The music industry’s landscape keeps shifting in unexpected ways as we head into spring 2025. This week brings a bittersweet revelation for rock fans, while K-pop continues its remarkable evolution with a groundbreaking new venture.
Let’s address the elephant in the room — Deftones’ “Eros” isn’t happening. After years of speculation and hopeful whispers, frontman Chino Moreno finally laid the matter to rest in a surprisingly candid Guardian interview. The shelved album — recorded before bassist Chi Cheng’s devastating 2008 car accident — will remain exactly that: shelved.
“It will most likely never see the light of day,” Moreno admitted, his words carrying the weight of years of fan anticipation. Only one track, “Dallas,” ever approached completion. The unfinished project stands frozen in amber, a snapshot of a moment the band simply can’t — or won’t — revisit. Who could blame them? Some doors are better left closed.
But as one chapter ends, another bursts wide open. AppleTV+ is about to shake things up with “KPOPPED” (premiering August 29) — and honestly, whoever dreamed up this collaboration deserves a raise. Picture this: Megan Thee Stallion and Lionel Richie co-producing a series that brings together K-pop stars and global music icons. Sounds wild, right? That’s because it absolutely is.
The show’s lineup reads like someone threw a dart at the music industry’s biggest names while blindfolded — and somehow hit gold every time. BLACKSWAN harmonizing with Boyz II Men? ITZY trading moves with the Spice Girls? These aren’t just collaborations; they’re cultural conversations set to music.
Perhaps the most intriguing element is ATEEZ’s split performance concept. The eight-member powerhouse will divide forces between J Balvin and Kylie Minogue, showcasing the versatility that’s become K-pop’s calling card. (Though let’s be real — scheduling those rehearsals must’ve been a nightmare.)
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. K-pop’s already riding high — just look at Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” dominating Billboard’s Hot 100. Their breakout track “Soda Pop” has been everywhere lately, from TikTok trends to grocery store speakers.
What sets “KPOPPED” apart isn’t just its star power, though. The show’s taken an refreshingly democratic approach to talent selection. Sure, you’ll see familiar faces, but emerging groups like KISS OF LIFE and Billie are getting their moment too. Raw talent speaks volumes, apparently — even without massive social media numbers backing it up.
The contrast between these stories — Deftones’ permanent pause and K-pop’s boundless expansion — feels particularly poignant. While one represents a moment forever preserved in amber, the other shows how musical boundaries keep dissolving, creating something entirely new. Sometimes the best art comes from knowing when to let go — and when to leap forward into uncharted territory.
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