Psst! Come Closer and discover Korean singer LEO as he unveils his debut solo EP – yep, you guessed it, also titled Come Closer.
K-pop
‘REALIZE’ Flips the Coin: The KingDom’s Kingdom Evolves – EXCLUSIVE
K-Pop group The KingDom, known for their unique concept, kicks down the castle doors with their new EP REALIZE. Since 2021, each of their seven mini-albums has explored a different kingdom within their fantastical narrative – engaging their fans, KINGMAKERs, into their concept.
Xdinary Heroes: Beyond the “Little Things” with “Troubleshooting” – EXCLUSIVE
“No Matter” what Korean Boy Band Xdinary Heroes has to troubleshoot – from their music or their recent world tour, “Break the Brake” – The six of them, Gun-il, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han, and Jooyeon, all have taken time to release their first full length album Troubleshooting.
BANG YEDAM remains ‘Officially Cool’ alongside aespa’s Winter & Talks Musical Journey
Multi-talented Korean singer BANG YEDAM made a swift return just a few months after his captivating solo debut EP, “Only One.” This time, he teams up with the talented Winter from, vocalist of K-pop girl group aespa, for his breezy new single ‘Officially Cool.’
YOUNG POSSE Serves Up an ‘Extra-Extra’ Exciting Comeback with New EP ‘XXL’ – EXCLUSIVE
Riding the wave of buzz from their debut EP MACARONI CHEESE, K-pop girl group YOUNG POSSE (영파씨) is back with XXL, their second EP. XXL promises a fresh new sound while keeping YOUNG POSSE’s signature style – paying homage to the song ‘Come Back Home’ from the legendary trio group SeoTaiji and The Boy.
K-Pop sensation P1Harmony, the dynamic sextet known for their genre-blurring sound and captivating performances, is set to embark on their first-ever stadium tour in North America. Following the release of their highly anticipated debut studio album, “때깔 (Killin‘ It),” the group is poised to leave an indelible mark on the international music scene.
In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, CRAVITY stands as a beacon of youthful energy and boundless creativity. Formed by Starship Entertainment, this nine-member group– consisting of members Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin– burst onto the scene in 2020, quickly earning the moniker of “Monster Rookies.” Their meteoric rise saw them conquering global charts and winning prestigious awards, cementing their status as one of the industry’s brightest stars.
AleXa kicks off 2024 with the release of her highly anticipated single, “sick.” This track marks a pivotal moment in AleXa’s career, following her history-making performances at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball as the first solo Korean artist in December. Notably, AleXa exclusively performed “sick” during Jingle Ball and on The Kelly Clarkson Show before its official release date, offering a sneak peek into her new era of artistic expression.*
AleXa’s latest single, “sick,” delves deep into the complexities of a toxic relationship, resonating with audiences through its poignant exploration of self-love and worth. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, AleXa shares, “”sick” explores the inner turmoil of one side lacking self-love while feeling undeserving of the seemingly perfect partner. It’s about being blinded by rose-tinted glasses in love, unable to fully embrace the love bestowed upon oneself due to low self-worth.”
Throughout the accompanying music video, AleXa embodies the struggle depicted in “sick,” engaging in a metaphorical battle against an idealized version of her boyfriend, representing her liberation from toxic influences. This visual narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in self-discovery and the pursuit of healthy love.
Unlike any of her previous singles since her 2019 debut, “sick” sees AleXa embracing her early 2000’s pop-punk roots, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Avril Lavigne. This evolution in her sound reflects a bold and authentic exploration of her musical identity, setting the stage for what promises to be a remarkable chapter in her career. Speaking about this transformative phase, AleXa shares, “This era of my career feels like the most authentic version of myself. “sick” is a departure from my previous releases, and I’m excited to share a side of me that is deeply connected to my pop-punk influences.” As AleXa gears up for a year of continuous artistic exploration, “sick” serves as the inaugural release leading into a series of singles throughout 2024.
Since her rise to musical stardom , AleXa’s career has been characterized by a series of groundbreaking achievements, from her multilingual debut with “Bomb” to her recent performances at prestigious events like the Asia Artist Awards and the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball. Notably, AleXa’s win at the NBC American Song Contest in 2022 solidified her status as a global sensation, further cementing her place in the music industry.
As AleXa continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of talent and charisma, her future shines bright with promise. With “sick” serving as the catalyst for a new era of artistic exploration, fans can expect nothing short of brilliance from this rising star.
AleXa’s latest single “sick” not only showcases her exceptional musical talent but also highlights her courage to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, AleXa invites audiences to join her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, one song at a time.
Check out our exclusive interview with AleXa!
[The Knockturnal] “sick” marks a departure from your previous releases, embracing pop-punk influences. What inspired this new direction, and how do you feel it showcases your growth as an artist?
[AleXa] Growing up, I was an emo kid into a variety of alternative music. Punk music has always been near to my heart, and so delving into punk-pop was that most obvious next step for my career.
[The Knockturnal] Can you tell us about the creative process behind “sick” How did you approach writing and producing this song?
[AleXa] While I can’t provide much insight, as I am not the person who wrote “sick”, I will say that recording took several days over the span of several months. I recorded it in LA, in New York, and in Korea. It took so long to decide on the final recording.
[The Knockturnal] You performed “sick” exclusively at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball and The Kelly Clarkson Show before its official release. What was the reaction from fans and audiences, and how did these performances shape your anticipation for the song’s release?
[AleXa] I’m grateful that the general reaction has been positive and that people have been anticipating its official release. I’m always scared and hesitant before new songs are released, but I’m grateful to be taking this first step on a new path of my career.
[The Knockturnal] The music video for “sick” features powerful imagery and symbolism. What was the concept behind the video, and how do you feel it enhances the message of the song?
[AleXa] Fighting your demons, breaking those rose-tinted glasses. The music video is very visually aggressive, very fun to shoot I will say, but I feel like it could be seen as a visual metaphor for tearing down the image of someone that you may be idolizing.
[The Knockturnal] The themes in “sick” are deeply personal, exploring the complexities of toxic relationships and self-worth. What message do you hope listeners take away from the song?
[AleXa] If there’s any message to be taken away from the song, I hope that it’s the fact that self-love should be prioritized over idolizing someone you love.
[The Knockturnal] Winning NBC’s American Song Contest with “Wonderland” must have been a significant moment for you. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how it felt to represent your home state of Oklahoma on such a big stage?
[AleXa] In the instance of “Wonderland”, we wanted to create a song that would have appeal to a general American audience, but still have the KPOP flair. It was a very joyous and emotionally draining occasion, but nonetheless, it is a precious memory that I cherish. If I had to do it all over again, I would. It was one of the most fun experiences of my life.
[The Knockturnal] As someone with roots in both American and Korean culture, how do you navigate the cultural differences and similarities in your music and performances?
[AleXa] The only true difference is the language. No matter where you go, fans are fans, people who enjoy music, enjoy music, no matter what language it’s in.
[The Knockturnal] As the first Korean solo artist to perform at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball, you’ve broken barriers and achieved significant milestones. How do you navigate the pressures and expectations that come with being a trailblazer in the industry?
[AleXa] All I can do is work hard to be the best version of myself that is needed. Every performance leaves me with a desire to become even better for the next stage that I stand on.
[The Knockturnal] What are the top 5 songs on your playlist right now?
[AleXa] I would say: “Dragula” by Rob Zombie, “Affection” by Chrissy Chlapecka, “GLOW” by Snow Wife, “Lie With You” by Ten, and obviously, “sick” by AleXa 😉
[The Knockturnal] Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in 2024, both musically and in other creative endeavors?
[AleXa] Expect even better music, more stunning music videos, and hopefully a worldwide outreach through touring.
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YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | TWITTER
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K-Pop sensations P1Harmony have just unleashed their much-anticipated first full-length studio album, “때깔 (Killin‘ It),” and it’s nothing short of a musical spectacle. With 10 new tracks, the six-member group, consisting of singer-songwriters KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL, and JONGSEOB have not only showcased their distinctive style but also marked a significant milestone in their artistic journey. As the album tagline suggests, they are not just “Killin’ It”; they are owning it.
P1Harmony competes on their own terms without compromise, delivering their unique style on their first full-length studio album. The synth-driven title-track, “때깔 (Killin’ It),” sets the tone with a fusion of K-Pop and 90s hip-hop, flaunting a catchy 808 base and well-crafted rap flow. The album is a testament to the band’s evolution and confidence, solidifying their place in the global music scene.
After six EPs, “때깔 (Killin‘ It)” marks a pivotal moment in P1Harmony’s journey. The album solidifies their sound and identity as a group that takes the term “self-produced idols” seriously. All six members actively participated in the album’s production, from writing lyrics to selecting concepts and outfits. This commitment to their craft is evident in the cohesion and authenticity that radiates through each track.
The debut album features 10 new songs written by the band, with JONGSEOB leading the lyric-writing charge. Members KEEHO, JIUNG, and INTAK contributed to various tracks, creating a diverse musical tapestry. From the soulful and refined “Late Night Calls” to the infectious energy of “Everybody Clap,” P1Harmony displays a remarkable range, weaving together sentimental ballads, energetic anthems, and everything in between.
The album takes listeners on a sonic journey, starting with the bold opener “Killin’ It,” a synth-driven anthem that seamlessly blends K-Pop with 90s hip-hop vibes. Each subsequent track adds a layer to the narrative – from the infectious energy of “Everybody Clap” to the tension and chaos of “Emergency.” The album closes with the emotional dedication to their fanbase, “I See U,” a soothing and jazzy ode that showcases the band’s versatility.
P1Harmony’s ongoing evolution has garnered them a dedicated global fanbase, with 4.6 million listeners on Spotify. The release of “때깔 (Killin‘ It)” follows the success of their previous mini-albums, with the band consistently breaking records and charting on the US Top 40 Radio. Their world tour ‘P1ustage H: P1oneer’ across 39 cities further solidified their presence on the international stage.
P1Harmony’s first full-length album is a testament to their dedication, musical prowess, and growth as artists. “때깔 (Killin‘ It)” not only treats fans to what they love about the band but also opens their eyes to the profound potential that P1Harmony possesses. From catchy hooks to profound lyrics, the album is a masterpiece that cements P1Harmony’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the K-Pop landscape.
For more P1Harmony information:
Instagram: @p1h_official
Twitter: @p1h_official
TikTok: @p1harmony
YouTube: P1Harmony
Weverse: P1Harmony
Let us know which track is your favorite, and don’t forget to check out our TikTok @theknockturnal.com and follow us on Instagram @theknockturnal for clips and interviews of your favorite celebrities and exclusive events.
POW, the dynamic 5-member global boy group under GRID Entertainment, is all set to make a bold entrance to the music scene with a “bang,” promising an ambitious quest to deliver a refreshing and entertaining experience to global listeners. The group comprises five distinct and unique vocalists who are equally adept at stage performance. Anchored by Yorch, a former child actor and the pre-debut trainee from Thailand, the group boasts an array of talents, including Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dongyeon, and Hong, who collectively carry their distinct and captivating charms.
Their online and offline promotions for the pre-debut single ‘Favorite,’ released on September 13th, mark their initial steps on this musical journey. Following this highly anticipated pre-release, their debut EP was unveiled on October 11th, promising an exciting journey for the latter half of this year. The pre-debut single ‘Favorite’ is a pop-punk genre track that exudes POW’s remarkable energy and charisma. Its catchy melody is bound to leave an indelible memory from the first listen. Just as the lyrics suggest, ‘each of our own colors, they’re different but a great mix,’ the five members seamlessly weaved their synergy and diversity into the song. The members hope ‘Favorite’ will connect global fans and listeners with gleaming memories of youth and innocence.
The recently released first EP ‘Favorite’ consists of 4 unique and catchy songs: Favorite, Dazzling, Slow Dancing, and Amazing.
A Closer Look at the members of POW
Jungbin (Leader and Vocalist): Born on July 22nd, 2003, Jungbin is not just the leader but also a charismatic vocalist. Known for his love for music and dogs, he, along with Hyunbin and Hong, is one of the loudest members in the dorm. A talkative person, if he could, Jungbin would stay up all night chatting with someone, showcasing his sociable and engaging personality.
Jungbin
Yorch (Dancer and Vocalist): Born on April 11th, 2002, in Thailand, Yorch brings a unique blend of skills to POW. Having worked as an actor and model since the age of 10, Yorch is not just a dancer but also a talented vocalist. His hobbies include dancing and soccer, reflecting his passion for both the arts and sports.
Yorch
Hyunbin (Vocalist): Born on May 29th, 2003, Hyunbin stands out as a positive and talkative member of POW. Preferring singing among dancing, rapping, or singing, he enjoys board games and reading books. According to Dongyeon, Hyunbin’s strength lies in his positive mindset and optimistic outlook, making him an essential part of the group dynamics.
Hyunbin
Dongyeon (Dancer and Vocalist): Born on September 26th, 2003, in Korea, Dongyeon is a Filipino-Korean member with a diverse range of interests. Whether it’s board games, dancing, nature, or art, Dongyeon is known for his multifaceted talents. Fluent in English, he adds linguistic diversity to the group and enjoys quiet places indoors with gentle sunlight.
Dongyeon
Hong (Vocalist and Maknae): Born on June 23rd, 2005, Hong, the youngest member and vocalist of POW, brings youthful energy to the group. A dog person at heart, Hong considers the members as family. Preferring winter over summer, he used to practice taekwondo as a child. Known for his cute acts (aegyo), according to Dongyeon, Hong’s strength lies in his ability to charm with his adorable gestures.
Hong
With each member contributing their unique qualities, POW is poised to captivate the global stage and leave an enduring mark in the world of K-pop.
Check out our exclusive interview with POW!
[Knockturnal] Congratulations on your debut! Your group name is quite unique. What does the team name mean for POW?
[Jungbin] ‘POW’ in English is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound ‘bang!’ The name embodies our aspiration to burst onto the music scene with freshness and excitement. We aim to be a joyful celebration for our fans and the public.
[Knockturnal] You guys just released your first EP ‘Favorite’. What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the process of making this album?
[Hyunbin] We experienced a plethora of emotions rather than just a lesson. Primarily, we came to understand the immense effort and support required from numerous individuals to create an album. It’s an arduous process, with everyone staying up for countless nights to achieve a shared goal. We recognized the profound impact that each choice we make can have on the collective effort. Additionally, we discovered that having fun is a game-changer. All five of us thoroughly enjoyed shooting the music video, and this genuine emotion was well-translated and evident in the final outcome. Judging by the reactions of many people, it was clear that the enjoyment we had resonated.
[The Knockturnal] What was the most challenging part about preparing for the release of this EP?
[Jungbin] Connecting to the depth of the song was at first a challenge. We recognized that there is still much in life that we haven’t yet felt and experienced. Therefore, it became our challenge to ensure that we were genuinely connecting and expressing the soul of the tracks. Ultimately, we reached the point of success through detailed communication with the A&R team.
[The Knockturnal] What do you want fans to take away from your EP ‘Favorite’?
[Hong] We wish to leave lasting impressions in your memories.
[The Knockturnal] What lessons have you learned about teamwork from working and living with each other?
[Dongyeon] A team functions with shared respect, consideration, and clear feedback for one another. We’re also very thankful to Jungbin, our group leader, who dedicates a lot of effort to enhance our teamwork.
[The Knockturnal] What is your biggest career goal you want to achieve this year?
[Hyunbin] We would love to perform on a big stage, such as an awards show. How incredible would it be to grace a stage that wraps up the year as a whole? POW could be ingrained in the memories of the entire 2023 audience.
[The Knockturnal] What is one thing about each of you that your fan base should know about who you are as a person?
[Jungbin] I’m a big thinker, so I tend to invest a lot of time and energy into what I say or do.
[Yorch] I’m a chatterbox, except when I’m with strangers. Please understand that I’m in the process of warming up when I get a little quiet.
[Hong] I’m an affectionate type.
[Hyunbin] Believe it or not, I’m a doer. These days, I’m always thinking about spending as much time as possible with our fans. I’m going to make it happen!
[Dongyeon] I’m more competitive yet also more affectionate than how I appear at first.
[The Knockturnal] One of my favorite parts about K-pop is how much thought goes into all of the outfits and aesthetics. I especially love the fresh concept of your guys’ Instagram! How would you describe your personal style? And how would you describe the group’s overall style?
[Jungbin] For me, I want to showcase my bursting energy with just the right amount!
[Yorch] I love vintage items, and style-wise, I prefer items with loose fits and colors.
[Hong] I choose looks that compliment my physical features. I like to highlight my looks with a single item like a pair of shoes or a muffler. I find it very unique to draw attention to one spot while neutralizing the rest. But I’m also interested in various styles and referring to other artists.
[Hyunbin] I try to wear outfits that contrast the mood of my stage looks. That’s why I’ve preferred dark-hued or sharp clothes lately.
[Dongyeon] For me, I prefer to match the entire outfit to a mood rather than giving one strong point.
[Hyunbin] Our team inherently exudes a young, boyish spirit, so we’ve been accentuating this point over any manufactured masculinity. Everything is new and exciting for us at this point. Our five distinct characters are well-expressed through different makeup and looks. I’m sure we will showcase a different, new side in our next album.
[The Knockturnal] My favorite track off of the EP is Dazzling. I think it’s such a refreshing song to listen to when I want to relieve my stress. What is everyone’s favorite song off of the ‘EP’ and why?
[Jungbin] I love ‘Favorite‘ the most. I enjoy exercising, and I find that this song gives me an energy boost mid-workout. Besides, we’ve spent the most time dissecting and practicing the track, so I feel that we express ourselves the best with it.
[Yorch] ‘Slow Dancing‘ is my favorite because Jungbin and I participated in writing the song, and personally, I love this type of hip-hop R&B beat.
[Hyunbin] ‘Favorite‘ for me. Our unique charm shines in this track, as it was our pre-release song and, of course, the first-ever track presented to our fans.
[Dongyeon] My favorite is ‘Amazing‘. I feel the energy and power straight from the song whenever I listen to it.
[Hong] ‘Amazing‘. Just the intro itself gives me a feeling in my heart that I can achieve anything in this world.
[The Knockturnal] Obviously you guys’ did an amazing job with the ‘EP’, but aside from your own songs what is one song off of your playlist you would recommend to your fans?
[Jungbin] The song I’ve been listening to a lot these days is Oohyo’s ‘Dandelion’. Beginning with the title itself, I find myself moved by the lyrics. I’d love to make a cover of it someday.
[Yorch] I want to recommend ‘beside you’ by Keshi. I really love this song and it inspired me to jot down some lyrics of my own.
[Hyunbin] I listen to SZA a lot. I want to recommend ‘Snooze’ – Yorch and I listen to this all the time.
[Dongyeon] One Direction’s ‘Drag Me Down’.
[Hong] Bryson Tiller’s songs. He’s my favorite artist nowadays. I especially love the beat from ‘Outside’.
[The Knockturnal] What or who inspired you to become an idol?
[Jungbin] I initially dreamed of being a singer rather than an idol per se. Then, I got scouted by our label. Once I received the offer to audition, I started watching videos of many great idols and became very interested in this path for the first time. I felt it must be wonderful to dance and sing amid cheering crowds, expressing myself freely like them on stage.
[Yorch] I wanted to dance like NCT’s TAEYONG.
[Hyunbin] I first got interested thanks to my sibling. Then, I got hooked and became inspired by TAEYANG’s performances. It became my dream to be an artist who excels in both performance and vocals.
[Dongyeon] I got my first inspiration from watching BTS’s ‘IDOL.’ It struck me how majestic it is to dance on stage.
[Hong] My older sister is a big BTS fan. It was a progressive process for me, from watching many K-pop performances with her to dancing to their choreographies, and so on.
[The Knockturnal] What is your go-to karaoke song?
[Jungbin] 10cm’s ‘Stalker’ and Jung Joon Il’s ‘Hug Me’
[Yorch] Justin Bieber’s ‘Off My Face’
[Hong] Sung Si Kyung’s ‘Every Moment of You’
[Hyunbin] Na Yoon Kwon’s ‘Expectation’
[Dongyeon] Primary’s ‘Baby’
[The Knockturnal] If you could see any artist in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?
[Jungbin] I’d love to see Bruno Mars live. I admire him greatly. I was massively sad to miss his recent concert in Korea due to our pre-debut preparations.
[Yorch] Justin Bieber!
[Hong] I’d love to see BTS.
[Hyunbin] TAEYANG! I loved his songs long before I dreamed of being an idol. I’m starstruck by how he fills up the entire stage by himself with his stage presence.
[Dongyeon] I wish I could have seen Michael Jackson live.
[The Knockturnal] What is one thing you would say to your pre-debut selves?
[Jungbin] Time cannot be bought, so spend it more wisely with no room for regrets.
[Yorch] CHEER UP! You can do it. Many things await you in the future, from more difficult to more joyful. Don’t give up now.
[Hyunbin] Don’t give up and eliminate all laziness.
[Dongyeon] Don’t doubt yourself and be shaken. What you do is the right answer. You are the best.
[Hong] Give your best in everything, Hong.
[The Knockturnal] Where do you guys see yourselves 5 years from now and what do you hope to have accomplished by then?
[Jungbin] I hope we will look back on this period with a smile. I hope all the things happening right now will be remembered as a fun episode in our lives.
[Hyunbin] A world tour joined by POWERs.
[Dongyeon] I’ve started working out recently, envisioning myself as sturdy and firm after five years. Moreover, I hope to have gained better self-awareness by then.
[Yorch] Many concerts and numerous awards.
[Hong] I hope I’m flying all over the world to meet POWERs.