Head in the Clouds Los Angeles Music & Arts Festival Day 2 was much cooler with cloudy skies – a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat the day before. By the end of the day, the festival was packed for the headliners despite having fewer attendees earlier. An assortment of food and drink was still plenty for people to replenish themselves, and festivalgoers had fun taking selfies and Polaroid pictures to commemorate their time at Head in the Clouds. After an electrifying night featuring DEAN and G-Dragon as headliners, anticipation was high for Day 2. Korean artists YY, Youha, DPR CREAM & DPR ARTIC, DPR IAN, and 2NE1, showcased the depth and versatility of Korean music. It was expected to be a blast. And it was.
YY & YOUHA
The 88rising main stage kicked off with YY and Youha. YY waved hello as she entered, dressed in a simple black and white shirt with black khaki pants. She began with “laundry,” a song that was released in February of this year.
Right after, she introduced herself cheerfully to the crowd.
“It’s such an honor to stand on this stage,” she exclaimed before getting into “slower,” which “would hit different.” The song was a hip-hop-infused pop tune that showcased YY’s rapping. YY kept the energy going with a new unreleased R&B track, drawing head bops from the festivalgoers.
Next was Youha, who performed a range of unreleased tracks spanning genres like hip-hop, trap, and pop ballads. Youha excitedly jumped around and interacted with the crowd. The audience had a great time, screaming and dancing along with her. Her coy and sensual personality shone through, and her charisma charmed the crowd.
“Honestly, today is a new chapter in my life. It’s a meaningful day to me,” Youha stated, alluding to her brand new image as she departed from her pop idol image from prior years.
She kept the crowd hooked, instructing them to say, “Daddy, call me” during “keroppi,” and later amped up the energy by taking her shirt off to a roar of cheers. She also gave water to a fan during her water break, a small gesture that highlighted her connection to the audience.
Youha continued with the unreleased songs, including “Honey Cake,” a Korean ballad track, and a more upbeat EDM-inspired track. Despite the unfamiliar songs, the audience had a blast. Youha enraptured the audience, encouraging them to scream and making full use of the entire stage. Her previous idol training at YG Entertainment shone through in the performance due to how comfortable she was on stage. It wouldn’t be a surprise if many left as new fans.
She stopped herself as she said goodbye, saying, “But I’m not ready to go home yet.” Youha invited YY back on stage to perform their collaboration, “skippy.” They heated up the stage, dancing sensually and interacting with the audience. The two thanked the crowd once more before heading backstage to calls for an encore.
DPR CREAM & DPR ARTIC
Dream Perfect Regime, otherwise known as DPR, is a multi-genre Korean musical collective well-represented at Head in the Clouds, with almost all members performing this year in some capacity.
Singer DPR CREAM and producer/DJ DPR ARTIC took the Double Happiness stage decked in techwear. They began the set with “Jealous,” “Drift,” and “XO” from their recently released EP, No Drugs. The upbeat EDM tracks contrasted with DPR Cream’s autotuned vocals were a cool way to chill down from the summer heat.
The duo continued into “darling” and “i miss you (too bad)” from DPR CREAM’s first studio album, psyche: red. The psychedelic and alternative sounds were a delight to the ears as festivalgoers stopped to watch the rest of the set. The size of the crowd grew larger by the minute, and soon, a substantial number of people cheered for them mid-set. Amongst the crowd was DPR IAN, who was spotted backstage in an orange cap bopping his head to the music.
“It’s hot in here. You guys are crazy!” DPR CREAM exclaimed as the duo got into “Dirty,” another track from their collaborative album. DREAMers (DPR’s fandom name) were spotted chanting, “Hey, hey, hey” to the beat of the song and dancing alongside the barricades.
When DPR CREAM took a water break, DPR ARTIC continued spinning with “Escape,” a melodic EDM track which ignited the audience’s energy. It seamlessly went into “Jangmi,” another psychedelic electronic track. The set ended with a remix of the collective’s “Do or Die” before the crowd began migrating to the main stage for the next DPR member to perform.
DPR IAN
Korean-Australian singer DPR IAN is no stranger to Head in the Clouds. This year’s performance marked his third year performing at the festival. The main stage was filled to the brim with DREAMers waiting for their favorite artist to come out.
Backup dancers in black and sunglasses opened the show before DPR IAN appeared in all leather. Dancers surrounded him, performing intricate choreography. He played a bass guitar solo that vibrated throughout the festival grounds. The intro was dramatic and grand, and DPR IAN immediately went into “Welcome to the Other Side,” complete with another guitar solo and pyrotechnics.
After a short guitar intro, he began singing “Don’t Go Insane,” a song that went viral on TikTok for sexy belt choreography. It was then that DPR IAN put his guitar down to bust out some moves, twirling and lifting his leather jacket off of his shoulders to bare his chest. At the viral moment of the song, he exhibited several hip thrusts with DREAMers “going insane,” showcasing his sensuality. The dancing continued with the appropriately titled “So I Danced,” which featured him mostly on the extended stage with his backup dancers.
As he finished the song, barking erupted throughout the pit. DPR IAN grinned and chuckled at the response. He stopped for a moment to introduce himself, as well as to be attentive to DREAMers, ensuring they were well hydrated and had enough space to dance around.
Keeping the momentum, DPR IAN brought out two of his backup dancers, Josh and Kylie, to the extended stage. A band member played a Spanish guitar while the two executed a salsa dance complete with flips and spins. It was cinematic, on brand for DPR IAN to begin “So Beautiful” with. The song was equal parts romantic and dramatic. He spent a bit of time highlighting his female dancers, who each had a solo part during the song’s bridge.
He continued into “Mood” where he took off his leather jacket and generated ear-splitting screams from the audience. DPR IAN’s high ad-libs and shouts complemented the next song, “Dope Lovers.” With a wink and a smirk, he turned up the charm, earning many swoons.
DPR IAN continued the teasing during the groovy “Calico” as he hip-thrusted, causing DREAMers to scream at the top of their lungs. His guitarist joined him on the extended stage. The song ended with an impressive riff and even more applause.
“This is a special one. I usually don’t do this one,” he said, introducing “Limbo,” a darker, more haunting departure from his sound. The instrumentals and DPR IAN’s voice paired well, culminating in a heart-racing dubstep drop.
“Come on, are we having a good time tonight or what?” he checked in with the audience. “Fuck it, let go, ladies and gentlemen. You deserve this break.”
As he transitioned into “Avalon,” he took a DREAMer’s hand to serenade them, leaving them speechless. He grinned widely, returning to the main stage to continue with his ad-libs.
For the next song, “Nerves,” he dedicated the track to those who were “going through a heartbreak or just going through it.” The lyrics depict someone who recently broke up with their partner, trying to tell themselves that they’re doing fine. DPR IAN’s harmonizations at the climax delighted, and his heartwrenching vocals amplified the themes of the song.
He then ended his set with a guitar introduction to a fan-favorite, “Ballroom Extravaganza.” The emo rock song resonated well with the audience as DREAMers danced along to the anthem, giving listeners a sense of catharsis. It was a perfect way to end the set, and as he said goodbye, he exclaimed, “Welcome to fucking Head in the Clouds!”
DPR IAN extended the conclusion with pyrotechnics and a musical outro courtesy of his band, ending the set by heading offstage with one of the stage cameras on him. He waved goodbye at the camera before the announcer presented the next artist in the lineup. The stage was a great way to cool down as the sun set and festivalgoers waited for the final Korean act of the night.
2NE1
Rounding out at the 88rising main stage was another headliner, 2NE1, a trendsetting veteran K-Pop girl group. Consisting of CL, Dara, Minzy, and Park Bom, the second-generation girl group broke barriers in their prime by redefining what womanhood could look like for teens and young women through their music and performances. The group made a surprise reunion recently and embarked on a comeback tour. Unfortunately, Bom was unable to participate due to “personal circumstances,” but the reunion was still much anticipated by festivalgoers.
The set began with Bom’s acapella part in “Come Back Home.” It echoed throughout the festival grounds, amping up the audience. The crowd and music went silent until the screen displayed the words “2NE1” on the screen, stirring the crowd into a frenzy.
The set began with “Fire,” 2NE1’s bombastic debut track, as the group emerged all wearing coordinating brown and black leather outfits. Festivalgoers went insane, doing the “Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh, 2NE1” choreography in their spots. Bom was not forgotten, with CL commanding the audience to “Sing it for Park Bom!” Blackjacks, as their fans are called, obliged, making sure that her presence was still heard loud and clear. Minzy performed her signature freestyle dances with much fanfare, transporting longtime fans back to when the song was first released.
The group seamlessly flowed into “Clap Your Hands” from their first full album, To Anyone. The song highlighted Dara’s spicy and coquettish personality as she flirted with Blackjacks through her hip rolls during the bridge.
Next up was “Can’t Nobody,” which showcased 2NE1’s signature electronic sound that defined the 2010s. Minzy executed a cartwheel, dropped to her knees, and snapped into a fierce hair toss, a definite highlight for the Blackjacks at the barricade who saw it up close. The group’s adrenaline-fueled energy carried through to the very end. The members were performing with the level of expertise of a veteran group of nearly 20 years.
The members took a break to introduce themselves both individually and with their well-known mantra, “What’s up, we 2NE1!” However, it wasn’t the time to talk sentimentally. 2NE1 immediately went into their reggae-inspired hit, “Falling in Love.” CL’s raps were charismatic as she shouted the lyrics with confidence and power.
The throwbacks continued with “I Don’t Care,” another R&B and reggae track that won several accolades, including the 2009 best-selling single by Bugs!, a Korean music streaming service. The lyrics portrayed the process of regaining confidence after breaking up with their toxic lover. The track stirred memories for longtime fans who first heard it in high school, adding to the night’s nostalgic energy. The refreshing attitude of the song was perfect to sing along to as the cool, crisp night air blew through the festival.
The temperature rose again during CL’s solo stage as it filled with black flags bearing her insignia. She emerged through the flags wearing a leather jacket with the hood on before taking it off slowly to perform “The Baddest Female” and “MTBD.” CL’s sensual charm was obvious throughout her stage: she peeled off her jacket and kneeled in front of the audience as if in prayer during the pre-chorus. She ended her solo stage lying on the ground after swinging her body left and right ferociously to the beat of the music.
After the magnetic performance, CL stood up with a smile and introduced the group’s next song, “Lonely.” She encouraged people to sing along if they knew it, and of course, many knew the song word for word. The ballad stirred deep emotions, reminding festivalgoers of their moments of vulnerability — a feeling amplified by the group’s soaring vocals.
“You know sometimes…sometimes…you feel a little ugly,” CL said, leading to an eruption of cheers for the next song. “But I just gotta say…that’s always okay. Just gotta be you.”
She began to sing the beginning of “Ugly,” a rock ballad that moved nearly everyone to tears. It was surely a powerful moment and a long-lasting memory for all the Blackjacks in attendance. The ballads continued with “Gotta Be You,” a trap-inspired ballad from their second full album, Crush.
The group took another break to give their thanks and appreciation to the crowd, with CL promising to return to LA with all four members. “It ain’t over until it’s over,” CL exclaimed, making sure people were hyped for their next song.
The beginning notes of “I Am The Best” were met with the festivalgoers losing their minds, singing back “Naega jeil jal naga!” [I am the best!] in Korean, back to the members. It was another hit that hyped up the audience and got them to sing word for word and dance along to the choreography. It illustrated a perfect synergy between the group and Blackjacks.
The set ended with “Go Away” as the members made their way to the extended stage to take one last look at the crowd of 40,000 people. Blackjacks didn’t stop singing, screaming “You ain’t shit without your crew!” when CL pointed the mic back at them.
With only the “88RISING 10 YEAR MAGIC SHOW FINALE?!” left, festivalgoers waited with anticipation, remembering the last-minute cancellation of the finale of Head In the Clouds New York 2024 that left many frustrated.
After 2NE1’s set, attendees waited eagerly for the grand finale, vaguely titled, “88RISING 10 YEAR MAGIC SHOW FINALE!?!” on the lineup marquee. With little information available, many were uncertain about who would take the stage next. As festivalgoers began leaving for the night, the atmosphere grew awkward.
Finally, no na, the Indonesian girl group that smashed all expectations on Day 1, came onstage to perform “shoot” and “superstitious.” While the members maintained the audience’s attention with their honey-sweet vocals and spectacular dance moves, many in the crowd were still confused about what exactly the finale would entail. Some thought that the set would be a surprise performance by Jackson Wang since the finale’s title was reminiscent of his “Magic Man” musical persona. Conversations among the audience contained questions of who else would be part of the finale and comments that no na’s appearance was not what they expected.
After no na’s performance, yung kai came out to perform “Blue” and “where the sunlight glows” with sunkis, cooling off the heat from the weekend with their slow and chill songs.
Next came special guest KUN, who stunned the crowd with his jazzy voice with “Deadman.” His falsettos were impressive, encouraging festival-goer couples to slow dance throughout. He also sang an unreleased track, and his vocals were appreciated by the audience with nods and applause.
The next featured artists were Higher Brothers, who performed “Chanel” and “Empire” to a roaring crowd. Their reunion was well-received earlier in the day, and the crowd was bobbing their heads and lightsticks along to the music. As the group went backstage, red graphics splashed on the screen to read, “Magic Man 2,” revealing their next guest: Jackson Wang.
Jackson rapped his first verse of “GBAD” from his upcoming album backstage before heading towards the main stage. A huge group of people, including many artists and influencers who were friends with Jackson, came out to throw red dad hats emblazoned with “GBAD” toward the crowds. As Jackson’s crew headed back to the main stage, seven different artists performed their verses from their respective “GBAD” official remixes, including J-Pop group Number_i, Twitch streamer Jason The Ween, MILLI, and Youha. Jackson also performed “Buck” for the first time.
Towards the end of the set, the rest of the 88rising’s roster emerged to sing “California.” Rich Brian dedicated “Midsummer Madness” to August 08, a rapper under 88rising who tragically passed away in 2023. He brought out August 08’s family to sing along to the track. It was an emotional moment, especially for longtime 88rising fans, and some audience members were seen tearfully singing along to what is considered one of the label’s most iconic songs. The words “Always Rising” were shown on the LED screen, showcasing the Asian excellence 88rising has always strived for.
“Seeing you guys today reminds us why we started in the first place,” 88rising co-founder Sean Miyashiro stated in his final remarks to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the label. “88rising forever, bitch!”
And with the crowd screaming at the top of their lungs to wave goodbye to their 88rising favorites, Head in the Clouds Los Angeles came to an end, a fitting finale for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM). The next event, Head in the Clouds New York 2025 will take place on September 20, at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn. Presale began on June 20th with GA prices starting at $99 and VIP starting at $149. You can grab tickets here.