Swings returns with new EPSwings“Mood Swings II Part. 2: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” (CJ E&M)South Korean rapper Swings, who shook up the local hip-hop scene by setting off an unprecedented dis war among major South Korean rappers, has returned with the second installment of his “Mood Swings II” trilogy, titled “Mood Swings II Part 2: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.”The new six-track EP is filled with easy, free-flowing rap which provides a glimpse into the rapper’s thoughts and personal ponde

The geek in the pink American pop singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is finding new ways to keep in touch with his Korean fan base.In commemoration of Mraz’s newest album, “Yes,” released on Wednesday, Warner Music Korea announced that Mraz has now opened up his own “Star Music Room” on the recently launched Kakao Music application, joining the rising number of Korean artists who have opened up their own music rooms.  Jason Mraz’s “Star Music Room” on Kakao Music. (Kakao Music)The application enables

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― Michelle Obama says every arts organization in the country should embrace the mission of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, which focuses on education.Six million American children attend schools with no art or music classes, she said Wednesday at the museum’s inaugural Jane Ortner Education Award Luncheon. “Arts are a way to channel ... pain and frustration into something meaningful and productive and beautiful, and every human being needs that, particularly our kids,” she sai

Queen and Adam Lambert. (9ENT)Starting to feel hot and sticky? Though the weather may make you cringe, the arrival of South Korea’s hot and humid summer signals the coming of the much-anticipated music festival season, with some big names scheduled to hit Korea next month.It may be difficult to decide which music festival to attend this year, as several world-renowned artists will perform at five different venues throughout August. So, check out which artists will come to which events, and see h

Busan rock band goes ‘dirty’ with ‘Beaches’

f(x) reaffirms funk with ‘Red Light’f(x) “Red Light”(KT Music)K-pop girl group f(x), known for their innovative and funky style, has returned with yet another album filled with unique sounds ― this time, funky as usual with an added touch of electro-pop.The group’s new 11-track studio album “Red Light” opens with an eponymous lead single featuring diverse electric sounds behind a pop melody, all embellished with a dose of hip-hop. “Red Light” begins with some ominous clock-ticking and the member

Inspired to create a dance festival under the premise of showcasing “ballet for all to enjoy,” the Korea Ballet Association is returning with the annual “K-Ballet World” two-week-long ballet extravaganza. The upcoming festival will be held on select days from Aug. 22 to Sept. 5 and will showcase various short dance programs performed by both renowned principal dancers and young, novices. It will also include productions from Korea’s top ballet companies ― Universal Ballet and the Korean National

Rocker Velvet Geena shows that the ladies can rock just as hard as the guys

Organizer confirms final lineup including Queen, Phoenix

MONTREUX, Switzerland (AFP) ― “Clap along if you know what happiness is to you,” Pharrell Williams sings and the room pulsates with clapping hands and joyous dance moves.Williams, whose ubiquitous hit “Happy” has taken the world by storm and spawned copycat dance videos around the globe, worked his magic on the audience at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland late Monday.When Williams, wearing jeans, a white T-shirt hidden behind a mass of gold chains and of course his signatory hat, wrappe

Two-day summer EDM mud festival heading to Daecheon Beach

Suisse Romande Orchestra to perform ‘Scheherazade,’ other essential works from its early days