Addressing Cultural Forces Shaping Asian Music Trends
From the Outback to the Heart of Country
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From small-town beginnings and years of relentless touring to writing a breakthrough hit during the pandemic, James Johnston has become a country music trailblazer in Austrailia by embracing his authentic self and connecting with audiences globally through his heartfelt stories.
Becoming Australia’s Country Music Trailblazer 4
A deep dive into the enduring legacy of Uruguay's No Te Va Gustar, as they celebrate 30 years of captivating audiences with their eclectic sound and socially conscious lyrics, revealing the band's origins, evolution, and the secrets behind their remarkable longevity.
OP-ED | A beloved gaming franchise's anticipated revival turns sour with the tone-deaf announcement of a mobile Guitar Hero accompanied by a jarring AI image, sparking outrage among nostalgic fans who feel the soul of the original has been lost
Charting a Stellar Year at the ACM Awards
The King of K-Pop: Addressing Cultural Forces Shaping Asian Music Trends 18
At the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, newcomer Ella Langley dazzled the industry by winning five awards, including New Female Artist of the Year, solidifying her as a rising star and a transformative force in modern country music 6 Reverberations of the Past, Visions of the Future
In "Far East Deep South," a poignant exploration of identity and resilience, a film director and her diverse musical team break free from stereotypes, using a rich tapestry of sounds to deepen the historical narrative and celebrate the multifaceted nature of Asian American artistry.
At the Committee of 100's 2025 Annual Conference in Los Angeles, K-pop visionary Lee Soo Man, founder of SM Entertainment and now leading A2O Entertainment, reveals the strategic cultural and technological influences shaping global music, particularly emphasizing the rise of "Zalpha-Pop" and its potential impact on the Chinese market
GUITAR HERO'S RETURN IS OFF KEY
OP-ED | By Isis Antonio Senior Staff Writer
The return of Guitar Hero should have been a triumphant moment. For many, the name alone evokes memories of plastic guitars, iconic rock anthems, and nights spent perfecting solos with friends Since its debut in 2005, Guitar Hero reshaped gaming culture, making music interactive and communal. It introduced a generation to classic rock and showed the world that games could be more than pixels and controllers they could be instruments of connection. After years of silence, the announcement of its comeback ignited a wave of excitement, anticipation, and hope. But what followed was not the grand revival fans had dreamed of instead, it was a confusing misfire that left long-time players disappointed and asking if Activision truly understands what made Guitar Hero special in the first place. Rather than a modern console version, a VR experience, or even a remaster of a fanfavorite title, Activision announced a mobile game, accompanied by a low-effort AIgenerated image on Instagram. That image a surreal and awkward composition riddled with distorted instruments and unrecognizable figures was an immediate red flag For a franchise rooted in artistry and the joy of musical performance, promoting its comeback with synthetic visuals devoid of human creativity sent the wrong message. It wasn’t just tone-deaf it was lazy. The backlash was swift and widespread, with fans expressing confusion, frustration, and even anger at how the legacy of Guitar Hero was being treated.
At its core, Guitar Hero was always about the feeling of music in your hands. The tactile satisfaction of clicking fret buttons in sync with the beat, the thrill of nailing a complex solo, and the fun of competing with friends all made the game more than just a digital experience it was a physical and emotional one. Translating that into a mobile app where players simply tap a screen removes the essence of what made it memorable. Rhythm games can work on mobile, yes, but Guitar Hero wasn’t just any rhythm game. It was a performance, a party, a cultural moment. Reducing it to a mobile app is like turning a concert into a ringtone.
What’s most disheartening is that the gaming community has kept the Guitar Hero spirit alive far better than its creators Fan-made projects like Clone Hero and YARG have thrived in the absence of official support, with players building custom tracks, sharing them online, and even designing their own guitar controllers. Companies like Gibson and CRKD have responded by manufacturing high-quality wireless guitars compatible with these fan games, showing that the demand for this genre still exists. These grassroots efforts are filled with passion, respect, and innovation everything the official reboot lacks. It’s telling that fans, without major funding or studio backing, have managed to preserve the soul of Guitar Hero more effectively than Activision has.
The decision to bring back Guitar Hero should have been about honoring the past while embracing the future Fans weren’t asking for a copy-paste remake; they wanted evolution that stayed true to the spirit of the original Imagine a new game with deeper multiplayer features, music from today’s rock and metal scenes, and compatibility with both classic and new guitar controllers. Or even a VR experience that lets you stand on stage and shred in front of a virtual crowd. The potential is massive but Activision chose the easiest and most underwhelming route.
At a time when nostalgia sells and fans are craving meaningful revivals, Guitar Hero had a real shot at returning to glory. Instead, it’s in danger of becoming a cautionary tale about what happens when corporations treat cherished franchises as hollow brands instead of cultural artifacts. If Activision wants to earn back the trust of fans, it needs to do more than slap a logo on a mobile app It must listen, engage with the community, and recognize that Guitar Hero isn’t just a name it’s an experience It’s memories, it’s music, it’s joy And
| By JC Denava & Vanessa Torres Staff Writer
JC Denava: Before they hit the legendary stage of the Viper Room, I had the chance to connect with the members of The Reckless. Even before seeing them live, their raw energy and genre-bending sound were undeniable. We talked about their fresh EP, "Who You Are," the artists who light their musical path, and what they're setting their sights on for 2025. Get ready to hear what this band is all about.
Q: Alright, let's dive right into your new EP, "Who You Are." What's the heart and soul behind this project?
The Reckless: This EP is a reflection of everything we’ve been through over the past couple of years personally and as a band. "Who You Are" is about identity, resilience, and figuring things out when everything feels chaotic. Each track has a different mood, but together they tell a story about pushing through and owning your truth.
Q: You guys have a really interesting blend of sounds. Who are the artists that have really shaped what The Reckless is all about?
The Reckless: We all come from different backgrounds, so there’s a mix Some of the major ones are Foo Fighters, Paramore, Green Day, The Beatles, Rise Against, Metallica, and even a little bit of The Killers. We love artists that bring emotion and grit to their sound, and we try to channel that same energy into our own music.
Q: Looking ahead to 2025, what's the big picture for The Reckless? What are you aiming for?
The Reckless: 2025 is about leveling up. We’re aiming to do a full tour starting regionally and hopefully expanding from there. We’re also planning to release more music, maybe even a full-length album And we want to keep growing our fan base, especially through live shows The connection we build with people on stage is everything to us. One of the biggest goals would be to one day open for Green Day or Metallica, and we would love to collaborate with Hayley Williams from Paramore.
Q: Finally, what's one thing you want to say directly to the fans who are riding with you?
The Reckless: Thank you for sticking with us and believing in what we’re building. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next. You can follow us on all major platforms
More on The Reckless:
The Reckless' origin story is as captivating as their sound Formed during the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic in San Diego, California, the band initially began as a solo project for frontman Fritz Fayman, who released their self-titled debut album. This personal endeavor soon blossomed into a full band with a shared vision and a powerful sonic identity. Fayman, a multi-talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter, found his musical counterparts in John Kelly, whose guitar work is electrifying, Michael Kennedy, who lays down melodic bass lines, and Riku Myllykoski, whose dynamic drumming provides a solid and engaging rhythmic foundation.
Following their initial formation, The Reckless unleashed their "Get in a Fight" EP, a collection of tracks that masterfully blends catchy melodies with an undeniable, pulse-pounding energy As they look towards the future, The Reckless are poised for a significant ascent in the rock scene. Their sound is both potent and infectious, allowing them to captivate audiences and win over fans with each electrifying performance If their unique reimagining of "SexyBack" is any indication, The Reckless aren’t just following trends; they’re setting them This band is a game-changer, ready to deliver their brand of rock to the masses. Prepare to step into the world of The Reckless a realm where musical boundaries are constantly challenged, and the volume is always turned up.
A Young Maestro of the Heartland: Marino Florez's Sierreño Serenade
By
Victorio Gomez
Staff Writer
Marino Florez, a young 22-year-old singer-songwriter based in the United States, is a fresh voice in Regional music, embracing its traditions with sincerity. His connection to music began early, leading him to write his first song, "Ranchero Hasta Las Cachas" (Ranchero Through and Through), a declaration of his musical path. For Marino, "...it's a way of life, an inheritance he embraces wholeheartedly " He recalls, "The guitar is my preferred instrument because since I was a child, I would watch my grandfather play and sing with it, and seeing how he did it, I also wanted to do it..."
"Ranchero Hasta Las Cachas" originated from " ...a story of a friend," which resonated with his own experiences growing up "...from the ranch." He explains, "...the spark of inspiration came to me when listening to his words that he told with much emotion, and I also identified with it because I lived a similar story..." This personal link made it significant: "I take the importance of this story because I identify with it, and by identifying with it, I was inspired to make this story a song of lived lives in many ranches..."
The bajo is central to his sound: "The deep, resonant strumming of the bajo is the heartbeat of his musical expression." He is currently promoting "Ranchero Hasta Las Cachas," a title reflecting his love for the ranchero lifestyle. Marino emphasizes, "...it's ' a song inspired by a real-life story,'" hoping for a deep connection with listeners: "...I hope you receive it, and just like me, you too will identify with this theme..."
He invites listeners to explore his music: "I invite you to get to know my music and listen to it on your favorite digital music platform or on my YouTube channel," encouraging them to immerse themselves in his "Sierreño style." Looking ahead, he notes, "...I also like other styles that you will also hear in my journey as a banda and mariachi artist."
Marino also seeks connection online: "And also follow me on all my social media!!" He concludes, "thank you, greetings from your friend Marino Florez."
Marino Florez's youth and passion for authentic storytelling position him as a promising artist in Regional music, one whose heartfelt songs are worth watching.
Perseverance. That is the word that best describes James Johnston, the trailblazing Australian country artist who’s not only rewriting the rules of country music Down Under but is also poised to take the global stage by storm. His journey wasn’t handed to him it was carved out mile by mile, gig by gig, and a tenacious work effort. With a deep voice rich in grit and warmth, lyrics that strike at the soul of everyday life, and a relentless drive powered by love for his craft, Johnston has emerged as the heartbeat of modern Australian country music.
James Johnston’s story is one of perseverance, authenticity, and heart—an artist who built his career the hard way and who continues to prove, song by song, that country music’s most powerful stories often come from the most humble beginnings. Indeed, Johnston represents a new chapter in country music. One that celebrates rural life not just in the American South, but in the farming communities of Australia. One that honors both boots and blundstones, tractors and utes, Nashville and Wingham. He’s unapologetically himself, and fans love him for it.
When asked what American country music fans might be surprised about the Aussie country scene, he says, “through all my travels inAmerica to SouthAfrica, there is a throughline culturally that is so similar.We are not that different. …at the core values, what we believe, what we care about, we are very similar. That is why I think country music transcends borders and cultures.”
Before Johnston became a household name with his debut hit RAISED LIKE THAT, he was just a kid from Wingham, a small town in rural New South Wales with about 2,500 people. His parents sold tractors, and it was his father who instilled in him the value of hard work. “ you ’ ve got to find your drive, and I think that is what my old man instilled in me from an early age has served me well. I get up and I do a day’s work and I do that every day.” That drive would shape his identity and fuel a music career built on grit and truth.
Johnston’s musical journey began at just four years old. “Pretty much from about the age of 4 to about the age of 16, everyweekend my familywould load up in the car and wherever anybodywould let me jump up on stage is what I did.” He could barely hold a guitar but was already belting out Friends in Low Places. At 13, he began writing songs at first, just to impress a girl. “I just started telling stories, but it took a long time,” he admits. At 18, he entered Australian Idol. While the experience helped him grow, he didn't yet feel like an original artist. That would take more time. Determined to carve his path, he welded bunk beds into a van with his dad and set out to live on the road. For five years, Johnston toured up and down Australia’s coast and outback, playing thousands of gigs at bowling alleys, corporate events, even empty bars—anywhere that would have him. Yet, something was missing, and he quickly realized that his authentic true self was missing from his performances. “I felt like I wasn’t telling my truth. I was always trying to play somebody else—be a character of sorts. I was doing a corporate gig, and I’d get up there and do Bruno Mars or I’d pretend to be a Garth Brooks. There was a point where I told myself, ‘Be James Johnston.’ I want to get on stage and tell my truth.”
Johnston’s shot at redefining himself came when he booked a one-way flight to Nashville to dive into songwriting. But just as he was about to leave, the COVID-19
The pandemic hit, shutting down all travel. True to his character, Johnston used the setback as fuel. “That year I wrote over 250 songs… I had this mission that I said, every day I'm going to wake up and I'm going to write songs. I want to be a songwriter.”
That dedication paid off. One of those songs, RAISED LIKE THAT, changed everything. “I wrote that song in about an hour… I just told my truth, and I think the reason it resonated so much is that so many people had that same experience as me. I was a small-town country kid, and celebrating that way of life… I think there was a sense of identity that people found with that song. I think that came with just being unapologetically me, being authentic, and telling my story.” A mentor of his told Johnston that a good song can do nothing. A great song can change your life. And that is exactly what happened.
The success of RAISED LIKE THAT of his debut album, was astonishing. With six #1 Airplay hits, over 85 million streams worldwide, and two Golden Guitar Awards to his name, James Johnston has cemented his place as one of Australia's most dynamic country music talents. His breakout single, RAISED LIKE THAT reached ARIA Platinum status, making him the first independent Australian country artist to earn that distinction for a single track. Johnston’s debut album RAISED LIKE THAT made an extraordinary impact in its first six months, spending 21 weeks at the top of the ARIAAustralian CountryAlbums Chart 19 of those weeks consecutively. Only Kasey Chambers has held the top spot for more consecutive weeks since the chart began 25 years ago. Remarkably, the album ranked as the third highest-performing Australian country album of 2023, despite being released in the last quarter of the year. It remains a consistent presence on the chart, never dipping below third place
The song, RAISED LIKE THAT, became such a hit with audiences that fans created a line dance specifically for the song, a grassroots tribute to its emotional power and universal message. One night while visiting a bar in Nashville with a friend, Johnston was asked to play the song. As soon as he started, the crowd immediately broke into the line dance. It was a surreal moment—seeing something he created in his bedroom come to Life in a country bar in the heart of Nashville. “Never in a million years could I have imagined a song I wrote in my bedroom in an hour that was just telling my story of my little town inAustralia would be a song that people would dance to inAmerica. It’s wild and still blows me away to this day.” That same dance has since been performed in venues across the world and gone viral on social media, cementing Johnston’s global reach.
That song became the cornerstone of his debut album, also titled RAISED LIKE THAT, a 20-track project—the largest debut country album in Australian history. It captured not just his voice, but his life: the long nights on tour, the heartbreaks, becoming a father, the victories, and the quiet moments in between. To craft it, Johnston wrote over 200 songs. “Something I love about songwriting – there are two parts to it. One is that you ’ ve got to do it consistently because it is a skill set, you ’ ve got to work on your craft. But, the bits that I love are when you get the moments of inspiration to write… Once you ’ ve worked on that skill set, when that inspiration hits you can capture it the best way possible.”
The global resonance of his music became undeniable when Johnston found himself performing in front of a packed stadium in South Africa alongside superstar Appel. That opportunity wasn’t handed to him—it was pursued with determination.
After watching Kip Moore perform in the country. Johnston called his manager and said, “We need to go to South Africa…there is something over there and I want to be a part of it.” Months passed with no word until he had two separate encounters one with Kip Moore and another with a South African artist, both pointing him to the same local radio DJ Johnston sent his music and three months later got the call: the DJ had been playing his songs on high rotation and invited him to a major festival. “I get this phone call out of the blue,” he says, “and it’s this guy saying, ‘Hey, I’ve been playingyour music on high rotation—I love it. I’ve got a big festival coming up in about six months, and I want you to be a part of it.”
After making the nearly 48-hour journey to South Africa, Johnston met up with Appel, the rest, as they say, is history. Taking full advantage of the invitation, Johnston arrived ten days early to explore South Africa with Appel. “I love doing that. If I’m going to play at a festival, I don’t want to just show up and take—I want to understand the people and the culture, and give backwhere I can. That’s what I did. I wanted to knowwhat it’s like to be SouthAfrican—what they believe in, what they care about. That way, when I get on stage, there’s a deeper sense of connection with the audience.” Their collaboration struck a chord. The song, COUNTRY IS FOR ME, went viral in South Africa, and by the time they performed it at the stadium festival, fans were singing it back word for word. “When the song started, the entire stadium stood up and just started singing along. It was one of those wild experiences here I am, anAustralian. country artist, in a stadium in SouthAfrica, and the whole crowd is chanting this song Appel and I wrote. It was surreal. To be so far from home and have thousands of people singing our song back to us—that’s been one of the biggest highlights of my career so far.” And still, Johnston is seeking his next adventure. He plans on collaborating with a Spanish-speaking artist who, like Appel, can take his and Australian country music to the next level.
As Johnston's fan base grew, so did his ambitions for live performances. He designed a light show for his concerts, carefully crafted to enhance the storytelling behind each track and bring fans deeper into his world. His shows have become immersive experiences, blending modern production with raw storytelling. “I want to be an entertainerwhen I am on stage.When I am in show creation mode, I lock myself away for a month, a month and a half, and once again, I do an eight-to-ten hour day just working on my show.And I want to understand every part. I design the lighting to the pyro to the stage layout to the show, the flow, everything. I have my finger in every part of it. I want to give people an experience. I want people to come to my show and lose themselves and feel a part of something, as opposed to coming and just listening to songs. ”
Johnston aims to be one with the crowd through his spectacular performance and is pushing the boundaries of these live shows. “At the moment, I’ve been designing a laser light show, which has never been done in the country inAustralia. … we want to light up the whole sky, turning it into a laser show above the whole festival crowd and stage. Nobody has ever done it before, which excited me. Because that is the sort of stuff that I love.”
Despite the rapid rise, Johnston has never forgotten where he came from. He continues to write songs based on personal conversations and real people, like THIS LAND IS KILLING ME
It stemmed from a chat with a farmer friend. And when he's not performing or writing, he gives back to his community, supporting local charities and rural initiatives that reflect the values he grew up with. He set out on a 100km run to raise money for charity, despite only beginning training a couple of weeks before the run and buying his running shoes the day before he set out on his run. “One of my NewYear’s resolutions was to give back to the communities that have given me a lot.And I did a 100km run for a local children’s hospital in the community I was performing in. … I am not a runner by any measure, and I probably underestimated how far 100km was to run. It broke me a little, but I’ve always loved challenges and setting goals. If someone tells me I can’t do something, I go ‘alright, watch me ’ . … Being a public figure that I get the ability to [give back] because not everyone could do that. If I can bring a little bit of good into the world with a little bit of effort, I think, why not do some stuff like that?” And perhaps that’s the real magic behind James Johnston.
He’s not chasing fame for fame’s sake. He’s not trying to fit into a mold. He’s simply telling stories his stories, your stories, our stories with authenticity, perseverance, and a whole lot of heart. Because at the end of the day, country music isn’t about where you ’ re from. It’s about who you are. And James Johnston? He’s the real deal.
By Lucinda Escobedo
Photography Courtesy of | Jason Kempin / Getty Images
Staff Writer
The 60thAcademy of Country MusicAwards in May 2025 was a defining moment for many artists, but none shone brighter than Ella Langley. Entering the ceremony as a first-time nominee, Langley emerged as one of the night's biggest winners, securing five awards This achievement highlights a year of growth and impact for the rising country star.
Langley's triumph included the coveted New FemaleArtist of theYear title, indicating the industry's recognition of her talent and promising future Her duet with Riley Green, "You Look LikeYou Love Me," dominated with wins for Single of theYear, Music Event of theYear, andVisual Media of theYear. This widespread recognition underscores her appeal within the contemporary country scene.
Beyond herwins, Langley graced theACM stage with a captivating performance of " weren't for the wind," further solidifying her connection with the audience.At just 25, she has effectively used social media to share her music, as evidenced by her enthusiastic reaction to theACM nominations. Her single "You Look LikeYou Love Me" became a smash hit, earning her six of her eight nominations. Langley herself acknowledged the song ' s unexpected success
The success of "You Look LikeYou Love Me" sparked conversations about the evolving sound of country music, with its throwback feel appealing to a wide range of listeners. Her multiple nominations, including FemaleArtist of theYear, signaled a significant moment for female artists in a historically male-dominated genre.
Ella Langley's remarkable year, culminating in her impressive showing at the 2025ACMAwards, marks the arrival of a significant new force in country music. Her five wins and compelling performance underscore her talent and connection with audiences, announcing that Ella Langley is an artist to watch.
HISTORIES IN HARMONY: EXPLORING THE MUSIC BEHIND FAR EAST DEEP SOUTH
By Isis Antonio | Senior Staff Writer
The documentary Far East Deep South isn't your typical documentary. It really hits you on multiple levels. It's a blend of personal stories, striking visuals, and this incredible soundtrack that all comes together to paint a vivid picture of Chinese immigrants in the South. Of course, it dives into some seriously overlooked history and pushes back on the usual stories we hear, but what really makes it special is how it uses music to deepen the emotional impact and connect with the audience in a more profound way.
The film's genesis lies in the personal journey of co-creator Baldwin Chiu, who sought to uncover his family's Mississippi roots. This exploration expanded into a broader examination of the Chinese experience in the South, a narrative often overshadowed by the dominant narrative of the California Gold Rush. The documentary sheds light on the complex reasons behind Chinese migration to the South, revealing how they were recruited to address labor shortages following the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. These immigrants engaged in various industries, contributing to the region's development. As the film illustrates, “they recruited several hundred Chinese to come specifically to the Mississippi Delta and that region to work on the plantations to replace the labor that had been formerly enslaved”.
However, the film doesn't shy away from the hardships faced by these communities, including discrimination and the devastating impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act. It also delves into the complex questions of identity and belonging that resonate with many Chinese Americans today. As co-creator Larissa Lam observes, "I think that's the one thing I wanted to show through the film and through all the projects that we do, is that we ' re not a monolith," underscoring the importance of showcasing diverse experiences. Co-Creator Baldwin Chiu, further elaborates on identity sharing, “So how does that affect me is that it affects my identity.Where do I see myself?Am I Chinese?Am IAmerican?Am I more American than I am Chinese? Or is my family moreAmerican than it is Chinese?”.
Music emerges as a vital element in Far East Deep South's rich tapestry of history and personal narrative. The film purposefully integrates music to amplify its themes and connect with viewers on an emotional level. Baldwin Chiu aka OnlyWon, the film's co-producer and hip hop artist, has his music featured prominently in one scene. This creative choice infuses the documentary with a contemporary energy, bridging the past and present and offering a unique perspective on the Chinese American experience. By incorporating Chiu's rap, the film transcends traditional documentary conventions, using music to express the complexities of identity and the ongoing relevance of historical struggles.
As Lam states, it's important to recognize that "k-pop doesn't define allAsian orAsianAmerican artists...We do different genres of music, we ' re not just boxed into one genre of music". Chiu's contribution exemplifies this diversity within the film itself, adding a layer of personal expression to the historical narrative.
Larissa Lam, the film's director, also contributes musically, with her song featured in the credits. This musical piece serves as a poignant and reflective coda to the film, allowing the audience to absorb the weight of the stories they've witnessed. Furthermore, the film's score, crafted by an Asian American composer, works subtly yet powerfully to enhance the atmosphere and emotional impact of the narrative. By blending traditional and contemporary musical elements, the score underscores the themes of resilience, belonging, and the enduring search for identity that lie at the heart of Far East Deep South.
Behind the scenes of "Far East Deep South," Baldwin Chiu, Larissa Lam, and Nathan Wang crafted a rich musical experience. Baldwin's rap tracks add a modern touch, while Larissa and Nathan ensured the music seamlessly enhanced the film's themes Photography curated by Baldwin Chiu, and Larissa Lam | Giant Flashlight Media
The film's creators were meticulous in their approach to storytelling, gathering feedback from diverse audiences to ensure the film's message resonated. As Lam explains, "I tried to whittle it down into a coherent story that people will follow, that people will care about and not bludgeon them over the head with too much information. Not everybody loves history the same."Chiu also emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the film, noting, "It actually helped a lot to hear the feedback from other people. It gave us clarity on what was important to include and what might be confusing.". This collaborative approach extended to the film's musical elements, ensuring they served the overall narrative effectively.
Beyond its artistic merit, Far East Deep South serves as an important educational tool, prompting crucial conversations about race, immigration, and the need for inclusive historical narratives. It challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of American history and acknowledge the contributions of marginalized communities. As Chiu asserts, regarding the importance of this history, "This is why this history is so important.We didn’t learn it growing up from our families.We didn’t learn it in school.We didn’t learn it bywatching movies or the news. "
Ultimately, 'Far East Deep South' is a really compelling example of how film and music can work together to shed light on overlooked histories and explore complex questions of identity and belonging. The way it layers historical facts, personal stories, and a diverse range of music creates this really rich and powerful experience for the viewer.
The "King of K-Pop" Addresses Cultural Forces Shaping Music Trends at the Committee of 100 Event in Los Angeles
Lucinda Escobedo | StaffWriter
Lee Soo Man, the key figure behind K-pop's global rise and founder of SM Entertainment, shared his expertise at the Committee of 100's conference in Los Angeles. Known as the "Father of Hallyu," and now leading A2O Entertainment, he participated in a panel on global music's evolving landscape. The Committee of 100, a leading organization of Chinese American leaders, held its 2025 Annual Conference & Gala in Los Angeles on April 25-26. The event, themed "Engage. Empower. Elevate," focused on U.S.-China relations and Chinese American achievements
Lee Soo Man joined a panel titled "The Cultural Forces Shaping Global Music Trends," sharing insights on Kpop ' s global popularity and its expansion into China. Moderated by Hollywood producer Teddy Zee, the discussion covered cultural, economic, and strategic elements of K-pop's rise. With his experience, Lee Soo Man likely highlighted the role of artist training and strategic marketing in K-pop's success His current focus on A2O Entertainment and the "Zalpha-Pop" genre suggests he shared insights on these trends and the impact of technology on music's future. His presence at the event was notable, as A2O Entertainment targets the Chinese market. Engaging with influential Chinese American leaders could foster valuable connections for his venture. In summary, Lee Soo Man's participation underscored his lasting influence on global music As he pioneers A2O Entertainment and the "Zalpha-Pop" genre, his insights into music trends are significant, especially regarding Asian pop culture and the Chinese market's strategic role.
Letter From The Editor
Dear Readers,
Thank you for taking the time to read the May 2025 issue of RYM Magazine. Your engagement with our content is truly appreciated.
This month, we were delighted to present a diverse collection of stories, from our cover feature with James Johnston to insightful pieces on Ella Langley, The Reckless, and Marino Florez. It was also a privilege to explore the film parties of the Deep South and the significant influence of Lee Soo Man onAsian music trends.
Sharing these compelling narratives with you has been an honor. We hope you found this issue engaging and informative. Thank you again for your continued support of RYM Magazine.
Sincerely,
-Vanessa
Contributors
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the talented individuals and organizations who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to bring this month's issue of RYM Magazine to life Your dedication is invaluable
A special thank you to our collaborators for this issue:
Sam Jones, Committee of 100 Elena Rodrigo, The Music Joint
Baldwin Chiu and Larissa Lam, Giant Flashlight Video
Bo Johnson and Sarah Morgan (Photography by Josh Kelly), To Be Artists
