Choi Cello's Instagram
When it comes to any music industry you follow in general there will always be the top artists or top genres of music that individuals on the internet or within your town will always mention. While pop, country and alternative are probably some of the most talkative subjects to music fans, the same goes in different countries. But when it comes to the topic of conversation for Korean music ‘K-Pop’ seems to be the first outcome for many fans while internally even within ‘K-Pop’ there’s actually many genres and musical influences: traditional Korean folk music, Trot, EDM, Ballads, Indie, r&b, alternative, alternative rock and more.
Music is one of the most modern waves of entertainment and allowing ourselves to find peace in such a chaotic world and connecting with people who sometimes become our ‘online’ friends because of such artists. Music is one of my personal favourite topics of conversation and I could talk about it all day, from various articles talking about their favourite artists or articles promoting the South Korean indie / independent scene in general to paired with different trends, dance challenges, interactions between artists on various music stages it seems this is the day and age of easier discovery for people wanting something new or wanting to look into new artists.
Since personally diving into the music scene head first in 2017 and with my own constant music changes and favourite listens varying from artist to artist I personally believe there is always an artist for everyone. Even if you don’t follow them ‘religiously’ or as intense as some do, and just enjoy the ride and the music that these artists release and recognize the hard work put behind any promotion, album or single release.
With that said, let’s dive into some newer and older debuting artists who still deserve a lot of your attention or at least for you to check out their performances and releases at least once this year!
1. Choi Cello.
Choi Cello is a South Korean singer songwriter currently underneath Inplanet Music, she debuted back in 2020 with the single ‘네가 없는 밤을 상상해.’. For those who enjoy soft r&b and cozy indie music with a sing a long like vibe, Choi Cello is definitely an artist you should check out.
Although not a lot is known about the artist, her songs ‘10000’ and ‘I need zzzz’, ‘BLUE’ and ‘Fall’ are my personal favourites. With her calming and easy to listen to voice, Choi Cello is an artist that should be on your list of new artists to check out. With an impressive new comer following of 2 thousand on Instagram and a healthy 200K – 400K listens on various songs on Spotify, you should definitely get to know her!
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/choi_cello/
Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/5H5lROVPo6zqJacYlluJD5?si=qnwRHxPVThCgiWaUDnKPnw
2. D2ear. (Kim MinYoung).
Kim Min Young is a solo artist underneath the name ‘D2ear’, known for her various covers and impressive vocals she is an artist to keep an eye on. With fan favourite releases, ‘Eureka’, ‘Summer Night’, ‘Drive Me’, ‘Flight’, ‘SURFING’, ‘You & Me’ and others, she proves she is capable of many styles.
On August 16th 2023, Kim Min Young would release her latest 4 track EP [ PACKAGE ] which would feature the following tracks: 25, I Flipped, You See and My Muse.
Check out Kim Min Young (D2EAR) on your favourite social media platform!
Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/46e3baMTsmabXSJD2LjVeo?si=9HoaquQhRzyTVlNuBdwjLg&nd=1&dlsi=b3f633b906364d73
SoundCloud. https://soundcloud.com/d2eardotk
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/d2ear_/
3. KIMU. (김우)
KIMU is a South Korean Singer who recently made his debut back in 2022 with one of his most popular fan favourite tracks ‘Prolly’ on August 10th. With a catchy medley and easy to sing a long to lyrics in both English and Korean, Kim Woo is your next favourite indie r&b artist. My personal recommendations: ME (for Annie) and Love & Hate.
Promoting himself on both his YouTube and Instagram, the artist has gained a healthy 5 thousand followers on Instagram since releasing his latest single [ Daito ] back in February.
KIMU is an artist who you should definitely check out if you enjoy easy sing a long like music for a perfect night study session or if you are wanting something new and refreshing.
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/kiwmmu/
Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WzmN46363jtXkZr6IGoF0?si=vwkMSsFYQS-LkPJy0ahiPA
Don’t forget to check him out on YouTube here!
4. t024. Senji and Producer Nap!er.
As shared by the duo in their Spotify profile, t024 consists of two individuals: singer songwriter Senji and producer Nap!er, ‘to-twentyfour’ shares that they aim to present music that resonates the best between the times of 2 am and 4 am. Cherishing the unique timeframe themselves, they aim to share every precious moment experienced during these hours as the duo ‘to24’.
The duo would also share that they mainly release in the alternative pop – r&b genre, with elements focused for easy listening and influences from: 80s, New Wave, Synth Pop, College Rock to name a few. You can check out their full self written description on Spotify here.
Cedarwood & Tangerine is their latest release since previously sharing ‘Complete me’ single back in 2023 along with: FFY Single and their mixtape back in 2022 titled [ more a more ] (single).
Check them out on your favourite social media and music streaming platform!
Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jxjOumN4dyPFTLUojSbNP?si=j8aPzt_CRn2z_ejfydc9Cw
Senji. https://www.instagram.com/senjirivers/
t024 Official. https://www.instagram.com/t024.0fficial/
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@t024.official/videos
5. Dahee.
Dahee 다희 is currently a singer songwriter, composer and producer who although has been uploading covers on her official SoundCloud account since 2019, she wouldn’t make her official solo debut until February 14th 2020 with the popular fan favourite digital single ‘Luh!’. Throughout her career fans would find the artist and become a fan of the following (but not limited) to tracks: WE (feat. SOLE), No Worries & Good Morning, FOCUS, Footprints and her latest 2023 release: Upside Down.
Don’t forget to check her out on the following platforms!
SoundCloud. https://soundcloud.com/daheealmond
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/daheealmond
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuAKS9FVdDZjHqs4yrTUpg
Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3esENfTnYy40Cs650mMtyT?si=tdZJkAqQRZm3VtfH2UK4Bg
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Dahee.
6. Big Ocean. (Formerly S-boyZ).
If you keep up on K-Pop update forums or releases or even on YouTube, there is a chance you probably have heard of this upcoming rookie group already who made their official debut recently on April 20th 2024 with a remake of the song ‘Glow’ (originally sung by H.O.T).
The group was created with the intentions of becoming singers despite all the members being hard of hearing and being fully deaf. Using the help of American Sign Language and Korean Sign Language within their music and to communicate with their fans, the group has already made an impressive impact on K-Pop fans with their heart warming dream and recent music show stages.
Throughout videos shared upon their youtube page, the group would share how they are able to train with special hearing instruments, cues and notes to create melodies and connect with each other, the process already connecting with many fans who suffer from hearing disabilities or other issues.
For fans looking for a unique and first time group, Big Ocean is a group that consists of Park Hyunjin (Born October 24th 1999), Lee Chanyeon (Born March 27th 1998) and their main dancer and Maknae Kim Jiseok (Born March 5th 2003).
Despite various hearing impairments, the group was still able to pull off an impressive remake of H.O.T.’s track ‘Glow’ and catch the eyes of thousands. Many fans in the comments even being seen and commenting how they feel a sense of happiness when it comes to their own hearing impairment issues or having to wear hearing aids at such a young age. The group is sure to make your heart melt.
7. BEWAVE.
Although their current group positions are unknown and it is unknown if they will be publishing this information, the six member girl group is one of the newest to enter the music scene since debuting on April 17th 2024 with their self entitled mini album [ BE:WAVE ]. The EP itself contains the following 4 tracks: Blue Wave, SING !, Shine and SING ! (Instrumental VER).
With their debut only being last month, the group is still slowly introducing themselves to the public and fans alike with different promotions across various SNS (Social Media sites).
The group consists of the following: Jung Yeeun (Yunseul) (Former Mixnine Contestant, Former OAHSIS Member), Minamiji Yuna (Lena), Kim Jiyeon (Zena) (Former member of SG Girls and ALPHA RAY), Kim Nayeon (Ain), Lim Jieon (Jiun) and Jeong Gowoon.
Considering their recent debut and availability at still being able to use the term ‘hidden gem’ loosely, BEWAVE has so much potential in their career going forward and is a group you should check out at least once!
8. KANDIS.
KANDIS (캔디스) is a three member girl group currently consisting of Hwang Jimin (HELLO) who is the Leader and Vocalist, Hyewon (Venny) who is the sub dancer and vocalist and Lee Doyoon (Nine) who is the Main Dancer and former member of FANATICS, Vocalist and Maknae.
The group often updates fans on their official pages, with updates such as live practices, video covers, dance practices and more.
With the uniqueness a trio brings and the easiness for them to show their differences due to having a small amount of members within the group itself, fans of the group say there is so much more for the group to offer to new comers in terms of content and live performances despite being from a small company with little to no promotion.
When it comes to ‘artists and performances you should check at at least once’ KANDIS is a trio that fits that check mark or even ‘hidden gem’ term.
9. NXD. (New Identity) (엔엑스디).
Already gaining some attention through the fans of the already existing artists of RBW Entertainment, an agency most recognized for their artists: Mamamoo, ONEUS, ONEWE, Purple Kiss and others. The group is slowly beginning to introduce themselves to K-pop fans through different content like ‘get to know me’, music performances and covers, busking and other videos. While the members currently consist of Jaemin, Hiroto, Hyeonggeun, Daehyun and Yongjoon.
The group is expected to debut sometime within 2024 and will begin sharing more of themselves with fans and new comers alike! Until then, it is definitely worth checking out what these guys have to offer!
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/nxd_rbw/
Tik Tok. https://www.tiktok.com/@nxd_rbw
b.stage. (Fan platform) https://nxd.bstage.in/
10. NCHIVE. (엔카이브)
The upcoming 7 member boy group has been blossoming with attention and making sure K-pop fans eyes are all on them since previously postponing their debut and achieving 520K views on their music video ‘RACER’!. They have since answered fans concerns and worries by having their dreams come true by finally entering the music scene with their 1st single album [ DRIVE ] on April 9th 2024.
The members Kim Young Hoon (HA.L), Lee Gyuhhyun (E.AN), Park JiYong (Kangsan) (Former Stars Awakening, Former C On H Member), Son Gwanghun (Yuchan) (Former ONF Back up Dancer), Lee Ju Young (Former Withus Trainee), Kim Minjun and Kim Dohun (N).
For those who enjoy artists like TAN, XODIAC, OmegaX and Xikers NCHIVE is a group you especially should keep an ear out for as they could be your taste in terms of not only talents but charms.
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