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Big Ocean Splashes Into The Holiday Season with RED-DY SET GO

The cheery holiday track carries an uplifting message: that with a change in perspective, perceived flaws can transform into strengths that blaze new trails for others to follow. K-pop’s first deaf idol group, Big Ocean, will release their first Christmas single, RED-DY SET GO on November 23. Inspired by Robert L. May’s 1939 character, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, RED-DY SET GO is a joyful anthem that reminds us that something that once felt like a flaw can become a guiding light in the world. Big Ocean is redefining K-pop through their singular approach to music and performance: singing in sign Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago
Hohyun

Rain, Reflection, and Real Talk: A Conversation with Singer-Songwriter Hohyun

In a wide-ranging conversation with TimelessNotes LIVE, Hohyun shares the story of his newest album, his mental health journey, and his distinctive creative process. When Hohyun appears on screen, he’s not just a singer-songwriter talking about his new album — he’s Spider-Man.  Wearing a screen-accurate, movie-level Spider-Man suit (Andrew Garfield era, he specifies proudly), he grins into the camera and jokes that his “spidey senses are on every day.” It’s playful, a little disarming, and entirely human. Which makes sense. Because for Hohyun, connection isn’t an aesthetic choice — it’s the whole point.  The Korean-American artist joined TimelessNotes LIVE for Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago
Rs bambam hometown album cover art

BamBam of GOT7 Releases HOMETOWN

BamBam’s first-ever Thai album features TIMETHAI, Jeff Satur, INK WARUNTORN, and Pharrell Williams BamBam, rapper and singer of the globally acclaimed K-pop group GOT7, released his highly anticipated first Thai album, HOMETOWN, on October 10. Marking a career milestone, this project is BamBam’s very first album entirely in the Thai language, created with the hope that fans around the world can feel closer to the language and culture of Thailand through his music. BamBam participated in the writing and composing of every track on the album, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted musician. HOMETOWN features collaborations with celebrated Thai artists Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago
PTMRS

Part-Time Music, Full-Time Impact: Meet PTMRS

If Seoul’s neon streets, Tokyo’s midnight clubs, and a half-forgotten vinyl collection in Los Angeles could talk, they might sound like PTMRS. Their sound is a mood that lingers — bass humming in your bones, lyrics that taste like nostalgia, and hooks that burn bright in your memory hours later. What started as a fun project for a pair of industry veterans has expanded into a collective of artists — Jay Choe, Young Bae Jo, Uki Satake, Yuting, and Minnie — ready to show the world they have staying power. Read on to learn what fuels the mood, the memory, Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago
Dailog

Magic and Refuge in the Details: Dailog Welcomes You To Basecamp

After years spent writing and producing songs for other artists and OSTs, Dailog is sharing his own story with “basecamp”, his debut EP. We chatted with him recently about everything from this first solo effort to his experiences as both a songwriter and an independent artist… and a goat may have wandered into the conversation, too. Q. You’ve written and produced over 100 songs for K-pop and indie artists, including SEVENTEEN’s DK and Red Velvet’s Joy. How has working behind the scenes shaped the sound and storytelling of your debut EP, basecamp? Dailog: Writing for others—whether for OSTs or artist Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago
Memory ver. (press photo 4)

Owning Every Chapter: YOOMEi on Creativity Without Compromise

After five years in the industry — from her early days in ZIOLETTA to her solo J-rock era — YOOMEi is stepping into a bold new chapter. Blending retro City Pop with her love for idol culture, anime, and storytelling, she’s creating a vibrant universe all her own. I had the pleasure of interviewing YOOMEi recently, and she opened up about rebranding without erasing her past, the challenges and joys of her redebut, and why she believes it’s always better to try — even if you fail — than to live with regret. YOOMEi: I’m very grateful for my different Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago
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Side Quests and Sound Checks: Jay Choe’s Unconventional Path Through K-Pop

Jay Choe describes his career as “a long chain of side quests,” a phrase that perfectly encapsulates his journey through the K-pop industry. From starting as a concert staffer in 2009 to navigating the complexities of international artist debuts, Jay has worn many hats. We sat down with him to discuss his career path, the intricacies of the work, and his advice for aspiring industry professionals. The Beginning of a K-Pop Career Q: You describe your career as “a long chain of side quests.” Can you tell our readers how you got started in the K-pop industry and what you’re Read more…

By Jeanne Sharp, ago