Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2023: Part One  (Brand New, Cube, DSP, FNC, IST, Jellyfish, KQ)
Feature

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2023: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, FNC, IST, Jellyfish, KQ)

Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general K-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2022: Part One  (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, IST, Jellyfish)
Feature

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2022: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, IST, Jellyfish)

Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general K-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading

Unwrapping 2021’s K-pop Holiday Tracks
Review

Unwrapping 2021’s K-pop Holiday Tracks

Imagine a big bushy Christmas tree — or replace that with whatever decoration or tradition matches your wintertime festivities. Underneath are packages galore, each containing a winter-themed K-pop track. Some have been unwrapped early (Stray Kids’ Christmas EveL, Billlie’s Snowy Night, ONEUS/ONEWE’s Stay) but there are still plenty to go.  After furiously opening each gift, … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2021: Part One  (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, IST, Jellyfish)
Feature

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2021: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, IST, Jellyfish)

Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general K-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2020: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, Jellyfish, Kakao M, KQ)
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Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2020: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, Jellyfish, Kakao M, KQ)

Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general k-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2019: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, Jellyfish, MBK, Play M)
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Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2019: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, Jellyfish, MBK, Play M)

Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general k-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading

Song Review: MXM – Ya Ya Ya
Review

Song Review: MXM – Ya Ya Ya

I’ve been real hot and cold with MXM’s releases so far. I love the guys, but only their January Match Up mini album has really appealed to me. Rather than maintain that addictive funk pop sound, the duo seems more intent on a laid-back brand of hip-hop that emphasizes vibe over melody. New single Ya … Continue reading

K-Pop Producer Spotlight: ESBEE
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K-Pop Producer Spotlight: ESBEE

If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. ESBEE Years … Continue reading