Shawn Mendes has come a long way since covering songs on YouTube as a teen. From releasing hit after hit—"Treat You Better," "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," "In My Blood," to name a few—to performing with Justin Timberlake, the singer/songwriter has continued to evolve as an artist and shown the world his talent as a singer and guitarist. The pop sensation stopped by the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles for an intimate conversation and performance, but before that he spoke with the Recording Academy about who he'd love to sing with next, how he prefers to connect with his fans and what he misses about the early days of his career.

"I miss the days that I would like sit for hours practicing someone else's song," he said. "Now, I sit for hours practicing my own songs, but there was something about taking someone else's song and making it your own"

He also opened up about why he chose to address the subject of anxiety in his music, as he did with "In My Blood." It's important "to cover something that is authentic to you and real and true, and authentic and what you are going through," he said about writing the song.

Watch the video above to learn how Medes stays energized on the road, why he picked up the guitar and more.

READ: Ella Mai On "Boo'd Up," Her Dream Collab, Lauryn Hill & More

As the leaves begin to turn and the evenings draw in, the GRAMMY Museum is preparing to host an exciting lineup of in-person events this September in downtown Los Angeles and New York City. 

Featuring a diverse array of artists from Big Sean to Steve Aoki, the Museum offers fans unparalleled access to intimate discussions and performances. Whether you're a fan of indie vibes, soulful melodies, or the pulsating rhythms of global pop, there's something for everyone in this season's programming.

Check out the comprehensive list of must-attend GRAMMY Museum public programs for September 2024:

A Conversation With Big Sean

August 30, 2024 at 6 p.m.

L.A.

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While not actually in September, Big Sean kicks off the fall season in a big way. The legendary rapper joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening of conversation discussing his latest album, Better Me Than You, his creative process, and more. 

Spotlight: Faye Webster

Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.
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Join Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Faye Webster as she discusses her latest album and creative journey in an intimate setting.

Global Spin Live: I.M

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Dive into the world of K-pop with I.M, the lead rapper of Monsta X, as he discusses his solo career trajectory and upcoming music, capped off with a live performance.

Read more: Monsta X On Why They Are 'One Of A Kind,' Staying Creative And Being "Tough On The Outside And Soft On The Inside"

The Drop: Lainey Wilson

September 5, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join country music great Lainey Wilson at the Museum’s 300-seat Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening of conversation celebrating her career, latest project, WHIRLWIND, and more, with a performance to follow. 

Read more: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Lainey Wilson On How Her Stardom Is A Testament To "Believin' And Receivin'"

A New York Evening With Ingrid Michaelson

September 5, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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The GRAMMY Museum and 92NY are thrilled to host Ingrid Michaelson for an intimate conversation about her album, For the Dreamers, composing music for The Notebook, her creative process, and more, followed by a performance.

A New York Evening with Tierra Whack

September 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Join Tierra Whack at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, NY to celebrate her debut project, Whack World, with a discussion about her creative process behind the release, her career, and more, with a special performance to follow. 

Read more: The Recording Academy Philly Chapter Celebrates 30 Years With An Inaugural Block Party & Fireside Chat With Tierra Whack

An Evening With Kate Hudson

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Actress and singer Kate Hudson will share insights into her musical expression showcased in her latest album Glorious, followed by a performance.

Read more: Kate Hudson Is A Singer Now — And She Doesn't Care What You Think

An Evening With Sleater-Kinney 

(Moderated by Molly Neuman)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A. 

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Celebrate 30 years of Sleater-Kinney as they discuss their enduring influence, latest music, and personal trials, accompanied by a live performance.

Read more: On 'Little Rope,' Sleater-Kinney Still Wear Their Hearts On Their Sleeves

A New York Evening with Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes

September 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Join Chris and Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, NY to celebrate their 10th studio album, Happiness Bastards, with a discussion about their careers, their creative process behind the project, and more, and a special performance to follow. 

A Conversation With Don Toliver

(moderated by Charlie Wilson) 

September 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join Don Toliver and Sickamore to the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening of discussion about Don Toliver’s album, HARDSTONE PSYCHO, their collaboration, careers, and creative process. The conversation will be moderated by R&B Icon and 13 time GRAMMY Nominee Charlie Wilson. 

A New York Evening With Hermanos Gutiérrez

September 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Join Hermanos Gutiérrez at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, NY celebrating their latest album, Sonido Cósmico, with a discussion moderated by WNYC’s John Schaefer about their creative process, career, and more, with a special performance to follow. 

Spotlight: John Summit

(Moderated by Jason Bentley, KCRW / Metropolis) 

September 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join John Summit at the Museum’s 300-seat Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing and celebrating his debut album, Comfort In Chaos, and his creative process and career, with a performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.  

Read more: Finding 'Comfort In Chaos': John Summit On The Journey To His Debut Album

Sensory Friendly Saturdays

September 14, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

L.A.

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Experience Sensory Friendly Saturday on the second Saturday of every month. Families can enjoy our space with less crowding, quieter sound levels and lower lighting on the second Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Guests can purchase tickets when they arrive at the Museum or they can purchase online for the applicable Saturday.

The Drop: Orville Peck

September 17, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join Orville Peck at the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his latest and third studio album, Stampede, his creative process, and more, with a special performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.  

Read more: Orville Peck's Road To 'Stampede': How The Masked Cowboy Became Country Music's Most Intriguing Anti-Hero

Spotlight: The Marías

(Moderated by Suzy Exposito)

September 18, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join GRAMMY-nominated group The Marías to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing their latest album, Submarine, their multiple GRAMMY Award-nominations, their creative process, and more, with a special performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.  

Read more: The Marías Plunge Into The Depths On 'Submarine': How The Band Found Courage In Collective Pain

Spotlight: WILLOW

September 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

L.A.

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Join WILLOW at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her latest release, empathogen, her rising career, and creative process, with a performance to follow.

Read more: Willow Embraces Herself On 'COPINGMECHANISM': How The New Album Encouraged Her To "Be More Vulnerable Than I've Ever Been"

An Evening With Steve Aoki

September 23, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join two-time GRAMMY nominee Steve Aoki at the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his latest album, Paragon, creative process, and more, with a special performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to see some of Steve’s most important artifacts, on display for one night only, such as his original DJ laptop and more!  

Read more: On 'Paragon,' Steve Aoki Keeps Pushing: "This Is By Far The Most Innovative Dance Album I've Ever Done"

A New York Evening With RAYE

September 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Join RAYE at The Loreto Theater at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture in New York City celebrating her latest work, “Genesis”, with a discussion about her rising career, her creative process behind the project, and more, plus a special performance to follow. 

Watch: Watch RAYE Open Up About Her Prized Songwriting Notebook | It Goes To 11

Reel To Reel: Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex

September 26, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

L.A.

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Enjoy a special screening of Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex in the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater with a post-screening panel discussion featuring Marc Bolan’s partner and musical collaborator Gloria Jones, his son Rolan Bolan, director Ethan Silverman, recording engineer Marc Urselli, and musician/author Richard Barone to talk about the creative process behind the film. Following the screening, there will be an acoustic performance featuring Barone and Rolan Bolan to close the evening.

SUNDAY BRUNCH with Ben Platt

September 29, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Join the GRAMMY Museum for Sunday Brunch With…, a fundraising event series in support of our GRAMMY In The Schools education programs. 

The Museum is thrilled to team up with the incredible Ben Platt and the renowned VERSE LA, located in Toluca Lake, for an afternoon of great music and food. Guests will dine on a delicious 3-course brunch while enjoying live music performed by GRAMMY In The Schools education program alumni. Following the meal, guests will be treated to a rare, up close, and personal 45-minute performance from GRAMMY, Tony, and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt to close out the afternoon.

Read more: Inside Ben Platt's 'Honeymind': How Queer Love, Live Performance & More Led To His Most Authentic Album Yet

For more details and to secure tickets to these events, visit the GRAMMY Museum website. We look forward to welcoming you to these inspiring sessions!

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy has announced a series of exhibits for 2024 at the Paley Museum in New York City, the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, and the Gary Nader Art Centre in Miami.

"For 25 years we have had the immense privilege of celebrating excellence in Latin music, accompanying our music creators in their successes worldwide. These exhibits are a magnificent opportunity to bring the magic of the Latin GRAMMYs to the public," said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy. "We invite all music lovers to join us in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami to enjoy these exhibits, which are filled with unforgettable moments and important achievements that have marked our history."

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, will air live from the Kaseya Center in Miami on Thursday, Nov. 14. The three-hour telecast, produced by TelevisaUnivision, the world's leading Spanish-language media and content company, will broadcast live on Univision, Galavisión, and ViX on Thursday Nov. 14, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT), with a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT. This year’s nominees will be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

This year, the Latin GRAMMYs will debut a new Field and two new Categories: Best Latin Electronic Music Performance, housed within the new Electronic Music Field, and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album (Regional-Mexican Field). Ahead of the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy will host the official Latin GRAMMY Week 2024, which includes multiple events throughout Miami-Dade County including the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors 18-time Latin GRAMMY winner and two-time GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives.

Learn more about the new Latin Recording Academy exhibits taking place in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami below:

The Paley Museum, New York City

Sept. 13 - Nov. 3

The Latin GRAMMYs kick-off exhibit at the Paley Museum showcases the remarkable 25-year history of Latin music, celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry that has shaped the awards show into a global phenomenon. Visitors can explore priceless artifacts, glamorous costumes, and iconic instruments from music superstars like Ricky Martin, Rosalía, Carlos Santana, and Shakira — all Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winners — as well as celebrated New Yorkers such as Celia Cruz and Rúben Blades, whose influence has left an indelible mark on the music world. The exhibit will highlight some of the most unforgettable moments from the Latin GRAMMY Awards telecast, trace the show’s incredible evolution, and demonstrate why Latin music has become an essential part of our culture.

"It is a tremendous honor to partner with the Latin Recording Academy and to have the privilege of hosting this historic 25th anniversary celebration of the Latin GRAMMY Awards at the Paley Center," said Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media. "This must-see exhibit will honor the indelible impact of Latin music and its visionary artists, whose innovative rhythms, poignant lyrics, and extraordinary contributions have redefined the global musical landscape and have had a profound impact not only on music but on entertainment and culture worldwide."

GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles 

Sept. 19 - Dec. 18 

Hosted on the 2nd floor of the GRAMMY Museum as part of its permanent Latin Music Gallery, this exhibit will enhance the museum's extensive Latin aisle by featuring artifacts from global Latin superstars like Shakira, Carlos Santana, Karol G, and Rosalía, among others. The exhibit will explore the last 25 years of Latin GRAMMY history and the diverse musical genres and cultures that have graced its stage. 

At its core, the exhibit underscores how Latin music has evolved into a powerful commercial force in the international music landscape over the past quarter-century, with the Latin GRAMMYs playing a pivotal role in its global rise. The exhibit will also explore the history of the institution and its most significant moments, highlighting Latin music's creative complexity and enduring cultural impact.

"The Latin GRAMMYs have undeniably established themselves as a cultural landmark and a powerful influence in global music over the past 25 years," said Michael Sticka, President and CEO of the GRAMMY Museum. "This fall, we eagerly anticipate commemorating more than two decades of musical excellence, memorable highlights, and extraordinary moments from the Latin GRAMMYs at the GRAMMY Museum."

Gary Nader Art Centre, Miami

Sept. 26 - Dec. 20

Miami will host a first-of-its-kind collection of 25 years of Latin GRAMMY official art, featuring original paintings by renowned artists including Romero Britto, Walter Goldfarb, Michael V. Rios — who also designed the cover of Carlos Santana’s multi-GRAMMY-winning album Supernatural —and Patssi Valdez, among others. From mixed media to collage, murals and oil paintings, the collection includes renowned visual artists from several countries. In  addition,Brazilian muralist Aline Bispo, the official artist for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, will unveil a new piece to inaugurate the festivities. 

"It is a profound honor to host the art exhibition commemorating the Latin GRAMMYs at our gallery in Miami. This city, with its vibrant culture and deep Latin roots, is the perfect setting to celebrate the rich heritage and artistic achievements of Latin music. We are thrilled to bring together art and music in such a dynamic fashion, highlighting the synergy between these two powerful expressions of creativity," said Gary Nader, founder of the Gary Nader Art Centre.

As August temperatures remain hot, so does the new music. With fresh tracks spanning all genres from dance to rap, there's plenty to explore this New Music Friday.

Check out albums like NIKI's Buzz, Logic's Ultra 85, and Little Big Town's Greatest Hits, as well as first tastes of forthcoming projects from Kelsea Ballerini, Katy Perry and Leon Bridges. Plus, there's plenty more new songs from the likes of The Kid LAROI and beabadoobee, as well as thrilling collabs from ATEEZ and G-Eazy, and J Balvin and Feid.

No matter what genre you gravitate towards, there's something new to discover. Be sure to check out these 10 musical offerings before you kick off your weekend.

Just hours before New Music Friday hit, Shawn Mendes celebrated his 26th birthday with a gift to his fans: not one, but two new songs.

The first taste of his upcoming fifth studio album, Shawn, the two tracks — "Why, Why, Why" and "Isn't That Enough" — present a folkier side of Mendes' musicality, leaning into the acoustic sound of his early music but with an indie flair. Mendes also released the official video for "Why Why Why," which sees shots of the singer playing his guitar in nature transposed with footage of him performing on stage.

In celebration of the release, Mendes played an intimate show at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York, performing Shawn in its entirety two full months before its Oct. 18 arrival. He'll play five more full-album shows: London, U.K. on Aug. 13, Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 14, Brooklyn, New York on Oct. 18, Los Angeles on Oct. 22, and Seattle on Oct. 24.

After scoring hits with Clean Bandit and David Guetta respectively, Anne-Marie brings them both together for another vibrant, upbeat electronic anthem. "Cry Baby" takes inspiration from early 2010s dance music, reminiscent of the era when the genre dominated the airwaves.

Featuring a haunting whistle hook and Anne-Marie's powerful vocals layered over pulsing instrumentals from the dance giants, "Cry Baby" is a powerhouse collaboration showcasing some of the best talents in electronic music.

Three years after 2021's Hall of Fame, Polo G is back with his fourth studio album, Hood Poet. The album was shelved for over a year due to outstanding circumstances, but it's finally here, and rap fans couldn't be more hyped.

The four singles that teased the project include "Barely Holdin' On," "Distraction," "Angels In The Sky," and "We Uh Shoot," featuring Lil Durk. These tracks feature a range of instrumental backgrounds, from soft piano layers to thumping beats, all showcasing Polo G's powerful and passionate vocal lines. 

Although the wait was long it was no doubt worth it, as the tracks on Hood Poet represent some of Polo G's finest work, from the refined production to his evocative, creative storytelling.

Continuing to tease songs from her forthcoming seventh studio album, 143, Katy Perry delivers her latest dance-pop track, "Lifetimes." The song is a lively, upbeat anthem representing unconditional love.

On Instagram, Perry posted a photo with her partner, Orlando Bloom, using a filter that aged her 50 years, with the track playing in the background. However, Perry recently revealed to The Sun that the song is actually about her 3-year-old daughter, Daisy – a sweet ode to the unmatched feeling of maternal love.

"Every night, before we go to sleep, I say, 'I love you', and then I ask, 'Will you find me in every lifetime?' and she says, 'Yes'," Perry revealed.

Two months after ATEEZ released their 10th mini album, GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1, the K-pop group is still breathing new life into the project's single "WORK" — this time, with the help of G-Eazy. Titled "WORK Pt. 4," the song's latest version features some steamy lines from G-Eazy on the second verse, bringing a risqué edge to the punchy rap-pop track.

"WORK Pt. 4" follows two electronic reimaginings of "WORK," as "Pt. 2" featured a remix by Dutch producer Don Diablo and "Pt. 3" was reworked by ATEEZ's production team, Eden-ary. While "WORK Pt. 4" is the closest to the bumping original, a press release teased that the newest version "reflects the ever-challenging spirit of ATEEZ."

Following the 70th anniversary of Elvis Presley's debut single, "That's All Right," RCA Records and Legacy Recordings have released a sprawling 111-track box set, MEMPHIS. The career-spanning collection features recordings from his earliest sessions at Sun Studios through his final works from the Jungle Room in Presley's Graceland home.

Aside from the Sun Studios recordings, all of the tracks were newly mixed by four-time GRAMMY winner Matt Ross-Spang, who removed all of the overdubs to highlight Presley's original vocal recordings. MEMPHIS offers a new perspective on the King of Rock and Roll, providing a clear listening experience that further immortalizes his one-of-a-kind vocal prowess.

With their 26th studio album, Flight b741, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard dive into a classic blues-rock sound, a departure from their usual psychedelic, experimental garage rock style.

The album features the Australian band's admirable response to current world issues, such as climate change, set against music that embraces the spirit of traditional rock. The concept focuses on how the music translates during their live performances.

Just after the album's release, the band will embark on a massive world tour, beginning Aug. 15 in Washington, D.C., and concluding at the end of November in Miami. The tour includes four shows billed as "marathon sets," where King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will perform for three hours each night.

GRAMMY-nominated rapper Latto pays homage to her Southern hip-hop roots on her fittingly third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea. The LP boasts an impressive list of collaborators, including Playboi Carti, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, and Cardi B.

Latto told Billboard that after a decade in the rap game, she feels she's already proven herself. Now, she is returning to her roots and making music that speaks to her, regardless of whether she receives additional flowers for it or not.

"I feel like what I'm doing has not been done before, so let's start there. [Aesthetically], I've been pulling from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Lil' Kim. [Musically], I've been pulling from Kelis, but obviously with a Southern hip-hop twist," Latto says. "They have very feminine energy, but masculine in the sense of confidence."

Embracing both sides of his Mexican and American cultural identity, 20-year-old DannyLux blends elements of Western house music with his tender Spanish lyricism on "Soltera."

Produced by Mexican-American producer 8onthebeat, the track is a fast-paced earworm perfect for hitting the dance floor. In the music video, DannyLux dances around different rooms of a house and singing along — setting the example for what listeners are bound to do once they press play.

LA LOM — 'The Los Angeles League of Musicians'

If you haven't heard of LA LOM yet, prepare for that to change. The Los Angeles-native trio is on the rise, earning an opening slot for Vampire Weekend earlier this year; now, they are unveil their debut album, The Los Angeles League of Musicians.

The project is a guitar-focused masterpiece, drawing inspiration from traditional Peruvian cumbia music. Featuring a diverse range of tracks, listening to The Los Angeles League of Musicians offers a unique sonic experience. The album takes listeners on a journey from laid-back, lo-fi tunes to uptempo dance tracks, perfect for a get-together with loved ones or a night out on the dance floor at your favorite hole-in-the-wall venue — a perfect weekend soundtrack.

In 2005, South Korean producer and songwriter Bang Si-Hyuk (aka "hitman" Bang) founded Bit Hit Entertainment. Only eight years later, he finished assembling what would come to be the label’s groundbreaking boy group, BTS. The rest is history, now chronicled in "HYBE: We Believe In Music," the first full-floor K-pop exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum, which runs through Sept. 15.

Following the success of Bit Hit’s premier act, and that of other artists under acquired labels SOURCE MUSIC and PLEDIS Entertainment, the company eventually evolved to become HYBE in 2021. "I think HYBE is very special in that they have gone beyond being just a K-pop company," says Kelsey Goelz, curator of the exhibit. "They have many different sub labels. They’ve come to America and gotten involved in the music business here, and then they’re also working in AI and gaming."

But beyond its global presence, one of K-pop’s ever-captivating elements is the sheer amount of blood, sweat, and tears that goes into making it possible, even when HYBE artists like ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, and LE SSERAFIM make it look easy. There’s a core humanity to this work ethic and dogged tenacity — to the level of artistry in general — that speaks to K-pop fans around the world.

While HYBE’s growth shows no signs of slowing down yet, the GRAMMY Museum exhibit takes a look back on the entertainment company’s legacy thus far. Read on for the five things we learned from the "HYBE: We Believe In Music" exhibit.

All photos Courtesy of the Recording Academy™️/photo by Rebecca Sapp, Getty Images© 2024.

In A Decade, BTS Built Themselves Into A Global Phenomenon

Let’s start with a history lesson: despite being around for almost a decade, HYBE’s story begins in earnest with the formation of one of K-pop’s breakthrough acts, BTS, in 2013. (At that point, the company was still a standalone label.) Led by rapper RM, the seven boys hopped off a yellow school bus with a bratty, adolescent attitude — and that’s where the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibit picks up.

There’s a lot that happened between then and their seven Billboard No. 1s. Luckily, a wallpapered timeline breaks down all the major global highlights: the first U.S. tour, their UNICEF campaign, a landmark performance on "Saturday Night Live," and the announcement of BTS as TIME’s 2020 Entertainer of the Year, to name just a few.

Sitting in the middle of the museum floor is a glass case of polaroids — in them, Jin, Suga, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook toss up peace signs while sporting novelty hats designed to look like BTS’s lightstick. Nostalgic and deeply silly, these photos date back to 2017 and 2018, serving as a reminder of the colossal strides BTS has taken in the intervening years.

Learn more: Breaking Down Every Solo Act From BTS: Singles, Debut Albums & What's Next For The Septet

It Takes A Village To Make A K-Pop Music Video

When K-pop music videos are delivered to fans, they’re already finished products. Behind the curtain, it’s hard work to make them polished and perfect. Collected ‘fits and accessories throughout the exhibit get you up close and personal with creative details; then, to showcase the costumes in action, they’re paired with screens that play the finalized MVs.

Each customized artifact is an expression of its respective group’s individuality, from ENHYPEN’s King of Pop-inspired "Sweet Venom" ensembles to BOYNEXTDOOR’s slouchy cabbie caps. Other standouts include belts and chains from &TEAM’s angsty "Samidare," fromis_9’s opera-ready "#menow" jewels, and chunky necklaces featured in ILLIT’s runaway single "Magnetic." 

Everything Comes Back To The Music

HYBE’s proffered ethos is "we believe in music" — this motto gives the special exhibit its name, while also serving as a mission statement.

In a series of recorded interviews on view in the exhibit, HYBE’s idol songwriters share their process for and perspective on making music. The main takeaway: Inspiration comes in different forms. While writing, BTS’s j-hope pictures ideas as tree branches that sprout outward, while RM sees his rap verses as a realized world to live inside.

Literally, too, their lyrics mark the passage of time. If you’ve ever wondered why Suga circles back to motifs across the years, the rapper has all the answers for you here.

There’s also a conversation with WOOZI of SEVENTEEN, one of the K-pop industry’s most prolific idol composers with more than 150 credits to his name. It’s a penchant for plain language, he says, that makes the lyrics he writes really sing; the band’s beloved B-side "Hug," for example, gets its potency from everyday words and phrases. TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun likewise fills visitors in on the origin story behind co-written "Maze in the Mirror," a misty reflection of their tough trainee days. 

This isn’t to say they haven’t had help, of course. Nearby, clips of HYBE producers Pdogg, BUMZU, and ZICO, settled in their respective studios, walk us through how the instrumentals for songs like BTS’s "ON" and SEVENTEEN’s "Lilili Yabbay" came to be. Peruse at your leisure — for those curious about the creation of K-pop’s biggest hits, this corner of the exhibit could easily take up the better part of a trip. 

Fans Make K-Pop Special

To some fans, K-pop is more than just the music. As a sincere few explain in an exhibit video, K-pop is something that has profoundly touched their lives, providing the basis for genuine friendships and community. Fans get to give a little bit of this positive energy back to their idols, particularly through online platforms like HYBE’s Weverse, where users can interact directly with artists. "I don’t think there’s another genre like K-pop that allows and enables that communication," Goetz, the curator, tells GRAMMY.com. 

In true form, the GRAMMY Museum offers an interactive experience. At the exhibit’s opening event, fans posed next to their idols (digitally) in a photo booth, yelled K-pop’s national anthem into prop mics, and hit the dance floor with perfect renditions of LE SSERAFIM’s "Perfect Nights" choreography. 

Before heading out, visitors could leave a mark of their own on the exhibit: after writing a message to their favorite artist via pastel Post-its and baby No. 2 pencils, fans loudly and proudly displayed them on the walls.

HYBE’s Story Is Just Getting Started

According to another timeline, the story so far has three chapters. There was the era of Big Hit Entertainment, when BTS came into the picture; then, the establishment of HYBE, with its many labels. Finally, as the U.S. and Latin America enter the fold, we’re in the end game. Representing this future is L.A.-based girl group KATSEYE, a collaboration with Geffen Records and the most recent inclusion to HYBE’s roster.

But K-pop hasn’t entirely let go of its "K" just yet, if the special guests for the exhibit’s launch were any indication. As the sun set over the GRAMMY Museum’s rooftop terrace, rookie boy group TWS kicked things off; before performing high-energy five songs back to back, the six boys charmed the audience by cutely cruising through a moderated conversation in English and Korean. 

As the exhibit reveals, there’s a reason HYBE — and K-pop — went global in the first place. On top of the spectacle, their success has everything to do with the work that goes into making the effort seem effortless. Audiences root for real people, and that's what makes them keep coming back.