The Best Performances from Head in the Clouds New York

Last weekend, the Head in the Clouds (HITC) festival returned to New York for the second year as a spectacular celebration of Asian music, culture, and the arts. With its focus on uplifting the Asian and Asian American community, HITC transcends the typical music festival, emerging as a cultural phenomenon reshaping the entertainment landscape. This year's festival boasted a dynamic lineup of global Asian artists, from major K-pop superstars to indie favorites, all curated by music label 88rising.

While we enjoyed all of the acts in this year’s edition of HITC New York, here are some of our favorite performers we would love to see return to the festival next year:

YOUNG POSSE

Despite only debuting in October, South Korean girl group YOUNG POSSE has made a name for themselves in the Korean music industry. Known for their quirky and fun concepts with songs “Macaroni Cheese” and “XXL,” YOUNG POSSE has quickly captured the hearts of fans with their vibrant energy and playful style. While being a relatively new group, their performance at HITC New York 2024 was highly anticipated by audiences, and the group did not disappoint. They brought an infectious enthusiasm to the stage, engaging the audience with their catchy tunes and lively choreography, creating a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Consisting of members Sunhye, Yeonjung, Jiana, Doeun, and Jieun, each member's distinct personality shone through their performance, showcasing their individual talents while also highlighting their strong group dynamic. Even as a rookie group, YOUNG POSSE demonstrated stage presence beyond their years, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Korean music industry.

Balming Tiger

“Welcome to K-pop from the dark side!” Omega Sapien of Balming Tiger screamed halfway through the group’s HITC New York 2024 set. Sogumm, wnjn, Mudd the Student, Omega Sapien and Seoulthesoloist of the South Korean musical collective Balming Tiger took over the HITC New York stage with their playful stage presence and quirky antics. Their performance was a rollercoaster of eclectic sounds and genres, seamlessly blending hip-hop, experimental pop, and alternative music. The group's dynamic energy and bold fashion choices—wearing matching sets by South Korean fashion label SAN SAN GEAR—added to the spectacle, captivating the audience's attention at every turn. Balming Tiger's set was a whirlwind of high-octane tracks like "SEXY NUKIM'' and "Buri Buri / Pigeon and Plastic," with each member bringing their unique style and charisma to the forefront, a testament to their commitment to breaking boundaries within the K-pop genre. By the end of their set, Balming Tiger had shown New York that they are a force of artistic expression and cultural fusion, and we would love to see them return to the festival!

thuy

Making headlines last month as the first Vietnamese American soloist to play Coachella, thuy rocked the stage with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence, captivating the audience from the moment she stepped on stage. Performing a mix of her well-loved hits and new tracks, thuy showcased her range and artistry, effortlessly blending R&B and pop. Songs like "universe" and "girls like me don’t cry" had the crowd singing along, while her heartfelt ballads provided intimate, reflective moments. thuy's connection with the audience was palpable, and her fans seem to deeply resonate with her music. Her Head in the Clouds set not only highlighted her talent but also celebrated her cultural identity, as she proudly introduced herself on stage as a Vietnamese American.

wave to earth

South Korean indie rock band wave to earth made their first Head in The Clouds appearance after wrapping up their European tour in April. Having personally caught wave to earth’s final Europe show in Paris, I continue to be mesmerized by the band’s soothing vocals and warm, comforting songs, offering a refreshing change of pace in the festival with their mellow and introspective sound. Guitarist and vocalist Daniel Kim, bassist John Cha, and drummer Dong Q’s performance created a serene and romantic atmosphere that was still fun and highly enjoyable, allowing festival-goers to relax for a bit and immerse themselves in the band's emotive music. Tracks like "bad,” "seasons," and “daisy” also seemed especially popular with the audience, with the crowd singing along loudly. Despite the contrast in energy compared to other acts, wave to earth's performance was a standout moment, highlighting the diversity of talent and genres represented at HITC New York 2024.

AWICH

Recently making her U.S. festival debut as part of 88rising’s stage at this year’s Coachella, Okinawan-born rapper AWICH burned up the stage. The only female member of the Japanese hip-hop crew YENTOWN, AWICH delivered a high-energy rap performance, commanding the stage with her powerful delivery and charismatic aura. The “Queen of Japanese Hip-Hop” did not disappoint in her first HITC set, showcasing her range and lyrical prowess. Her performance, with our favorite being that of her opening track “GILA GILA,” not only highlighted her electrifying charm, but also shone a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of Japan, one that earned her widespread admiration as she continues to solidify her status as a trailblazer in the Japanese hip-hop scene.

Atarashii Gakko!

Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! returned to Head in The Clouds fresh off their Coachella debut last month, and the girls continued to bring their eclectic charms to the festival. As one of the most anticipated acts in the lineup, many festival-goers could be seen donning Atarashii Gakko!’s signature schoolgirl uniforms. Blending traditional Japanese culture with modern pop and punk elements, their setlist included fan favorites like "NAINAINAI," and "OTONABLUE," each delivered with infectious enthusiasm. Members SUZUKA, RIN, MIZYU, and KANON truly created an unforgettable experience for the crowd. The group's quirky, rebellious image and energetic stage antics kept the audience engaged and cheering throughout their performance, highlighting their dynamic stage presence.

BIBI

Korean rapper and singer-songwriter BIBI’s performance marks her first appearance at HITC since 2022. Often nicknamed as South Korea’s “dark pop princess,” BIBI captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and stage presence. Her set was also enhanced by her dancers, famous South Korean dance crew BBTRIPPIN. BIBI’s setlist included a mix of her fan-favorite tracks like “KAZINO” and “She Got It,” as well as recent releases “Bam Yang Gang” and “Sugar Rush,” showcasing her unique style that blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The crowd was electrified by her charismatic performance and engaging interaction, proving her status as one of South Korea’s biggest female soloists.

Joji

Japanese Australian rapper and singer-songwriter Joji made his musical debut with 88rising back in 2017, and ever since, he is no stranger to HITC, having been present in every single edition of the festival, minus 2023. Still, we can’t get enough. Wrapping up HITC New York 2024 as the festival’s final act, Joji delivered a powerful set that left the audience in awe. His soulful voice and unique blend of R&B, lo-fi, and electronic music created an unforgettable atmosphere as fans were treated to a mix of his classic hits, like “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” and “Sanctuary,” as well as newer tracks like “Glimpse of Us” and “DIE FOR YOU.” The energy was palpable as the crowd sang along to every word, creating a sense of unity and celebration, a reflection of the festival’s goal to bring the community together through music and the arts.

(G)I-DLE

Making their Head in the Clouds debut in Jakarta back in 2022, K-pop sensation (G)I-DLE finally returns as a headliner to HITC New York 2024. Consisting of members MIYEON, MINNIE, SOYEON, YUQI and SHUHUA, the girl group made the crowd go wild as they performed their hit tracks, including “Super Lady,” “Queencard,” and “Oh my god.” In addition, the girls also showcased the English releases from their 88rising collaborations, “I DO,” and “I want that.” Their high-energy performance was a visual and auditory feast, complete with their signature K-pop choreography. Each member brought their unique flair to the stage, and the group's seamless blend of powerful vocals, rap verses, and dance skills demonstrated their versatility and dedication to their craft. As the night went on, the group's infectious energy kept the excitement levels high, making their set the perfect way to end day one of the festival.