Head in the Clouds Los Angeles Music & Arts Festival returns to the Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on May 31 and June 1 after only having a New York event last year. Despite the time gap, the label’s appearance as an 88rising Futures showcase at last year’s Coachella Music Valley Arts and Music Festival drew attention and intrigue from festival-goers. Many have waited in anticipation for the standalone festival to return to the City of Angels.
The festival series is created by 88rising, an American record label hailed as the “Asian Coachella,” which that showcases and promotes Asian and Asian diaspora artists from around the world and has been The label have recently diversified into film, creating the highly popular film soundtrack for Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and produced a documentary film Jambojaya that debuted at the 2023 Sundance Festival.
This year’s headliner lineup marks the highly anticipated return of several prominent Korean acts known for their long career hiatuses, like G-Dragon, 2NE1, and DEAN. DPR Ian and Rich Brian are returning headliners for the festival with new-to-the-stage DJ Porter Robinson. Higher Brothers are also making their comeback at the festival after four years. The last headliner is shrouded in mystery, with the set titled “The Magic Show?!?,” reminiscent of a particular artist whose hit album was named similarly.
Rounding out the Korean acts are other Dream Perfect Regime (DPR) members DPR Artic and DPR Cream, followed by Miso, Tabber, and Youha representing South Korea alongside other artists from the Asian and the diaspora experience.
G-Dragon is a name that requires no introduction. The headliner announcement marked 88 months since he last performed in front of a live audience, on brand of the artist’s love for his favorite number, “88.” Not a stranger to the K-Pop music scene, G-Dragon had explosive success as the frontman of BIGBANG and as a solo artist, creating legendary hits like “Crooked” and “Untitled, (2014).” Although BIGBANG has not been active as a band since 2020, the group has renewed interest from both older and newer fans alike. G-Dragon, along with his bandmates Taeyang and Daesung, recently performed at 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, where their reunion was met with critical acclaim. Former member T.O.P also recently went viral for his portrayal of Thanos in the second season of Squid Game. G-Dragon’s return to Los Angeles is a long time coming, and he is expected to perform the much-awaited third studio album, Übermensch live. Festival goers can expect a charismatic and fiery performance from G-Dragon to reflect him and the group’s resilience in overcoming hardships.
Continuing this theme of epic comebacks is 2NE1, another legendary K-Pop 2nd Generation group that also made an impressive comeback recently. Made up of CL, Dara, Park Bom, and Minzy, the group first teased their reunion at Coachella in 2022, which had been dubbed “the most exciting reunion in recent memory.” 2NE1 surprised the world with their reunion last year and is currently on their Welcome Back Tour to rave reviews. They were also performing at year-end award shows to much fanfare and excitement. The audience should expect 2NE1 to challenge societal norms and embody strong femininity with legendary hits like “I Am The Best,” “I Don’t Care,” “Ugly,” and “Can’t Nobody.” The members also have some solo hits like Dara’s cheeky “Kiss” and CL’s headstrong “Hello Bitches” that could be performed to highlight 2NE1’s strengths of being individually strong and charismatic on their own.
The hip-hop collective Dream Perfect Regime (DPR), made up of DPR Ian, DPR Artic, and DPR Cream, are no strangers to performing at festivals in Korea and Asia. DPR Ian has previously headlined with DPR Live at Head in the Clouds New York 2023 in an all-black ensemble, creating memorable moments at the rainy festival. Fans can anticipate Ian to perform the viral hit, “Don’t Go Insane” or have another flirtatious performance of “No Blueberries” with CL. DPR Cream has been honing his craft from being a producer turned singer, releasing a dreamy first studio album, Psyche: Red, to raving reviews. DPR Artic, also known for his producing work and his DJ mixes at well-established clubs like Cakeshop in Itaewon, will be collaborating with DPR Cream on the Head in the Clouds stage. It wouldn’t be far off to speculate that all three will perform some songs with each other, and that would be a pure treat to witness.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Korean R&B darling DEAN is also on the roster for the annual 88rising summer festival. This will mark DEAN’s first U.S. appearance in six years – he previously captivated international music fans from debut, performing at SXSW in Austin, TX, and KCON LA 2016. Known for his high-profile collaborations with ZICO, Crush, and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, DEAN’s discography and distinct vocals are hard to miss. Although he was perceived to be inactive by many fans due to the lack of album releases, DEAN recently wrapped up an Asia tour with Tabber and still appears as a feature for other artists under his independent label, you.will.knovv. His warm and soulful voice and emotional hard-hitting songs will be a definite crowd favorite.
Also new to the Head in the Clouds crowd is Tabber, who will be taking on the festival stage to deliver more R&B goodness. Debuting in 2020 with Deep End Mix Tape, Tabber has gained popularity amongst Korean hip-hop and R&B fans with hits like “007” and “Chi-Ka.” He previously co-headlined a U.S. tour with Miso and Rad Museum last year and toured throughout Asia with DEAN. Tabber’s charismatic and energetic performances will match well with the Pasadena summer heat. With Tabber and his other labelmates in the lineup, fans are waiting with anticipation to see if he and DEAN will perform “Honey!” or “1 Missed Call.”
Rounding out the you.will.knovv trio is Miso, another R&B artist known for her smooth and sensual vocals and musicality. She is also from the same label, collaborating heavily with her labelmates. She was featured on Epik High’s 10th studio album, Epik High Is Here, and has hits like “Take Me” and “Alone.” Her laid-back performance style will cool and relax the festival crowd into the summer night.
Making her first U.S. debut at Head in the Clouds, Youha has been active as a K-Pop artist since 2020, beginning her trainee days at YG Entertainment. She has a prolific and impressive list of songwriting and producing credits for LOONA, Kep1er, TripleS, and STAYC. Her versatility is evident, ranging from a girl-crush single, “ICE T” and the sultry and sensual “Last Dance.” Youha dropped her first 88rising collaboration with Warren Hue on February 20, titled “Body.” Fans can look forward to a riveting live performance of the single during the festivities.
Head in the Clouds Los Angeles will take place on May 31 and June 1 at the Brookside at the Rose Bowl. VIP and the newly introduced 1999 Club passes are sold out, but General Admission 2-Day passes are still available for purchase. Food will also highlight Asian cuisine, led by MAMA’S NIGHTMARKET. Fans can find additional information regarding ticket prices and tiers here.