EXPOSITION debuts its inaugural showcase in Los Angeles

by Sabrina Chang || photographed on Aug. 15

Read our interview with EXPOSITION’s co-heads about the behind-the-scenes of the showcase

On a vibrant Tuesday night, fans swarmed to Asian indie music collective EXPOSITION’s sold-out inaugural showcase at Los Angeles’s Moroccan Lounge, a captivating concert boasting live performances by a lineup featuring donny daydream, juhye, hyejin, Bachyard Ghost, Aleebi, and Ethan Low. The concert hall pulsed with an infectious energy as attendees eagerly anticipated an evening of electrifying music.

As I entered the venue, the air buzzed with enthusiastic chatter. I met Josh Gong, the co-head of EXPOSITION, who promptly connected me with other members of his dedicated team. Our shared California hometown of Milpitas instantly bridged a connection between Gong and me. This revelation stirred a profound sense of appreciation in me as I marveled at how two individuals from a small Northern California city had journeyed so far.

The show started with Gong and co-head Jun Park introducing EXPOSITION and the artists. Gong explained how he joined and eventually started leading EXPOSITION. “Growing up, I didn’t see people who looked like me in music,” he said. As his words resonated through the crowd, I could sense the importance of his message reverberating within each person present. After Park’s heartfelt thank you for the audience’s attendance, the lights gently dimmed.

Kicking off the night's festivities, donny daydream took to the stage with a burst of pop-infused beats. His electric dance moves commandeered the spotlight, setting a dynamic tone for the rest of the night. Following donny daydream was juhye, who slowed it down and serenaded the audience with her melodies. Her seamless incorporation of various instruments showcased not only her talent but also her musicality. 

hyejin took the stage next with catchy R&B beats. Her lively interactions with her bandmates radiated an unmistakable joy in performing, an emotion that undeniably coursed through the audience. As she exited the stage, the lights dimmed again, and the screen flickered with the name Bachyard Ghost. The crowd erupted in cheers as Bachyard Ghost took center stage, his rapid-fire rapping captivating the audience. His performance led to a mosh pit forming on the floor, one he wholeheartedly joined in the end.

Following Bachyard Ghost was Aleebi, who performed songs across different genres, ranging from pop-punk to R&B. He invited surprise guest Lydia Ganada to join him, igniting the atmosphere with their joint rendition of their song "Party Tonight." The audience's response was nothing short of electric, with their energy igniting the concert hall. The last guest of the night was the enchanting Ethan Low, who delivered smooth jams and irresistible pop melodies. Another surprise guest, CLUB BOYBND, joined the stage during Low’s set to perform an unreleased song. A memorable highlight was when he extended a special invitation to a lucky girl from the audience onto the stage. Cheers swept through the crowd as he serenaded her with a cover of "Come and See Me" by PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake.

The night at EXPOSITION showed me how important it is for Asian representation in music. I had never seen people like me own the stage with such conviction and unwavering confidence. I left the night feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for my community. EXPOSITION has created a beautiful space for Asian Americans and Asians in independent music.

donny daydream

juhye

hyejin

Bachyard Ghost

Aleebi

Exposition co-heads Jun Park and Josh Gong

Surprise act Lydia Ganada joined Aleebi

Ethan Low