August 8, 2024
As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...
Read moreJuly 17, 2024
Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...
Read moreJuly 8, 2024
Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...
Read moreJuly 2, 2024
Jeff Bhasker is a legendary figure in the music industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His Grammy-winning career has seen...
Read moreJune 30, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...
Read moreJune 30, 2024
Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...
Read moreJune 30, 2024
Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...
Read moreJune 27, 2024
As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...
Read morePhoto Credit: Teen Vogue
K-pop continually establishes itself as an ever-evolving genre. In the past decade, it has truly become a global phenomenon. So what’s next for the K-pop genre?
For the past few months, K-pop fans have turned to the new reality competition that is America 2 Korea (A2K). The show’s premise involves contestants earning “stones” for achieving competencies in various areas, including dancing, singing, and character. The show starts in the US – where teens from across the country audition to debut in the next “global girl group.” The contestants are then given the opportunity to train in South Korea to work towards being the final group members. On September 21, J.Y. Park, the founder of JYP Entertainment, announced the final lineup for VCHA (pronounced: vit-chaa), a group formed by JYP and Republic Records. The lineup of VCHA consists of Camila, Lexus, Savanna, Kendall, KG, and Kaylee.
VCHA has released their first pre-debut single, ‘SeVit (NEW LIGHT)’, and the title track, “Y.O.Universe.” Park was involved in writing and producing “Y.O.Universe,” an up-tempo pop song that captures the narratives and journeys of A2K contestants. The single also features the songs used in the final round, “Go Getter” and “Know Me Like That.”
A2K challenges what exactly makes K-pop, K-pop. The ultimate challenge awaits – how will K-pop fans respond to these shifts in the music industry? Given that the pre-debut songs have already demonstrated immense potential, many are hopeful for VCHA’s official debut.