Crystal Bell
Crystal Bell is a music and culture writer based in New York City, with bylines in Teen Vogue, PAPER Magazine, Nylon, W Mag, ELLE, MTV News, and NME. Known for her expertise in K-pop, she's passionate about emerging voices, untold stories, and the pop girls shaping culture worldwide.
It’s feelings first in Flowerovlove’s pop fantasy: “I’ve always desired more. I’m a dreamer”
Staying earnest in an era obsessed with detachment, the London singer-songwriter makes sunny, smart songs for the lovergirls
KUN: “I made this album to tell the world who I really am”
The Chinese superstar's self-titled album marks a creative rebirth, as the global pop star steps outside the idol system and into his own voice
EXO – ‘Reverxe’ review: holding their ground during a moment of uncertainty
Even without some of their defining voices, the K-pop boyband still manage to retain their core identity on album eight
Immerse yourself in Debbii Dawson’s peculiar pop fantasy
The singer-songwriter is embracing life outside her comfort zone, trading hushed confessionals for glittering pop fused with retro grooves
Open your heart to RESCENE’s soft, reflective K-pop sound
With harmonies that linger and concepts rooted in scent and memory, the rising girl group are crafting something quietly powerful with their delicate, wistful approach to K-pop
f5ve’s J-pop crosses cheeky chaos with empowering authenticity
With their frenetic, genre-blurring debut, the Japanese girl group are advancing a creative vision that’s as bold as it is inclusive
Jennie – ‘Ruby’ review: a bold, self-assured debut that redefines her narrative
On her debut solo album, Jennie emerges from BLACKPINK's shadow, showcasing fully realised artistry that mixes defiance, vulnerability and bold creative vision
Lisa – ‘Alter Ego’ review: a flashy debut in search of deeper identity
BLACKPINK's scene-stealer delivers excess, but not much substance on her debut album – it paints the perfect image of a superstar, but not the woman behind it
Jisoo – ‘Amortage’ review: playful, polished pop on her own terms
On her first solo project, BLACKPINK’s most enigmatic member leans into pop’s timeless pleasures without overcomplicating the formula
XG: in pursuit of the infinite
With their eyes set on the stars, XG’s journey is one of relentless ambition, global appeal and breaking genre boundaries
Lainey Wilson on carrying the torch for women in country: “This fight isn’t new, it’s a generational struggle”
Ahead of her headline appearance at the 2025 C2C Festival, the Grammy winner tells NME about keeping herself grounded, the impact of country going mainstream and more
Rosé – ‘rosie’ review: revealing the woman behind the K-pop star
On her debut solo album, the BLACKPINK singer sheds her armour, revealing a more vulnerable side behind the polished pop powerhouse