Nathan Sartain
Stories (81/0)
Lay - ‘LIT’ Part 1 Review
Over the last few years, Zhang Yixing has undeniably became a worldwide star. During his time away from the South-Korean group EXO - an outfit which he is still a part of - the Chinese singer, model, dancer and producer has been building a small empire for himself, establishing a tangible brand whilst consistently putting out engaging content. From musical collaborations with the likes of Steve Aoki and Alan Walker to Calvin Klein sponsorships, Lay is everywhere. It’s now up to the world to take notice.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
Day6 - ‘The Book of Us: The Demon’ EP Review
Day6 have been one of the most consistent bands of the last few years. Now on their fifth Korean release since 2018’s Shoot Me: Youth Part 1, the quintet have always found innovative ways to keep their releases musically fresh and exciting, exploring anything from ‘80s tinged synth-pop to soaring pop-punk.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
An Interview With: FR:EDEN
FR:EDEN is an artist who undoubtedly has potential. Still very much in his artistic infancy, the singer has managed to show off rapid improvement throughout each of his releases and, although he mightn’t believe it himself, has created an idiosyncratic style of blending distortion, emotion and melody together to form songs that never fail to be defined as memorable.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
oceanfromtheblue Interview: The R&B Artist Discusses the Meaning Behind ‘take off’, His Style and More
Just two weeks ago, oceanfromtheblue released take off. A departure from his usual, often love song-leaning stylings, this six-track offering documents the 28-year-old’s depression in a candid, no-punches-pulled manner. Centred around bidding farewell to his dark, melancholy mindset and welcoming in a more mature, positive version of himself, the EP sees the R&B artist weaves his powerful vocals alongside emotional sonics and unwavering melodies.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
Mood. Interview: The Artist Discusses His New Single “Till Morning.” and More
Although you may not quite heard of Mood. just yet, chances are you may have stumbled across a song or two of his. As a somewhat regular on Spotify playlists, his versatile music style complete with melodic approach - one that sees his songs attain a laidback but still inherently complex sound - has more than likely found its way into your ears over the last twelve months. Partly due to his complete control over body of work, the 27-year-old is now starting to find himself picking up momentum, and is someone who needs to be bookmarked as one to watch.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
WINNER - ‘Remember’ Album Review
Since their debut in 2014, WINNER have been one of the most consistent outfits in K-Pop. Always managing to put their own spin on current trends and switch their style up when required, the foursome - Seungyoon, Seunghoon, Jinwoo and Mino - have more than earned their stars as artists capable of filling a place in the limelight that can often be fleeting in such a fiercely competitive industry.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
VILLAIN Interview: The Versatile Artist Discusses Recent Studio Work, Musical Style and More
It has been nearly two years since VILLAIN released Bank Robber, his sonically diverse, short-form release that seemed to almost guarantee imminent success. Although it was the artist’s first EP there was a tangible maturity weaved into each track, and a captivating sense of raw musicality evident throughout that simply cannot be trained.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
NUNSSEOP Interview: The Independent Artist Discusses “Take Me Home,” His Musical Style and More
When it comes to independent hip-hop artists in Korea, few are as exciting as NUNSSEOP. Mixing trendy and colourful sonics with his distinct, somewhat cloudy vocal delivery and skilful flow, the South-Korean forms broad, yet undeniably vivid soundscapes in his music, taking the listener on an experience that allows them to tangibly grasp the intent behind each and every one of his songs.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
Suho - ‘Self-Portrait’ EP Review
Better known as EXO’s leader Suho, Kim Junmyeon first embarked on his solo journey back in 2017 with “Curtain” (though he had previously featured on Leeteuk’s “My Hero”). Composed as part of SM’s Station project, the restrained ballad - and collaboration with pianist Song Young Joo - was a solid if-not slightly restricting debut effort for an undeniably talented member of one of the world’s biggest outfits. It certainly had its charm; the heavily-forefronted vocals giving plenty of space for the singer to show off his talents, the intimate feeling of the breezy number and the unquestionable potential shown throughout, but ultimately it lacked that extra bit of gravitas that would have really allowed for the South-Korean to shine.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
Sik-K - ‘Officially OG’ EP Review
To call 2019 Sik-K’s breakout year would, on the surface at least, do the South-Korean a huge disservice. After all, before FL1P the artist had already released three profitable albums in addition to numerous show-stopping singles and a strong collaborative EP with BOYCOLD. Yet, with the triumph of the 26-year-old’s fourth full-length effort - which went hand-in-hand with his successful world tour - it felt like he had “broke out” and propelled himself to the apex of the hip-hop industry in South-Korea, at least from an international perspective. He was no longer just the future who had bucketloads of potential, but the present who was starting to hone his undeniable talent and appeal.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
iKON - ‘i DECIDE’ EP Review
To call 2019 a rollercoaster year for iKON would feel like an understatement. After ushering in the new year with the successful “I’M OK” single and album repackage, subsequently marking end of the NEW KIDS series of releases, summertime would see controversy rear its ugly head. Ultimately leading to the departure of the charismatic and esteemed frontman of the group, B.I, it meant that, aside from a short tour in Japan, iKON would disappear from the public view.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat
HYUKOH - ‘through love’ Review
HYUKOH have never been a band afraid to shake things up; after all, their non-conformist, gear-switching, honest sound has allowed them to gain millions upon millions of fans worldwide. But yet, on new EP through love, they seem to throw a rather unexpected curveball. Although it still has the occasional moment of manic sonic brilliance - namely the mid-point of “New born” - for the most part, this extended play is a calmer, more soothing endeavour. It is also the first release without the age of the members forming the centre-point of the title, and without dramatic, carefully crafted artwork (all we get here is an image of nature, one taken by Wolfgang Tillmans) dominating the cover-art, which could further indicate their change in style and feel.
By Nathan Sartain4 years ago in Beat