Leon Bridges has long paid homage to his native Fort Worth, Texas. From being the backbone for stories he's told since his 2015 debut Coming Home to providing backdrops for his music videos like 2020's "Sweeter," the singer's hometown has always had a presence in his work. But on his fourth album Leon, Bridges puts his Fort Worth upbringing at the forefront — taking the listener on a personalized tour of the streets, people and landmarks that have made him the man that he is today.

An excavation of his roots, the album harks back to the original classic soul of Bridges' 2015 debut, Coming Home, while imbuing it with moments of rich psychedelia, dusty R&B and the occasional twang of pedal steel country for good measure. At the core of it are the people who started it all. 

"There are a lot of stories about my family running through it," Bridges tells GRAMMY.com. "It's really about the things that I value most in life and what is meaningful to me, which is home and family."

There's a level of detail regarding Fort Worth that fans haven't seen from Bridges before on Leon. Whether that be the local community center or simply playing on the Nintendo 64, as mentioned on "Panther City," or springtime on the Trinity River, as he references on the nostalgic ode "That's What I Love," the singer's specificity transports you straight to the heart of his childhood memories.

With Texas at the heart of the album, naturally several other influences from Bridges' upbringing played into the making of Leon. Below, the GRAMMY-winning singer details five of the key inspirations behind his latest album.

One of the places that gets more than one mention is the Trinity River, a spot that reminds him of memories from growing up in Fort Worth. As heard on tracks "Simplify" and "That's What I Love," it holds particularly fond memories for time spent with his family. The former describes the area as a place of burgeoning curiosity, from hopping between stepping stones to falling in young love for the first time.

"[Trinity River] was a place where I used to spend a lot of time with my father as a kid. One of the memories I remember [most] was just kicking it at the river with my dad and my brother. We would walk across the rocks. It's one of those landmarks in Fort Worth that once people hear it, especially being from Fort Worth, you get really excited about it."

While Bridges' sound has always been influenced by soul music, for Leon, he took inspiration from "my pantheon of great '70s soul records." But with such a large Texas influence, he also strived for some country nuances. "I was really adamant about having pedal steel guitar and for it to be guitar-heavy, just a lot of organic sounds."

When it came to the autobiographical story of the album, though, Bridges looked to the early work of a beloved Irish musician for lyrical inspiration. 

"One album that I really tried to pull from was Astral Weeks by Van Morrison," he says. "I've always loved how he wrote about those geographical places that were unique to Ireland and were a part of his story. This really played a big part in the writing and some of the storytelling on Leon."

Upon the release of Gold-Diggers Sound in 2021, Bridges told The Guardian that he wanted to "inch my way towards more transparency about some of my relationships and some of my struggles." Though Leon is largely full of autobiographical tales, its opening track, "When A Man Cries," is where he dove into his vulnerable side — and it's arguably the most exposed Bridges has been in his music to date.

Over harrowing, echoed production, Bridges battles overwhelming feelings of anxiety, but ultimately embraces them in order to move forward. "Turn my pain into power, my fear to desire, fall apart when I try to be strong, gotta learn how to cry, can you hear me cry?" he exclaims in the fiery second half of the song. 

"Turn my pain into power, my fear to desire, fall apart when I try to be strong, gotta learn how to cry, can you hear me cry?" he exclaims in the fiery second half of the song. 

"I felt like no one talks about mental health in music. It kind of comes from the Black community — one of my experiences is that we don't really have a space to express our emotions out of fear of being deemed as weak," Bridges asserts. "I wanted to tell that in my own way, with the tears falling being a metaphor of letting go and showing that there's bravery in the inner vulnerability.

"I suppose writing the song was my moment of healing, and by the time the song was finished, I'd already moved on," he adds. "But, I wanted to dig into that more because I feel like being vulnerable in my music will help the listener be vulnerable and make it more relatable."

The album closer, "God Loves Everyone," is a ballad of compassion that preaches equality between all at a human level, regardless of your demographic. For Bridges, it was a chance to explore his relationship with his Christian faith, which has had highs and lows throughout his life.

"Growing up, I went to church pretty much every Sunday. That song came from reflecting on my upbringing in the church and its impact on my music. My relationship with God at this point has diminished a bit, and I wanted to remind myself that God's love is unconditional. I think that's a message that is right for today's climate.

"Going to church, it was the thing that you did, especially as part of Black culture, and especially in Texas, which is considered the Bible Belt," he continues. "When I got older, I had somewhat of a spiritual awakening and started to pursue God for myself, which really influenced a lot of my writing, even on the first album."

Naturally, Leon is filled with nostalgic imagery. Perhaps the most vivid track, though, is album highlight "Panther City," which explores the core of Bridges' roots. The song embodies a wide cast of characters — some close, some distant — that play a role in his perspective of the city he loves.

"Panther City is Fort Worth's moniker, and it's about the summers when I was spending time with my father on the Southside of Fort Worth," he says. "In the '90s, it was a very dangerous place. I wanted to paint a picture of the beautiful aspects of the area in the midst of all the chaos. It's not only about my story, but it's about the people who shaped those experiences."

As the lyrics of "Panther City" suggest, reflecting on times spent with family and friends has only become more valuable to Bridges with age — and may become even more prevalent in his music moving forward.  

"When life gets complicated, it's always nice to reflect on those moments that are really beautiful for me. I love watching cartoons that I grew up on from the '90s and I love those little portals to nostalgia that keep me grounded," he says. "The more I climb the ladder, the more this journey pushes me to just cling onto some of those memories. A lot of the time I desire to get back to what life was like before I transitioned into what I'm doing now."

The winds of November might be crisp and cold, but they bring along a collection of sizzling new music. From bold debuts to heartfelt returns, new eras to final chapters, there's no shortage of options to warm you up this month.

On the first Friday of the month, goth band The Cure makes their return after 16 years, and R&B sensation Jacquees releases the suggestive Baby Making. In the following weeks, British trio FLO will release their anticipated debut, Access All Areas, and BTS's Jin will finally drop Happy, his first solo album.

And there's more: nu metal trailblazers Linkin Park will enter a new era with From Zero, Dolly Parton enlisted her family to create the expansive Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables, and 2020 Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka will drop Small Changes.

Lastly, the third and final posthumous album by rapper Juice WRLD will also be out this month, and Irish megastars U2 are going to celebrate the 20th anniversary of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb with a shadow album titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb.

To guide you through this eventful month, GRAMMY.com compiled a list with the 14 must-hear releases of November 2024. Check them out below.

CHASE ATLANTIC — 'Lost In Heaven' (Nov. 1)

Australian trio CHASE ATLANTIC continue to reach for the stars. Following performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the main stage at Reading & Leeds in 2023, the band is set to release their fourth studio album, Lost In Heaven, on Nov. 1st.

Led by singles "Die For Me," "Doubt It," and "Ricochet," the band continues to expand their atmospheric, genre-blurring sound. A press release notes that they are poised to break boundaries once again, "diving deeper into their distinct world of hypnotic melodies, sonic experimentation, and epic live shows." The 2023 single "Mamacita" also features on the tracklist.

To promote the new record, they launched an ongoing tour across North America, with rapper 24KGOLDN as a special guest. The tour began on Oct. 16 in Dallas, and will wrap on Nov. 19 in Los Angeles. In December, they will continue with six additional shows in Australia and New Zealand. 

The Cure — 'Songs Of A Lost World' (Nov. 1)

In September, English goth band The Cure released "Alone," their first new song in 16 years. Along with it came also the announcement of their fourteenth LP, Songs Of A Lost World, set for release on Nov. 1.

Frontman Robert Smith shared in a press release that "Alone" was the track that "unlocked" the new album. "As soon as we had that piece of music recorded I knew it was the opening song, and I felt the whole album come into focus," he noted. The album, in progress since 2019, includes tracks "Alone" and "A Fragile Thing," which were performed live during the band's Shows Of A Lost World tour in 2022 and 2023.

The 8-track ensemble follows 2008's 4:13 Dream, and was entirely written and composed by Smith — a feat he hadn't repeated since 1985's The Head On The Door. Smith also co-produced the record with the help of Paul Corkett.

Masked Wolf — 'The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci' (Nov. 8)

After his 2019 song "Astronaut in the Ocean" became a sleeper hit in 2021 thanks to TikTok, the life of Australian rapper Masked Wolf (Harry Michael) changed dramatically. He quit his day job to focus on music full-time and swiftly released Astronomical, his first mixtape.

Three years later, Michael swapped the space suit for a superhero persona. "I feel it, my desire, yeah, I'm reaching in my soul /They tryna take me out, yeah, they wanna break my bones /It's like I've been bit, but I still keep control /I will never give up, I never give up," he raps in "Spiderman in Space," a single off his upcoming debut LP, The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci.

Set to drop on Nov. 8, the album showcases Michael's versatility and immutable determination, traits also evident on singles "Give Me My Heart Back" with Lecrae, "Sweeter," "Tell Me Why" with Kota the Friend, and "Hell or High Water."

Ab-Soul — 'Soul Burger' (Nov. 8)

After 2022's lauded Herbert, Los Angeles rapper Ab-Soul is gearing up to release the mixtape Soul Burger on Nov. 8. The project is a tribute to the artist's childhood friend, Doe Burger, who passed away in December 2021.

In a recent interview with Sirius XM's "Effective Immediately", the Top Dawg Entertainment star shared that he's "been trying to channel" Burger's spirit in this release. "My best way of doing that is through music. And hence the title, it's the fusion of me and him. We were literally Huey and Riley from The Boondocks, to where this album is not me — it's Soul Burger. It's like a new artist… So I recommend everybody listen to it in terms of that."

The mixtape includes singles "Squeeze 1st 2" and "All That" featuring JasonMartin (formerly known as Problem) and Thirsty P. In June, Ab-Soul reunited with his Black Hippy bandmates Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q at Lamar's Pop Out Concert in California.

FLO — 'Access All Areas' (Nov. 15)

British R&B trio FLO have announced their much-awaited debut LP, Access All Areas, set to release on Nov. 15. Executive produced by MNEK, the album follows the success of singles "Walk Like This," "Caught Up," and "Check."

"Access All Areas is a labor of love," the group, composed of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer, said in a press statement. "To us it represents our growth and dedication to making girl group history, to making a project we are truly proud to call our debut album." The album is described as a "manifesto" for FLO, approaching themes of love, sisterhood, and navigating life as young Black women.

Starting Nov. 11, the trio will kick off their AAA: Intimate Acoustic Shows tour in record stores across the U.K., with stops in Nottingham, Kingston, London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

BoyWithUke — 'Burnout' (Nov. 15)

"I was feeling tired just because it's been go, go, go since I started," said TikTok sensation BoyWithUke in a statement about his upcoming album, Burnout. "I think I had some real identity issues with who I am. Like am I this extroverted character or am I Charley Yang? But now I think I've found a really good balance of work and personal life."

Charley Yang, who rose to fame after going viral in 2021 with ukulele hits like "[Toxic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvaosumc4hU)" and a signature LED mask — removed only last year — began exploring a more open and experimental side to his music once he revealed his face. "For the longest time I had made songs to impress this person I was in love with as well as music executives, and once that was gone things felt weird," he added. "I felt a little bit lost, but in a larger and more positive way, I felt free with freedom to make mistakes and basically whatever I wanted — I think that's what *Burnout* is."

Burnout will be Yang's final record under the BoyWithUke moniker, but it already points to new musical directions. Lead singles "Ghost" and "Can You Feel It?" build on his previous work, while "Gaslight" takes a daring plunge into alt-rock and electronic beats, showcasing Yang's rawest performances yet.

Jin — 'Happy' (Nov. 15)

The first BTS member to complete his military enlistment, Jin was also the only one who hadn't released a solo LP — until now. The wait is over as he announced the release of his debut album, Happy, set for release on Nov. 15.

According to a press release, Happy is a six-track collection that chronicles Jin's journey to find true happiness. Through the album, he shares "honest thoughts and feelings on what happiness means to him," and aims to give listeners "a sense of strength and comfort in their day-to-day lives."

The album comes two years after Jin's co-written collaboration with Coldplay, "The Astronaut." To build anticipation, he has also released the complete version of his 2021 viral hit, "Super Tuna," along with the rockabilly-inspired lead single, "I'll Be There."

Dolly Parton & Family — 'Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables' (Nov. 15)

Dolly Parton continues to amaze. After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and releasing her first rock album, Rockstar, last year, the country queen returns on Nov. 15 with a project that explores her deepest roots: her family.

Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables is a prodigious visual and musical project featuring both branches of Dolly's family, the Partons and the Owens. Spanning nearly 40 tracks, the album was produced by her cousin, Richie Owens, and showcases performances by various family members, including some who have passed away and others from the current generation.

In a statement, Smoky Mountain is described as "a passage through the lineage and ethos of a family that has deeply influenced one of the world's most beloved artists," tracing their journey from their U.K. origins in the 1600s to their present-day home in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. A companion four-part docuseries is set to premiere in 2025.

Read More: 5 Ways Dolly Parton Has Promoted Peace & Global Unity

Dwight Yoakam — 'Brighter Days' (Nov. 15)

It's been nearly a decade since country superstar Dwight Yoakam released a new album, with his last being 2016's Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars. That will change on Nov. 15, when Yoakam drops Brighter Days.

To announce his return, Yoakam dropped hit single "I Don't Know How to Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom)" featuring Post Malone, a track he wrote specifically for this collaboration. Brighter Days has been self-produced over the past three years, with Yoakam co-writing most of the tracks and including covers of classics such as "Keep On The Sunny Side" by the Carter Family, "Bound Away" by Cake, and "Time Between" by The Byrds.

In a statement, the album is described as "at once timeless and timely," filled with "a modern appreciation for country music's history with the trailblazing rock and roll spirit of California." Yoakam is currently on a U.S. tour.

Linkin Park — 'From Zero' (Nov. 15)

Linkin Park is returning from hiatus with full force. On Nov. 15, the nu-metal legends will release their eighth LP, From Zero, introducing a new era for the band following the announcement of new vocalist Emily Armstrong (of Dead Sara) and drummer Colin Brittain.

"Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we're currently undertaking," said co-vocalist Mike Shinoda in a statement. From Zero marks the band's first album without frontman Chester Bennington, who passed away in 2017, and former drummer Rob Bourdon. "Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future — embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans," added Shinoda.

The album's lead single, "The Emptiness Machine," was followed by "Heavy Is The Crown," which became the main theme for Riot Games' 2024 League of Legends World Championship, and the recent release "Over Each Other." Ahead of the album, Linkin Park played a series of arena shows in September, with stops in Los Angeles, Seoul, and London. The tour is set to conclude on November 16 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Michael Kiwanuka — 'Small Changes' (Nov. 22)

"Whilst making this album I was really thinking about my motives for making music and making records," shared London-born singer Michael Kiwanuka on Instagram, when announcing his upcoming album, Small Changes. "I never started writing music/songs for anything other than a way to connect to myself and others, but what am I trying to say now?"

As the album neared completion, Kiwanuka realized that expressing the "small changes" he was experiencing, both in his voice or and his music, was reason enough. "And living for me is just that, remaining as true as possible despite all the changes around us," he added.

Small Changes follows Kiwanuka's 2020 Mercury Prize-winning album, Kiwanuka. Co-produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, the LP's first single, "Floating Parade," dropped in July, followed by "Lowdown (Part I)" and "Lowdown (Part II)." Kiwanuka recently completed a North American tour with Brittany Howard and will play six intimate shows in the U.K. after the album's release.

Father John Misty — 'Mahashmashana' (Nov. 22)

November also marks the return of singer/songwriter Josh Tillman with his sixth album under the stage name Father John Misty. According to a press release, the album's title, Mahashmashana, derives from the Sanskrit word Mahāśmaśāna (महामशान), meaning "great cremation ground, all things put going thither."

Produced by Tillman and Drew Erickson, with longtime collaborator Jonathan Wilson serving as executive producer, the album features eight tracks spanning over 50 minutes. Half of the album has already been previewed through singles "I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All," "She Cleans Up," "Screamland," featuring Low's Alan Sparhawk, and "Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose." 

After supporting Kacey Musgraves on her Deeper Well Tour during September and October, Tillman announced he will headline a North American tour beginning February 2025, followed by a European leg in May.

Juice WRLD — 'The Party Never Ends' (Nov. 22)

After years of teasing, Juice WRLD's third and final posthumous album, The Party Never Ends, is set to be released via Grade A and Interscope Records on Nov. 22. This will be his first full-length project since 2021's Fighting Demons, which included collaborations with Polo G, Justin Bieber, BTS, and more. 

Lil Bibby, founder of Grade A, shared on Instagram that "we want this album to feel like a celebration/party. No more mourning, I want everyone that Juice loved while he was here to help celebrate, especially his fans whom he loved."

The Party Never Ends follows the release of December 2023's single "Lace It" featuring Eminem, produced by Benny Blanco, which addresses the dangers of addiction. In September 2024, Juice WRLD's legacy was further expanded with the EPs The Pre-Party and The Pre-Party (Extended), each featuring two tracks, including the single "Lightyears" with Young Thug.

U2 — 'How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb' (Nov. 22)

In November 2004, Irish band U2 topped the charts with their iconic album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The album and its singles earned eight GRAMMYs between 2005 and 2006 and was described by vocalist Bono as their "first rock album" ever.

As the 20th anniversary approaches, U2 will commemorate the milestone with a remaster and re-release of the original album, along with a new project titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb — a 10-track "shadow album" that includes new and unreleased songs from the band's archives.

"The sessions for How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb were such a creative period for the band, we were exploring so many song ideas in the studio," bassist The Edge said in a press statement. "For this anniversary edition, I went into my personal archive to see if there were any unreleased gems and I hit the jackpot. What you're getting on this shadow album is that raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, a sonic narrative, a moment in time, the exploration and interaction of four musicians playing together in a room… this is the pure U2 drop."

Among the tracks, fans might recognize "Luckiest Man In The World" as the leaked demo "Mercy," now officially released. Five other songs have been remastered, including "Don't Wanna See You Smile" and "All Because of You 2." The remaining four tracks are entirely new, never-before-heard recordings, including the single "Country Mile."

The GRAMMY Museum will celebrate the legendary career of Luther Vandross with a new exhibit, Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance, opening on Nov. 20, 2024, in partnership with Primary Wave Music and the Luther Vandross Estate. Vandross, an eight-time GRAMMY winner, captivated audiences as a revered songwriter, arranger, producer, performer, and one of the most gifted vocalists in music history.

Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance offers an intimate glimpse into Vandross' creative process, showcasing his ornate stage wardrobe, exclusive performance footage from his popular tours, and a never-before-heard recording of him in the studio. The exhibit opens with an exclusive screening of the feature documentary Luther: Never Too Much, directed by award-winning director Dawn Porter. 

Produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, the documentary will later premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and Max in 2025. Attendees of the opening night will also enjoy a panel discussion with the filmmakers and a sneak peek at the exhibit.

Tickets for the opening will be available starting Thursday, Oct. 31, and the exhibit will run until June 15, 2025.

In conjunction with the exhibit, Vandross' previously unreleased soulful rendition of the Beatles' "Michelle" is available now, and it will be featured on Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, a new compilation set to release on Dec. 13.

Luther Vandross first captured the spotlight in the 1970s as a sought-after backup singer, collaborating with luminaries such as David Bowie, Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, and Carly Simon. As a solo artist, he became renowned for his relatable lyrics about love and mesmerizing live performances, characterized by dynamic bands, elaborate stage designs, and striking custom costumes worn by his background singers. Vandross achieved remarkable success, charting a Top 10 R&B hit every year from 1981 to 1994 and releasing 11 consecutive platinum records, with over 40 million albums sold worldwide.

"The Luther Vandross Estate is excited to be sharing Luther's musical legacy with the GRAMMY Museum and its visitors through this upcoming exhibit. It is a special window into all of Luther Vandross' talents — singer, of course; but also music producer, live performer, stage craft master, wardrobe designer, and songwriter. Showcasing all of these amazing elements of Luther the artist via the long-cherished possessions of his personal archives is a treat for die-hard fans and new ones," the Luther Vandross Estate said in a statement.

Marcus Miller, a longtime collaborator, added that Vandross carved out "his own totally unique space" among other talented vocalists. "No one could replicate Luther's sound, his songwriting genius, or even his covers of other people's songs," Miller continued. "Luther was a complete and utter perfectionist with a very specific vision of how he wanted things to be. His shows were theatrical masterpieces, and Luther was involved in every detail of their production: his vocals, his background singers' harmonies, their choreography, and even his background singers' gowns. The gown beading had to be exquisite and authentic. The furs had to be real. I would say, 'Luther, no one's gonna know if the furs are real!!' To which he would reply: 'I will know!'

"That was part of the magic of Luther, his unyielding commitment to excellence. It was truly an honor to have worked with my friend and big brother, Luther Vandross," Miller said in a statement,

"Luther Vandross is a cherished icon who defined the smooth, jazz-inspired era of R&B and whose timeless love songs have graced countless weddings, graduations, and family reunions for the past several decades," added Kelsey Goelz, Curator at the GRAMMY Museum. "The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to provide fans a close look into his incredible achievements in the studio and onstage."

Exhibit highlights include:

• Hand-beaded suits and jumpsuits worn by Vandross and his background singers during the Power of Love Tour in 1991.

• An emerald green hand-beaded suit and two matching gowns worn by Vandross' background singers, alongside Vandross' black tuxedo from his 1993-94 performances.

• Original fashion sketches of Vandross' tour wardrobe.

• Handwritten lyrics and studio notes for "I Can Make It Better," featuring an exclusive recording of Vandross crafting the song.

• Handwritten lyrics and original sheet music for several of Vandross' hits, including "Think About You" and "Never Too Much."

• Six of Vandross' eight GRAMMY Awards.

For tickets and more information on Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance, visit grammymuseum.org.

In the mid-2010's, Fifth Harmony, Little Mix and BLACKPINK were spearheading a girl group renaissance. Fifth Harmony was topping charts with "Work from Home," while Little Mix was supporting Ariana Grande on the Dangerous Woman Tour. Meanwhile, in South Korea, BLACKPINK began to blossom globally with several No. 1 hits on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart. But with the hiatus of Fifth Harmony in 2018, Little Mix in 2022 and BLACKPINK's ongoing contract negotiations, the music industry has been yearning for another global girl group takeover.

Fortunately, there's a slew of female acts around the world eager to fill the void. The '20s have seen a surge of girl groups resurrecting the sounds of female empowerment and stacked harmonies — as 5H did in 2016, the Pussycat Dolls in the '00s and Destiny's Child in the '90s. 

Like many girl groups before them, several of these new troupes conceived from survival competitions — á la "The X Factor," the birthplace of both Fifth Harmony and Little Mix, or South Korea's Produce 101, where K-pop's I.O.I was born — or quiet auditions behind the scenes.

Take HYBE, the company home to BTS, and their recent joint venture with Geffen Records, "The Debut: Dream Academy." The global auditions spanned the United States, Japan, England, Australia and more, garnering more than 120,000 applicants. Through a fan-voted and judge-critiqued elimination system, they were eventually left with their final six: Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae — together, now known as KATSEYE.

To understand the full scope of how a girl group is manufactured, watch the process unfold in Netflix's KATSEYE documentary, Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, out now. Like the project's creative director, Humberto Leon, explained to Dazed, "These girls were just kids whose parents allowed their talents to shine. Now, they're taking it to the next level. For a chosen few, their dreams will become reality in the coolest way possible."

While you dive into Pop Star Academy, check out twelve more exciting groups that will continue to push the needle of girl group culture alongside KATSEYE.

Read More: Get To Know KATSEYE: The Global Girl Group Styled After K-Pop Superstars

Thanks to this breakout British trio, you'll find nostalgic drum-driven production, harmonies reminiscent of Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle and seething, yet confident lyrics: "I'ma put your s— in a cardboard box," they sneer in the chorus of their breakout hit.

Two years after the viral debut of "Cardboard Box," Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Renée Downer have driven the girl group movement with Brit Award wins, MTV VMA nominations and nods as one of Rolling Stones' Artists of the Future. Continuing their victorious streak, they're supporting Kehlani on the R&B star's Crash World Tour, which commenced Sept. 4 in Minneapolis.

Joining KATSEYE in the globalization of K-pop is JYP Entertainment's joint venture with Republic Records, VCHA.

This sextet consists of the winning contestants of the 2023 YouTube survival series, "America2Korea." Earlier this year, Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, KG and Kaylee debuted with VCHA's first singles, "Girls of the Year" and "XO Call Me," later followed by two additional songs, "Only One" and "Favorite Girl."

With members boasting Hmong, Cuban and Trinbagonian heritage, the group is only the first step into an inclusive K-pop industry. "We were able to bring so many different cultures and backgrounds into this group and that we could show everyone around the world, which has never been done before," Lexi told Nylon Manila earlier this year.

In the K-pop world, it's tough to break through without the backing of a high-profile talent competition show or one of South Korea's "Big Four" entertainment companies: SM, JYP, YG and HYBE. But S2 Entertainment's KISS OF LIFE — helmed by Julie, Natty, Belle and Haneul — is already making strides just 14 months after their debut.

This quartet has broken Billboard's US World Charts, nabbed nods at Asia's influential MAMA Awards and appeared at one of Korea's largest music festivals, Waterbomb. After an already promising start, KISS OF LIFE will continue to captivate listeners with their unique fusion of jazz, hip-hop and R&B on their first international tour, beginning in North America this November.

Read More: 11 Rookie K-Pop Acts To Know In 2024: NCT Wish, RIIZE, Kiss Of Life & More

Amid K-pop's global domination, Filipino pop — commonly known as Pinoy pop, or simply "P-pop" — is becoming one of the fastest-growing music markets. Leading the revolution are the eight women of BINI: Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoannna and Sheena.

First seen in ABS-CBN's 2019 training program "Star Hunt Academy," BINI has captured Southeast Asia with EDM-driven pop production and a blend of English and Tagalog lyrics. And as the first Filipino act to enter Spotify's Top Artist Global Chart and to perform at the long-standing KCON festival, it's no surprise they've been dubbed the "Nation's Girl Group."

Read More: 14 Pinoy Pop Acts You Should Know: G22, Maki, KAIA, ALAMAT, & More

When K-pop group LOONA publicly split in 2022 after a lawsuit against their company, Blockberry Creative, fans were unsure what the future would hold. It was only a matter of months before six members of the original group — HeeJin, HaSeul, Kim Lip, JinSoul and Choerry — signed a contract with Modhaus as ARTMS. With the return of LOONA's longtime producer, Jaden Jeong, fans will recognize their genre-spanning sound of alternative R&B, funk and EDM on their debut album, DALL, released in May.

The sextet's comeback also revived Odd Eye Circle, an original sub-unit of LOONA, consisting of Kim Lip, JinSoul and Choerry. In 2023, the trio dropped their first EP in seven years, Version Up.

Spurred from the first season of "Nizi Project," the talent search series helmed by JYP Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment and Hulu Japan, NiziU blends the accessibility of Korean fan engagement with J-pop's signature piano-driven melodies and fast-paced tempo. Using a strategy JYP calls "globalization by localization," NiziU has amassed fans across East Asia and beyond with tracks like "Make You Happy" and "Step and a Step."

Later this year, NiziU will embark on their first Winter Tour, NiziU Live With U, through Japan, following their release of their first EP, Rise Up, which arrived in July.

Until recently, non-Asian members of a Korean pop group were virtually unheard of. In 2020, DR Music fearlessly unveiled the new lineup of BLACKSWAN (formerly known as BP Rania), including Senegalese songstress Fatou. Four years later, the group has enlisted a diverse roster with three more talents: Gabi, hailing from Brazil; Sriya of India and NVee from the United States.

On Aug. 30, BLACKSWAN will offer an exclusive glimpse into their training and strategy in Apple TV+'s new docu-series, "K-Pop Idols," examining "the cultural and musical barriers" of K-pop.

With mentorship from Pentatonix's Scott Hoying, Citizen Queen was bound to be an a cappella powerhouse.

Initially consisting of five members, the group was hand-picked by Hoying and music producers Ben Bram and Shams Ahmed for their diverse and unique vocal talents. Now a trio, Cora Isabel provides the beatbox, Kaedi Dalley on bass and Nina Ann Nelson leads the melody with her soprano range.

After debuting their rebrand as a threesome in May, Citizen Queen dropped their first taste of what's to come with July's "Love the Way I Love You," an ode to their harmony-driven performances. Though they have yet to reveal more new music, the group recently reunited with Hoying for some fun social media content, and performed with former Fifth Harmony member Dinah Jane in San Diego.

British trio Say Now is elucidating the girl group formation process. Rather than quietly developing themselves behind the scenes — as FLO did for three years, and many K-pop groups do for more than five — Ysabelle Salvanera, Amelia Onuorah and Madeleine Haynes have been documenting the journey from day one.

First releasing music as "needanamebro," Say Now used their "training" period to give fans a first look into their artistry across social media. After countless Soundcloud covers and candid TikTok videos, Say Now has thousands of fans to embark on their adventure together, from the recently released single, "Trouble," to the future releases to come.

You've probably heard of Thai stars, like BLACKPINK's Lisa and (G)I-DLE's Minnie, conquering the K-pop industry. But within the borders of Thailand, you can find equally promising acts, like XOXO Entertainment's 4EVE, birthed from Workpoint TV's "Girl Group Star."

Short for "forever," 4EVE promises to entertain listeners — particularly their aptly named fan base, For Aye — with hip-hop-influenced beats and K-pop-style fan engagement. Witness their talent for yourself in their recently released documentary, highlighting the preparation for their "NOW OR NEVER" Live at Impact Arena show.

Leading Korean television network SBS held their own competition series with 2023's "Universe Ticket," which brought together talent across Asia, including Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines and more. Their final lineup, also known as UNIS — short for "U & I Story" — marks some of the first Filipino idols in the K-pop industry.

Upon their official debut in March 2024, Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee, Kotoko, Yunha, Elisia, Yoona and Seowon dropped a mini-album, WE UNIS. In August, they also premiered their sophomore single, "Curious," which peaked at No. 5 on Korea's prestigious Circle Album Chart.

This Los Angeles-based group promises to be by your side in every season. Fitting to their name, the four members — Brooke, Genevieve, Savoy and Montana — represent a different time of year with their individual talents (summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively). As they explain to UnRated Magazine, "Each of us has her own style, music tastes, drives and inspirations, but we all come together in a harmonious blend, like the seasons."

According to their artist biography, the quartet's genre-blending pop music is like a "late-night kitchen heart-to-heart." It's clear in SZNS' January release, "Nice Things," a swirling R&B-tinged track about getting back at their exes — a testament to both their own bond and the empowering impact of girl groups old and new.

Leon Thomas III has had a big year. Following a Best R&B Song win at the 2024 GRAMMYs for "Snooze" and a three-month stint in Florence, Italy to produce Ye and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures series, the R&B singer and songwriter is ready to see his own name atop the marquee. 

When he’s not penning chart-topping songs or producing for the likes of Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Drake or Chris Brown, the former child actor is adding notches to his own musical utility belt. Since joining Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records as the imprint’s first artist in 2022, Thomas has evolved into a R&B fixture. His debut album, 2023's Electric Dusk, showcased his slick lyrics, free-flowing melodies, and anthem-made ballets in full form.

Now, the Brooklyn-born artist is set to build on his newfound momentum with his sophomore release, Mutt. While the project may seem carefully curated, Thomas says the album and his artistic journey is loosely-tailored by design. 

"There are parts of this that people may think are calculated, but I’m just flowing," he tells GRAMMY.com. "I’m just glad people are resonating with everything I’m doing naturally. It’s a journey."  

Mutt unites Thomas' love of jazz icons like Art Blakey and Miles Davis with neo-soul and rock acts like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to forge sleek jams with a contemporary edge. Album cuts "Vibes Don’t Lie" and "Yes It Is" are a baptism in neo-soul vocals, evoking  innovators such as D’Angelo, Musiq Soulchild, and Maxwell. 

The album is as lyrically rich as it is sonically expansive. On the sultry "I Use To," Thomas recounts the sorrow of a lost love that once enriched his soul; "I Do" is a piano-laden tale of the hard-fought lessons that ushered in a new romantic endeavor. Throughout, the singer/songwriter is intensely vulnerable. "God and losing you is the only two things I fear," Thomas sings. 

The rock-inspired "Dancing With Demons" is a foot inside the deep end of fame while "How Fast" offers a flash of braggadocio. "Hold on, I’m a visionary. This s– getting kind of scary/ So addicted to the top, it’s always missionary." And "Answer Your Phone" is a crowd-swaying tune set to enliven fans on Thomas’s first solo tour.

Like Thomas’ life, the album shows the "Socialite" artist embark on a one-way ticket to the top of the musical landscape. He’s no longer satisfied with playing the background. Thomas has embraced the weight of being a headlining act on Mutt, and he’s prepared to weather the uncertain storms and visible weeds he’s set to experience on his broader musical pursuits. 

Thomas spoke with GRAMMY.com about his studio sessions with Ty Dolla $ign and Ye, the new generation of R&B crooners pushing the genre forward, and how his dog Terry inspired the album title. 

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. 

How does it feel to release your second album?

It feels special, but I was super nervous. Dropping music in 2024 is an interesting process because you’re fighting the waves of so many social media moments and distractions. But it’s great to see my music cut through and for people to hear me. It feels like some of my best work, and I’m just excited for people to see all of the different ways I’m putting music together. This is going to be a journey. 

What inspired the album title?

I got a dog three years ago. His name is Terry and he’s a German Shepherd and Husky mix. He’s such a sweetheart, but he’s always getting into stuff. I recognize the face he makes when he’s in trouble. I make the same face when I’m about to go through a breakup or something. 

I felt like that correlation was an interesting process. I wanted to talk about the element of control between men and women when you’re trying to get your partner to act right. It seems to be a common theme in this generation, so I wanted to talk about it. 

What sound were you trying to capture on Mutt?

For me, jazz is the root of who I am. My grandfather was really cool with Art Blakey back in the day, and he always played Miles Davis and John Coltrane. I try to find ways to implement some of the chord progressions that I hear in my head into my music. That will always be adjacent to neo soul, but I don’t necessarily want to do a whole live jazz album as a 30-year-old right now. 

A lot of decisions that I made are also rock influenced as well. I was listening to a lot of Black Sabbath, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin during the making of the album. I’m finding ways to sneak in my influences, even though I know I’ll lock in on these R&B charts. 

How did the production come together? Did you handle most of it?

I outsourced. There were a bunch of different guys that worked on the production. I think being around Ye and Ty Dolla $ign for the Vultures I album helped. I spent three months in Florence, Italy before I finished [Mutt]. I came back with a different taste level for how an album can play from top to bottom and how tricky we can get with the production. I started adding little pieces here and there to really elevate the sound of it. It’s definitely my symphony, and I’m trying to put it all together.  

How is it working with artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Ye, Chris Brown, and SZA? Are you inspired by their work or studio sessions?

I think I’m inspired by osmosis. I don’t feel like there’s any specific style that I’m using that’s theirs. I’m just putting my neck out there and daring to be different. I’m not doing basic concepts or attacking basic instrumentals. I feel like I’m doing my best to push the genre by taking chances and experimenting. I’m just hoping that it’s received because I genuinely love the R&B genre. I want to see it grow and evolve, and I want to be a part of that process. 

Read more: How 'SOS' Transformed SZA Into A Superstar & Solidified Her As The Vulnerability Queen

What’s your views on the current state of R&B?

I think we’re in a really amazing place. There are singers that fill that craving for the golden era of the 1990s. There are others with really solid vibes that feel like the '60s. And then there are people like myself who are blending genres and time periods while having fun, not giving a s— about the rules. 

I think that’s a positive thing, but it’s abrasive to people who only see R&B as a linear thing. There’s a broad range in what it can be in its true definition, and I’m excited to see where we go in the future. There are so many artists playing instruments and singing their ass off without a lick of autotune. I’m definitely a fan of the genre, and the next generation is going to be nuts. 

Read more: R&B Isn't Dead: Listen To 51 Songs By Summer Walker, Josh Levi & More Artists Who Are Pushing The Genre Forward

Do you feel this album will fill any perceived holes in the genre?

I’ll be honest, I create selfishly. I’m just going into the studio to chase some chills. I don’t really care about the holes in the R&B genre. I just feel like that’s a big boulder to carry on your shoulders. I’m just trying to tell my story. I’m doing my best to put these records together, to get them mixed on time, and to shoot these music videos. 

When penning music for artists like SZA, Chris Brown, and other greats, was there a point where you were like, I got to do this for me?

Yes. It’s hard to be selfish, but the more reading I did and the more I learned about myself, it just felt like it was time to prioritize something that means so much to me. 

Writing these records and working with these big artists is such a blessing, but I want to hit stages and see the world through my music. I want to collect furniture from all the different countries. I feel like the best way to do that is through my music, so this is me putting my music and my dreams first. And I’m just really excited about it all. 

Did you ever have a moment of hesitancy, especially with you starting out as a child actor?

Yes, it wasn’t always easy. I think internally, I know who I am. I know who God made. I don’t need outside people to validate what I know to be true. Sometimes you have to be patient to allow people to grow with you. 

It’s like being a Coca-Cola or a Pepsi. They met me as an actor and they know I make music, but they saw me in a certain light and as a certain brand. It takes time to transfer over and introduce new flavors to the consumer. I’m being patient with my fans, and I’m being patient with myself. I’m working harder to make a product that’s going to be acceptable and will allow me to continue making music I want to make. 

You’re a multi-hyphenate. An artist, actor, producer, and songwriter. Do you ever get overwhelmed by it all? 

When it comes to scheduling, I get overwhelmed. But I’m doing more to prioritize my mental and physical health without taking anything away from myself or my art. That balance is something I will continue to perfect over time. It’s like a muscle, and I’m still figuring it out. I want to do everything, and I know I can. I just think certain industries I’m involved in are a three-month season, rather than all 12. 

How did it feel to win a GRAMMY for SZA’s "Snooze"?

It’s really surreal. I’ve never been one to put too much energy into awards, but that GRAMMY felt different. That was a special thing. I don’t have a college degree or anything, but this is the closest thing I can say to my pops that, "Hey, I’m validated here." He obviously sees the work I do with all these big artists, but him coming to my house and holding my GRAMMY was an interesting moment. Seeing someone who’s always believed in me hold something that validated his belief was such a beautiful moment.

Do you feel like you’ve found your voice, or is something you’re still exploring? 

I feel like an artist’s work is never done. There’s always something to explore. I sat in a studio session with Babyface. He’s still exploring new things and he’s a lot older than me. The fact he’s still writing new songs and experiencing the world through his music lets me know it never ends. And I’m cool with that because this is a really awesome job. I feel like my voice is present and my voice is formed. It’s just all about packaging it so people can help me better. 

Are there future collaborations or goals you have in mind down the road? 

I definitely want to continue to make music, and I want to be rich enough to give back as well. I have a lot of initiatives and nonprofits I want to put together when I hit that $100 million mark, and I think it’s all possible through music. That’s why I fight so hard for my artistic journey because the brand itself can really uplift my own community. 

When will your day-one fans see you go back to acting?  

I’ve been ignoring self audition tapes for three years because it’s been insane trying to produce big albus and build these albums out in preparation for tours. But I’m looking forward to the release of this album and my tour to get back into acting class. I’m really a fan of the artform, so I want to shake off the cobwebs and really get back into the acting gym. I want to give [my fans] a performance that’s an elevation from everything they have seen from me before.