Trust Yourself

We say

Our first Ones To Watch 2024 this week is Seoul-based collective Balming Tiger. Describing themselves as “the only alternative K-Pop band in the universe”, the collective of producers, rappers, musicians, video directors and artists are redefining K-Pop and its social expectations. In October, they released their debut album, ‘January Never Dies’ - a living document of today’s hyper-expressive Asian youth culture that draws inspiration from Western influences across hip-hop, electronic and alternative. It’s a thoroughly energising and thrilling listen that sees them twist K-pop sensibilities with an alt-facing and leftfield vision. This blast of fun epitomises their ethos and has seen them catch the attention and support of Radio 1 (Jack Saunders, Clara Amfo, Rickie, Melvin & Charlie), 6Music (Jamz Supernova, New Music Fix), Apple Music (Matt Wilkinson) and Radio X (John Kennedy). NME, DIY, GQ, Vogue, The Face, Rolling Stone, Notion, i-D and more have sung the album and their praises, while DSP support has come from Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. They have also dropped an additional video for the single ‘SEXY NUKIM’ (feat. RM of BTS) created in collaboration with A24 and featuring footage from the Oscar’s Best Picture Award 2023, Everything Everywhere All At Once. With a sold-out UK/EU tour and performances at Pitchfork Festival in London and the Great Escape behind them, the collective are looking to return to the UK and EU next year for more shows and festivals. Balming Tiger offers an alternative, fun and edgier take on K-Pop, one that is connecting with fans in Asia but globally too, making them one to watch.

Contact

Label: Joe Edwards, AWAL
Publishing: Jake Lee, Sony Music Publishing
Radio: Guy Ripper, We Got Your Back
Press: Chris Cuff & Neeliya Desilva, Good Machine
TV: Andrea Edmondson
Live: Cils Williams, ATC
Management: Elle Kim, DooRooDooRoo Artist Company
Photo Credit: Nikolai Ahn