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Written by Nina B. After 8 months since their last album release, 7-member group TRENDZ under the company Global H Company has made their way back into the hearts of listeners through their new 4th single album, 'DREAMLIKE.' Members Hankook, Havit, Leon, Yoonwoo, ra.L, Eunil, and Yechan were introduced to their fans FRIENDZ on January 5th, 2022 with the release of the mini album, ' Blue Set Chapter 1: [TRACKS] .' Debuting with such a powerful title track as “ TNT (Truth&Trust) , ” their fanbase grew instantly with listeners being drawn in by how talented each member was. With ages ranging from 1999 - 2005, it was easy to find some reliability with the group surrounding their age with so many fans tuning into the group because of how close in age they were to those streaming. After making fiery comebacks back to back, it was no surprise that in their 4th single album, they would be supplying us another group of hard hitters to add to their evergrowing discography. ' Dreamlike ' consists of 4 new tracks for Friendz to sit back and enjoy making its way into streaming platforms on June 12th, 2024. The “Dreamlike” albums opened up with the title track “ Glow, ” which surpassed 4.4 million views in only 10 days. Members Gunil, ra.L, and Hankook took part in writing this masterpiece for their album. “ Glow ” can best be described as an upbeat pop song, that has a funky essence to it. Yonwoo opens open the song with the repeated lines, “Glow, glow, glow, glow, glow, glow Glow, glow, glow, glow, glow, glow” With such a mesmerizing delivery of these lines, Eunil comes in strong with his breathtaking vocals breaking you out of the trance from the previous line. In the chorus, we are greeted with the funky aspect again teleporting you to a scene straight out of a roller skating rink film. The youthfulness of this song doesn’t go unnoticed even after the song is over leaving you with the satisfaction feeling that lingers similar to how it feels drinking an ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day. The second track on the album is, “ Out of Control . ” Showcasing their skills as songwriters once more- ra.L and Hankook take part in creating this song as well. Switching up the vibes with an electronic beat similar to the genre Trendz is familiar with doing in previous releases. “ Out of Control ” is a super fierce upbeat track compared to the previous track. The lyrics tie back to the title showing a sense of rebellion and wanting to do what they want and feel is best for them and not abide by the list of rules others play along to. Next, we have the track “ Learn to Love , ” which is their first completely English track written by Won Sang Woo who worked on numerous tracks with the famous first-generation group Baby Vox. Referencing back to the album title, TRENDZ showcases their vocals through this ballad track. Utilizing its title featuring the word ‘ love ’ this song is a heartwarming love song that touches the hearts of all who listen. A person very fond of them, finally showed them what the sensation of being in love truly means creating the tearjerking sweet love song they bestowed to their fans. “I thought I'd never learn How to fall in love You are the only one Who showed me what love is” Lastly, to close off the album track “ Go Up ’ ends the album with a bang, showcasing a live band version of the song. “ Go Up ” is a previously released track that came out in January of 2024 and TRENDZ surprised their fans with the live band version. The instruments tie in so perfectly with the vocals and create a party-esque vibe to the song making you want to jump up and down along to the beat. In the season of the summer, the live band version fits so well with the season making its way into the playlists of many for all summer activities. TRENDZ will be making their Japanese debut on July 3rd, with the mini album 'Rebirth.' Fans are waiting patiently for the album to be released on streaming platforms but until then, 'DREAMLIKE' will be on replay landing its spot in many listeners most listened albums of 2024. Celebrating their 900 days on June 22, TRENDZ has made a lasting impression in the hearts of many in the span of 2 years. Be sure to follow TRENDZ on SNS for future activities! X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Fancafe

Written by Destiny S. | Edited by BR Welcome back #SoundLovers! Come check out the latest comeback with the K-Pop rookie group, WeNu! This comeback is sure to leave you wanting to know more about the members of WeNU  and their beautiful sound! Consisting of 4 members -- Yoon Heechan, Ji Sunghwan, Han Sunwoo, and Park Chanhyo -- WeNU made their debut on November 30, 2022, with their 1st digital single, “ Haru Haru. ” The 4-piece ensemble is currently signed under IRION Entertainment. WeNU has a unique meaning to its group name and fandom name. Their group name -- WeNU is broken down into two segments with the first, "We" stands for the group as a whole and the "U" standing for their fans. Their fandom name is WeGo, which holds the meaning of they and their fans wanting to go for the long run together forever. The rookie group has just released their 1st Mini Album titled [너의 집 앞을 걷다] on June 14, 2024. The first track off this album is called, " 위앤유 '너의 집 앞을 걷다 ' ." The English name for this song is, " Walking in Front of Your House ." The song starts off with a very soulful and beautiful melody while demonstrating the members' angelic and strong vocal skills. The lyrics help to showcase a meaningful and heartfelt ballad song as fans are able to relate to the feelings that come after a breakup and the longing for someone who was special in your life. Overall, this song definitely has fans in their feelings and singing their hearts out. The second track is called, " 이별이 아름다운 이유는 ." This song is another beautiful ballad and has a similar soulful and lovely melody similar to their title track. Their second track’s English name is “ The Reason Why Goodbye Is Beautiful. ” This song helps fans to understand that even though goodbye can be hard, there is also a beauty that comes from saying goodbye to someone special. For instance, a song lyric that really helped demonstrate this meaning was, “...the reason why goodbye is beautiful is because I will learn how to miss your precious existence.” Overall, this song helps its fans to see the good side of some goodbyes and the meaning of appreciating someone after they're gone. Lastly, it leaves fans with a feeling of hope and that there is always a possibility of meeting that special someone again in their life. The third track is titled, " 꼭 만나러 갈게 ." The tone of the song definitely expressed a cheerful and light sound. Overall, this song leaves fans cheerfully singing along and excited for the other songs to come on their 1st Mini Album. The fourth track, “ Haru Haru  ( Orchestra Ver.), ” carries the same name as their debut title track, and is featured on this mini album with an orchestrated sound and something new for the fans who love this song to look forward to. This song is yet again another beautiful and heartfelt ballad, which further showcases the members' incredible vocal skills. This song helps fans relate to feelings of longing for someone and thinking about that person as the days go by. The lyrics are well written and help to demonstrate what the artists are trying to get across to their fans, which is the feeling of remembering someone special and hoping to see them again. Overall, this song truly touches fans' hearts and has them singing along passionately. The fifth track, also named for their debut song, is called " 하루 하루 (2024 Ver.). " Like the original version and the orchestra version, the 2024 version is just as beautiful and heartfelt. WeNU really treated their fans to many different versions of their beloved song. The sixth track from their 1st Mini Album is called, " 꼭 만나러 갈게 ." This track's English name is called “ Night Sky, Moon, and Stars, and US. ” This song is also a remake and the 2024 version of their original song by the same name. The tone of the song definitely gave off a cheerful and light sound. The lyrics also seemed to demonstrate this with lyrics such as “we can feel happiness again” and “the light that cut through the darkness draws the sky’s path”. This song helps fans feel hopeful and optimistic, even when faced with the darkest path -- knowing that there is always a light that will shine through. Overall, this song leaves fans cheerfully singing along and dancing to the beat of happiness. The last track of the album is called " 너의 집 앞을 걷다 (INST) ." This is an instrumental version of their title song " 위앤유 '너의 집 앞을 걷다' " (" Walking in Front of Your House.")  The song is still truly a beautiful song to listen to. Overall, fans can enjoy the calming and lovely melody that comes with the musical sound of this melodic instrumental version of the song. This is WeNU’s first release of 2024, and fans are excited for more heartfelt melodies from this rising K-Pop group. Be sure to follow WeNU on SNS to stay up to date on future activities and current promotions. Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook | Fan Cafe

Written by Nina B. One of K-Pop fan's favorite pastimes is to indulge in different variety and competition shows and MNET made sure to deliver just that. MNET is known for releasing a wide range of shows that will have you glued to your screen from start to finish yearning for more from them. It was no surprise for avid MNET show watchers, that their newest upcoming project “Build Up’ would be a show that would attract the interest of viewers at home. With the first episode airing in January, many tuned in every week to watch and vote for their favorite idols and new faces. ‘Build Up’ gained attention for being a vocal-based competition show with notable high-class vocally talented singers such as Seo Eunkwang (BTOB), Solar (MAMAMOO), and Wendy (RED VELVET), to name a few, as the judges of the competition. With the last episode taking place in March, fans waited at the edge of their seats for the reveal of which team would win the competition and land the 2-year contract to promote as a full group.  The wait had finally come to an end when the announcer announced to all the anticipating viewers at home who the winner of the first season of ‘Build Up’. All three groups from winner to runner-up gained a huge influx of supporters regardless of where they placed in the end results. One of the groups that caught everyone's eye was the third-place-ranked group and even though they didn’t win the show, the fans' immense support didn’t go unnoticed. Fans waited and waited hoping to one day hear music from the group again and crossed their fingers hoping there was a possibility of them continuing as a group to promote outside the show. That day has finally come when the fans can officially say one of the winners in their hearts, now can make their way into the hearts of others through their debut single “Possible”. Four member group known as ‘ Waterfire ’ debuted on May 30th under the company LYNNA ENTERTAINMENT, with the members:  Sunyoul  (former member of UP10TION), Wumuti  (well known for his appearance in ‘Under Nineteen’ and ‘Boys Planet’), Choi Suhwan  (former ‘Produce X 101’ contestant), and youngest member Kang Hayoon  (participant in ‘Loud’). Together these four left a memorable impression from their great group dynamic and how well their voices mixed together. Even though they were formed primarily for the filming of the competition, their chemistry didn't go unnoticed. It was almost like they were destined to meet on this show and form this bond that would lead to the harmonized creation of Waterfire.  Their debut single, “Possible”  opens up the angelic voice belonging to Hayoon catching our ears with his immediate adlib. Catching the listener's attention in the first few seconds of the song is a talent in itself. The song has a beautiful message to it when diving deeper into the translation of the lyrics. Considering the group's members came from being in previous competition shows for the chance to debut and not landing in the program debuted groups, they faced many hardships of having to continue to try and accomplish their goal of debuting like they always dreamed of. Through “Possible” they detail how even through these hardships, in the end, their rainbow came along and they were able to do something they could only dream of. “And it’s always possible more than ever tonight, everything is possible.” Finally being able to tell the world, “ I did it, everyone! I finally debuted! ” is something all trainees want to hear themselves be able to say. With the mix of all four of their vocals and different vocal ranges, it all fits together like a solved puzzle piece creating a memorable song for their fans to sit and listen to. With Sunyouls deeper tone combined with Hayoons softer vocal range, pieced with Suhwans high notes, and adding in that last puzzle piece of Wumuti's smooth delivery with his lines, they convey how their talent is endless as a group. Though they come from different backgrounds and have their own personal stories and obstacles they faced to get to where they are, they all found each other and were able to create the beginning of their new chapter in their storybook. With only a few weeks under their belts as an idol group, there is only up for them as a group. Excitement has built following their debut and their upcoming fan meeting -- being held at Shinhancard Sol Play Square on July 6 and July 7 --  about what might be up their sleeves for future releases and plans for the group. Making our way halfway through the year WATERFIRE is a group you want to add to your radar and be on the lookout for.

Welcome Back, #SoundLovers! Let's dive into the latest news on one of our favorite artist's new song release. Get ready to groove to the rhythm and feel the vibes as we unveil the details of this chart-topping track. Kings of P-Pop, SB19 , and Black Eyed Peas icon APL.DE.AP collaborate on " Ready ," -- which is out on all global streaming platforms via Sony Music Philippines. SB19 has amassed a die-hard following worldwide, with hit singles such as " GENTO " receiving over 20 million streams collectively, ruling the P-Pop music scene well into 2024 with their 'PAGTATAG!' World Tour . SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member group from the Philippines -- composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin. The group debuted on October 26, 2018, under ShowBT with their single, " Tilaluha ." This sentimental ballad was followed by their first fast-paced second single, " Go Up, " released on July 19, 2019, sparking worldwide recognition when their practice video went viral on Twitter and Facebook. With A'TIN ( the group's fandom name -- pronounced "eighteen" and holds the meaning "ours" ) by their side, SB19 has been able to share many firsts with their fans such as gaining recognition as the Philippine's Youth Ambassadors, being the first Filipino act to appear on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart in 2019, achieving the highest position on the Social 50 chart at number in August 2020, nomination for Best Southeast Asia Act in 2021, and more! SB19 continues to redefine the standards of the industry with their incomparable talents and constant dedication -- which has earned them recognition as one of the industry's top-tier groups to have captivated audiences both locally and internationally and the face of "Pinoy Pop.".  SB19 broke the record for longest reign at number one on the Billboard Trending Songs with their hit song, " Bazinga ," as it stayed at the top of the chart for seven consecutive weeks! The P-Pop trailblazers' next milestone was SB19's win of the Billboard 2023 Fan Army Face-Off challenge! The group's release of ' Pagtatag! ' took the world by storm as the album's pre-release single, " GENTO, " debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Charts . The music video for " GENTO " has received about 40 million views on YouTube and gained attention from many Korean Pop groups through creating viral challenges for the song.   Since the release of ' PAGTATAG! ,' the group has embarked on a world tour -- beginning June 24, 2023, and concluding on May 19, 2024, in Quezon City, Philippines, -- and have now released their second collaboration single of 2024, " Ready ." The release represents a continuation of collaborations for APL.DE.AP and his side quests, as he previously worked with Sandra Park and Keith Harris to release " 2 Proud, " as well as Prince Yah and A.L. to release " LEGEND ," produced by !llmind as their ode to 50 years of hip hop. The latest single is an electrifying blend of the group's incredible vocals and groovy beats. The phenomenal energy brings feelings of anticipation and excitement inviting listeners to join in to celebrate the essence of living in the moment and cherishing unforgettable experiences.   "Ready for Tonight " showcases SB19's ability to blend their lyrics with an irresistible beat, in which they collaborated with APL.DE.AP, to create a song that resonates all over the world and kindles the readiness for what the night may bring. The song was produced by the one and only Keith Harris, who has worked with long-standing artists like Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and the Black Eyed Peas. APL.DE.AP -- co-founder of the iconic six-time Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas -- has continued to produce and redefine the definition of pop with references and samples globally. Working with artists like Shakira, J-Balvin, James Brown, and Q-Tip, APL believes that P-Pop is next and ready to take the global stage! The " SB " in SB19 stands for " Sound Break, " representing the group's aspirations of disrupting the music scene and bringing Filipino music and culture into the international spotlight! Don't miss this exciting collaboration as these P-Pop trailblazers fuse their unique sound with an industry icon! Listen Now K Fuse would like to thank the team at Miller PR for the opportunity to share this news with #ATIN and our fellow #SoundLovers!

On the night of May 16th, if you were anywhere downtown, you would hear the bustling sounds of cheering fans and energy radiating out of the South Side Ballroom of Dallas. As the clock strikes 7, the venue grows in anticipation as the lights dim, the smoke rises, and the stage lightens up with strobes; the show begins. The crowd burst into cheers as Uzuhan hyped the crowd with an energetic open! His melodic and high energy performance wakes the crowd and sets the bar high for the next performers. He performs his top hits such as “Play Me” and “ Uzutrap ,” which bring a newfound wave of energy and vibes as each song plays. As Uzuhan finishes his set, he says his goodbyes and wishes the crowd a great show and a special thanks for everyone making this show happen. Next up is SUNKIS , a Taiwanese-American singer and songwriter that made a special appearance opening for BM. As he entered the stage after the first act, the crowd was swayed by his good looks, charm, and mesmerizing voice. Other than his great voice, he also put on a few dance performances notably to his hit song such as “ Like I Do ,” that got the whole venue dancing. Near the end, he invited a special guest from the audience up to the stage for a “special” performance! And after his crowd high fives and waves, he tells the fans goodbye as he leaves the stage. After those great openers, the crowd is left craving more. Chatter fills the air as the next set is about to start. The crowd quickly quiets as the room darkens once again, and the beams of light begin pointing to the center of the stage. It's the moment everyone has been waiting for as BM or Big Matthew enters the stage. The crowd roars with cheer and screams as the man of the hour has arrived. He starts by performing “ 13IVI ” and brings the energy everyone has been looking for all night. Fans cheer and wave their lightstick towards the stage as the music echoes across the venue. Everyone can't help but watch and dance, even the bartenders and workers take a moment to dance along as he sways the crowd. He then performs songs such as “ Body Movin' ” and “ BROKEN ME ,” which lightens up the stage. A third of the way through his set, he performs a “special” performance for a lucky fan. And afterwards performs more of his hit songs such as “Bad Intentions”. Then, he invites another set of fans on stage after saying hello to everyone, and introduces the show of the night! He plays a game with the crowd called “ twerk battle” where each of the contestants get a chance to show their skills to win a designer Balenciaga bag! The fans cheer as each contender gives it their all, and ultimately one winner is chosen by the crowd and BM. The night goes on and comes to an end, at the final encore, he lets his fans choose the next and final song. The crowd starts by yelling lots of different songs and picks, but ultimately all the fans unite and chant “Motion.” He agrees and looks at the sound team to cue the song, and the night ends with a bang. The fans and BM share a final motion and the energy is at an all time high, everyone waves and says their goodbyes as BM leaves the stage. Everyone begins chatting and hopes for his return to Dallas soon, but until then, everyone has these great memories and moments between them and BM to remember forever. Want To See More Unique Shows Like BM's Solo Tour?!? Be Sure To Follow Konnect’d Entertainment You can find our full gallery ofnthe show here Photographed and Written by Tim L.

Female powerhouse AleXa has released another truly remarkable and easily relatable song for struggling fans worldwide -- " i'm okay. " AleXa 's latest single “i’m okay,” has been released at the perfect time -- coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month. The release of "i'm okay" comes shortly after a groundbreaking performances at iHeart Radio's Jingle Ball in December, where AleXa made history as the first solo Korean artist to grace the stage. AleXa performed two unreleased singles during that time, including “i’m okay” and “sick,” which she released earlier this year and received rave reviews from places such as Grammy, People Magazine, MTV, and more. Notably, AleXa also offered fans an exclusive preview of "sick" on The Kelly Clarkson Show, foreshadowing the bold artistic direction she continues to pursue in 2024. The song, written by the powerhouse artist herself, is a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and conveys an expression of empathy and solidarity with those battling mental health challenges. There is a more personal touch to this song as it shows AleXa's authenticity and vulnerability, drawing from her personal experience battling bipolar disorder, and invites listeners to break the stigma surrounding mental health and embrace the journey towards healing. When asked about her latest release, we see AleXa's vulnerability and sincerity as she says: “T his song is a love letter to those struggling with mental health, and it comes from a place of honesty and understanding. I, myself, struggle with bipolar disorder, so I know the ins-and-outs and ups-and-downs of facing your darkest demons." She continued, " More often than not, when approached with the question, 'How are you?,' our default response is, 'I'm okay.' I want this song to show that the conversation doesn't have to stop at 'I'm okay,' and that it's okay to be honest and to seek help when necessary." AleXa sends a message of hope with "i'm okay," as she uses her powerful voice to share important conversations about mental health, and the importance of seeking help. Connect with AleXa for more messages of hope! YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | X (Twitter )

The Vermont Hollywood in Los Angeles, California was filled with excitement on Sunday, April 28, 2024, as Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer, BANG YONGGUK , made his last stop of the III U.S. Tour. As a producer, Yongguk has produced for artists like the K-pop group JUST B, who also ended their Just Be With You Tour at the Vermont Hollywood on March 31. As fans bustled into the venue, three screens projected the design of a bright red “3,” which is the name of Yongguk’s most recent album, 3. Many fans wore B.A.P shirts and held green lightsticks as Yongguk is the former leader of that K-pop group.  The DJ set the mood of the night with the beats and mixes he played. The crowd of fans were dancing and getting into the energy coming from the music. The DJ ended his opening set to announce the introduction of the main man of the night. Yongguk hit the stage with powerful upbeat rap songs “ Off ,” “ Xie Xie ,” and “ Ride or Die .”  During talking breaks, Yongguk said that he didn’t forget about the support and love he received from fans last year on his tour ( The Colors Of Bang Yongguk ) stop in LA, “So I want to make the best night tonight together.” Throughout the night, the Korean rapper would go back and forth from early songs in his discography like his debut single, “ I Remember ” (feat. Yang Yoseop) which had the crowd overjoyed, soaking in the nostalgic moment and singing loudly as the song started, “Oh, oh, woah // Oh, oh, woah.” Later in the song, fans chanted the chorus hearing the voices bouncing off of the venue’s walls.  The stage and venue were dimly lit but the colors shining on stage were so bright and saturated, resembling to when Yongguk described how he felt on stage in his short film, Something To Talk About . The stagelights shined spotlights from the left and right on Yongguk creating a movie like scene from the crowd. When “ Green ” (feat. SOOVI) was peformed, fans turned on their flashlights and waved their arms from left to right in the air. During this sentimental song, Yongguk really made sure to show he was singing this song to each one of his fans by sharing eye contact, completing heart hands, and pointing to the crowd during the lyric “Baby, you're my green, yeah.” Yongguk took a moment of to share encouragement to fans: “As I said I’m not your teacher but I sincerely encourage you guys to also take on a challenge or do something that you haven’t done yet to move forward in your lives…Yolo.” During the performance of “ BUSS IT DOWN ” Yongguk sprayed the crowd with water, and he would feed off the crowd’s energy along with the beat of his songs as he jumped and danced along the stage. Then Yongguk went on to perform more of his new songs from his recent album, 3 . With this album, the songs are more free and have a different tempo from previous albums. During the performance of “BAD” (feat. YOUHA), the crowd sang the chorus with Yongguk when the word “bad” was said. Yongguk looked like he was enjoying the last night of his U.S. tour as he playfully sprayed water into the crowd and on himself, dancing to each upbeat song of his and would let out a big smile as he watched fans sing along to his lyrics.  For the encore portion of the night he performed “ BUSS IT DOWN ” again and doused the crowd even more with water. Ending the night with “Orange Drive” as a song that in that moment could stand for the sunset that is ending the concert/tour and Yongguk’s promise to continue to make music and see his fans again some day. View our full gallery of Bang Yongguk's show in LA, here Written and Photographed by Aliyah H. K Fuse would like to thank the MyMusicTaste Team and the team at YY Ent for allowing us to be a part of this exciting opportunity to provide coverage for Bang Yongguk's 'III' U.S. Tour.

Rookie boy group WHIB -- a compound of opposing colors of black and white -- has made their first comeback since their debut last November. This eight-member group consists of members Jayder, Haseung, Jinbeom, UGeon, Leejeong, Jaeha, Inhong, and Wonjun -- formerly known as M.I.C., and are signed under CJeS Entertainment. WHIB has already caught the attention of global listeners and viewers with their debut song, “BANG!,” which has earned the group a solid fanbase --  known as AnD. This ambitiously energetic boy group is now back with the release of their second EP and what sounds like the beginning of an exciting new journey -- 'ETERNAL YOUTH: KICK IT.' The album starts with the title track, “ KICK IT . ” This track is sure to get listeners in the mood for summer with its fun tropical beat. The lyrics were carefully crafted -- with contributions from members Jayder and UGeon -- to convey their feelings of being around those who are special to them (the members and AnD. The song also displays feelings of never getting bored of being around each other and continuing to chase after their goal! The second and last track on this EP, “ IN THE MOOD ,” has a similar vibe and theme as the title track. This track is another fun and tropical beat that emits the theme of this song is sweet, with lyrics like, “I feel so good to be with you,” -- which makes this a remarkable love song. This song talks about the feelings you have when falling for someone. While this is their first comeback, this upcoming rookie group has continued to catch the attention of listeners while making their presence known. WHIB is currently promoting “KICK IT” on music shows and has several upcoming schedules. If you are unfamiliar with the group, now is the perfect time to learn more about them. Instagram | X (Twitter) | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook Written by CeCe B. Edited by K Fuse

MetaMoon Partners with Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at LIU for Innovative Education Initiative with Summit on Asian Representation in Live Music Industry On Friday, September 27th, the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) announced a collaboration with MetaMoon to host the second edition of The Summit: Rise of Asian Artists and their Global Fandom .  MetaMoon brings together Asian artists, both emerging and established, with music fans, Asian pop culture enthusiasts and corporate brands. Founded in 2022 as a platform to celebrate and showcase Asian and AAPI artists and brands, the MetaMoon Music Festival continues to celebrate Asian/AAPI artists, culture, and fans while embracing the diverse communities in Brooklyn andacross New York City. The MetaMoon Music Festival -- known for empowering artists with a consistent and prominent stage -- is back with a two day event this September with global superstars Eric Nam and Henry Lau headlining the show -- along with rising artists Emei and SUNKIS to round off an excting lineup. “We are excited to bring MetaMoon back to Brooklyn for two incredible days spotlighting Asian/AAPI artists and pop culture, and to give our fans the chance to see their favorite artist live,” said Grace Chen, founder of MetaMoon. “We are grateful to partner with the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment to continue our mission of amplifying the voices of Asian/AAPI talent, not just on stage, but in the boardroom as well, which starts in the classroom.” The one-day conference on Asian artists and representation in the music industry will be open to students and feature panel discussions and masterclasses by industry professionals. In keeping with the ethos of MetaMoon to spotlight Asian/AAPI talent, on stage and behind the scenes, students and next generation music execs will have the chance to network, meet their peers, and explore the intersection of music, business and the most populous region in the world. “We look forward to working alongside MetaMoon Festival to facilitate academic discussions about the global impact of AAPI/Asian artists,” Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Dean Tressa Cunningham said. “It’s vital that our students develop a well-rounded perspective of and appreciation for the global music industry.”   Let's Meet Our Artists Henry Lau , currently just travelling the world "like a stewardess," is a multi-talented Canadian singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, and actor from Toronto. This musical powerhouse is known as a member of Super Junior's Chinese sub-group (Super Junior-M), and his impressive skills on the violin -- as well as the electric violin, guitar, piano, and drums. To add to his already impressive repertoire, Henry formed his own label -- Monster Entertainment Group -- in June of 2019. This concert marks a milestone for Henry Lau as he makes his solo performance debut in the United States, giving his fans the chance to see him perform live for the first time. Eric Nam, a native of Atlanta, appeared on Birth of a Great Star 2 in 2012 and made his official debut on January 23, 2013, with his first EP, 'Cloud 9,' -- featuring the title track "Heaven's Door." Since his debut, Eric has gained global recognition for his music, variety show appearances, DIVE Studios podcasts, and mental wellbeing app, Mindset -- which he created to raise awareness about mental health struggles. Additionally, he has become known for the viral 'Your dog speaks Chinese!?' meme. NamNation -- Eric's fandom's name -- are always ready to show their love and support for the personable and relatable soloist, and this time it's no different as they eagerly await for ticket sales to open! Rising alternative pop sensation, Emei, will be joining the MetaMoon Music Festival lineup! Emei has been making a name for herself since the release of her 2022 single, " Late To The Party ." This rising star found her start in 2015 when she took a break from high school to compete on Chinese Idol and ending in 3rd place! Taiwanese-American SUNKIS -- also known as Song Bingqin(宋秉勤) -- will be rounding off the 2024 MetaMoon Music Festival lineup! He made his debut in 2019 with single, " I Could ," and continued to gain recognition after his collaboration, " Just Do It " with OZI. SUNKIS' encapsulates the essence of R&B in his lyrics while conveying his sincere vulnerability to listeners. As anticipation for this year's MetaMoon Music Festival begins, remember to mark your your calendars! Invitations to register for the Roc Nation School x MetaMoon Summit on September 27th will begin on September 4th. Presale for the September 28th concert starts on May 22nd with general sale on May 24th. K Fuse would like to thank Miller PR for the opportunity to share this exciting news with our fellow #SoundLovers!

After six long months, ZEROBASEONE has finally made their newest Korean comeback, and Zerose -- their fandom name -- worldwide could not be more excited! ZEROBASEONE, more commonly referred to as ZB1, is a nine-member boy group under Wake One Entertainment that formed from the MNET survival show Boys Planet and consists of members Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin. The group recently made their Japanese debut with the single, “Yura Yura,” -- making this their first Korean comeback in over half a year. To prepare for this album, the group recently released the single, “SWEAT,” as part of “ The Garfield Movie ” soundtrack and gave a sneak peek into the matured sound fans could expect from their new six-track EP (along with a seventh song being a sped-up version of the title track) -- which had many fans anticipating its release.  Leading up to this album, the previous digital album covers have highlighted certain letters that would foreshadow this new EP: "YOU" and "HAD" -- from their debut EP, “Youth in the Shade,” “ME” from their first comeback EP, “Melting Point,” and “AT,” from their newest pre-release single, “Sweat,” which would spell out “You Had Me At,” which references the new album, "You Had Me At HELLO.” This three-album trilogy has followed the storyline of boys in love who will now be moving on to a new chapter going forward. “You Had Me At HELLO” is an EP full of different sounds and genres from pop beats, ballads, and R&B that has something for everyone. “ Solar POWER ” is the first track on the EP and is very different from anything that the group has previously released. This track starts with members Gunwook and Ricky speaking in low-range voices with a hint of autotune before it breaks into a rock style -- with heavy guitar. It follows the members wanting something or someone and sends a message of finding the courage to not be afraid to voice it. Although this song may be different from anything they have released in the past, it is a great intro to the album that displays their readiness to try new styles and sounds.  The second track on the album, “Feel the POP,” is the title track and encapsulates the essence of a fun and pop-fused summer song. The intro to the song sounds almost like a nursery rhyme before transitioning into some fun and faster-paced beats. With lyrics like, “As if my heart is bursting pop, pop, pop,” the theme of the song is that the members like someone and their heart flutters or “pops” when they see or think about that person. This is a perfect song to listen to in the summertime if you like fun and upbeat songs. “ Dear ECLIPSE ” is the third track on the EP, and is different from the first two as this one has more R&B vibes and is also different from anything they have done before. Similar to the title, this song’s message relates to an Eclipse. Even though it may be dark due to an Eclipse, the members can still find you. The pre-release single, “ SWEAT ,” is the fourth track on the EP and is also a new style for the group: house music. This track also encompasses a fun and summer vibe with its lyrics and beats. Similar to the way the song may make you feel, the message is the same: to dance to the same rhythm and become one. “ Sunday RIDE ” is the last upbeat song on the album, with a mix of fun and bubbly vibes mixed with some more chill vibes, as if going for a drive, which is what the song mentions. This track is about the members thinking about someone and wishing that every day is a trip with them. The last track on the album, “ HELLO ,” is a ballad and is an anthem for their fanbase, Zerose. This track -- filled with a variety of emotions -- talks about the moment the group met their fans for the first time and describes how they feel incomplete without Zerose.  This is ZEROBASEONE’s first album for 2024, and fans are beyond excited to see what the rest of the year looks like. They are in the middle of “ Feel the POP ” promotions and are anticipated to have several performances lined up for the remainder of 2024 -- including an Asian Tour in the fall. As this rookie group gears up for an exciting second half of 2024, be sure to follow ZB1 to stay up-to-date to see if any events are happening near you! Written by CeCe Edited by BR

P1Harmony ’s third U.S. tour kicked off in spectacular fashion this past Tuesday at Houston’s Smart Financial Centre. Marking their third time performing in the city, the honor of hosting the first stop of this leg of the tour was not lost on fans, who arrived from all over the world. Most attendees adhered to the dress code, set by P1Harmony themselves, donning pink in a vibrant display of unity and anticipation. The energy in the venue was palpable even before the lights dimmed. As the crowd took their seats, excitement buzzed through the air. The moment the lights went off and the music turned up, everyone jumped to their feet, their anticipation peaking as the VCR began to play, introducing P1ece to P1Harmony ’s UTOP1A and setting the theme for the night. The members of P1Harmony emerged at the top of the stage stairs, dazzling in pearl white silk outfits. They launched into " Street Star ," a hit from their latest full album "Killin It." The fans erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm unfaltering as the group transitioned into the performances of “Emergency” and “ Everybody Clap .” After the high-energy opening, the group took a moment to introduce themselves both as a unit and individually. Keeho expressed his joy at returning to Houston, but also shared the unfortunate news that Jiung was absent due to injury. He reassured the crowd that the remaining members—Keeho, Theo, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob—were determined to deliver an unforgettable show. Keeho’s heartfelt connection with the audience was evident as he led them into the next song, "Heartbeat Drum," with a simple gesture: “Place a hand on your heart. Doesn’t it sound like a drum?” The concert took an emotional turn with " I Am You ," a fan favorite from the same EP, as the crowd sang along passionately. A nostalgic moment followed with " Butterfly ," a ballad from their debut album “Disharmony: Stand Out.” Keeho expressed his surprise at the song's international popularity before diving into “ Late Night Calls ,” their newest title track “ Killin’ It ,” and “ Back Down .” After a brief intermission, the members returned for individual cover performances that highlighted their unique talents. Theo’s rendition of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” on guitar lit up the venue with flashlights. Intak wowed with a self-choreographed routine to Victoria Monet’s “On My Mama.” Jongseob impressed with a cover of A$AP Rocky’s “Praise the Lord,” complete with his very own Korean rap verse. Soul captivated with a freestyle dance, and Keeho showcased his vocal prowess with SZA’s “Kill Bill.” The fans showed their love for Jiung by singing the chorus of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” in his absence, a touching tribute that the group promised to relay to him. Returning to the stage, P1Harmony shared insights into the preparations for their cover stages before diving back into the concert with “ Pyramid ,” “ Black Hole ,” and “ Look At Me Now .” Slowing down the pace, they delivered heartfelt performances of their English releases “ Fall In Love Again ,” “ BFF ,” and “ Love Me For Me .” As the evening progressed, P1Harmony instructed the fans to turn their light sticks blue for “ Doom Du Doom ,” a song reminiscent of summer. The energy surged once more with “ Jump ” and the fan-favorite “ Follow Me ,” which had the crowd jumping as confetti filled the venue. For their final pre-encore number, “ Countdown to Love ,” pink confetti and giant balloons created a magical scene. The band left the stage, but the chants of “P1! P1! P1!” brought them back for an encore. In a delightful twist, they reappeared in the aisles, singing “ I See U ” and interacting closely with fans, exchanging hand hearts, cowboy hats, sunglasses, and selfies. The encore continued on stage with “ 2nite ,” “ Do It Like This ,” and “ Ayaya ,” before the night concluded with heartfelt goodbyes from each member. They expressed their gratitude and excitement for the tour ahead, promising to return to Houston soon. P1Harmony ’s UTOP1A tour marks their third consecutive U.S. tour, and they have once again managed to outdo themselves. Their energy, talent, and genuine love for their fans were evident throughout the night, leaving everyone eager for more. If you missed the Houston show, be sure to catch them at their next stops. It’s a performance you won’t want to miss! Check out our gallery here ! K Fuse would like to give a big thank you to Frazes Creative for allowing us the opportunity to provide coverage for P1Harmony's UTOP1A tour stop in Dallas! Written and Photographed by Deborah R.

Welcome back, #SoundLovers! Do you have aspirations and desires to become the next K-Pop idol?  Don't know where to start?  Check out "The Academy" as they launch and host their 6th annual  K-Pop Boot Camp  in Seoul, South Korea this year! The Academy Australia ("The Academy") was established in 2016, by Angela Lee, the Director of the Academy, and business partner Julianne Xie. With their keep ability to recognize the growing desire for Asian culture, events, and entertainment -- especially K-Pop -- The Academy chose to create a way to connect Australia to Asia and bring Asian events to Australia.  Since its conception, The Academy has worked with professional trainers, consultants, and talent scouts from top Asian entertainment agencies to provide audition opportunities to young trainees that dream of being the next global artist! On April 01, 2024, The Academy Australia (“The Academy”) announced the launch of their annual flagship event,  The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp , which is set to take place in Seoul, South Korea from December 10, 2024 - December 20, 2024. This special event is a tailored program with a rigorous structure, providing aspiring talents the experience of what it’s like being a K-Pop Idol Trainee. The Academy recently opened online registrations for applicants worldwide, and it will remain open until the last day of online auditions. For applicants interested in participating in a live audition, online registrations must be filled out at least one day before the live audition takes place, which will be based on each respective city. The Academy will be hosting live and online auditions from June 01, 2024 - June 09, 2024 (AEST). Applications / Auditions: The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp  is now accepting applications from those who meet the following criteria: 11 years or older Parental Consent for any applicant who is a minor To audition, you must have completed the following: Online registration  form filled out in its entirety Successful submission of the registration form Submission of registration fee of AUD 60 / USD 40 ( via PayPal ) Accept The Academy's Facebook Group invite -- where you will have the opportunity to connect with other applicants, speak with former trainees, and contact The Academy's team and staff members Audition Requirements: Showcase dance skills and/or vocals Song choice and choreography are chosen by the applicant Showcase cannot exceed 60 seconds / 1 minute More information can be found on The Academy's official  website . Check out dates for U.S. and Canadian Residents The Academy's annual flagship event, the K-Pop Boot Camp , is a specially-designed program, where the Top 100 trainees can explore their dreams of becoming a K-Pop artist through experiential vocal and dance training, over 10 days in Seoul.  The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp  is a very challenging program, yet extremely rewarding program that is designed to push the limits of a trainees potential to newer heights and taking them to the next level. This year’s curriculum was organized in consultation with The Academy’s agency partners, and includes Nine days of training at the HI Seoul Youth Hostel – with vocal, dance, and make-up training, a special showcase at the end of the week for evaluations – where scouts and partnered agencies attend, as well as where private auditions are offered for agency selected trainees, a make-up session, a professional photo shoot, a one-day performance including a video recording, and a pers onalized digital feedback form from the trainers -- once the K-Pop Boot Camp has successfully concluded. Click here to learn more about what's included in The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp program. This flagship event marks a special occasion as the sixth K-Pop Boot Camp that The Academy has hosted and coordinated since its inception in 2016!!! ONLINE AUDITIONS (June 01, 2024 - June 09, 2024): Global Auditions LIVE AUDITIONS will be taking place in France, Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, and more! Find the full schedule below: 2024.07.02- Brisbane, Australia 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Mad Dance House 2024.07.07 - Paris, France 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Kick Cafe 2024.07.08 - Paris, France 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Kick Cafe 2024.07.08 - Kuala Lumpur 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Redmouse Dance Academy 2024.07.08 - Singapore 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Singapore Raffles Music 2024.07.08 - Perth, Australia 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Ardence Studio 2024.07.08 - Melbourne, Australia 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Studio 107 - Trainee Studio 2024.07.09 - Sydney, Australia 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at K Centre Studio B Eastwood 2024.07.09 - Danang, Vietnam 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Hanoi Telecom Central Branch 2024.07.09 - Hanoi, Vietnam 9:00 Am - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Hanoi Telecom HQ 2024.07.09 - Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 9:00 Am - 12:00 PM and 1:00PM - 5:00 PM at Hanoi Telecom Southern Branch You can register online for The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp Auditions here ! K Fuse would like to thank Korea Everlast and The Academy for the opportunity to share this exciting opportunity with our readers and aspiring artists!