Deshalia Murray

The ZEROBASEONE boys are back with the perfect summer album. Doing what they do best, get ready to dance and sing your heart out with this one! However, ZB1 is giving Zerose a new version of themselves. ‘You Had Me At Hello’ consists of the 7 tracks “Solar POWER,” “Feel the POP,” “Dear ECLIPSE” “SWEAT,” “Sunday RIDE,” “HELLO,” and “Feel the POP” (Sped Up Version). 

The members show us a new side with songs “Solar POWER” and “Dear ECLIPSE” being a pleasant change from the “usual” sound of ZB1. Where “Solar POWER” is a strong song with the members giving us their deep voices, rap, and a more hip hop beat, Dear ECLIPSE shows Zerose their rendition of an R&B sound. Both songs are showcasing a versatile artistry beyond the pop-heavy sound we are used to. Nonetheless, the boys are not leaving their exciting music behind. “SWEAT,” “Feel the POP,” and “Sunday Ride” are upbeat sounds great for enjoying the summer. Each song is a new feeling of pure happiness. Last but not least is the gorgeous sound of “HELLO,” filled with the vocals we love so much. The ballad is a beautiful final track.
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The “Feel the POP” music video was actually a mystery to Zerose, as there seems to be no true theme but to enjoy the music and come along for the ride. Visuals and outfits making a complete 180, we go from western-themed fits to tennis to streetwear. However, that's the joy of the music video. It’s meant for fans to see multiple charms and how the members look in each setting. The song and choreo are just as fun, with easy-to-learn moves Zerose can dance to. Along with the “Feel The Pop” music video, Zerose got a pre-released treat with the “Special Summer Video” version of “Sweat.” We see our 9 members dancing and singing in the summer sun. Much like the “Yura Yura” music video, the boys show their charms directly to Zerose through the camera. The music video is meant to be fun rather than tell a story, with the boys just enjoying each other’s company. The choreography is well executed but definitely will make you sweat if you try to learn it! Start your summer break by blasting this album on the radio! 
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Go check out You Had Me At Hello and follow The B.E.L.U Lineup for more k-media favs! ​

Deshalia Murray 

Natalia Kabenge 

February 5th brought with it the release of ATEEZ Mingi’s first solo project. Standing at almost 2.3 million views just under a week later, it’s clear that fans have highly anticipated a solo release from Mingi, and he most definitely delivered. 

This release strays from ATEEZ’s standard sound—as opposed to the fast paced raps layered over hard hitting trap beats that we know to be Mingi’s signature sound within the group, he takes a different approach when it comes to his solo music. ‘Tunnel’ takes on an alternative rock feel, opening with sullen vocals and an acoustic guitar before building up into a strong chorus which beautifully highlights Mingi’s gravelly rich vocals. He truly leans into his abilities as a vocalist in this song—revealing a new side of his artistry to listeners.


As a lyricist, Mingi has already proven both his versatility and expertise, and ‘Tunnel’ is no exception. It’s through the lyrcism of artists that we get to experience the inner working of their minds, and in ‘Tunnel’, Mingi wears his heart on his sleeve, coming to terms with having to let go of memories he holds close to his heart. The song’s melancholic melody is accompanied by rather sombre lyrics—Mingi serenades us with a reflection of past heartbreaks as he struggles to face reality. The prechorus is angry, as Mingi sings,

“I gotta get outta fucking love
Everything I said was a lie
Everything right at this moment”

Mingi is not only clearly dedicated to his craft, but also willing to show a new side of himself to fans through his lyrics and composing. The music video is a perfect reflection of the lyrics—Mingi, donned in all black, is accompanied by a band and surrounded by fire, something which helps to convey the desperation and longing evident throughout the video. Not only are the lyrics meaningful, but the song features a heartbreakingly sweet melody that I just can’t get enough of. I’m honored to have witnessed this solo project from Mingi, and even though it has yet to come out on streaming platforms, that hasn’t stopped me from having “Tunnel” on repeat since it’s release!



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Deshalia Murray

P1Harmony is back with their first full-length album Killin’ It and it's all fans have been asking for. With the group being more hands-on during the creative process, fans can truly see their passion through each song on this album. P1ece, P1Harmony’s fandom, have been anticipating this project due to the members adamantly speaking on their dream to create a full-length album. Here are my first reactions to the many sounds of Killin’ It.

Killin’ It - Title Track
From the first chords of this song, I knew it was the best choice as the title track. P1Harmony has consistently shown us that they are superstars (and even mention it in the song!) We can always expect a strong title track from the members and this one was no different as it gives us a high-energy, high-base pop song with a taste of hip hop. The boys rap and sing about their fame, swag, and how they’re killin' it. Coupled with the music video that depicts the boys in various situations, from dentistry to press conferences, P1Harmony is always the best in what they do.

Late Night Calls
The resident R&B track of the album and my personal favorite, “Late Night Calls” is a sweet-sounding song perfect for listening to wrapped in a warm blanket. With beautiful vocals to match, the song depicts a secret love made for the nighttime. The members’ sweet voices and adlibs mixed with calmer raps from Jongseob and Intak make for a pretty song that may make you long for a late-night call of your own. 

Everybody Clap
A perfect concert song, this track is not only telling you to get up and clap but also to put aside your stress and enjoy the moment. A fun mix of pop, and hip hop, “Everybody Clap” emphasizes how the group has always shown themselves as artist which is uplifting and ready to make you move. Blast this in your car or shower and it’s sure to make you dance and scream the lyrics.

Love Story
One thing P1ece can expect and love is a ballad with a melody meant to make you shed a tear. “Love Story” brings out vocals from each member, including the rappers, that show the versatility of their artistry. The song depicts a longing for a love that consumes their whole being. While the group may be known for their strong sound. This track is a reminder of the softness they can create just as good.

Countdown to Love
Despite the title sounding like it would give us a slow song, “Countdown to Love” will bring out those dance moves instead. The song is all about going out and having the time of your life, with love being the power you need to face all your troubles. The pop song gives the vibe of a party song from the early 2010s with a modern twist. Turn this on at an event and everybody will be jumping by the end of the song!

Emergency
If one song from the album had to be chosen to represent P1Harmony’s versatility which I have mentioned throughout this article, it would be this one. You get so many sounds in the track with them all being perfectly blended rather than choppy. The song makes references as if you're running from said emergency and creating something new with both the lyrics and the sound. It sounds like something you wouldn’t expect from the boys but is done so well.

2Nite
“2Nite” is another newer, but well executed nonetheless, sound from P1Harmony. While it has lyrics depicting dancing with and letting go with the boys like “Countdown to Love,” the sound is completely different. It's a slower R&B song with a funky beat, like music for a suit-and-tie event. The song is more proof that the members wanted to create an even bigger name for themselves by exploring their abilities. 

Let Me Love You
Taking another pleasant turn, Killin’ It’s next track is bringing back the sound P1ece have always enjoyed from their favorite boys. The strong guitar sound is the star of the show and brings an 80s retro feeling to the album. The boys sing about doing anything for their love interest and wanting to be everything they need. The gorgeous song is bound to put you in a good mood.

Street Star
“Street Star” is high on many P1ece’s track favorites for a reason. The song is pure P1harmony with its strong rap and hip-hop sound. The song is meant to give fans the confidence they may be missing, something the group has often mentioned they want to do with their music. “Street Star” wants you to stand in front of the crowd rather than within it. This track is another contender for that car playlist.

I See U
A solid final track, “I See U” is a melodic song about noticing all the little things about their love. Dedicated to their adorning fans, P1ece can listen to this like a song specifically made to show how much the boys love them. The smooth vocals coupled with the groovy feeling would serve as an amazing encore song. A flawless ending to the highly anticipated album. Killin’ It is more than we could’ve ever expected.

I know it’s a hard choice, but what’s your favorite song from Killin’ It?


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Natalia Kabenge

​On January 23rd, WJSN vocalist SeolA made her solo debut with “INSIDE OUT”, a three song single that perfectly chronicles complicated feelings that arise at end of a relationship. Instead of moving on, SeolA dwells on what could have been, hanging on to the ‘what ifs’, remembering difficult times, and finally coming to terms with herself in all her imperfection.

Skillfully hidden behind a sickeningly sweet guitar melody, SeolA recalls the moments she wishes would leave her memory in “Without You”. The music video is nothing short of introspective—a ticking clock, a burning rose, and broken glass help to tell the story of a failed romance, one which SeolA is left to painfully reminisce about.

“Let’s Talk (Loneliness)” is the second track on this release, and as the bridge between the first and tracks is quite addictive. Wanting to give her lover a second chance, she struggles to come to terms with their absence in her life, and tries to embrace feelings of loneliness while asking for a chance to figure things out. The melody sticks with you, it’s mellow pop vibe practically addicting, and making this song my personal favorite on the release. 

“NO GIRL” is the closer to this release, and it’s nothing short of perfect. A sweet melody masks a rather disquieting message as SeolA comes to the realization that she can’t help but want something she can’t have. A desperate cry for a second chance, SeolA makes it known that she wants nothing more than to be by her ex lover’s side, while admitting the end of the relationship was somewhat her fault. The message is unorthodox—rather than placing the blame on another, SeolA fully accepts it, but despite it all, still hopes for things to be the way they were. 

Simply put, this is an incredibly strong release, an especially impressive feat due to the length of the EP. All three songs fit perfectly together to relay a complex story, one in which SeolA is both victim and perpetrator, responsible for a broken relationship but wanting to pick up the pieces and start again. Each song highlights her vocals beautifully, and the release as a whole features her skillful pen, as she boasts songwriting credits on all three songs. I’ve added all theses songs to my playlist, and have had them on repeat for quite some time! Congratulations to SeolA on her solo debut, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for future projects!

Deborah Rodriguez 

Natalia Kabenge

Priyanka Jaisinghani 

Tiffany Stanley

As we all know, K-music has many genres under its belt and one that is less talked about is the K-Indie scene. It is an extensive genre with many stand out artists. However, there are a few that really took the cake for me. With a discography full of melodic and beautiful tunes, it’s no wonder how artist, Nerd Connection, sticks out. On their new EP, ‘Hard To Explain,’ Nerd Connection switched their sound and released one of the best EPs of the year. 

‘Hard To Explain’ is a rock album with punk tendencies. There’s hard guitars and heavy basslines that really seem like a far cry from their earlier releases. It makes you wonder if it is the same band. Songs like ‘I Robbed a Bank’ and ‘Planet Earth,’ take hold of you with their hard rhythms and catchy vocals. ‘Stand Up’ and ‘Been This Way’ are songs with soulful melodies that sit in front of a punk-y instrumental. From beginning to end you are encapsulated by Nerd Connection’s rock sensibilities.

With a stand-out EP like ‘Hard To Explain,’ it brings up the question, “Why Nerd Connection hasn’t  explored this sound before?” While their soft melodic indie was a treat for us all, this new harder sound definitely seems to fit who they are as artists in a better way. I hope it’s a sound they will continue to explore in the future.

What’s your favorite track off ‘Hard To Explain?

Priyanka Jaisinghani