Korean alt-rock artist LØREN has signed with 88rising, the company tells Billboard. The label will release his debut EP, Put Up a Fight, on March 24 in partnership with THEBLACKLABEL.
LØREN gained traction in 2021 with the release of three singles: “All My Friends Are Turning Blue,” “NEED (ooo-eee)” and “EMPTY TRASH.” He has also written several songs for K-pop superstars BLACKPINK and starred in one of their music videos. His social profile is also robust, with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, and he has graced the covers of magazines including Vogue Hong Kong, DAZED Korea and i-D. He currently models for Saint Laurent.
Put Up a Fight is described as “a pop-punk-meets-indie-rock inspired project” that features “grungy” vocals by LØREN sung in both Korean and English (pre-save here). It’s preceded by the single “Folks.”
Ahead of the EP release, LØREN is set to perform his first-ever U.S. shows at SXSW on March 15 as part of the all-Asian music festival Tiger Den (performing alongside Balming Tiger) and 88rising’s Head in the Clouds New York on May 21.
“I’ve been looking forward to Put Up a Fight‘s release for a while now, and I’m thrilled to join forces with 88rising through the process,” said LØREN in a statement. “I’m a huge fan of their work, and I’m very happy to take part in their vision. It feels surreal to have SXSW, album release, and HITC New York ahead of me. To say I’m excited would be an understatement—I absolutely cannot wait for what’s to come.”
88rising’s roster also includes Jackson Wang, Warren Hue, BIBI, Joji and NIKI.
