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- Embracing the Global Stage: Monsta X's I.M Announces First Ever Solo Headlining "Off the Beat" World Tour Dates
Coming off the heels of his third EP, the K-pop superstar will kick off the tour in Seoul and visit 18 cities across Europe, North America and Asia MONSTA X’s dynamic rapper and vocalist, I.M, embarks on his new journey as a solo artist by announcing dates for his ‘Off The Beat’ World Tour. The soloist will ignite the world with his first ever solo headlining tour that will kick off in Seoul before proceeding to showcasing storytelling performances for fans in major European cities, followed by a North American tour leg, before ending in Asia. As the sole member of MONSTA X to embark on a global solo adventure, the K-pop star is poised to captivate the audiences with his charisma, explosive energy, and genre-defying artistry. I.M (Im Chang-Kyun) is a member and the lead rapper of the Korean boy group, MONSTA X, who debuted in 2015. Even as the youngest member of the group, I.M has shown his talent and potential as a soloist through numerous mixtapes and solo EPs, where he contributed to the composing, arranging, and writing of the lyrics. His solo debut EP “DUALITY”, released in February 2021, has gained massive success with five tracks ranking in Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, reaching 8.5 million views on YouTube for his lead track, “God Damn”, music video and holds over 15.9 million streams on Spotify. While remaining a part of MONSTA X, I.M is currently focusing more on his solo career. With the second EP “OVERDRIVE” released under Sony Music Entertainment Korea in June 2023, he showed a wider range of skills with a style change in his music compared to his work with MONSTA X. This EP ranked first in 14 countries on the iTunes Global Chart and achieved over 1 million streams within 24 hours of the release, which led to this extended playlist to place on the Melon Hall of Fame. The album carefully sets out the musical worldview pursued by I.M as a soloist through deep, sophisticated sounds and delicate melodies. I.M has been showing great success and growth as he continues to reveal a more unique side of him as well as connects with his fans through his latest albums and singles, such as his debut EP “Duality," his last album “Overdrive,” and his latest single “Slowly . ” All five songs in the “Duality” album charted on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart and has about 45 million all time global streams. 2024 Off The Beat World Tour Dates: ( All dates and cities below are subject to change.) May 25-26 Seoul July 26 London, UK July 28 Paris, FR Aug. 1 Cologne, GE Aug. 3 Berlin, GE Aug. 8 Boston, MA Aug. 10 New York, NY Aug. 15 Toronto, ON Aug. 17 Chicago, IL Aug. 23 Houston, TX Aug. 25 Dallas, TX Aug. 27 Vancouver, BC Aug. 29 San Francisco, CA Aug. 31 Los Angeles, CA Sept. 19 Taipei Sept. 22 Tokyo Sept. 24 Bangkok Sept. 29 Macau Fueling the anticipation, I.M has dropped the latest music video from his third EP, “Off The Beat,” making this his second release of 2024. Earlier in April, he released the body of work with six new tracks, ‘LURE,’ ‘Bust it,’ ‘X0,’ ‘Skyline,’ ‘MMI,’ and ‘nbdy.’ While each song embodies a unique story, this extended playlist is all about being his genuine self and reflects the theme of ‘not following the regular path,’ and practicing ‘unconventionalism.’ The record-breaking artist delves deeper into uncharted territory with this new release, infusing his raw talent as a producer, singer-songwriter, and rapper with the genuine spirit of his avant-garde persona. Beyond the stage, I.M remains stylish and iconic by straddling the worlds of both music and fashion. From collaborations with Versace and Swarovski, to turning heads at Polo Ralph Lauren and BOSS, I.M is a trendsetter, trailblazer, and fashion icon. This tour presents a new opportunity to witness I.M’s bold style, both musically and on stage. Get ready to witness I.M embark on his first ever solo tour showcasing his distinctive storytelling live in 18 cities across the world. For more information on tour dates and tickets, please visit I.M’s social media channels on Instagram and Twitter . The general public can buy tickets starting from April 29 at 10 am PDT and 8 am EDT with presale taking place on April 26 at the same time for those with the presale code. Connect with I.M on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube
- The Excitement of FIRST's U.S. Debut: FIRST (Chalongrat Novsamrong) Greets Fans in New York and Dallas During First U.S. Fan Meet
New York welcomed Thai singer and actor Chalongrat Novsamrong -- more commonly known as FIRST -- for his first fan meet, " MY FIRST'S DATES IN THE CITY ," followed by Dallas where fans celebrated his birthday together. FIRST (เฟริสท์ ฉลองรัฐ นอบสําโรง) made is acting debut in 2017 in Mutang's short film "Ruk Tur Hai Noy Long ," which depicts that emotional journey and healing process of a break up -- where he took the role of Boat. In the following year, he would be cast as the role of Joe in the 2018 " Social Death Vote" series, and debut as a dance member in JomeFam's boy group -- Cute Chef (คิวต์เชฟ) . When the group disbanded, FIRST chose to focus solely on his acting career where he would gain the attention of fans during appearances in a variety of films and dramas, including popular Thai BL series " TharnType 2: 7 Years of Love " (2020) and " Don't Say No " (2021) -- casted as Fiat. FIRST's global recognition only continued to grow as he was casted as Gun in the 2022 series " Remember Me ," and Achi in the 2023 series " Be Mine Superstar ." It was no surprise -- the amount of support and excitement -- when OMO Studios and Starstruck Media made the announcement of FRIST's Fan Meet that fans would take to social media to express their excitement of FIRST making his U.S. debut! The New York events were cleverly titled, "MY FIRST'S DATES IN THE CITY," and included a variety of options such as a museum, bowling date, paint and sip, or lovely picnic date with FIRST. Each event was created to give fans a unique and unforgettable experience, as well as the opportunity to talk and interact with FIRST. Some dates even gave FIRST the opportunity to choose who would be on is team, or playing in the activities. Sunday afternoon's 'Lovely Picnic' event was moved to the indoor art studio on the account of cold weather. However, this didn't stop FIRST or the fans from creating some of the best memories during their time together. The event began as any other where fans entered the venue, take a moment to interact with each other and discuss the many admirable qualities of FIRST, and what draws them to him. For most it was his role in " Don't Say No ," and for others it was his most recent role in " Be Mine Superstar. " When it was time for the event to start, fans were greeted by the lovely hosts of the Let's Talk BL Podcast Ayla and Beth Ann -- the MC's for the day's events. They took a moment to teach fans the phrases, "Do you want to play some fun games?" and "Nong FIRST, where are you?" in Thai before introducing the main star of the event. As FIRST entered the room, fans cheers filled them room while finger hearts and waves of hello were exchanged amongst the actor and attendees. Throughout the event FIRST would take time to walk around, and continue to interact with fans -- taking note of the only male attendee and stopping to talk to him before proceeding to make his rounds to the other side of the room. He was greeted by fans who expressed their love for the songs that were playing, fans who were fluent in Thai, and even one fan who asked what series he was working on next -- to which he responded, Ah, you'll have to wait. It's coming soon, so stay tuned! Throughout the event, there were a few games that fans would participate in with alongside of FRIST such as Thai/English match up where fans would be given a set of cards that had English words on it, and a set of cards that would have the corresponding Thai word on it. FIRST was found at the end of the table to assist game participants by giving them the word and physical cues. As participants would make a correct match, FIRST would acknowledge it with a thumbs up, or a nod. When reviewing the participants matches, FIRST would take a moment to explain what each chosen Thai word meant, and fans in the audience would then determine if the English word was a match. The next game was a game of Jenga with a twist -- some of the Jenga blocks had questions and fan requests written on them. One participant's Jenga block requested a joke from FIRST where he took a moment to apologize because he felt as though it wouldn't be as funny in Thai, so instead he happily obliged in pick up lines to fans. For one he asked a fan to slide slightly to their right, and once she did, he responded, "... so that our hearts could be aligned." which generated cheers, embarrassed "ooooh"'s , and several shrieks of excitement from the crowd. Next, FIRST got to chose a Jenga block, and with much effort and concertation, the tower fell. However, a block was chosen with the question, "What is your favorite accessory?" "Necklaces," responded FIRST. He continued to tell fans that he feels as though the necklace he chooses for that day aligns with the personality he is trying to define and display. He then showed off the necklace and bracelet he was wearing for that day -- gifts which he received from fans. Before proceeding to the final game, FIRST picked one final lucky contestant to choose of the three remaining Jenga blocks, and with a little assistance, that fan was awarded a selfie with FIRST. The final game to be played was Pictionary, where FIRST would pick the contestants to play against him. During this game we were able to see the many facial expressions of FIRST from questioning fan's guesses, to excitement when fans guesses were correct, to concentration on guessing the fan's drawings, and more smiles -- which filled the day with much brightness and the hearts of fans with love. Before parting ways to greet fans in Dallas, it was time to say goodbye, as FIRST expressed his gratitude to everyone who took their time to meet him. Fans gathered around him for a group photo, and short celebratory clip before lining up for thier selfie photos or short 30 second clips with FIRST. Check out some of the special moments our team captured in New York and Dallas ! STAY CONNECTED WITH FIRST ON SNS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS UPCOMING SERIES! Instagram | X (Twitter) | TikTok | Weibo | YouTube K Fuse would like to give a big shoutout and a huge thank you to the teams at Starstruck Media and OMO Studios for allowing us the opportunity to provide coverage for FIRST Chalongrat's first U.S. Fan Meet! What an honor it was to watch this group of amazing individual's make this event come time life!
- Unveiling the Unstoppable Rise of AleXa in LA: Why Fans Will Never Get 'sick' of Her
On April 7, 2024, Korean American K-pop and pop-punk singer, AleXa , made her last stop of the sick of you tour in Los Angeles at the Teragram Ballroom. From Tulsa, Oklahoma to South Korea the singer has made historic achievements. The singer came out strong o start the night with her winning song from NBC ’s American Song Contest , “ Wonderland .” Emulating the performance seen on the show with strings of cloth held by her dancers intertwining and trapping her within. Adorned with gems on her eyelid and below her right eye in the shape of a heart, she continued the momentum with performances of “ Back In Vogue ” and “ Xtra .” Going with the start of AleXa’s pop-punk era and a nod to her musical influences, one cover performance of the night was “ Just A Girl, ” by No Doubt, the well-known American rock band. With the release of her newest single “ sick ,” AleXa created a series titled “Love Made Me Sick” on social media where she would give advice and relate to those love experiences fans sent in. During the talking ments of her concert, AleXa did a “Love Talk,” where she grabbed questions that fans had written earlier in the night about love life and concerns similar to her series on social media. She put on her angel wings and gave her candid advice on how to move on for a specific situation by telling the fan to “Block him,” AleXa said. “Delete him. Block, with a capital B-L-O-C-K. Ugh, no, because if you genuinely had feelings for him but he just wants the physical, uh uh. He doesn’t deserve it.” As she went on to high kick the air emphasizing to get him out of your life or drop kick him. She went on to pick up another fan’s love experience from the box and showed how she related to the experience of falling in love easily by saying, “You’re nice to me one time and I’m like [gestures as if saying you’re the one]. The bar is in hell for me.” Always bringing the humor, she made sure to let everyone know “That’s just my two cents, but take it with a grain of salt, or a whole Himalayan salt lamp if you decide to.” Going onto the next performance, “ Endorphine , ” was an upbeat performance and a feel-good song where AleXa and her dancers gave the crowd hearts and AleXa even twerked for one part of the freestyle. AleXa then slowed things down with her single “ Juliet ,” her silhouette cast against the screen, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the richness of her vocals. While offstage, AleXa entertained the audience with a news skit displayed on the screen, showcasing her acting skills and versatility. The skit also featured previously unseen footage of herself during the music video shoot of ' sick ,' revealing her unfiltered, honest personality as words were bleeped out, eliciting laughter from the crowd. This blend of humor and authenticity allowed fans to appreciate both her acting skills and her genuine self-expression. AleXa's authenticity and vibrant personality shone through the entire evening, extending beyond the acting skit. Her ability to stay true to herself, blending humor and genuine authenticity, was a constant presence throughout. AleXa shared that a special friend was in the crowd amongst many, and how that friend opened AleXa to the world of K-pop. In 7th grade, AleXa and her friend were in a Chinese class together. They became best friends after learning about their shared love of reading a Japanese Manga series titled, Vampire Night . They did a project on Chinese pop culture and her friend suggested doing it on Henry from SUPER JUNIOR. “And I was like, Who?” AleXa said. “From the what? Super what? And so I went over to her house and she showed me [with a mystical voice] K-pop. [pointing to her best friend] This is all your fault, Mariah.” Despite grappling with a flare-up of her asthma, AleXa delivered a performance that showcased not only her exquisite vocals but also her fierce dancing, brimming with emotion, expression, and intensity, all while battling through moments of shortness of breath. Knowing when to take a break and not push herself too far, she took a deep breath simultaneously with the crowd and used her inhaler when needed. “So I am lowkey terrified for this next segment because of my asthma,” AleXa said. In the crowd, there were noises of worry. But AleXa made sure to reassure everyone, “Oh no, don’t feel sorry for me. Your girl, listen, momma didn’t raise a little bitch. I’m good.” But she wanted to be honest to her fans about not going full out for the next song and knowing her limits. As she got in formation for the song, “ VILLAIN , ” and the lights went down, in a high-pitched but soft voice, AleXa let out, “I’m so scared for my asthma” “ VILLAIN, ” had lots of intense and quick choreo. After the performance, a fan yelled out, “Want another hit?” (of her inhaler of course) creating laughter in the crowd. Calling all introverts! AleXa performed her unreleased song titled, “ Joy of Missing Out ,” and dedicated it to all the introverts who are okay with not wanting to go to an event and find a sense joy in missing out on them. One of the lyrics that resonated was, “Don’t want to crash a party, I just want to crash.” The night was filled with a couple of unreleased songs including another one titled, “ Distraction .” Every other moment AleXa would find a way to interact with her fans. AleXa engaged with fans throughout the show, asking about tattoos and sharing her tally of 23. Finding a fan with over 40 tattoos, she segued into performing ' TATTOO , ' and even sketched a tattoo outline for a fan. Amidst more interactions, she led the venue in singing, " Happy Birthday, " to a fan and shared a shot with a newly turned 21-year-old. She went on to perform her newest anthem, “ sick ,” about self-discovery and the pursuit of healthy love. Going in reverse order of her releases she ended the night with her debut single, “ Bomb .” Making sure to recognize every individual's hard work on this tour she mentioned her label, Studio PAV, dancers, and many more who came out to support her. Always apologizing to the crowd for her amount of strength to give her performance but in the eyes of the fans, from their responses in the crowd, they never worried about that. The fans were worried more about her well-being and even yelled encouraging words that she was “killing it” on stage. But a concert is never really over until an encore performance is done. Therefore, AleXa came back out very shortly after bowing with her dancers to perform an unreleased song titled, “ I’m Okay .” AleXa said this song is a love letter to those suffering from mental health. ”When somebody asks, ‘Are you okay?’ ‘How are you feeling?’ and you’re honestly not feeling great. The conversation doesn’t have to stop at ‘I’m okay.’ So this is for y’all.” As she sang, “It started when I found out the voices weren’t my friends…I don’t know my mind anymore. I’m okay. I’m okay. Tell the doctor, stay away,” the audience was moved by the powerful and honest lyricism, foreshadowing the emotional depth of her future releases. JOIN US IN FOLLOWING ALEXA'S STORY AS SHE SETS HER SIGHTS ON GREETING FANS IN THE U.S. Be sure to check out our photo galleries from Chicago , Fort Worth , and LA ! Written and Photographed by Aliyah H. K Fuse would like to thank AleXa and the team at Studio PAV for this incredible opportunity to provide coverage for AleXa's 2024 'sick of you' U.S. Tour!
- The Hottest K-Pop Sensation -- P1HARMONY -- Is Set To Take The U.S. By Storm Again!"
If you are a fan of K-Pop, you would know that P1Harmony is a sensational K-Pop group breaking records, topping charts, and dominating stages all over the world. Following a year-long tour encompassing 39 cities worldwide and the release of their first full album, KILLIN’ IT, P1Harmony will set foot in the U.S. once again this year with their new and upscale UTOP1A tour. They will be performing at 10 cities across the country including performances at The Kia Forum and the Oakland Arena. Since the group's debut in 2020, P1Harmony has been known for being unique in their craft and sound. From the dynamic energy of "Scared" to the introspective and emotive "I Am You," the group has proven their ability to navigate diverse genres while maintaining a signature sound. This versatility has contributed to their widespread appeal, attracting fans all around the world affectionately known as P1ece. By actively participating in the songwriting and production of their music, choreography, and style, each P1Harmony member makes a significant contribution that enhances the authenticity and versatility of their creative output. Their newest album, KILLIN’ IT' is comprised of 10 tracks co-produced and co-written by members Jongseob, Intak, and Jiung. KILLIN’ IT has been one of P1Harmony’s record-breaking releases. The album debuted at No. 39 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, making it the group’s first album to enter the Top 40, and it also remained No. 1 on Billboard’s World Albums chart for two consecutive weeks. Needless to say, P1ece are highly anticipating the live performances of their favorite tracks from KILLIN IT . You will not want to miss out on P1Harmony’s UTOP1A tour! Get your tickets today here .
- "An Epic Night at the Louisville Palace Theatre: A Recap of ONEUS' 'La Dolce Vita' Concert in Louisville"
On March 28, the streets of Louisville saw heavier foot traffic than usual. The Louisville Palace Theatre -- located in the city's theater district -- housed one of the most anticipated concerts of the 2024 season for K-Pop group ONEUS during their ' La Dolce Vita ' Tour. To Moon (the group's official fandom name) eagerly made their way into the beautifully architected building as venue and event staff warmly greeted them. The fans took a moment to admire the interior of the 1928 building before making their way to their seats and taking out their 달빛/dalbit (Moonlight) -- the chosen name for ONEUS' light stick! RBW's five-member boy group, consisting of Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoog, and Xion, made their long-awaited return to Louisville To Moon -- two years following their '2022 Blood Moon Tour .' With their return, the group brought new and exciting stages to perform for their fans, including their opening stage, " Baila Conmigo ," which set the fun-filled, high-energetic mood for the night's show as the group displayed their powerful and intense choreography. To Moon's cheers filled the venue as the group continued into " Erase Me ," where they continued delivering stages showcasing their intense choreography, beautifully blended vocals, and timely fan engagements. The members took a short break to introduce themselves and greet Louisville To Moon for the first time in two years before continuing into their next stage -- " Simulation ," a dramatic theatrical stage that features an irresistible rap from Leedo. Before proceeding, ONEUS took a moment to teach the audience some basic -- and already well-known -- hand and arm choreography for the next stage, " Valkyrie ." The group began a practice round so that those who may not have been familiar with the song and choreography had a chance to join in on dancing along. The members of ONEUS proceeded with " Valkyrie " and "Intro: Window ," featuring a more Eastern melody before making beautiful back-to-back transitions into fan-favorite songs, " LUNA " and the Road to Kingdom version of " LIT . " The group continued digging into fan favorites as they performed " Same Scent ," " Stupid Love ," " A Song Written Easily ," and " Unforgettable ." " Come Back Home ," -- which fans sang along to from beginning to end, was a great intro to the heavier rock-genre stage, " Level Up ." ONEUS then took a step back from their more intense stages to show their more sensual side as they sat on stools, asking To Moon to sit as well, during performances of "Epilogue" and " Halley's Comet ." During these stages -- which showcased the group's undeniable vocal talents -- the members took time to interact with fans as they took notice of fans on the second level and those at the back of the first level. As the night with ONEUS started to come to an end, the members took a moment to say their ending mentions of gratitude as they thanked To Moon for coming to see them. Xion took a moment to reminisce about receiving a miniature version of a Louisville slugger during their last tour in Louisville -- assuring To Moon that he has it preciously put up to admire and remember To Moon by-- while Keonhee took notice of and pointed out a To Moon eating popcorn in the front row as if watching a movie. After sharing their gratitude and appreciation towards their fans, the members reignited fans' energy with back-to-back, high-energy stages " Bring It On " and " No Diggity, " before closing the night out with encore stages , " Black Mirror ," " BBUSYEO ," " Life Is Beautiful ," " Shut Up 받도 Crazy Hot , " and the highly anticipated, " Last Song. " YOU CAN STILL CATCH ONEUS ON TOUR IN DALLAS , HOUSTON , PHOENIX , and LA ! Check out our full gallery of ONEUS in Louisville here K Fuse would like to thank the team of RBW Entertainment, the members of ONEUS, and Live Nation for this exciting opportunity to provide coverage for the Louisville stop of ONEUS' 'La Dolce Vita' Tour. We would also like to thank the team at Louisville Palace for being such kind and gracious hosts.
- I.M Knows How To 'LURE' In Fans With The Release of His One-Of-A-Kind Third Solo EP 'OFF THE BEAT'
Showcasing his unique colors, the 'unconventional' solo artist unveils new track " LURE " MONSTA X 's I.M continues his ambitious solo artist journey with a new E.P, ' Off The Beat .' With six new songs, each embodying a unique story, the extended playlist incorporates hip-hop tracks all the while incorporating 'atypical' musical elements from various genres such as soul, R&B, and bossa / Latin music. The new extended play is available on all music streaming platforms . From his former releases 'DUALITY' and 'OVERDRIVE,' fans around the globe have been immersed in I.M's unlimited and non-stereotypical musical worldview. 'Off The Beat' will be a fresh addition to his portfolio that portrays this distinguished artist's unique self-storytelling as well as the motif of 'not following the regular' and being 'unconventional' by utilizing empathy to talk about the ambivalence in life that is not often mentioned through music. I.M (Im Chang-Kyun) is a member and the lead rapper of the Korean boy group MONSTA X, who was formed under the survival show " No Mercy " and debuted under Starship Entertainment on May 14, 2015, with " Trespass ." Even as the maknae, I.M has shown his talent and potential as a soloist through numerous mixtapes and solo EPs where he contributed to the composition, arrangement, and writing of the lyrics. His solo debut EP "DUALITY ," released in February 2021, has gained massive success with five track ranking in Billboard's World Digital Song Sales Chart, reaching 8.5 million views on YouTube for his lead track, " God Damn ," music video and holds over 15.9 million streams on Spotify. With the second EP " OVERDRIVE ," released under Sony Music Entertainment Korea in June 2023, he showed a wider range of skills with a style change in his music compared to his work with MONSTA X. This EP ranked first in 14 countries on iTunes Global Chart and achieved over 1 million streams within 24 hours of the release, which led to this extended playlist to place on the Melon Hall of Fame. The album carefully sets out the musical worldview pursued by I.M as a soloist through deep, sophisticated sound and delicate melodies. I.M has been showing great success and growth as he continues to reveal a more unique side of himself as well as connects with his fans through his latest albums and singles, such as his debut EP 'DUALITY ,' his latest album, 'OVERDRIVE,' and his latest single, " Slowly ." All five songs in the 'DUALITY ' album charted on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales Chart and have about 45 million all-time global streams. While remaining as a member of MONSTA X, I.M is currently focusing more on his solo career. With the challenges and opportunities he may face as a soloist, the superstar has been showing such great success as he showed a more unique side of himself and connected with his fans through his previous bodies of work. The rapper is a solo artist under Sony Music Entertainment Korea for his subsequent solo music ventures. Each song on the track list unveils I.M current identity and different aspects of his daily life. " Bust It " conveys his self-confidence over a strong trap sound, " X0 " is a smooth sound that draws someone in late at night, " Skyline " with its rhythmic beat and tempting lyrics, " MMI " contains self-confessional lyrics and up-tempo exotic melody, and "nbdy " is where one is faced with the emptiness of someone's absence. The focus track, " LURE ," is the first to stand out as a unique musical endeavor, showcasing I.M's musical expansiveness between his vocals and rap skills. With a punchy beat and Latin-influenced guitar sound, the tune becomes tangible in the listener's mind. The opening starts with soft guitar strumming that lures us into upbeat hip-hop and trap sounds, carrying into smooth vocals. Ending with a type of serenading tone with the lyrics "Want 'em to know for sure, can't keep it on the low, babe can you love me out loud," I.M aims to hold onto the theme of 'temptation' and luring his listeners into the lyrics. BE SURE TO FOLLOW I.M 'S JOURNEY AS A SOLOIST AND MAKNAE OF MONSTA X X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
- [Interview] Meet the Rising Stars: Rookie Boy Group POW (파우) Discusses Their Latest Release and Future Plans
Welcome back #SoundLovers! We are excited to introduce you to the rookie boy group POW (파우) ! We had the pleasure of speaking with the members of POW as they discussed their latest release, " Valentine ," [POW HOUSE in Bangkok], and future goals. You can check out our interview below. About POW Five-member rookie group POW can proudly claim the title of GRID Entertainment (그리드 엔터테인먼트)'s first every boy group. GRID Entertainment announced its establishment as a company on July 10, 2024, and the group's name -- POW -- on July 31, 2023. Consisting of members Yorch, Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dongyeon, and Hong, POW released a pre-debut single, " Favorite ," on September 13, 2023, -- which features a prominent electric guitar sound alongside a cheerful, nostalgic vibe -- and made their official debut on October 11, 2023, with the EP, "1st EP [Favorite]," with " Dazzling " serving as the title track. On January 25, 2024, the group made their first comeback with their second digital single, " Valentine. " While described as a UK garage-style song, this charm-filled track also embraces some compelling elements of the 70s while showcasing POW's youthful energy. POW's highlighted 5-color vocals, the song's catchy melody, and lovely lyrics are sure to stick with listeners. K FUSE: Hello, POW! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, and share your story with our readers. Some readers may be meeting you for the first time. Could you take a moment and introduce yourselves and your role in POW ? [Jungbin] Hi there, this is POW’s leader, Jungbin. [Yorch] Hello, this is POW’s eldest, Yorch. [Hong] Hi, I’m Hong, the cute and chic one of the group. [Dongyeon] Hey, this is Dongyeon from POW. I’m the choreography lead, known for my charisma. [Hyunbin] Hi everyone, I’m Hyunbin, the vitamin spirit of the group. K FUSE: What is the meaning behind your group name? [All] Our group name POW comes from the sound of something explosive, like “POW!” It’s about bringing freshness and excitement to the music scene. K FUSE: What was your first impression of each other? [Jungbin] Hyunbin, Dongyeon, Hong, and I spent a lot of time practicing together. Yorch joined the group last, and it felt like fate. I found Hyunbin intriguing and funny because of his dialectic accent. I found Dongyeon to be reserved, Hong as adorable, and Yorch as a natural-born superstar. [Yorch] I joined the group last but immediately felt a strong connection. Our bond even surprised our staff members from the very beginning. [Hong] I thought Jungbin has always shown solid leadership from the start. Yorch has always exuded a celebrity aura, given his experience in the industry and background as an actor in Thailand. I found Hyunbin a total goofball and Dongyeon a fantastic choreography guide. [Dongyeon] I'm usually shy at first, but Hyunbin and Jungbin helped me feel comfortable from the start. I saw Hong as a flawless, cute baby. Yorch and I are both introverted, so it took some time for us to open up to each other. [Hyunbin] Everyone says I was the first to be friendly, but I was also shy. I made an effort to overcome any awkwardness among us. K FUSE: Jungbin has given the other members nicknames. JUNGBIN, can you tell us a little more about how you came up with nicknames for the members? [Jungbin] Hyunbin may surprise you, but he's actually a big sleepyhead who loves lounging around. That's why I nicknamed him "koo'chana" by replacing the 'kwi' in 'kwichana' (which means 'I'm lazy') with 'Ku,' his last name. Dongyeon is incredibly composed, grounded, and easygoing without rough edges. I refer to him as "dongeul-ee," which translates to "a circular one." Hong, our youngest member, adores each of us in the group. He's incredibly affectionate and always eager to observe everything we do. I've nicknamed him "hyunga-baragi," meaning "hyunga sunflower." Yorch, our eldest member, possesses an adorable character of his own. While he may not express affection as Hong does, he exudes his own charm. I call him "yomi," derived from the term "gwiyomi," meaning 'cutie.' K FUSE: Yorch,Hyunbin, Dongyeon, and Hong, if you could each pick a nickname for Jungbin, what would it be? [Yorch] Im Jin Beom. In Thailand, we have this tradition where we remix a friend's name. According to this tradition, his nickname would be Im Jin Beom, but in the Korean way, I simply call him Jin Beom. [Hong] Gomdol-bin (teddy bear bin)! He looks just like a teddy bear. [Dongyeon] Jungbin's hairstyle often features large curls, and he rocks them perfectly. It reminds me of a chocolate-colored poodle, so I want to call him a choco poodle. [Hyunbin] Bigfoot Jungbin. Jungbin has large hands and feet. Very masculine, I must say. K FUSE: Let's talk about your latest single, “Valentine.” [All] Valentine is a track that captures the exciting and bubbly confessions of young boys who have fallen in love. We hope to grow an abundant of emotions within the listeners, so they can experience the flutter of butterflies. Plus, you can distinctly sense the unique charms of each of the five members in the song, which adds another enjoyable layer to the experience. K FUSE: What message are you trying to convey to listeners who hear this song? [Hyunbin] Valentine marks POW’s first-ever comeback track, making it an incredibly significant release for us. It's our way of demonstrating the evolution we've undergone as a group. While we initially started with a youthful and boyish image, we've now transitioned to embrace a more mature and masculine vibe. K FUSE: What was your favorite part of “Valentine?” [Jungbin] “I'll gather all my vulnerable emotions to place inside your warm hands.” That’s as transparent as you can get with your feelings in a love confession. [Yorch] “I only have fluttering words to tell you. Oh, my baby, baby, all I want is you” [Hong] “Darling, be my Valentine. I want to be clear why it has to be you.” Something about this line has a fate-like quality. [Dongyeon] “I'll bring you flowers. Cheeks blush like cotton candy. You're my eternal spring breeze. Leave your ring finger for me.” I have a ton of fun doing these rap lines and I love the lyrics as well. It’s also very fun to act out. [Hyunbin] “Any second I get. I fall for you.” It’s a direct way to express your feelings, and I like how romantic it is. K FUSE: Were there any memorable moments during the filming of “Valentine?” [Jungbin] I remember we all had a blast running around everywhere working with the drone. Its noise was pretty loud, so we laughed while running away from it. But we still had to be careful from crashing it. [Yorch] I very much enjoyed shooting with the drone. We felt the sound was a bit too loud and intimidating, and that showed through the screens. We were suppressing our anxieties. It’s funny how we shared that little secret, even if others on-site didn’t notice. K FUSE: How would you say “Valentine” compared to your pre-debut song “Favorite? [Jungbin] I would say “Favorite” best represents our identity. It embodies a shy, indirect confession of love, while “Valentine” takes a more mature and direct approach. [Yorch] “Favorite” captures youthful love, while “Valentine” embraces the more mature side. There’s quite a difference in maturity. The choreography includes impactful elements and showcases a range of fun through varied formations. [Dongyeon] We were still boys during “Favorite,” while “Valentine” reflects a more mature stage. We find ourselves in the midst of transitioning from boys to men. We’re investing a lot more time in considering how to depict that transition visually. Plus, we’ve been hitting the gym frequently and making slight changes to our hairstyles and makeup. K FUSE: You are scheduled to meet Thai POWER on April 6, during your 2024 POW Live Stage [ POW HOUSE in Bangkok ]. Is there a theme for this live stage? [Jungbin] For this live stage, our focus was on showcasing our growth as artists compared to our first visit to Thailand. We hope you can experience a refreshing charm from our performance. K FUSE: As you greet your Thai fans, what messages or emotions do you hope your music conveys to listeners? [Hyunbin] Our foremost hope is that you find joy and happiness in our performance. Some of life's most radiant moments are composed of those you've savored to the fullest. I truly hope that POW's stages become cherished memories deeply ingrained in POWERs. K FUSE: Are there any special stages that you have prepared for your fans ? [Yorch] Hong and I have prepared a cover stage. While it was a solo performance back in Korea, I have high hopes that it’ll be a lot less solitary and more spectacular this time. [Dongyeon] Hyunbin, Jungbin, and I are also gearing up for a joint performance. We’re exploring a different music genre, aiming to showcase an elevated version of ourselves at the Thailand concert. K FUSE: Are there any places in Thailand that you would like to visit? [Jungbin] I want to visit Icon Siam. Considering all of our members don’t do well in the heat, I think it’d be amazing to have them enjoy the food and culture of Thailand indoors, though I still adore the night market. [Yorch] Real Thai Street in Jatujak is a must-visit. The array of stylish clothes is great, with so many Thai dishes yet to be tried by the members, so I’m very eager to show them the taste and charm of Thailand. [Hong] Phi Phi Island is calling my name. With my love for the sea and its breathtaking scenery and vibrant colors, experiencing it firsthand would be a dream. Plus, the fruits in Thailand are incredible. Imagine having them against the ocean backdrop! [Dongyeon] Amphawa Floating Market is on my radar. I’ve never seen fireflies before, but apparently, the place is filled with them. If any opportunity arises, I’d love to go and make some enticing memories there. [Hyunbin] I’d love to go to Phuket. I want to capture the beauty of the sea with my own eyes. When I first heard our song “Dazzling,” I envisioned us dancing on the sands of the beach. That’s where I want to turn that vision into reality. K FUSE: Are there plans to take [POW HOUSE] to other countries? [Hong] Upon POWER’s call, I’d go anywhere. I want to perform in the countries and cities they live in. K FUSE: What do you want fans to think of when they hear your songs? [Yorch] I hope they can reignite feelings they’ve become numb to, particularly excitement. I think our music has the power to evoke nostalgia. K FUSE: Are there any upcoming projects or releases you can share with your fans ? [All] We are currently preparing for our next single and planning our next ventures to connect with more POWERs in various countries. While we may not be able to visit all the places we desire at the moment, we are striving to reach as many as possible. We can’t wait to meet everyone on stage. K FUSE: Are there any countries you would like to visit? [Jungbin] I’d love to film a POW house episode in Yorch’s homeland, Thailand, to show everyone how well we are doing! [Yorch] Since I enjoy being in nature, performing in a scenic location sounds perfect. I’d love to do a POW house in Switzerland. [Hong] I’ve wanted to go to the States. I’ve only been there once with Yorch before, so I’d love to go with everyone next time. I’m curious to experience what it’s like to perform there. [Dongyeon] I want to visit my mother’s home country, the Philippines. I’ve been there once for promotions, but we weren’t able to meet fans at the time. I’d love to greet them through a stage performance. [Hyunbin] Brazil is on my bucket list. As a big fan of soccer, visiting Brazil would be a dream come true. Of course, I’d love to feel the heat and energy of South American passion. K FUSE: Have you always wanted to pursue a career in music? [Jungbin] I've had a passion for music and singing since I was young. I participated in the school band and chorus. If I hadn't become an idol, I would have pursued another career in singing. [Yorch] Dancing has been a love of mine since childhood, which naturally led me to develop a deep affection for music and the dream of becoming a singer. [Hong] Singing and dancing have always been integral parts of my life. I've always had a strong desire to perform music in front of others. [Dongyeon] Although I didn't always dream of pursuing music, I began to envision myself as a singer during high school. Witnessing BTS on stage gave me chills and ignited my passion. [Hyunbin] I didn't have a specific dream at first, but it gradually developed over time. As I explored various music genres, my dream of becoming a musician became more real. K FUSE: If you weren't an idol, what career would you pursue instead? [Jungbin] I would have pursued a major in contemporary music in college. By now, I’d be on campus, dreaming of becoming a vocalist. [Yorch] I probably would’ve continued my acting career in Thailand. But I do think I would’ve ventured into music later on. Music has always held a special place in my heart. [Hong] I would have immersed myself in the music scene. I did taekwondo when I was little, but since then, I’ve only studied music-related subjects like piano, MIDI, and more. [Dongyeon] I would’ve pursued a career in drawing, like an animator or an illustrator. I still draw to this day. [Hyunbin] If not for music, I would have explored the world by now. Without a specific dream before music, I imagine I would have collected diverse experiences around the globe in search of my true calling. K FUSE: What is the best advice you have heard? [Jungbin] Live this life as if you'd live it exactly the same if given the chance to start over. [Yorch] Don't fret over tomorrow; instead, focus on giving your best today. [Hong] Nothing worth having comes without effort. [Dongyeon] It's alright to loosen up a little more. I struggled to embrace all aspects of myself, hindering my ability to act and feel authentically. This advice helped me feel more at ease in my interactions with others. [Hyunbin] Do everything you want to do on stage. These words resonate with me. It feels like the key to experiencing joy both for myself and for those who witness my performances. K FUSE: What are POW’s wishes and plans for 2024 as a group and also individually? [Jungbin] I eagerly anticipate more opportunities to meet POWERs in person. It would be wonderful to connect with all the POWERS who passionately support us from across the globe. [Yorch] I aspire to reach a point where it feels natural to say, "It's time for POW to receive the Best Song of the Year award." Achieving this goal requires further refining our vocals and performance skills. [Hong] Getting good grades, meaning getting #1 on music shows or entering the music charts. I want to make all of our dedicated staff members and our supportive fans proud. [Dongyeon] My goal for 2024 is to win an award together with our fellow members. [Hyunbin] I aim to meet as many POWERs as possible. By the end of 2024, I hope to look back on numerous enjoyable performances with POW. K FUSE: What is a message that you want to give to your fans POWER? [Jungbin] We're incredibly grateful for your unwavering support and love. POWERs always inspire us, and we strive to reciprocate that energy through our music. Please continue to stand by us; we love you and appreciate you immensely. [Yorch] Your continuous support means the world to us. We'll keep pushing ourselves to be the best we can be, so please stay with us and expect great things from us. [Hong] We, POW, pour our hearts into our work, so please keep supporting us. Your love means everything to us. [Dongyeon] Thank you for acknowledging and loving us, whether up close or from afar. We'll always give our all for you. [Hyunbin] POWER! Your support is invaluable to us, and we're deeply grateful. We promise to always give our absolute best for you. Thank you, and we’ll always love you BE SURE TO FOLLOW POW ON SNS TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON FUTURE ACTIVITES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS! Twitter (X) | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | b.stage K Fuse would like to thank the team at GRID Entertainment and the members of POW for taking the time to share your story with us and our readers! We are looking forward to watching these rising stars continue to shine brightly during their career.
- Just B Has Gained a Devoted Fanbase and International Recognition During North & South America "Just Be With You" Tour.
Lim Jimin, Bain, Geonu, JM, DY, and Sangwoo collectively form the immensely talented group known as Just B. Emerging from the survival shows "Under Nineteen" and "I-LAND," the group made their debut in 2021 with the dynamic track "Damage" and have since released albums such as "Just Begun," "=(Neun)," and " ÷ (Nanugi)." Throughout their first North & South American Tour, "Just Be With You," Just B graciously took the time to sit down with us in Denver, reflecting on their career and sharing memorable moments from the tour. Responses have been revised for clarity. Q1: You all have experimented with different genres and styles for past releases, how does that influence your creative process? Geonu: It helps us think more accurately, surely, and wisely when making choices about the music’s style and genre. Q2. What has been a moment that you all are most proud of through the duration of your career so far? Lim Jimin: The most proud moment of our career so far was being invited to the Tokyo MAMA award show. With the love and support from our fans, we were able to attend and perform at the show. Q3. Which song do you all enjoy performing the most? DY: The new song that we have been working on, “Daddy’s Girl” and the title track from our most recent album, “Medusa” are the two songs I enjoy performing the most. Lim Jimin: I prefer “Domino” because the song gives everyone energy and they can feel the vibe from our singing. When I sing I can see all the fans enjoying the song. JM: These days, it’s “Daddy’s Girl”, that’s my favorite song. Bain: I think “Make it New”, it is so good. Geonu: For me it’s “Daddy’s girl” because it is really fresh and it has really cute lyrics and I like the vibe. Sangwoo: “Medusa”, that’s my favorite song. Q4. Apart from JUST B's activities, is there a genre or something each member wants to try or learn? Lim Jimin: I can’t decide on a specific one but I am very open minded. So if there are any chances to try new things I will take them. Everything JM: Geonu and I are set to appear in a drama this April and we would truly love to get into acting and learn more about that field. Geonu: There are many genres I would like to try, for now I want to go hard with the pop-punk & punk-rock genre. When I get to my 30s, I can try more lyrical songs with a deep mood and vibe like neo-r&b. DY: Since my profession is an artist, I want to dive into learning more about instruments and producing. I want to focus on music, aside from my time with Just B, I want to try pursuing a solo career as well Sangwoo: When it comes to learning, there are a lot of ways to learn. For me, I would like to not only learn 1-1 but find an environment that allows me to experience the different things people can offer me. That’s something I am looking forward to. Bain: My goal is to not have any set categories or boundaries. For myself I would like to go beyond just being a single category artist. Q5. You've already visited four places in the United States and Latin America, and Dallas is the fifth. This is Denver, which food left the most impression on you. Geonu: Right before in Dallas, we tried Wattaburger and it was absolutely amazing. Actually I felt like the burgers were pretty good but the fries were really crazy. I would eat the fries all day. Bain: We also tried baked bananas, they were not bad Geonu: They had an interesting taste Lim Jimin: I think pizza was my favorite JM: Me too, pizza is so good DY: Chicken wings. American chicken wings are a little different from Korean. My type is American style. Sangwoo: For my personal taste, nothing can beat American French fries. The Korean French fries can’t even compete. You Can Check Out Our Full Gallery Below We would like to thank The Kstage, BLUEDOT Entertainment, and the members of Just B for giving us this opportunity to attend this press conference. Written and Photographed by Dyani R .
- Rekindling the Bond Between M.O.N.T and MINT: A Rooftop Busking Event to Remember
The breathtaking rooftop view from ㅎㄷcafe (Hongdae Cafe) and the beautifully painted skyline set the atmosphere for the members of M.O.N.T to host their busking event on Sunday, March 24. M.O.N.T -- an acronym for the group's name, Members Of the National Team -- is a 3-member boy group under FM (Fly Music) Entertainment consisting of Narahcan, Bitsaseon , and Roda , who made their official debut on January 4, 2019, with their first mini-album, 'Going Up,' featuring their lead single being " Will You Be My Girlfriend? " Throughout the years, M.O.N.T has released various types of songs that catch the listener's attention from the first beat to the final note. Their latest title song is " 마음대로 해 (IDGAF) ," from their fourth mini album -- released February 27. The four tracks that make up this album show the members delving into new concepts, exploring different sounds, incorporating instruments, and continuing to mature their talents -- such as Roda taking part in writing lyrics, composition, and arrangements. On Sunday, M.O.N.T took busking to another level as the beautiful Seoul skyline, warm spring air, and sunset set the atmosphere for what became an intimate event between the members and MINT -- the group's fandom name. The members spent the evening with MINT performing songs from their latest album, including Narahcan's solo song, "LUCKY," and covering songs like Adele's "Someone Like You." MINT, who is known for being a respectful and friendly fandom, made the busking event memorable for the members as they showcased their love and support with enthusiastic cheers and posters. M.O.N.T was sure to make every second of their short return to MINT count as members Roda and Bitsaeon decided to be amongst the fans during their solo performances. When it was time for the performance of ‘Honestly,’ you could feel unique and surreal energy from both M.O.N.T and MINT -- as if finding each other for the first time all over again. Fans took the lyrics to heart and rekindled their love for the group with affirmations that they will, "get into M.O.N.T more than ever before!" The busking event concluded perfectly with a magical twilight sky. Attendees used their phone flashlights to take a memorable group photo with the members. Reflecting on the photo, MINT looked like the stars that shine brightly for M.O.N.T. We will continue to watch M.O.N.T shine brightly -- creating even more memories and sharing more special moments with their fans this year. You can find our full gallery of M.O.N.T's Busking event here Follow M.O.N.T on social media to stay up-to-date on their future projects! Twitter (X) | Instagram | YouTube | Fan Cafe | TikTok | Facebook Written and Photographed by Michelle H.
- [Mini Interview] Unveiling the Charismatic Journey of H1-KEY: A Rising Girl Band in the K-Pop Scene
Welcome back, #SoundLovers! We want to introduce you to a group whose goal is to be a safe space for their listeners. "M1-KEY! "Deeper" feels somewhat new, right? We made a comeback so soon because we always miss you :) We hope you have a great time with H1-KEY~" -- RIINA, member of H1-KEY We had the pleasure of speaking with Grandline Group (GLG) Entertainment's four-member girl group, H1-KEY (하이키). The group -- consisting of Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, and Yel -- made their debut on January 5, 2022, with their single album Athletic Girl . Since their debut, H1-KEY have been striking all the notes and making their way into the hearts of listeners as they ranked 3rd after NewJeans and BLACKPINK for Girl Group Band Reputation. The girls continued to release songs that showcase their various talents with their 2023 album Rose Blossom , and the digital singles of their H1-KEYnote Project -- " Thinkin' About You," and " Deeper ." H1-KEY introduced their H1-KEYnote project as the project that aims to share H1-KEY's various untold stories and messages with their fans, M1-KEY, as the group hopes to send comfort and sentiment to everyone through the power of their music with no restrictions to their expressions. The first song of the project, " Thinkin' About You , " is a pop track with a warm tone. It expresses the mature and realistic longing for a lover after breaking up by portraying a strong and independent person who is sad about it yet never gives in to shedding a tear. the track was written and composed by many well-known singers-songwriters and producers including Ryan Jhun , Martin Stilling (known for writing and producing songs for artists such as Leon, Charli XCX, and Zedd), Moa Pettersson Hammar , and KIDDO . The second song, "Deeper," is a pop track mixed with modern rock sounds. With this song, the group aims to describe a self-healing journey of never losing hope during difficult time. Young K of DAY6 and Hong Ji Sang have once again joined forces to work with H1-KEY again in the song's overall production. Find out what these rising stars had to say about their H1-KEYnote project below! SEOI : Le us introduce our group first. 2, 3! H1-KEY : Go Run! Hi, this is H1-KEY! K Fuse : What inspired the H1-KEYnote project? SEOI : Rather than it being inspired by something, we started this project to showcase more of our own musicality and our voices. So far, two songs have been released as a part of this project, and though the details have not been planned yet, we will be releasing more songs in the future when we come across songs with the potentials to show our different charms. K Fuse : You're stated, in a previous interview, that you desire to be "artists whom you can trust while listening." How will you know when you have reached this goal? RIINA : I believe we'll know we've reached our goal when people begin to take notice of our song releases and five our music a listen. This marks our success as trusted singers, known for the quality of our songs. Be sure to check out " Deeper " and " Thinkin' About You ," as H1-KEY continues to show you that you can trust them to be your comfort and safe space. STAY CONNECTED WITH H1-KEY X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube K Fuse would like to thank the team at Helix Publicity, GLG, and the members of H1-KEY for allowing us the opportunity to provide coverage of H1-KEY's latest releases.
- AB6IX to Journey to "The Future" with U.S. Tour in November
Following an outstanding performance Krazy K-Pop Super Concert, AB6IX will soon be making their way back to the U.S. during their 2023 AB6IX WORLD TOUR [THE FUTURE]. Ticket Details Studio PAV is once again bringing us an unforgettable tour! The scheduled six-city tour will start off at the Patio Theater in Chicago, IL on November 3 and make its way to Jersey City, Atlanta, Dallas and San Francisco before ending in LA! While Studio PAV is most known for their Snapshot Sessions with the artists, Studio PAV presented a new benefit at ALL stops for ABNEW. ABNEW across all stops will have the opportunity to have a fan chat with the members of AB6IX if they are top tier Ticket holders. Concert Tickets and Snapshot Tickets can be purchased here . Tour Schedule 2023.11.03 | Chicago, IL - Patio Theater 2023.11.05 | Jersey City, NJ - White Eagle Hall 2023.11.07 | Atlanta, GA - Heaven @ The Masqerade 2023.11.09 | Dallas, TX - South Side Music Hall 2023.11.11 | San Francisco, CA - Blue Shield Theater 2023.11.12 | Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom
- Experience Japanese Culture, Food and Music Like Never Before at Rising Japan MusicFest
Last weekend – July 22 and July 23 – Los Angeles County experienced its second annual Rising Japan MusicFest! Rising Japan MusicFest gives attendees the opportunity to “experience Japan like never before – through music, food and culture.” The festival featured Japanese-American, Japanese and American stars like Def Tech, Shanice, Minami, Kawago Hina & Yonaka Band and more! The 9.4 acres area that makes up Marina Green Park was set up to host two artists’ stages, several food and sake vendors – including Asahi Beer, Daikokuya and Shin-Sen-Gumi, – as well as pop up experience shops. This was K Fuse’s first year at the festival, and it did not disappoint. Here’s what you missed at Rising Japan MusicFest 2023: Returning Artist: A Page Unturned LA pop-punk band, A Page Unturned , made their return to Rising Japan MusicFest for their second year. A Page Unturned was formed in 2017, and now consists of Damon Porras, Yoshihiro Imae and Matt Arsenault. The band released their first EP, A Page Unturned, on March 23, 2018, and has since released four singles. After several shows across Southern California, the band played their first international show in Tokyo in 2019. Best Vibe Shift: ARKTA Nu Metal duo, ARKTA , took festival-goers through a series of stories that express the “high and low points of life”. ARKTA is a hybrid rock band formed in 2020 consisting of members Tak who is from Los Angeles and kenken who is from Tokyo. The duo combines the two worlds of aggression and emotion to create a sound that was unlike any other heard at Rising Japan MusicFest. Around the Festival: ARCANE MAID CAFE, Food and Sake Tasting What better way to get attendees immersed in experiencing Japanese culture than with authentic food, sake tasting and a maid cafe?! One of the most popular aspects of Japanese culture is the customer experience at a maid cafe. For those who are unfamiliar with what Maid Cafes are, here’s a brief history. Maid Cafes are a type of “cosplay restaurant where the waitress – also known as “maids,”-- dress up in French Maid costumes.” Maid cafes started appearing in the 1990s, after Japan experienced an economic crash in the 1980s. This crash allowed more freedom for people to choose their own relationship, and left others isolated. The most alone during this time were otaku – anime and game enthusiasts. Maid cafes were established to create a safe space where people could enjoy the company of others. The atmosphere was designed to be accepting and relaxing for the customers while they enjoy a variety of food and drinks. The final aspect of a maid cafe is the live performance, which attendees were able to experience at the Bubble Stage! Arcane Maid Cafe was founded in 2016, and hosted its first standalone event in 2017. Since then, ARCANE MAID CAFE hosted the 2018 AniFest, began entering cultural festivals and creating their very own Maid Cafe Idol Group! We caught ARCANE MAID CAFE performing anime and vocaloid songs at the Bubble Stage. As our team traveled throughout the festival grounds, little did we know that we would also find the maids passing out Nezuko stickers. The Newbies: EPYTHIMiA “Hi, HOPE! We are EPYTHIMiA!” EPYTHMiA is a six-piece pre-debut Japanese vocal and dance group under Beau.T. Entertainment. While many HOPE – EPYTHIMiA’s fandom – know them as a five piece group consisting of Maito , K , R.D , Sirius and Reiya (Rei), new member AQUA was announced during their fansign at Rising Japan MusicFest. As EPITHYMiA is still developing their own unique sound, they covered songs from their seniors, KISHIN and AMAZO NIGHT– including fan favorite New Wave. Attendees then experienced a short meet and greet fansign after the show, where the members of EPITHYMiA would sign shirts for and take photos with fans. Check out our full gallery from Rising Japan MusicFest below: Rising Japan MusicFest | A PAGE UNTURNED | ARI PRADO | ARKTA | ARCANE MAID CAFE | DEF TECH | EPITHYMiA | IAKOPO | JULES LIESL | KAORU MIYAZAKI | KAWAGO HINA | KOZ | MINAMI | PEPPER OSAKA | RIHWA | SARA NANJO | SHANICE | WST Story by: K Fuse Photos by: Don M. , Natasha A. , and Emma V.







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