06 January 2026
Marco Gandolfi
Following the critical acclaim of their sophomore album, When Are You Leaving?, Korean-American singer-songwriter NoSo (Baek Hwong) is set to return to the UK this February for a series of intimate headline performances. Released via Partisan Records, the new album has solidified NoSo’s reputation as one of the most compelling and sonically adventurous songwriters of their generation.
From Dreams to Reality
While NoSo’s 2022 debut, Stay Proud of Me, focused on the yearning for self-acceptance, When Are You Leaving? explores the complex aftermath of transition. The record delves into the "messy, beautiful" reality of living the life you once longed for while still navigating identity, perception, and mental health.
The album’s title and NoSo’s stage name both nod to Hwong’s experience growing up in suburban Chicago, frequently fielding the question, “North or South Korean?” This interrogation of being seen—or misunderstood—runs through the lyrical marrow of the new tracks.
An Expansive New Sound
Sonically, the new record marks a bold departure from bedroom pop minimalism. Largely self-produced, the album features:
"Sugar": A lush, soft-focus disco track co-produced with Jack Tatum (Wild Nothing).
"Don’t Hurt Me, I’m Trying": A raw explosion of sludgy, distorted guitars.
"Dad Made Toast!": An experimental house-inflected energy booster.
UK Tour Dates
After recently supporting Khruangbin, NoSo will now take center stage at some of the UK’s most beloved independent venues. The tour kicks off at London’s stunning Islington Assembly Hall before heading to the creative hubs of Bristol and Manchester, and concluding at the legendary King Tut’s in Glasgow.
February 2026 Tour Schedule:
17 Feb: London – Islington Assembly Hall
18 Feb: Bristol – Strange Brew
19 Feb: Manchester – Band on the Wall
20 Feb: Glasgow – King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
Tickets for all dates are on sale now below.
