f5ve talk new single ‘UFO’ and showcasing Japanese subcultures: “It’s going to spark a revolution”
The rising girl group told NME more about their latest single ‘UFO’, how it was like going viral on TikTok and being social media savvy
Asia
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5 acts you must see on the Baybeats 2024 line-up
From pulverizing shoegaze to sleepy indie pop, this year’s edition of the Esplanade’s annual festival promises to be another massive celebration of Asian indie music. Here are five of NME’s can’t-miss highlights
babyMINT: the Taiwanese girl group making irreverent, irresistible pop bangers
After rocketing through a reality competition, the six-member group embrace their weirdest selves on official debut single ‘BOOOOOORING’
ATARASHII GAKKO! compile exclusive “what you need to hear right now” playlist for The Cover
A wide-ranging collection highlighting the best from Japan, featuring Koda Kumi, Sheena Ringo and Finger 5
ATARASHII GAKKO!: irrepressible and invincible
With their electrifying live show, infectious songs and nimble chemistry, the Japanese quartet are well and truly taking over the world
A match made in indie heaven: Hyukoh and Sunset Rollercoaster on the warmth and friendship of their collaborative album ‘AAA’
Two of Asia’s leading indie bands – and two groups of “super nerdy music lovers” – team up on a surprise joint album. Frontmen Oh Hyuk and Tseng Kuo-Hung, plus co-producer JNKYRD, talk to NME before they kick off a massive tour
NIKI – ‘Buzz’ review: heartbreak and healing
The Indonesian singer-songwriter swings between cool coquetry and emotional devastation on her finest work to date
On ‘Buzz’, NIKI goes from burnout to balance: “I feel awake for the first time”
Overcoming exhaustion from touring and career pressure, Nicole Zefanya loosened up and took the reins for album three
Say Sue Me open up on the cancelled concert that would have chipped away at China’s ‘Hallyu ban’ on Korean entertainment
The Busan indie rockers came close to playing Beijing in a show that would have signalled the further easing of China’s years-long ban on entertainment and pop culture from South Korea. Frontwoman Choi Sumi tells NME more in an exclusive interview
Here’s a list of music festivals taking place in Asia in 2024
Start saving and planning – from Clockenflap to Joyland to Summer Sonic, there’s lots to look forward to this year
Hitsujibungaku share ‘Oshi No Ko’ theme ‘Burning’: “I wanted to inject the characters’ unfulfilled emotions into the song”
The ascendant Japanese indie rock trio talk to NME about taking a “rockier, shoegaze approach” to their new anime theme, channelling Pavement for a tie-up with ‘Shaun The Sheep’, and more
Listen to H1-KEY’s exclusive playlist to accompany The Cover
The K-pop quartet highlight hits by Missy Elliott, Radiohead, NewJeans and more