Lastelle Vocalist Adam Rigozzi Gives Ten Reasons Why He Loves K-Pop

Earlier this year, fast-rising post-hardcore outfit Lastelle dropped their emotional new EP, EXIST vol i.

Musically, the band is influenced by metalcore and hardcore outfits like Atreyu, Underoath, and Holding Absence. At the same time, lyrically, vocalist Adam Rigozzi delves deep into his own personal mental health journey as the band marries beauty with brutality in their impassioned music.

However, when not fronting the band, Lastelle’s frontman, a metalhead at heart, has, over the last few years, discovered a newfound love for K-pop. Recently, V13 spoke to Adam to talk about all things K-pop, get his Top 10 K-pop acts and favourite songs and answer that question… “Why do I like K-pop?”

Adam Rigozzi: “Even though I’m a metalhead at heart and usually gravitate towards sad music, K-pop brings a refreshing change that I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. It reminds me of the 90s, when pop music was fun, catchy, and a little cheesy in the best possible way. There’s something about K-pop that feels nostalgic, like it captures the same carefree energy that made pop music so enjoyable back then.

K-pop definitely feels like a bit of a rabbit hole! It’s similar to supporting a sports team—you celebrate their wins, comebacks, and awards, and usually have a favourite member, known as a bias. Along with metal gigs, I absolutely love going to K-pop concerts; they’re always such a spectacle. It’s funny because people often assume it’s my partner dragging me to these shows, but I’m the one doing the begging to go!

I have found that it is easy to make friends in the K-pop fan community, if you wear K-pop merch you will find someone wanting to talk to you before you know it, I even made friends at Download!

1. NewJeans

“NewJeans only release bangers and have fast become my favourite K-pop group. A lot of their songs have UK garage influences and give me that nostalgic vibe.”

Favourite Song: ETA

Bias: Hanni

2. TWICE

“Initially, I wasn’t a fan of TWICE and even tried to steer clear of them. But when I finally gave them a chance, I realised how much I was missing out on. I ended up seeing them live last year, and it turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve ever been to!”

Favourite Song: Fancy

Bias: Momo

Lastelle K-Pop Feature

3. Kep1er

“Kep1er might be one of the cheesiest K-pop groups out there, but honestly, that’s part of their charm and why I enjoy them so much. I saw them a couple years back, but I am too embarrassed to post the videos as I’m screaming the lyrics a little too enthusiastically.”

Favourite Song: Up

Bias: Dayeon

4. XG

“Controversial entry, as it might not be considered K-pop. But XG hands down release incredible songs. Seeing them this November, I can’t wait.”

Favourite Song: Shooting Star

Bias: Chisa

5.LE SSERAFIM

“The next two groups feature members from the now-disbanded IZ*One, which gives them a bit of a supergroup vibe! As for LE SSERAFIM, they haven’t released a single song I don’t love yet!”

Favourite Song: Blue Flame

Bias: Chaewon

Lastelle ‘Exist’ EP Artwork

6.IVE

“I saw IVE at the O2 earlier this year, and they were brilliant! Their live vocals were absolutely amazing.”

Favourite Song: Eleven

Bias: Rei

7. ITZY

“ITZY was the group that really sparked my love for K-pop again, and are awesome, even if they do have a couple of skippable songs. I saw them earlier this year, and they absolutely didn’t disappoint.”

Favourite Song: Dalla Dalla

Bias: Yeji

Lastelle K-Pop Feature

8. BLACKPINK

“BLACKPINK is definitely an easy gateway into K-pop; just play “How You Like That” for anyone, and they’ll be dancing by the end of it!”

Favourite Song: As if it’s your last

Bias: Jennie

9. aespa

“Oh my gosh don’t you know I’m a sandwich”

Favourite Song: Savage

Bias: Karina

10. BABYMONSTER

“Newest band on this list, that debuted only a few months ago. Similar vibes to BLACKPINK but there’s 7 of them!”

Favourite Song: Sheesh

Bias: Ruka

Petitioning for a NewJeans, Twice, Kep1er & Lastelle world tour…

* Photos provided by artist