K-pop group Aespa and their agency, SM Entertainment, signed a global partnership with Warner Records for the distribution and marketing promotions of the girls’ music in the US.
The first under this partnership is Aespa’s lead single “Life Too Short” that will be released on June 24, part of their mini-album “Girls” that will come out on July 8. The sneak peek track “Illusion” is available now upon pre-order for the album.
“We are thrilled to be welcomed into the Warner Records’ family and so grateful to have them on board as we embark on our next chapter. We are excited for what’s in store, including the release of our new project, Girls - The 2nd Mini Album this summer and being named Apple Music’s Up Next artist!” said Aespa.
“Karina, Winter, Giselle and Ningning of Aespa have already made an impact around the world under the leadership of SM Entertainment founder and chairman Soo-Man Lee and his incredible team,” said Warner Records; Tom Corson, COO and co-Chairman, and Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO and co-chairman
They added, “We’re honored to welcome them to the Warner Records’ family as our first-ever K-Pop group and look forward to achieving unprecedented success together.”
“We are well aware of Warner Records’ long history of success with global artists, and we are grateful for their belief in Aespa’s rising future. Together with Warner Records, we are confident that aespa can continue to showcase groundbreaking music and grow into a global group,” said SM Entertainment’s CEO Sung Su-lee and COO Young Jun-tak.
Meanwhile, Apple Music announced that Aespa will be the newest global Up Next artist, Apple Music's monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.
Part of this is the release of an Up Next short film, an interview with Apple Music’s Brooke Reese on Apple Music 1 radio and an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Aespa earlier made their debut US live performance at Coachella.