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Dyani Robles  Credit: FNC Entertainment Six-member South Korean K-Pop group P1Harmony delivers their latest project, “SAD SONG”, marking their seventh mini album since their debut. The group—comprised of KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL, and JONGSEOB—are known for their active involvement in the creative process of their songs and projects. Nearly four years into their career, P1Harmony has continuously grown, cultivating a global fandom that has propelled them to reach significant milestones. “SAD SONG” features a seven-track lineup centered around themes of overcoming loneliness in a positive way. Each track bears the personal touch of the members, who played a hands-on role throughout the album’s production. The mini album spans various genres, demonstrating the expansive influence of K-pop and pushing into new musical territories. The album opens with the title track, "SAD SONG," a captivating dance number infused with hip-hop and Latin-inspired beats. An English version of the track is also included, inviting their global audience to connect with the lyrics and immerse themselves in the song’s infectious vibe. Lyrically, "SAD SONG" reflects themes of sadness and feeling stuck, yet its catchy composition draws listeners in.  Credit: FNC Entertainment The second track, "It’s Alright," introduces a groovy, upbeat rhythm driven by an addictive piano riff. The relaxed tempo, combined with P1Harmony’s distinct vocals and percussion embellishments, delivers a message of self-empowerment. The catchy hooks make this track an instant replay-worthy song. "Last Call," the third track, is an anthem that echoes the energy of the 2010s, celebrating perseverance and seizing the moment. With its high-energy electronic sound and refreshing electric guitar elements, it sets the tone for "Welcome To." This fourth track ups the intensity, merging rock elements with electronic influences, while the group's dynamic vocals inspire listeners to trust one another, rise again, and face challenges head-on. The fifth track, "All You," offers a brief respite from the album’s intensity. It begins with a 90s R&B-inspired piano and smoothly transitions into a contemporary sound. The song tells the story of a shy confession, filled with hope for lasting love and a deep connection.  Credit: FNC Entertainment "WASP," the sixth track, introduces P1Harmony’s first "unit" song, spotlighting INTAK and JONGSEOB. This experimental hip-hop track radiates a fierce, defiant energy, driven by gritty bass lines. Drawing inspiration from U.S. rap, the duo delivers sharp raps and lyrics that embody the wasp metaphor—bold and determined, striving for success in the music industry. The release of “SAD SONG” follows a year of monumental success for P1Harmony. The group charted on Billboard, performed for massive crowds during their P1USTAGE H: UTOP1A tour, and appeared at major festivals like Governor’s Ball and KCON LA. This mini album serves as the cherry on top of their achievements, and as they promote this new project, it’s clear their talent and hard work will continue to draw a growing fanbase.
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Deborah Rodriguez  Miguel Veloso, more widely known by his stage name MICO, or sometimes "Mico Toronto," is quickly making a name for himself in the indie-pop music scene. Born in Toronto, Canada, on December 6, 2002, MICO brings a fresh and captivating energy to the genre, setting a new standard for artists to follow. As he prepares for his second tour “CANCEL YOUR PLANS”, excitement is in the air—especially with his show in Houston already sold out. MICO has gained popularity on TikTok, where his goofy Gen Z personality and heartfelt song covers quickly won over audiences. His playful and authentic presence on the platform has earned him a dedicated fanbase of nearly half a million followers, eager to see what he does next. But MICO is not just a social media icon; he’s a talented musician who is changing the atmosphere of indie-pop with his innovative sound and relatable lyrics. On June 27, 2019, MICO independently released his debut solo single, "who do you love," on all major platforms. This marked the beginning of his journey as a solo artist, where he took full creative control, writing, arranging, and co-producing his music. The track set the tone for his musical style—a blend of introspective lyrics and catchy indie-pop melodies. Following this, MICO released three more singles that continued to build his presence in the music world. MICO’s debut EP, “21st Century Heartbreak,” dropped on July 30, 2020, showcasing his growth as an artist. The EP was a reflection of the modern emotional landscape, capturing the nuances of young love and heartbreak in a digital age. His raw, honest lyrics resonated with listeners, solidifying his place in the indie-pop sphere. The momentum didn’t stop there. On March 31, 2021, MICO released "make me leave," the lead single from his anticipated second EP, “Second Thoughts.” This was followed by "had2do," a collaboration with Grenada singer Marc Indigo, which expanded his musical range by blending genres and highlighting his ability to adapt to different styles. One of his most notable releases, "down!," a theatrical pop-rock anthem, evoked a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the late 2000s while still feeling fresh and current. Before the release of the fourth single, "lie lie lie," the song had already created a buzz on TikTok. One video alone amassed over 1,300,000 views, reflecting the song's infectious appeal and MICO’s growing influence as an artist. "lie lie lie" went on to achieve over 650,000 Spotify streams within the first month, cementing MICO's status as a rising star. MICO’s latest release, “idontwannaknowyou!”, is a heartfelt indie-rock anthem that immediately captivates listeners. The song explores the story of two friends drifting apart and breaking up as they navigate the changes that come with growing up. MICO first teased the track to his TikTok followers in July, and it officially dropped on August 23, 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating hearing it live on tour. As the 21-year old gears up for his second tour, fans are eager to see what MICO has in store, including brand new performances and special appearances by Haiden Henderson. With a sold-out show in Houston, and a rapidly growing fanbase, it’s clear that MICO is not just a passing trend. He is a force in the indie-pop scene, redefining what it means to be a musician in the digital age. Check out the details for MICO’s “CANCEL YOUR PLANS” tour below and follow The B.E.L.U. Lineup for more content!  Deshalia Murray  I had the honor of sitting down with LennyMakeSomething or “LMST” amidst the release of his new song “Satellite.” The song is a slow paced, groovy track with a vibe perfect for rainy days or late night walks. According to LMST, the song’s meaning is ”encouraging everyone orbiting in their daily lives to find their own answers,” something we all can relate to. Along with famous production team VYD, who has produced music for artists such as. PLAVE, Yugyeom, and Kang Daniel, the song is worth the listen. LMST, who lives a “normal” life as an office worker during the day and makes music by night, is making a comeback since his last single “Before Sunrise” (feat. LEAFY). He has been making music for over five years and doesn’t see an end in sight. Speaking with him not only gave me a lot of insight into his life and goals as an artist, but I could also see how happy he is sharing his music. He is a humble artist with the goal of expression rather than seeing this as a job. In our interview LMST opens up about his journey and how “Satellite,” a special project, came to be. As someone who lives both a normal and an idol life, is there any point the two intertwine? To be more specific, Do you take musical inspiration from your daily life or do you keep those two parts of yourself completely separate? I believe that my ordinary self and my LMST persona each take up half of who I am. In my ordinary life, I’m quite rational and calm. On the other hand, as LMST, I become emotional and very bold. By setting up these two personas, I feel like I can judge myself more clearly and show more possibilities, which makes me very satisfied. At least for now, these two personas are creating a synergy. I really enjoy observing things and thinking about what meaning they might hold. Whether on the bus, subway, or in a café, I quietly watch people or objects and capture them in photos or videos. At the end of the day, I have a habit of reflecting on how my day went and what meaning the events of the day might have had. I also make a habit of jotting down and recording these thoughts. Most of my song titles and lyric ideas seem to come from these notes. In other words, it’s like a treasure trove, a bundle of inspiration. Since “Satellite” and its lyrics are linked to our daily lives, is there a particular part of your life that inspired you to become an artist? I’d like to emphasize the genius side of having innate talent, but the truth is, until not too long ago, I was just an ordinary person who loved music. However, I did enjoy being in the spotlight, singing at talent shows and school festivals. Judging by the fact that I often sang at weddings at the suggestion of people who remembered me, it’s clear that I had a strong love for singing and music. After leaving my first job, I opened a multi-space venue that combined coffee, food, and cultural programs. A portion of the profits was invested in indie musicians and directors making diverse films. While directly planning the cultural programs for these three spaces, I was deeply inspired by many artists struggling to pursue their dreams. One day, I came across a sentence in my diary that read, “What is my dream?” That single line was enough to ignite something that I had kept hidden inside. Around that time, in the midst of a heartbreak, with the help of those around me, I released my first single, NO FANTASY, which was the direct beginning of my journey as the artist LMST. Currently, I work as a sales director at an IT company. My days are extremely busy, filled with strategizing and executing plans to persuade people, but still, I have no hesitation in transforming into LMST once the sun goes down. And, like Spider-Man, the transformed me becomes bolder, more creative, fun, and even sexy... Yes. Somehow, there’s an inexplicable charm. And I plan to continue making the kind of music that this version of me wants to create. In this process, the balance between my main identity and my alter ego might shift, but I want to convey my various facets in an honest yet sophisticated way, in tune with my evolving life and the passage of time. I’m confident that the stories embedded in my music will resonate with the self-portraits of ordinary people who hold dreams in their hearts. You worked with “vyd” for this album and they have produced some amazing music. Can you give us a little insight into the process of creating this song with them? Since VYD is a talented team that has already worked with major artists like Kang Daniel and Yugyeom, I approached the collaboration with a mindset of learning from them. We had many discussions and spent a lot of time thinking about and exploring new musical styles that we could try out. Throughout the process, we communicated openly and shared a lot of ideas about the song. As a result, we were able to create Satellite, a song that both the VYD team and I are extremely satisfied with. What makes “Satellite” stand out/different from your other music? This song was a completely new challenge for me. I tried to move away from my usual singing style and focused on singing as calmly and comfortably as possible. The process was unfamiliar and not easy. There were moments when I wanted to give up, and I even thought that this song might not suit me. However, as I wrote the lyrics, I grew more attached to the song. I started to believe, “I’m the one who can convey the meaning of these lyrics accurately” and “I’m the one who can bring this song to life.” So, I practiced and practiced again. As a result, I was able to create a song that I’m truly satisfied with and proud of. What are some goals you want to accomplish and what are goals you did accomplish with this release? The first goal I want to achieve through Satellite is to have LMST recognized worldwide and for many people to enjoy my music. I have an ambitious goal of Satellite being streamed over a million times on global platforms like YouTube Music or Spotify. Based on that, next year, I hope to hold solo concerts, even if they are small, both in Korea and abroad. The goal I’ve already accomplished is successfully attempting and delivering a song with a calm vibe like Satellite. There were a lot of challenges and difficulties during the process of making this song, but overcoming them made me feel like I’ve grown as an artist. And another thing—I’ve begun to think about how to spread the word about LMST with people like you and started sharing myself and my music with people all around the world! Through his words and his music, LMST is an artist with an amazing vision and who has a passion for spreading his love for his art to fans. Please make sure to check out Satellite below (and his other work while you’re at it)! R&B Sensation Babylon Announces First-Ever U.S. Tour: 'Beautiful Memories' Tour Dates and Details9/6/2024 Dyani Robles  As concert season kicks into high gear, it's easy to get lost in the flood of tour announcements. This year marks a significant milestone for many artists making their U.S. debut, including the acclaimed R&B sensation, Babylon.
Babylon, celebrated for his unique and timeless vocal style, has left a lasting impression on the music industry. He first gained widespread recognition through his collaboration with Zico on the chart-topping hit "Boys and Girls," which catapulted him into the spotlight. Since then, Babylon has become a dominant force in both R&B and hip-hop, admired for his creativity and artistry. With the recent announcement of his "Beautiful Memories Tour," Babylon is gearing up for his first-ever U.S. tour, covering 21 cities across the country. Babylon’s career has been marked by innovation and excellence, most recently with the release of his album *EGO 90’s*. This 25-track project, which revives the spirit of 90s music while infusing modern elements, has been met with critical acclaim and further solidified his status as a musical trailblazer. Over the course of his career, Babylon has released six full-length albums and numerous singles, showcasing his wide vocal range and top-tier production skills. His debut album *CAELO* was hailed as a masterpiece, solidifying his reputation as a gifted singer-songwriter and producer. Known for his high-profile collaborations, he’s earned the title of "musician's musician." Babylon's ability to blend contemporary sounds with classic influences has captivated fans and critics alike, ensuring his lasting legacy in the R&B and hip-hop scenes. Don’t miss the chance to experience his extraordinary talent live during the U.S. leg of his tour. **Tour Dates:** - 10/2/2024: Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom - 10/3/2024: Denver, CO @ Mercury Cafe - 10/4/2024: New York City, NY @ Mission - 10/5/2024: Urbana, IL @ Canopy Club - 10/7/2024: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown - 10/8/2024: San Antonio, TX @ Trinity University - 10/9/2024: Dallas, TX @ Trees - 10/10/2024: West Chicago, IL @ The WC Social Club - 10/11/2024: Kansas City, MO @ Voodoo Lounge - 10/12/2024: Falls Church, VA @ Crescendo Studios - 10/16/2024: Reading, PA @ Reverb - 10/17/2024: Asbury Park, NJ @ The House of Independents - 10/18/2024: Hartford, CT @ The Webster - 10/20/2024: Pittsburgh, PA @ Greer Cabaret - 10/24/2024: Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop - 10/25/2024: Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line - 10/27/2024: Madison, WI @ Liquid - 10/28/2024: San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar - 10/31/2024: Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's - 11/1/2024: Sunnyvale, CA @ Pure Nightclub - 11/2/2024: Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile For tickets and VIP packages, visit: [www.babylonofficial.com] |