music that speaks our mind more honestly and have more people listen to our songs. FromA !! We’re always so thankful that we have such great loyal fans like yourselves. You sing along with us and share all our troubles…
What we can do for you is to bring you more music that is truthful and sincere. Please watch this space!
JungHyun: This year, we’re going to stay healthy and do our best to carry out our plans until the coronavirus is exterminated. Then we’re going ahead with what we held up when the pandemic’s over, so let’s all hang in there.
BumJun: I feel that 2Z is at a standstill. We don’t like to be that way…
But since we are at a standstill, we also believe that this is our time to evolve and grow. We won’t give up because we promised our fans that we will be with them until the end.
ZUNON: We want to show how diverse we are musically and through our activities. We’ll do our utmost to communicate more with FromA. Thank you all for your support and for believing in us ~
–J.Chung.
#2z #Kpop #Interview #Tuzi
Korea’s Popular Rhythm-Based Gaming App Adds All-Star Label to Platform
Los Angeles, California – SuperStar Series, the global music gaming app which allows fans to play games that are themed on the latest and hottest chart-topping songs, is announcing the launch of a version featuring music from label P NATION. Starting today, artists such as PSY, Jessi, HyunA, Crush, DAWN, Heize, Swings, Penomeco and D.Ark will have their music featured in the app. The rhythm-based game series recently collaborated with Kang Daniel’s Konnect Entertainment to launch SuperStar KANGDANIEL, released on April 29.
Dalcomsoft’s SuperStar Series has over 63 million downloads worldwide. The app includes existing K-Pop labels with their artists that are active and within the growing global market having started with SMTown in 2014. Since then, SuperStar has been working with over 140 artists skyrocketing Dalcomsoft with tremendous success.
The app offers a range of highly engaging rhythm-based action games that are dedicated to specific artists and record labels. The platform is the first to utilize original sound sources from the artists, so players can feel connected within the performance they are playing along with. The behemoth gaming series also incorporates an engaging card collection feature, which allows users to collect, level up and upgrade photo cards with the featured artists in the game. Fans of the music stars wanting to play SuperStar Series can now download the app for free on iOS and Google and continue playing their favorite top K-Pop music hits
The company is currently working on an official announcement coming soon about the US version. Powered by Korea-based Dalcomsoft, a leading global music gaming entertainment company, was launched in 2014 and since then has released twelve SuperStar apps: SuperStar SMTown, SuperStar JYP Nation, SuperStar BTS, SuperStar Pledis, SuperStar Starship, Superstar Woollim, SuperStar IZ*ONE, SuperStar GFRIEND, SuperStar YG, SuperStar FNC, SuperStar KANGDANIEL and now SuperStar P NATION.
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The 25th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival unveiled this year’s official posters. The six posters make up the “cake series” that celebrates BIFAN’s 25th birthday to reflect this year’s slogan: Stay Strange.
The “Stay Strange” slogan expresses BIFAN’s determination to show support for unconventional genre film talents that have turned away from the mainstream. The slogan also represents the hope for filmmakers, audiences, and anyone who struggled due to the strange changes that the pandemic has brought about over the past couple of years.
An actual cake was prepared and photographed, and the eye-catching six-poster series was created to capture the process of the 25th birthday cake being served then consumed since the film festival has a cause to celebrate.
CHARIDA Studio created the cake, and Lee Seung Hee Studio was responsible for the photography. A behind-the-scenes video that reveals what went behind the making of the posters will be uploaded to BIFAN’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/officialPiFan).
Utilizing its experience from 2020, the 25th BIFAN will actively make use of both online and offline platforms for this year’s festival. A three-level operation plan that complies with the public health authorities’ social distancing levels has been set also. The scale of the offline and online events will be different, which will allow for the festival to be proactive and flexible in response to challenges.
“Film festivals, which are theater-based, are struggling because of the pandemic and the rapid progress of online services,” said festival director Shin Chul. “Although it’s difficult to predict how the film terrain will take shape in the post-Corona era, it’s safe to say that the way in which films are created, distributed, and viewed will be completely different from before. BIFAN’s spirit is to look at things with skewed but precise eyes. We are in difficult times without precedent, and the only way to overcome and break through these difficulties is to discover new, creative talents.
BIFAN will work to nurture these new, creative talents, as we are in the midst of new changes.”
The 25th BIFAN will be held for 11 days, from July 8 until 18. The festival will offer both online and offline screenings, as well as various audience events.
–J.Chung.
#BIFAN #Filmfestival #Film #Kmovie
It has been recently reported that Chinese musicians and companies have been infringing on a list of Korean pop artists’ copyrights via YouTube. This is rather ironic since YouTube is banned in China and K-pop culture is also somewhat being restricted by the communist nation’s government.
Certain Chinese companies have registered on YouTube that they own the copyrights to numerous music by K-pop artists including, g.o.d, IU, Davichi, TOY, Lee Seung-chul, and Younha’s – collecting royalties illegally over the years.
Many of the disputed song descriptions have been now deleted since attracting a lot of negative attention and complaints from the public.
These Chinese labels or companies took advantage of the absence of copyright registration on YouTube roughly during the 2010s – before the platform became widely popular – while the actual copyright owners had no idea that a third-party was registering and collecting royalties in their place.
A music expert and professor claimed that “Majority of Chinese music agencies are not aware of intellectual property or they intentionally choose to ignore it because it is okay to violate it in China. The Chinese TV production that bought the rights to use the format of the Korean TV show, “The Masked Singer,” refused to pay them royalties, despite the Korean company winning an international law suit over the issue. Violation of copyrights is very common in the Chinese music industry too. Some say the best we can do is not to work with them.”
YouTube and the Korea Music Copyright Association have signed a bulk contract on getting copyright permission to songs managed by KOMCA and allowed YouTube to use them. Copyright owners don’t necessarily register their property on YouTube, but if there is an issue, they can exercise their rights, as they still own the moral rights separately from the bulk contract. An individual song is not under management and rights owners should settle the issue individually by claiming their rights.
It may not be that easy for Korean musicians to win back their copyrights by filing international lawsuits against the Chinese companies if the Chinese government is not cooperative.
South Korea’s culture ministry is currently collecting evidence of copyright violation cases and will require cooperation from the Chinese authorities to rectify the problem, while KOMCA is also looking for ways to settle the issue through YouTube.
Here’s hoping that the issues will be solved soon.
–J.Chung.