Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Emmy-nominated actress Shannon Purser is best known for her work in “Stranger Things” and “Riverdale.” But she’s also a talented musician who pens contemplative songs like her latest, “Leave (Good Ending).” More recently, she was part of the cast of the stage production “La Cage Aux Folles.”
The K-pop group ATEEZ has grown accustomed to breaking barriers. Since launching their career in 2018, the octet has had seven Top 10 albums in the Billboard 200. Their single, “Lemon Drop,” made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in June. And their ongoing [IN YOUR FANTASY] world tour includes concerts in stadiums across the United States, as well as ballparks like Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
“Big cities are more welcoming,” said comedian Atsuko Okatsuka. “There’s one city in particular where weird things happen all the time. I won’t name it. I’d been ni hao’d on my way into the theater I was performing at.”
“’KPop Demon Hunters’ has been one of my absolute favorites, because Rumi is legit the coolest character,” Arden Cho said. “If I was a teenage girl, I feel like I would want to be Rumi. I’m still kind of geeking out that I get to be her voice.”
“I hope that KPOP DEMON HUNTERES reminds people that we all have darkness within us, and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to just face it,” said Ahn Hyo-seop, who provides the voice of Jinu. “And at its core, this is a story about finding the strength to trust your own voice and move forward. So I hope it offers comfort and courage to those who actually really need it.”
Now almost 50 years into their career, OMD is back on the road, playing in cities across the United States. On a break from their tour, Andy McCluskey chatted about the group’s early beginnings, some of the memorable venues they’ve played and how they stay fit on the road – hint, it includes dancing.
A couple months after celebrating their group’s first anniversary, NOWADAYS changed their name to NOWZ, indicating that they’re ready for a fresh start. This summer marks an important time for the five-man K-pop group. They recorded a new song, “Fly to the youth,” which features their label mate YUQI, from the girl group i-dle. And the group is eagerly looking forward to visiting Los Angeles in August to perform at KCON – which has been likened to the Coachella of Korean culture.
As they tour U.S. stadiums this summer, the eight-member K-pop superstar group Stray Kids talk about what goes into their intense live concerts, their inventive music, and more. This is my latest exclusive interview for Rolling Stone.
Ahead of his upcoming headlining tour this fall – which will kick off in Chicago – alternative rocker Gunnar is promoting his new album, “Sun Faded.” Full of contemplative lyrics set to taut, guitar-based melodies, the Los Angeles-based artist reveals his fears and hopes on songs just as “Upside Down.” “I’m really proud of this record,” the 24-year-old musician said. “I feel like it’s a perfect representation of who I am today and the things I’ve gotten through to get to this point.”
“Broadway has a long legacy connected to so many generations of groundbreaking talent,” said “Just in Time” choreographer Shannon Lewis. “New musicals are born on Broadway that have influence around the world. Also, the talents involved at every level are literally the best of the best. I have a 30-year career that spans from performing, to now choreographing, these special shows. I’m so honored to be a part of the history and the future.”
Growing up as the daughter of the late Bill Kimpton – the founder of the Kimpton Hotels – Marcia Kimpton was accustomed to staying in some of the world’s nicest hotels. But the filmmaker and author also remembered staying in youth hostels, just like other twentysomething adventurers looking for ways to save money.
After making their official debut on April 22 with their infectiously catchy single, “Tea,” VVS is back with their eight-track EP D.I.M.M. — which stands for Diamonds in My Mouth. Besides “Tea,” the album — which is a mesh of pop, hip-hop and R&B — includes “Fact$” and “Touch It.”
“I studied for a semester at the Moscow Art Theatre School,” said “Found” actress Gabrielle Walsh. “The Kremlin, Red Square and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg were wonders to behold. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had taken a class in Russian language before traveling there, but dropped it [out of] fear of lowering my GPA. But it did put me a step ahead, being able to read and decipher the language.”
Former members of the K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty (“Cupid”) reinvent themselves in their new group, ablume. Of leaving the group that made them famous, group leader SAENA told me, “I truly believe it was an act of courage for us.”
“I’m still scared sometimes, and there’s so much I’m still learning. But one thing I know for sure is that I feel freer and stronger than ever. For the first time, I’m not hiding. I’m finally moving toward what I really want — not what I think people expect from me.” —BAIN
Singer, cellist and beatboxer Kevin Olusola is famous for being one-fifth of the three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix. But this May, he makes his debut as a solo artist with his album “Dawn of a Misfit.”
Epik High frontman, Tablo, talks about working with RM on “Stop the Rain,” which features highly personal lyrics from both artists: “I didn’t want him to be harmed in any way.” My latest exclusive feature for Rolling Stone.
“I feel Mexico has everything you could ask for,” said “Real Women Have Curves” co-star Florencia Cuenca. “And my personal favorite vacation includes a beach. There’s nothing like the motherland. I’m always longing to visit my family and friends, and eat delicious food. Because of my Broadway commitment right now, I don’t think we are going to be able to make that trip anytime soon. I am crossing my fingers that we’ll have a long and fun run!”
In Hangul, yadang/야당 refers to an informant (or a snitch). Since opening in South Korean movie theaters on April 16 in the No. 1 spot, “Yadang: The Snitch” remains in the top position, thanks to a thrilling plot and a cast of stars that includes Kang Ha-neul (“Forgotten,” “Squid Game 2”) and Park Hae-joon (“When Life Gives You Tangerines,” “My Mister”).
Leading up to the release of their infectiously catchy single, “Tea,” VVS released a series of enigmatic videos under “The 5 C’s” umbrella. The cinematic shorts presented the members as kickass warriors armed with swords, guns and roundhouse kicks – all of which was choreographed by “John Wick” stunt director Koji Kawamoto.