Music Elixir

Have you ever been completely blindsided by an artist who suddenly reveals a side you never knew existed? That's exactly what happened when we dove into five different STARTO artists that took us on an unexpected musical journey.

Our exploration began with Ae! group's "Chameleon," a jazz-infused track with groovy bass lines and brass elements that had us immediately moving. From impressive guitar solos ...

The electric buzz of anticipation filled the air as we stepped into the venue, determined not to miss our chance at BE:FIRST merch. What followed was a night of pure magic as the seven-member Japanese pop group delivered an unforgettable performance in New York City.

Standing in the merchandise line, screens displaying the concert's opening let us witness the explosive start with "Mainstream" – a perfect ope...

The tectonic plates of K-pop are shifting beneath our feet, and we're here to make sense of the tremors. This episode dives into the legal drama surrounding NewJeans, who now face potential billion-won penalties for any activities conducted without their agency ADOR's approval. The Seoul Central District Court has spoken, and the implications for artist independence in the industry are profound.

Meanwhile, troubl...

After weeks of music news and concert recaps, we're finally dedicating an entire episode to what we love most—experiencing music together!
Takanori Nishikawa's "HEROES" kicks things off with powerhouse vocals and orchestral rock arrangements that immediately transport you to an epic landscape. Nishikawa delivers clear, emotionally resonant performances that leave us in awe, and we find ourselves swaying to h...

After an unexpected hiatus filled with personal challenges, Sarah and Panic are back for a jam-packed catch-up episode brimming with news, plans, and fan adventures!

The K-pop landscape is evolving rapidly as Monsta X makes a triumphant full-group return following their staggered military enlistments. We dive deep into how military service transforms idols' perspectives, noting that these mandatory breaks often become...

That musical moment when you're straining to hear a familiar tune through the din of a crowded brewery – it's a peculiar joy only music lovers understand. Miss Panic turned lunch at a popular hangout into an impromptu "Name That Song" challenge, picking out Rush's iconic drum patterns and struggling to place Bob Dylan's distinctive voice amid the chaos.

Our conversation wandered through musica...

After weeks of unexpected silence, Music Elixir returns with hosts Sarah and Panic sharing the dramatic story behind their absence. Panic's car was totaled in a hit-and-run incident following her April 12th radio show. Coming out of the studio to discover her vehicle crashed and moved from its parking spot, she was left stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. With characteristic humor, Panic jokes that perhaps the universe was ...

Summer nostalgia hits different when it comes with a side of hope for devoted J-pop fans. Sarah and Panic serve up a deliciously meandering conversation that begins with seasonal treats but evolves into something much more exciting for Arashi followers.

Remember those perfect Ben & Jerry's flavors that disappeared from freezers forever? We take a deep dive into the "Flavor Graveyard," mourning lost treas...

Ready for a musical journey through the diverse world of STARTO talent? From the heart-fluttering sweetness of Travis Japan's "Say I Do" to the intense, passionate declaration in SixTONES' "BARRIER," each track reveals a unique artistic identity worth exploring.

The episode marks a joyful return to our roots, as we've long championed these artists since our very first podcast focusing on ...

The complexities of music industry contracts take center stage as the Seoul court grants Ador's injunction against NewJeans, effectively blocking the group from independent activities under their "NJZ" rebranding. This ruling reinforces a fundamental truth about entertainment contracts—they can't simply be abandoned unilaterally. The stark contrast comes with A.C.E's amicable separation from Beat Interactiv...

Step into a musical adventure celebrating the innovative sounds of female K-pop and J-pop artists who are breaking boundaries and defying expectations. Sarah and Panic take you on a journey through unexpected genre combinations and production techniques that showcase why these groups deserve your undivided attention.

Our exploration begins with MADEIN's "SATURN," where sweet harmonies float over grinding bas...

Sarah and DJ Panic return with a music-filled ramble through the latest Asian music scene developments, kicking off with exciting venue news about the Weverse Con Festival. This massive K-pop event will transform Seoul's Inspire Entertainment Resort into a fan paradise with artists like &Team, Lee Mu Jin, and P1Harmony in a setting complete with hotels, casino, and entertainment venues – potentially creating the K-pop them...

You've caught us in our natural habitat – Sarah and Ms Panic doing what we do best: rambling about the music we love and responding to your questions! Welcome to our March 1st edition of Rants and Ramblings, where we celebrate our birthday month alongside musical favorites like Fuma, Kenty, Suga, and more who share our March-born status.

We kick things off discussing the importance of fan interaction through our feedb...

In this engaging episode of Music Elixir, we take a deep dive into the exciting shifts occurring within the K-pop landscape. Join us as we celebrate the returns of beloved idols like EXO's Kai and Monsta X members from military service while we reflect on how their comebacks will energize their groups and the industry as a whole. Our heartfelt discussions explore the challenges of maintaining group cohesion in the face of risi...

Get ready for an engaging exploration of music that spans themes of joy, and of heartbreak, and our anticipation for the upcoming concert season. We share our excitement for artists HWASA and ONE OK ROCK as we discuss our plans to see them live. The healing power of music takes center stage as we reflect on how it connects us to our emotions and experiences.

We check out new music releases, including Yamada Ryosuke's ...

What happens when Japanese culture meets the global stage? That's exactly what Hideaki Takizawa is achieving as he orchestrates the opening ceremonies of the IG Arena in Aichi, leading up to the prestigious Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. We give you a peek into his hectic schedule designed to bring the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture to audiences around the world. Also, join us as we cheer for the 88rising "Head in th...

We're all about vibrant tunes today, spotlighting electrifying singles from ALL(H)OURS, ONE CLICK STRAIGHT, Number_i and BE:FIRST. ALL(H)OURS "Graffiti" commands attention with striking rap sections and captivating vocals, perfectly blending a danceable beat with energetic vibes that keep the party going. Powerful vocals and harmonies from the group left us in awe, particularly a stand-out high note that still echoes...

Ever felt like buying concert tickets was as intense as competing in the Hunger Games? Join us as we recount our nail-biting experience trying to snag tickets for J-Hope's concert, even with a BTS ARMY membership in hand. The ticket-buying chaos was a testament to the fierce competition and eye-watering resale prices that often deter true fans. Yet, we hold onto optimism, with the ONE OK ROCK concert in Boston on the horizon, ...

We kick off with some playful musings on voice impersonations, sharing laughs over the curious and often comedic ways we mimic those close to us. It's a quirky habit many share, and we speculate on its origins while warming up to discuss the all-too-relatable struggle of leaving the sunny beaches to face a frosty welcome back home. From the instinct to hibernate during cold snaps to how our feline companions snuggle in for ext...