State Champ Radio

by DJ Frosty

Current track

Title

Artist

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

1:00 pm 7:00 pm

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

1:00 pm 7:00 pm


Global

Page: 8

Philosophy no Dance’s Mariri Okutsu chatted with Billboard Japan for its Women in Music interview series featuring female players in the Japanese entertainment industry. The WIM initiative in Japan launched in 2022 to celebrate artists, producers and executives who have made significant contributions to music and inspired other women through their work.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Okutsu made the transition from being a singer-songwriter to an idol group member nine years ago. On the podcast “B-side Talk – Are you taking care of your mental health?” she advocates the importance of mental well-being. Okutsu, who says she was able to find “what’s most important” after going through mental health problems, shares her thoughts on the value of being herself as an idol singer and in her private life.

Tell us how you became an idol group member.

Trending on Billboard

Before I became an idol performer, I was a singer-songwriter and also played in a band. I was asked if I’d be interested in doing idol work, and although it was a world I knew nothing about, you only live once so I figured I’d give it a try. I’d never even danced before, but took the plunge.

What was your personality like before you became an idol?

Before I became an idol, I think I was more particular about things. I liked rock music and thought I was badass when performing, so when people said stuff like, “You have a good figure” [mentioning the size of her breasts] and “You should sing cuter songs,” I resented that people didn’t see the things I wanted them to see. I was more heavily into the rock mentality back then than I am now, so when people said things like that, I turned up the volume on my guitar even more and distorted the sound, just to be rebellious. [Laughs] In terms of clothes, too, I want to wear my favorite gear for “battle” on stage, and to be the way I need to be in order to shine the most.

Did you ever feel bewildered by the idol scene, since it’s so different from your career up until then?

I’m now in my ninth year of being an idol performer, and feel that it’s a very warm world with passionate fans. At first, I searched for ways to live up to the expectations of what an “idol” should be like. I tried wearing big bows and frilly clothes, and even chose “cute” drinks and food. [Laughs] I tried really hard to figure out what my character should be like, but couldn’t keep trying to be someone I’m not. So I went, “Nope! Not gonna work!” and just showed who I really am, and things became so much easier. After I realized that it’s important to be myself, both in my idol career and in life itself, I try not to put on a front and make sure my true self is as lovely as it can be.

I think it takes courage to show your true self. What advice would you give to someone who can’t muster up the courage to do that?

Being able to create your own character by wearing “armor” is also a wonderful thing. It means you have the physical and mental strength to keep wearing that armor. It’s not about which is better or worse. Whichever you choose is fine.

Those are very convincing words coming from someone like you, since you chose to take off your armor and experienced the relief that comes along with that. What kind of person is the real you?

Well… Another thing that confused me when I became an idol was that it became harder to sing songs about romantic relationships. Until then, I thought it was good to sing about things I felt based on my own experiences. But our fans support us with such enthusiasm and romance is considered taboo for idol singers, and I don’t want to make my fans sad. It’s about establishing a relationship of trust with them. So I overcame this barrier by being up-front and declaring loudly that “I want to get married someday!” [Laughs] Because it’s true that I want to marry and have kids someday. Rather than suddenly announcing it and shocking people, my plan is to get my fans used to the idea that “she wants to get married.” At this point, my fans seem to worry about me and ask, “Aren’t you marrying yet?” [Laughs]

You’ve been an idol for nine years, keeping at it while resolving the things you feel confused about in your own way. Is there anything you take care to do to continue working for a long time?

I think I was always worried about the shelf life of an idol, thinking that if I didn’t achieve results after making my major label debut, I’d be replaced by the younger next generation. But somehow I’ve been able to continue for nine years. The key to that has been not to overwork myself. Even if the other person has no bad intentions, you should be ready to say “No” and take care of yourself when you feel mentally tired or when you feel like you’re not heading the way you want to go.

It’s true that being young is still considered important in today’s idol scene.

Youth is a really powerful thing with its boundless energy and enthusiasm, but I think Philosophy no Dance right now is also in really good condition. We might not have that drive of being young, but we’re calmer grownup women, you know? We’d really like people to check us out.

Why are you able to continue doing what you do with such sincerity?

I went through some mental health problems once. When that happened, I stopped and thought about what I really wanted to do, and decided that the biggest goal in my life was to keep doing music. I figured out what’s most important to me, so I quit all my part-time jobs and the priorities of my various choices from that point on became clear.

You advocate mental well-being in the podcast “B-side Talk” which you host. Are there any episodes you remember in particular?

They’re always interesting, but during the episode on “Sports and Mental Health,” I learned that placing winning above all else can be one of the factors that causes mental distress for athletes, and thought that the concept also has a lot in common with the world of idols and entertainment. The desire to “make it big” can be an effective stimulant, but it can also wear you down mentally. So it’s important to enjoy what you do without being too obsessed with achieving results. I was surprised to find that many of the things I thought were far removed from my own genre were actually connected in terms of mental well-being.

Sony Music Entertainment Japan has been expanding a project called “B-side” that provides support for artists and creators in the entertainment industry, both mentally and physically. I understand that they offer a variety of programs, including counseling. What did you think when you first heard about this system?

I was genuinely happy. As an artist, it’s something to be grateful about, and it’s reassuring to know that we’re being cared for as people, rather than being consumed as products. I actually went in for counseling. I’d never really heard of counseling before, and didn’t have any particular problems, so I was wondering if it was OK to go ahead with it. I thought counseling was something you went to receive advice on whether or not your concerns were right or wrong, and what you should do about them. But when I actually experienced it, counseling felt more like a conversation with myself. Talking to myself helped me to organize my thoughts, and it was like the counselor paved the way for me to find answers like the things that were bothering me or that I was worried about. If anyone has vague, unsettled feelings, I think counseling can help you untangle the knots in your mind.

—This interview by Rio Hirai (SOW SWEET PUBLISHING) first appeared on Billboard Japan

SXSW London has shared details about the ticket sale for 2025’s upcoming inaugural event in the U.K. Taking place in east London’s Shoreditch neighborhood from Jun. 2-7, the upcoming event will be the first time that SXSW has taken place in Europe, in addition to its home in Austin, Texas, and expansion into Sydney, Australia.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Passes for the entire event across the Conferences, Music and Screen Festivals will be available to purchase, as well as for individual separate programming strands. Tickets will go on sale on Nov. 21 and a 25% discount will be applied to those who purchase a pass from the general sale before Dec. 19. With the exclusive price offer, prices range from £488 for the individual programme strand passes, to £975 for platinum passes. For further ticket information, head to the SXSW London website.

SXSW London has also announced additional details about the venue partners throughout Shoreditch. These include Truman Brewery, Village Underground, Rich Mix, Shoreditch Town Hall, Shoreditch Church, Christ Church Spitalfields, Dream Factory (Chance St & Rivington St), Kachette, Bike Shed Moto Co, Shoreditch Studios / Over the Road, and Protein Studios.

Trending on Billboard

Billboard has been confirmed as the event’s first official partner, and will host a night of music during the festival with a globally-renowned artist performing at the event. The show will also be ticketed to the general public. 

Mike Van, president of Billboard said, “We’re thrilled to partner with SXSW London for the inaugural 2025 event. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to supporting and celebrating the global music community. Billboard will bring a night of live music celebrating world class artists, both established and on the rise, and will offer fans a truly unique experience within the festival.”

The festival will partner with local charities and community groups to provide 500 complimentary passes to ensure “the rich diversity” of the city is represented throughout the events and programming.

“We’re thrilled to share how many incredible venues are working with us already for SXSW London’s Shoreditch takeover next June,” said Katy Arnander, director of programming for SXSW London. “Shoreditch is renowned as a vibrant centre for creativity and technological innovation, as well as for its diversity, energetic youth culture, global cuisine and nightlife. We’re excited to be working closely with local stakeholders to ensure the festival creates a positive impact for the community it will take place in.”

In October, SXSW London announced that it would begin the process of accepting session proposals from the public across the various programming strands. The festival says that “thousands of session proposals have already been submitted from over 50 countries across the world.” The submission portal will remain open until Nov. 29 at the festival’s website.

Back in April 2021, it was announced that SXSW had signed a “lifeline” deal with P-MRC, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and MRC, making P-MRC a stakeholder and long-term partner with the Austin festival. P-MRC is the parent company of Billboard.

11/15/2024

See how we broke down every song from the BTS superstar’s long-awaited solo album.

11/15/2024

With a simple but hearty title, Happy is not just Jin‘s debut album — the seventh and final member of BTS to release a full-fledged solo project — but a statement on his creative journey and his fans’ significance throughout it.
While the 31-year-old is known to keep BTS’ ARMY at the forefront of his work, mind and in interviews, making his first public appearance after completing his mandatory military service at an event to hug 1,000 fans this past summer, Jin shares his love of rock music in hopes to inspire joy within listeners further. Described as an “organic and seamless” process, Jin tapped a range of international collaborators to complete his musical vision on Happy: New York City singer-songwriter and past BTS collaborator Max co-wrote the buzzy single “I’ll Be There,” Gary Barlow of British boy band Take That worked on the focus track “Running Wild,” Taka and Toru of Japan’s ONE OK ROCK co-produced and played instruments on “Falling,” while “Heart on the Window” is a duet with K-pop girl group member Wendy of Red Velvet, who grew up in South Korea, Canada and the States.

“Putting the album together has allowed me to pause and reflect on just how much ARMY means to me,” Jin tells Billboard. “As I worked on each track, I thought about what I wanted to convey to them, how I want to bring joy and happiness to them, while also expressing how much I missed them during our time apart.”

Trending on Billboard

With Happy, Jin proves his capacity to creatively grow and explore fresh musical landscapes while still staying deeply connected to the roots of his BTS journey. With warmth, optimism and universal messages, Happy has the qualities to not only enchant loyal fans, but entertain entirely new audiences — and does so while conveying his most authentic self.

Read on to see what the “Worldwide Handsome” superstar tells Billboard about Happy‘s sounds, timing and meaning, and much more.

How are you doing at this exciting time? Was making your comeback to music after a break difficult, or was it a natural return?

JIN: I’m happy to be back with my first solo album, Happy. Making this comeback, my first thought was to reconnect with ARMY. Creating the album was a way for me to share something with them, and the whole process just felt like a return to something natural.

With the release of Happy, all of BTS’ members will have officially released a full solo project! While we’ve got a lot of great solo singles from you, can you share insight as to why we are getting your first solo album now?

Before enlisting, I was focused mainly on our group activities, so a solo album didn’t feel right at the time. But with all the members now taking turns serving, it felt like the right time to share something personal with ARMY who have supported us all along. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it.

I know you’re a big fan of and emotionally connected to BTS’ 2016 single “Spring Day.” Was finding music that resonated with you like “Spring Day,” whether emotionally or with rock influences, an inspiration?

“Spring Day” has always had a special place in my heart, but for this album, I wanted to explore something a little different. I set out to create a more vibrant, upbeat atmosphere, so the overall feel of the album is more lively and energetic. I’d probably consider exploring the emotional tone of “Spring Day” in the future.

Happy is described as “Jin’s journey to true happiness” and “an authentic portrayal of Jin as a solo artist.” What did that journey entail?

The journey behind revolved heavily around my connection with ARMY. As I worked on each track, I thought about what I wanted to convey to them, how I want to bring joy and happiness to them, while also expressing how much I missed them during our time apart. Putting the album together has allowed me to pause and reflect on just how much ARMY means to me.

You introduced the LP with “I’ll Be There,” which has a rockabilly and rock n’ roll sound. Why was this the song to reintroduce yourself?

I just really connected to the track and felt it was the right one to share with ARMY first. The fun, catchy vibe of the track felt like a good way to start things off. I wanted to bring joy and comfort to those who might be feeling down, and it’s my way of offering a little cheer before the full album comes out — sharing a song I like.

“Running Wild” has a lot of energy and universal themes that will appeal to so many people. What are your goals or hopes for Happy‘s main single?

With “Running Wild,” I wanted to create a track full of energy. I hope it inspires people to keep moving forward — whether that means running, working out or just pushing themselves to overcome a challenge.

You brought a range of international collaborators on Happy. What were you looking for in your collaborators?

That’s a tough question since I simply wanted to work with people whose music and talents I admired. Each collaborator brought something unique to the table, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have worked together with such talented artists to bring Happy to life.

As I listened, I wondered if you had ever considered creating your own band in the past or teaming up with a rock act as a side project.

The only band I, now and forever, will be part of is BTS. Band music is a genre I’m personally interested in, and I enjoy exploring different styles as a solo artist. But at the end of the day, my roots and connection to music will always be with BTS.

Thinking about your solo songs — including four No. 1s on Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales chart with “Astronaut,” “Super Tuna,” “Yours” and, last week’s chart-topper “I’ll Be There” — are you able to pick a favorite?

All of my solo projects are meaningful, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be “The Astronaut.” It is especially close to my heart, thanks to the incredible opportunity I had to collaborate with Coldplay, whom I deeply admire. I’ll never forget the moment when I first heard the song, the things I felt when Chris [Martin] first played the song.

Anything else to share with international ARMY at this time?

I’ll keep giving my all so that I can connect with all of you in person soon!

Gracie Abrams has landed a second week at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart with “That’s So True,” the breakout song from the deluxe edition of her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. Last week “That’s So True” gave Abrams her maiden chart-topper in the U.K., and follows The Secret of Us debuting at […]

Musical theater stars Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have landed their fourth No.1 album as a duo on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart. 
The British pair – who have both performed extensively in West End show Les Misérables among others over the years – released their fourth studio album Together At Home via Tag8 Music. It follows their previous releases Together (2016), Together Again (2017) and festive collection Together at Christmas (2020), all of which landed at the summit of the chart. Ball also has two No. 1 records to his name as a soloist.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet finishes at No. 2 following the news that the LP was nominated in three categories at the 2025 Grammys: album of the year, best pop vocal album and best engineered album (non-classical). Carpenter nabbed seven nods in total, including best new artist.   

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World holds steady at No. 3, having previously been at the top spot last week, which gave them their first chart-topping album in 32 years. The band also saw success on multiple Billboard charts over the last week, including topping the Total Album Sales chart and landing at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

Trending on Billboard

There’s also an entry in the top 10 for Lancaster rockers Massive Wagons, as their seventh studio LP, Earth to Grace, finishes at No. 4. It’s their first to land in the top five and their third to place inside the top 10. 

As new documentary film Elton John: Never Too Late lands on Disney+, the Rocket Man’s enduring Diamonds greatest hits collection returns to the top 10 this week, rising four spots to No. 8. 

Elsewhere, rising U.K. rappers Fimiguerrero, Len and Lancey Foux score their first collaborative top 40 album with Conglomerate at No. 23.

Scottish icons Primal Scream, led by vocalist Bobby Gillespie, return to the top 40 with their 12th studio album, Come Ahead. It’s their first new material in eight years, and their 13th top 40 record across a 37 year career. 

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.
We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Following Billboard’s exclusive announcement of TITAN CONTENT’s “next-generation” K-pop act this summer, three new members of the highly anticipated girl group AtHeart have arrived for fans to get to know.
Meet Seohyeon, 16, from Korea, Katelyn, 17, from the Philippines, and Aurora, 15, from Japan, who join the previously introduced members Sorin and Michi, helping create a diverse ensemble poised for global appeal. The five future stars join AtHeart, which TITAN says will reveal their full lineup soon before debuting in early 2025.

With talent handpicked from global auditions this past January, TITAN emphasizes members’ personalities and musical abilities while allowing fans to familiarize themselves with each member via individual social media accounts — a rarity for K-pop artists in training. @seohyeonatheart, @katelynatheart, and @auroraatheart all launched today on Instagram and TikTok.

Trending on Billboard

“Over the past year, the TITAN team has seen remarkable growth, assembling an all-star group of experts across various fields,” Dom Rodriguez, CBO at TITAN CONTENT, tells Billboard. “Our commitment to delivering exceptional music, creating a new paradigm for K-pop on the global stage, and pushing the boundaries of innovation remains stronger than ever. We’re thrilled about the incredible talent of the AtHeart members and are excited to show the world what they have been working on, so stay tuned!”

In a press statement, TITAN CONTENT CEO Katie Kang highlighted the new group members’ skills and teased AtHeart’s upcoming full lineup announcement.

“We are confident that AtHeart will lead the way into a new era of K-pop,” the former SM Entertainment manager and casting recruiter said. “Seohyun stands out with her captivating vocal tone and diverse range of exceptional talents. Katelyn was cast at the Manila global audition and has vibrant energy and a bright smile that brings joy to those around her, along with her singing and rapping abilities. Aurora, with her enchanting brown eyes, is full of bright, positive, and loving energy, just as her name suggests, and incredible vocal and dance skills…the full lineup is now complete, and we’ve been gradually unveiling the members since July with the remaining members to be announced very soon.”

TITAN’s Chief Visual Officer, Guiom Lee, says the newly revealed “Second Heart of AtHeart” concept video hints at the group’s style, sound, and potential number of members, noting the “visual and playful elements that are distinct from the first concept video. And speculating about how many members will be in the group adds another layer of excitement.”

Backed by former SM Entertainment CEO Nikki Semin Han alongside a creative team of international K-pop movers and shakers, TITAN CONTENT has positioned itself as the first major U.S.-based K-pop agency, aiming to introduce multiple groups and several solo acts by 2028. AtHeart’s 2025 launch kicks off a powerful new chapter for both TITAN and the global K-pop industry.

Check out the newly revealed photos of AtHeart’s Seohyeon, Katelyn and Aurora below:

Seohyeon

COURTESY OF TITAN CONTENT

Katelyn

COURTESY OF TITAN CONTENT

Aurora

COURTESY OF TITAN CONTENT

11/12/2024

The festival is set to return to Worthy Farm next year.

11/12/2024

Earlier this year, NCT DREAM opened up to Billboard exclusively about how DREAM( )SCAPE — the group’s March EP that’s pronounced as “Dream Escape” — represented some of the darker, more mature topics the septet was eager to tackle in their music.

From pushing past anxiety, yearning for freedom, and turning hardship into encouragement, the EP included “the message that we’ve always wanted to deliver to our audiences,” leader Mark explained. Facing the dark side head-on ultimately paved the way for the just-released, euphoric full-length DREAMSCAPE.

NCT DREAM’s new LP invites listeners into an expansive soundscape that’s nostalgic, escapist, and emotionally charged. Taking the introspective narrative of DREAM( )SCAPE, these 11 songs embody a generally lighter, more peaceful musical world. Seamlessly melding pop, house music, hyper-pop, R&B, and throwback hip-hop, NCT DREAM uses DREAMSCAPE to explore themes of love, dreams and childlike wonder, giving fans fresh and familiar sounds that sound specifically catered to Mark, Jeno, Renjun, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung.

Joining DREAM’s previously released English single “Rains in Heaven” from August and the pre-released buzz track “Flying Kiss,” the album centers around the uplifting, vintage synthesizer–driven single “When I’m With You.” NCT DREAM will likely bring the new singles to life during their upcoming performances on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and New York, alongside the likes of Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, Twenty-One Pilots, SZA, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie and more.

From the singles “Rains in Heaven,” “Flying Kiss,” and “When I’m With You” to the tracks written entirely by the members, as well as the soon-to-become-fan-favorite album cuts, here is our ranking of the 11 songs on NCT DREAM’s fourth full-length album, DREAMSCAPE.

“INTRO – DREAMSCAPE”