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Justine M.  On a gusty April 18th evening, CNBLUE stormed the Knockdown Center in Brooklyn with their “VOYAGE into X” tour, delivering a performance that swept Boice, their official fandom name, off their feet. Despite the sun shining bright throughout the day, as the sun began to set, winds picked up and left fans shivering from both the chill and excitement. Doors opened promptly at 7:00pm for GA, and a mixture of new and old fans trickled into the Knockdown Center—a former door factory turned industrial-chic concert venue. Fans were greeted by staff handing out blue light sticks, a poster, and a fan project banner, which featured guidelines on the back in both Korean and English. As fans continued onward into the venue, they were greeted—well, not by the band members themselves (if only)—but by a backdrop of the official tour poster featuring the trio: Yonghwa, Minhyuk, and Jungshin, perfectly staged for fan photos. Fans wasted no time forming a line to snap pictures before hurrying off to claim the best spot in the house.  As the lights dimmed, the venue became illuminated by blue, glowing light sticks—a mix of both official and show-given ones. As Boice erupted into cheers, towering columns of smoke burst from the stage, signaling the start of the main event. The trio walked onto the stage as the opening chords of “In My Head” echoed throughout the venue, with Yonghwa’s voice piercing through the instrumental to scream, “Everybody in my,” amping the crowd for the start of the song. The band showed no signs of slowing down, keeping the energy high as they jumped right into their next two songs—both personal favorites of mine—“Where You Are (English)” and “I’m Sorry.” Boice jumped along, cheering louder than ever whenever a solo ripped through the venue—whether from a strum or a surge of drums—singing in unison and hitting every fan chant on cue. As some who enjoys their show from the back, I can say CNBLUE could be heard from every part of the venue, even outside. By this point, over fifteen minutes of solos, screams, and nonstop energy had passed before the band finally paused to catch their breath, grab some water, and give the crowd a moment to do the same. Each member took time to greet and speak to the audience, expressing their excitement, joy, and gratitude for finally being back in New York City, and thanking fans for their continued support. For many in the crowd, it was their first time seeing CNBLUE live, and the band made sure it would be a night to remember. Taking his time to speak to the crowd and soak it all in, Yongwha made sure to tell the audience how much he loved New York, even giving Los Tacos No. 1 a special shout out which garnered laughs from fans and security, segueing into all the food CNBLUE had gotten to enjoy on their visit. If there’s one thing New York City is known for, it’s our sights and food.  Yonghwa took a moment to explain the meaning behind the title of their new album, X. He shared that “X” not only symbolizes ten—marking their tenth album—but also represents “infinite possibilities.” “Through this album and through this tour,” he said, “we just wanted to show off energy with no limits.” And for the entire two-hour and thirty-minute set, CNBLUE did just that. CNBLUE performed a mixture of new and old songs, delivering some of their most powerful and emotional hits like “Cold Love” and “Then, Now and Forever,” alongside high-energy anthems like “In My Head” and “Tattoo” that kept the crowd moving. Of course, the band had to treat fans to their most popular track, “I’m a Loner,” but also hit fans with other throwbacks like “Love” and “Coffee Shop,” sparking loud singalongs and waves of nostalgia throughout the crowd. As the night began to wind down, CNBLUE played their 'last three songs'—we all knew there was an encore coming, but let’s play along. The band brought the energy to new heights with “Cinderella,” “Between Us,” and “Radio,” as the crowd often sang alongside the band. Together, CNBLUE and the audience echoed the final 'whoas' of “Radio,” and with that, Yonghwa thanked New York, proclaimed his love, and walked off—for what seemed like the end of the show. That didn’t stop the crowd from immediately chanting “CNBLUE” and “encore,” determined to bring the band back. After five minutes, the lights dimmed once more and shifted to their bright, signature blue, prompting fans to erupt in cheers. CNBLUE returned to the stage, taking their time to joke with fans and thank them again before transitioning into a beautiful piano melody played by Yonghwa, signaling the start of the encore with “Can’t Stop.” Taking a brief intermission before their last song, CNBLUE somehow got New York City to follow the steps from Yonghwa’s TikTok perfectly: “1. Silent. 2. Say Yes. 3. Loud and Screaming.” Based on the TikToks and Reels posted, it’s safe to say New York passed with flying colors. The band closed their encore with the energetic and heartfelt 'Young Forever'—a song about holding onto youth and going after your dreams, making it a fitting end to a night that meant a lot to both the band and their fans. After countless cheers, dancing, and even a few tears, it was finally time to say goodbye to CNBLUE. The musical journey CNBLUE took fans on felt like a full-circle moment—a perfect blend of nostalgia, fresh beginnings, and a powerful reminder of the band’s longevity, enduring presence, and perseverance, both as musicians and as artists. Even as a trio, they commanded every corner of the Knockdown Center, leaving their mark on that stage. New York City got Yonghwa’s stamp of 'Best Concert of His Whole Life,' and maybe he says that at every show—but honestly, that still feels like a win to me. With a promise from the band to return to New York soon, fans are left eagerly anticipating what’s next from CNBLUE. 
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The B.E.L.U. Lineup Team  Credit: LIVE NATION On April 6, 2025 in the coveted Brooklyn Paramount, the K-pop boy group TREASURE delivered a breathtaking opening show of their first US Tour, Special Moment. In anticipation of their long awaited first US appearance nearly five years after their debut, fans came out more than 24 hours before the show to line up outside the venue and try to secure as good of a spot as possible in the audience. Leading up to the show, the lines outside were bustling full of excited Treasure Makers (the official name given to TREASURE’s fandom, Teume for short), many whom were about to see TREASURE perform for the very first time. As the doors opened, fans began filing into the floor and the balcony of the historic all-standing venue. However, unlike at a typical general admission style music hall where the atmosphere is usually very intimate, the Brooklyn Paramount's opulent grand foyer adorned in gold reliefs helped maintain a larger than life feeling - a perfect place for TREASURE’s highly anticipated American debut performance. Promptly at 8 PM, the lights dimmed and the crowd went wild as TREASURE opened up with a series of energetic, fully choreographed performances to some of their most popular songs, including “JIKJIN", “BONA BONA”, “BOY” (a personal favorite), and “I LOVE YOU”, in that order. Although the stage was on the smaller side, TREASURE showed their talent and chemistry as the ten members executed flawless formation changes and filled up the entire width of the stage. It was almost hard to know where to look because they all had their own unique auras that captivated whenever each members’ parts came up.  With the energy in the venue at a high, TREASURE welcomed their NYC Teumes with member introductions and some playful energy checks to keep the crowd on their feet. The concert then immediately moved into unit performance territory to change up the pace and show the group’s depth and diversity in discography. While each unit was phenomenal and unlike the next, the rap trio unit (ft. members Asahi, Haruto, and Hyunsuk) was the most standout in my opinion. They came together with two songs “G.O.A.T” and “VolKno”, some of the most hype songs of the night. Needless to say, Treasure Makers were jumping and fist bumping along the whole time. TREASURE then proceeded to show their duality with a different, cuter side; they came out with new outfits and a boyfriend-esque concept. The members enchanted the stage with one of their latest tracks, “YELLOW”, and had Treasure Maker certainly giggling and kicking their feet to “SARURU”. After Teume were attacked with TREASURE’s adorable side and romantic lyrics, the energy surged again until they “ended” the night with their viral “DARARI” and “HELLO”. However as in typical K-Pop concert fashion, this wasn’t the true end as an encore followed. Loud chants from Teume invited TREASURE back to the stage one last time for their encore, where they had fun splashing water on fans, giving high fives, and taking fans’ phones to do selfie videos. They even took a fan’s American flag with a picture of the group printed on it, and flexed it as if to show that they were proud to be in the US as a team at last. The encore medley of “GOING CRAZY/ B.L.T./ ORANGE” was especially touching to Teume as the performance radiated the TREASURE that they’ve always known ~ colorful, lively, and full of love. It was also an homage to TREASURE’s journey to finally achieving their dreams and you could feel their gratefulness and happiness during the performance. This show was truly like their namesake, an absolute treasure. It was amazing to have gotten to experience this first with so many fans around me, and the phenomenal performance affirms that TREASURE’s future is nothing but bright.  [Mini Interview] NEWBEAT’s Bold Beginning: A Rookie Group With Raw Energy and Radical Vision4/9/2025 Deborah Rodriguez  Beat Interactive In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, a fresh voice has entered the scene, and it's one you won’t want to miss. On behalf of The B.E.LU. Lineup, I had the privilege of joining a roundtable interview with NEWBEAT (뉴비트), a newly debuted seven-member boy group under BEAT Interactive. Formerly known pre-debut as HinLOVE (하이앤러브) or HIGH&LOW (하이앤로), NEWBEAT, affectionately shortened to NBT, has already made waves with their authentic sound, bold messaging, and powerful presence. Consisting of Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo, NBT officially debuted on March 24, 2025, with their first full-length album RAW AND RAD. But make no mistake, this wasn’t an overnight success story.  Beat Interactive The Road to Debut: A Journey of Growth and Grit
Before stepping into the spotlight, NEWBEAT carved their path through years of training and hands-on experience. Their pre-debut days included busking tours across the U.S. and performing as backup dancers for senior group A.C.E. These opportunities not only sharpened their stage skills but also helped them form genuine connections with international fans. Now under a supportive agency, the group expressed immense gratitude for finally debuting with their full-length album, a feat that seemed both daunting and thrilling when first proposed. “Over time, we learned how to turn that pressure into confidence, and now we're so excited for our debut and cannot wait to share what we have worked on.” – Jeon Yeoyeojeong Meet Neurocorn: A Mascot With a Message NBT’s mascot, Neurocorn, isn’t your typical unicorn. Born without a horn, the character embarks on a journey of self-discovery, only to learn that being different isn’t something to hide but something to celebrate. “The unicorn comes to a realization that it's not wrong to not have a horn and everyone is different. This message is expressed through our song, connecting our sense of freedom, challenge, and ambition.” – Jeon Yeoyeojeong A Sonic Spectrum: Wild, Soft, and Everything in Between RAW AND RAD lives up to its name by showcasing the duality of NEWBEAT’s artistry. The album blends old-school hip-hop nostalgia with modern K-pop flair, embracing imperfections while highlighting versatility. The pre-release single “JeLLo” (March 5, 2025) kicks things off with a playful, kitschy vibe, while “HICCUPS” injects high energy and quirky soundscapes, including a self-recorded hiccup that one member proudly revealed was a hit with producers.When asked about the distinct funk elements in their pre-debut singles, Jeon Yeoyeojeong explained: “Our two pre-debut singles and the title track have this old-school hip-hop vibe. During our trainee days, we practiced and covered a lot of first-generation K-pop idols to learn and approach closely to the old hip-hop genre, and we were inspired by that experience when working on our album.” At the heart of the album is the title track “Flip the Coin,” a statement piece that embodies NBT’s ambition to “flip the K-pop industry” with their rawness and innovation.When asked which song best represents them, multiple members agreed: “We Are Young.” This bright, spirited track doubles as the OST for their own reality content series documenting a 100km journey across Korea, a fitting metaphor for their debut voyage. The song channels themes of youth, courage, and limitless potential, reminding both fans and the group that being young means having the freedom to explore, challenge, and grow. Behind the Scenes: From Studio Laughs to Busking in the States The group described their recording sessions as intense but rewarding, particularly for a full-length debut album. One charming anecdote involved all seven members walking around practicing hiccup sounds like a choir, which is an endearing memory tied to “HICCUPS.” The group also chose their final U.S. busking performance in New York City’s Central Park as one of their favorite pre-debut memories. They performed a show-stopping version of Jungkook’s “Standing Next to You” with fellow dance crews. “It felt like a mega-crew finale,” Hong Minsung said with a smile. A Glimpse Into Their Goals Now that they were about to make their official debut, I asked what kind of goals the team had set for themselves. Hong Minsung shared with heartfelt honesty: “The short-term goal of our group is to win the Rookie of the Year Award since that award can only be won by a newbie group. We always have big goals, but we strive to stay humble, learn, and communicate with our fans. I believe communicating with our fans will also enhance the quality of our music and performance. At the end of the day, we want to earn the title of a 'growing and improving idol.’” It’s that mix of ambition and humility that makes NEWBEAT not just exciting to watch, but deeply admirable. What Sets NEWBEAT Apart NEWBEAT doesn't just aim to entertain, they want to empower. Their music is a rallying cry for authenticity, a reminder that being different is beautiful. Even as rookies, they exhibit a clarity in concept and purpose that’s rare to find. “RAW AND RAD represents pure, raw passion and the spirit of challenge. While we acknowledge the imperfections and flaws within our rawness, I believe it is also a result that fully captures our dreams, passion, and mindset.” – Park Minseok The Road Ahead While their short-term dream is to win Rookie of the Year, NEWBEAT’s long-term vision is rooted in humility, growth, and connection. They’re committed to expanding their discography, strengthening their performances, and staying close to the fans who’ve supported them from day one. As they wrapped up the interview with cheerful goodbyes and bright smiles, one thing was clear: NEWBEAT isn’t just here to play the game—they’re here to change it. “This was NEWBEAT~ Thank you for having us!” Special thank you to Helix Publicity and Beat interactive for this opportunity! [Concert Review] Psychic Fever Turns up the Temperature in New York During Their Debut US Tour3/5/2025 Leonel Salcedo  In the heart of Brooklyn, on the night of February 5th, something unforgettable happened. You might be wondering: “What event? What artist?” Well, let me tell you, it was none other than Psychic Fever, hosted by Konnect Entertainment — and trust me, it was a night to remember! The weather was brutally cold, but the crowd came prepared, rocking cowboy-inspired outfits that matched the theme of the night. Despite the chill, excitement was in the air, and it was clear — the energy was going to be as hot as ever. And they were right to be excited because the vibe of the night was set the moment the doors opened. The atmosphere was alive, electric — as the stampede of fans poured in, the mood was chaos, in the best way possible! The crowd didn’t wait long before the show kicked off. From the moment the first note hit, it was clear this would be an unforgettable experience. I could already feel my ears ringing from the fans’ screams — even before the show began! Each member of Psychic Fever came on stage, greeting the crowd with smiles and pure energy, ready to captivate the audience.  As the show progressed, the performance was nothing short of incredible. We were treated to a whirlwind of stunning choreography, high energy, and an undeniable connection between the members and the fans. Tsurugi, Ryoga, Ren, Jimmy, Kokoro, Ryushin, and Weesa truly gave it their all. The boys performed their hit songs; Talk to Me Nice, What’s Happening, Bittersweet, Love Fire, and Just Like That (my personal favorite!), as well as interacting with the crowd, joking around and getting up close and personal with fans. The audience couldn’t get enough, their energy building with each track, going wild with every beat. The night didn’t end there. In a thrilling twist, Psychic Fever surprised a select few lucky ticket holders with an exclusive fan engagement event! The game was simple — guess the song and guess which member was speaking just 1-3 words. The excitement was palpable as fans competed to win a chance to take a Polaroid with the members and even a group photo. The crowd cheered them on, trying to help, and it was all for a good cause: to create a memory that those lucky winners would cherish forever. Reflecting on the night, I can honestly say this show was one for the books. The members of Psychic Fever truly showcased their passion, magic, and unmatched talent, moving effortlessly across the stage with infectious energy. It was a performance that felt like they were living and breathing their craft — every move, every smile, every beat.  It wasn’t just the artists that made the night special. The event staff and the host were incredibly dedicated to making sure every fan felt welcomed and safe. The vibe was all about inclusivity, making it a space where everyone could enjoy the music and the experience without worries. They even went the extra mile to provide fans with goodies that would serve as lasting mementos of the night.
As I look back on February 5th, I can say with certainty: This was a night I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to relive it. The energy, the excitement, and the unforgettable performances — I’m already counting down the days until the next tour! Dyani R  Despite the rainy weather in New York, the excitement of fans to see Yves during her “Apple Cinnamon Crunch Tour” was undeterred. The former LOONA member took the stage at Brooklyn Paramount and delivered a performance that will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of everyone who attended. Throughout the night, Yves treated her fans to a setlist featuring many of her top songs, including ‘See You in Hell,’ ‘Hashtag,’ and ‘Loop.’ After warmly introducing herself, Yves took a moment to express her deep gratitude for the fans who had come to support her. She spoke to them in between songs, acknowledging the energy in the room and emphasizing how much their presence meant to her. The concert wasn’t just about her own music, though. Yves also showcased her powerful vocals and impressive musical range by performing two covers that highlighted her versatility as an artist. Her ability to shift seamlessly between genres added a special layer to the show and kept the audience on their toes.  As the night progressed, the energy in the venue skyrocketed when Yves introduced a special guest: her label mate, ‘blah.’ blah. took the stage and performed his own tracks, as well as a memorable cover of Harry Styles’ hit ‘As It Was.’ His performance brought a new level of energy to the night, with his captivating voice and engaging stage presence leaving a lasting impression on the crowd. When Yves returned to the stage, the excitement reached new heights. Fans were dancing and singing along as Yves poured her heart into every song. It was clear that the crowd was completely immersed in the experience. At one point, Yves paused to engage with her New York fans in a Q&A segment. Fans eagerly asked questions, and Yves answered them with warmth and humor, offering insight into everything from the food she was hoping to try while on tour to more personal details about her music and journey. The night culminated with an encore performance that had fans on their feet, cheering and clapping along. Yves made the moment even more personal by interacting with the crowd, grabbing signs, gifts, and even taking photos with fans’ cell phones. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, and it was impossible to ignore the buzz of excitement and appreciation that lingered in the air.  For those who had purchased a post-show perk, there was an opportunity to meet Yves up close, providing yet another chance for fans to connect with her beyond the stage. It was clear that Yves was dedicated to making her fans feel seen and valued, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Leaving the concert, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed excitement for Yves’ future releases. Not only did I walk away with new music to add to my playlist, but I also felt like I’d witnessed an artist at the peak of her talent, someone who’s just getting started and ready to take on the world. E. Diana  The brisk January air was no match for the line snaking outside of Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom. VIPs for Zayn Malik’s second sold out show in New York were clad in their red beanies, eagerly awaiting to be let inside the venue. It was a night that had been postponed since its original November date, and was much anticipated.
This was Zayn’s first solo tour since he began his solo career in 2015, after leaving One Direction in the beginning of the year. His fans - known as “Zquad” - have waited nearly ten years to finally see him in his own element, as his other bandmates have already done so. It felt right from Zayn’s end to have his first tour in smaller venues as opposed to arenas - his artistic style has always been more intimate rather than boisterous. Fans eagerly lined up to buy merch, or to take pictures with the tour backdrop in the lower floor of the ballroom. Zayn’s cultural reach did not go unmissed - there were fans waving Pakistan flags and wearing keffiyehs.There were two openers, indie artists LA Power Disco. and Hope Tala. LA Power Disco got the crowd pumped up with covers of ABBA songs, while Hope Tala sung songs from her upcoming album to round out the night until Zayn arrived. Hope Tala’s acoustic set forth mellow vibes that would echo on into the night with the main event. Zayn’s arrival was met with a crowd surge and delighted screams - thankfully, no one seemed to be hurt. He took the stage confidently, and the Hammerstein Ballroom was soon filled with his divine vocals. The tone of the night was stripped back, relaxed and mellow. The lighting was moody, in somber shades of blue, purple and red. A trio of backup singers and a few musicians backed him up in perfect harmony. The stage bore a simple setup of trees decorated with lights, and a backdrop that responded to the live music in gradient lighting. While Zayn’s first three solo albums (Mind of Mine, Icarus Falls, Nobody Is Listening) leaned towards R&B, his latest album Room Under The Stairs took inspiration from country music while still delivering an R&B tone. Some highlights of the night included: Zayn shouting out his mother in the audience; the sold-out crowd loudly carrying the chorus for "Sweat" as Zayn looked on proudly; and finally hearing "Pillowtalk" live, his hit breakout single that he had not performed live until this tour kicked off in December. The latter was stripped back from its original pop production, and instead performed in an acoustic manner that matched the aesthetic of the setlist. Zayn was regarded as the best singer in One Direction, and this concert proved why he can still be considered one of the best singers of his generation. With his soulful tenor voice that blends seamlessly into the highest notes, he carried every song effortlessly. It was easy to just stand there and bask in his sweet crooning all night, completely entranced in the world above the stairway that he was taking Zquad to. I personally felt like I was a teenager all over again, back in my One Direction phase and absolutely enamored with his artistry. The final moment of the show was undoubtedly bittersweet; instead of singing the last song on the setlist, “Stardust”, Zayn took that time to leave the stage officially while the track played through the speakers. The screen then displayed a message for the late Liam Payne, Zayn’s bandmate who tragically passed away in October: “Love you bro ❤️”. A small tribute that felt like a fitting way to close off the show. I left the venue with the feeling that I had somehow been floating through space for an undisclosed amount of time. Witnessing Zayn Malik live will give you that effect. Deborah R.  Credit: eid.avn & eid.paak South Korea has long been a powerhouse for producing globally recognized, incredibly talented artists. Yet, amidst the sea of established stars and emerging talent, it’s easy to miss the next big name—or in this case, names! Enter the world of EID with AVN and PAAK. EID, which stands for “Echoes in Dream,” is a rising creative collective based in Seoul, South Korea whose artistry, vision, and undeniable charisma are poised to leave a lasting impression. Their vision is to turn the sounds in dreams into music, and produce scenes from dreams into videos. The B.E.L.U. Lineup had the privilege of discovering this dynamic label and chatting with them about their new artistic journey, and trust us, they’re not one to overlook. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
We’re excited to see what’s next for EID in 2025 and wish them all the best on their journey! Until then, don’t miss EID’s latest releases, “Just Like You” and “Bouquet,” now streaming on all major music platforms. Stay connected with EID through their socials: AVN: @eid.avn PAAK: @eid.paak Maria T.  With an ever so expanding Korean hip-hop and R&B scene, soloists Woolenciah, Oddjun and Willa are just beginning to make their mark and their presence known. Fully self composed, written, and produced their authenticity and strive shines through as they break through globally as artists and performers. Bringing you three totally different vibes for you to enjoy individually, as well as making tracks together there is much to look forward to. The B.E.L.U Lineup had the opportunity to chat with all three artists to discuss their music style and what they aspire to do in the future. Responses have been revised for clarity.  - How would you describe your musical style, and what sets it apart from other artists in the Korean rap genre? Woolenciah: I definitely focus a lot on the lyrics, and where the lyrics come from. The way I take experiences and make it into music is what puts me into a different part of the spectrum. - How would you define your vocal style? Oddjun: Love. A lovely voice through love. I learn a lot through my experience with love so I want to describe my vocal style as love. - As a rapper, how would you describe your music style? Willa: My music style is fully in practice, and just fun. - As a contestant on Season 11 of “Show Me The Money”, how did that experience contribute to your growth as an artist? Woolenciah: To be able to appear on “Show Me The Money” is definitely a big deal to Koreans and Korean artists. Through several rounds I was able to go through, I felt some confidence grow in me and believed I can do this too, I can make it somewhere too. - You often cover songs by artists like Keshi, Daniel Caesar, and The Weekend. Do you find inspiration from these singers? Oddjun: All three artists are pretty famous, their style and vocals is what I really learn from . I’ve been able to successfully cover these artists so I definitely learn from their style of music and their lyrics. - What themes would you say you mainly focus on when writing your lyrics? Willa: It’s not really a theme, but I always live in the moment. So I use those moments to make my lyrics and go with what I am feeling in that moment. - In your mini vlog from Asia Times Square in Texas, you emphasized connecting with the audience. Do you have a favorite memory from your recent visit to the U.S.? Woolenciah: My favorite memory especially in that moment is the reaction that the audience gave me. Being a very brand new artist and performing for the first time in the U.S. for a crowd like that, the reactions, the fans gave me something that I will never forget. - After your recent performances in the U.S., what was your experience like being on stage? Oddjun: I came very far from Korea to be able to perform and receive such energy from the audience. I was very thankful for that and I was able to experience another kind of love from the audience. - What has been the biggest change in your musical journey, from when you first started until now? Willa: The biggest change for me is just how much I’ve improved and how my mindset has improved from when I first started. The confidence I have is building and it will only go up from here. - Your music videos, especially for “Ethics” feature you walking on a treadmill in various locations. When conceptualizing a music video, what specific ideas do you focus on during the creative process? Woolenciah: So rather than focusing on the way he looked in the music video I wanted to show people that I was running towards a certain vision. The song is called Ethics so I wanted to show through my work ethic, music ethic, and me as a person running towards a certain dream, goal, and vision. - Many of your songs have an emotional depth paired with strong beats and vocals. Do you naturally gravitate towards these themes in your music? Oddjun: I’m originally a very emotional person, so I use my emotions a lot to make my music. - How does your creative process differ when writing a song alone compared to collaborating with another artist? Woolenciah: When I do music alone it's definitely a more deeper thought process to create lyrics and match the beat and vibe of the song. Compared to when I am with my friends there’s a much lighter feeling, it’s not so heavy on the mind, I can have fun with it and get inspiration from my friends as well. - You take a more hands-on approach to your work, from composing to writing lyrics. Why is it important for you to be involved in every aspect of your music? Oddjun: I think it’s really important to use emotions that I experience to make my music. From start to finish it’s a very deep thinking process. As an emotional person, to convey my emotions through my music and how I expect it to come out and to be conveyed is important. - What are your thoughts on the Korean hip-hop genre? Since it is ever so changing, how do you think it will evolve? Willa: It’s doing good. There’s so many collaborations now between Korean rappers and Western artists. It’s going to get bigger and flourish. - Are there any artists who inspire you? Woolenciah: Kanye West and Drake. Willa: Travis Scott and Ohno. - What goals do you want to achieve as an artist/in your music career? Woolenciah: I want to go to Billboard. Oddjun: With me being Korean, in Korea I would love to become a known singer for my kind of music. Experiencing American and being in America I would love to become a well known singer here as well. - What can fans expect and look forward to from your upcoming sound moving forward? Woolenciah: R&B, I am a rapper but I want to show more of a softer vibe, and my new album drops December 4th. Oddjun: I’m releasing my new song on December 14th.
Maria T. The holiday festivities have come to the United States early with the announcement of the 2024 Jingle Ball tour. This festive event makes stops in Texas, California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Georgia, and Florida. Jingle Ball, originally beginning in New York City, has now expanded across the United States, lasting from December 3rd to December 21st for a full month of holiday cheer. Fans of any genre of music will be delighted to attend one of the Jingle Ball stops with stars like Katy Perry, Twenty One Pilots, SZA and Meghan Trainor in attendance. There is also an array of K-pop acts included in various stops of this holiday tour! KATSEYE Global girl group KATSEYE, fresh off their debut with South Korean multinational entertainment corporation HYBE, will kick off their first appearance at Jingle Ball in Fort Worth, Texas on December 3rd. Starting their journey on survival show Dream Academy, members Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae made their dreams a reality, creating summer viral hits Touch and Debut.  Credit: katseyeworld P1Harmony Before embarking on their Europe leg of their “UTOP1A” tour, P1Harmony members Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul and Jongseob, will attend Jingle Ball for their second time in Washington, D.C. With the release of their 7th mini album “SAD SONG”, the 6 member boy-group will head to the nations capital after selling out The Anthem just last May.  Credit: p1h_official NCT DREAM Making their second Jingle Ball appearance NCT DREAM is set to perform at 4 tour dates in Inglewood, Rosemont, Detroit and New York. With their recent comeback with album “Dreamscape”, the group has topped their first week streams for a song on Spotify with title track “When I’m With You”. Also having finished their world tour “THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE” this November, fans hope to see them again through this Jingle Ball tour.  Credit: nct_dream WONHO WONHO, a soloist formerly apart of the now 6-member boy group MONSTA X, will be attending Jingle Ball dates in Texas, Illinois, Michigan and Florida, while also performing for fans across the US during his first fan meeting tour in the same month. WONHO is also set to release his English single “What Would You Do” on November 22nd.  Credit: iwonhoyou Below are the dates and availability of the Jingle Ball Tour. All tickets can be bought on Ticketmaster.
December 3 Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena December 6 Inglewood, CA - Intuit Dome December 09 Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena December 10 Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena December 13 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden (SOLD OUT) December 15 Boston, MA - TD Garden December 16 Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center December 17 Washington, DC - Capital One Arena (SOLD OUT) December 19 Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena (SOLD OUT) December 21 Miami, FL - Kaseya Center (SOLD OUT) E. Diana  Credit: Leo S. A line snaked around the entrance to the Avant Gardner’s Great Hall on the evening of November 6th. Fans of the k-indie singer Woosung, best known as the main vocalist for the band The Rose, were looking forward to the performance after what was arguably a very stressful night for most people in his target audience. It had been two years since Woosung toured solo, and his return was heavily anticipated amongst his fanbase. Fans with VIP tickets were treated to an intimate Q&A session with the singer, who appeared onstage in good spirits to answer as many questions that were allowed. Several highlight answers included singing happy birthday to a fan’s relative for her Sweet 16, explaining his collaboration with Suga of BTS, and describing his album for deaf fans; “It’s… like floating in the sky… you’re up in the sky, but it is a little scary when you look down. But you’re just trusting that you’re not gonna fall, type of vibe.” There were two openers following the Q&A: South Korean producer and DJ IÖN, and Woosung’s fellow The Rose bandmate Park Dojoon, under his DJ moniker Parclassic. IÖN got the crowd pumped up with a medley of EDM sounds and songs, awash under strobe lights and blue lighting, while Parclassic hyped up the audience with mixes of popular EDM songs. Fans waved their The Rose lightsticks, while others wore glow stick freebies around their wrists, creating a colorful aurora across the standing room. Parclassic seamlessly transitioned into Woosung's arrival. The singer opened with "Paper Cuts", a song off of his new album 4444. The vibes changed as the singer’s soulful, heart-wrenching vocals filled the room, sonically transporting the audience to the skies. Despite the album only having been out for a little over a month, the fans sang along word for word as Woosung moved across the stage. While performing frontman with The Rose, Woosung maintained a very sturdy, captivating image that cemented his place as a rockstar. On his own, he gave off the essence of a friend you hadn’t seen in some type; a familiarity that was most comforting and carried through the night.  Credit: Leo S. Woosung went through a solid weaving of his solo music, going back as far to perform “Face” from his solo debut Wolf. The audience remained captivated and singing along in unison. Near the end of the setlist, he performed three remixes of The Rose songs. He kept true to the EDM genre he had dabbled in with his current release, and had the remixes in light of a club scene. During the middle of the set, he went on to explain the title of his album; how despite 4 being known as a number of death in Asian culture, he had always felt a calling to the number and would see it everywhere. Woosung also explained how he doesn’t fear death, but rather sees it as a new beginning and next step in the cycle of life. Immediately after that insight, he performed the ballad “The Day I Died”, a true tearjerker that set the tone of the message he set to convey. Perhaps it was the overhanging somber mood that everyone was feeling, but there was a unity of catharsis when it came time to scream “F*ck this modern life!” during “Modern Life.” Woosung seemed to pick up on this, and while not explicitly addressing the elephant in the room, he went on to say “Let there be light on all the innocent lives that need it the most right now” before singing “Let There Be Light.” The audience cheered, knowing what he meant and appreciating it. Woosung led the audience through a journey of life. There was dancing, there was crying, there was reminiscing on loss and love, and there was yearning and sadness. Whether he was freestyling his own choreography, donning a guitar, or joining forces with Parclassic to DJ for the crowd, his energy kept everyone enjoying the moment. Such is what art is all about; giving audiences a time to be in tune with their emotions when they need it most. |
