A new band about to make a splash in America is Blush. The all girl, and all Asian, five member pop group, bring an international sound with them. They’ve already generated some buzz with a performance on “So You Think You Can Dance” and have shared the stage with Snoop Dogg. JiHae Lee and Angeli Flores recently stopped by to chat about Blush.
Q – What are your roles in the band?
JiHae – My role in Blush is making jokes! Ha ha. When we’re tired, I want to make the girls laugh and feel better.
Angeli – Angeli Flores. We play different roles at different times. We are a group but we work as a team, so I wouldn’t say that there would be a specific role for everyone. We just go with the flow. 
Q – How did Blush come together as a group?
JiHae – FarWest Entertainment had a talent search. Last year, they came to each of our countries – Korea, China, India, Japan and Philippines – to search for talented girls. They picked 5-6 girls in each country and the girls went to Hong Kong to have a training camp which was called ‘Project Lotus.’ Every week each team had a song and dance to learn and practice which they performed on that Friday. After each performance the judges would deliberate and one girl from each country went home. I was very lucky to be in the Top 10. On November 29, 2010 Blush was formed with Natsuko (Japan), Victoria (China), Alisha (India), Angeli (Philippines) and I, Jihae (Korea).
Q – How did the name Blush come about?
JiHae – It’s from our management, FarWest Entertainment. We love this name. It’s cute, girly, short and memorable.
Angeli – We love it because it’s sweet, fun and very girly.
Q – For those not hip on Blush, describe the band’s sound.
JiHae – I’d like to call it ‘International Pop.’ We’re from different countries and all of us have different voices and personalities but it’s still blended. We’re “Undivided.”
Angeli – As a new band our music is still evolving, but we are going for an international sound because our goal is to be an international group where everyone from all over the world will enjoy listening to us.
Q – How does the music industry differ in Asia than in the US?
JiHae – I think the music industry in Asia is really organized and fast because producers know what they want. On the other hand, the music industry in US is more open. They like to discuss opinions.
Angeli – For me I am lucky that in the Philippines we are open to different kinds of music whether it’s Filipino, American or British it doesn’t matter as long as its good music we listen to it, and we sing along. This means my musical influences are quite diverse and it’s a good thing because I can share various music with my Blush sisters.
Q – The group recently made their American television debut on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” How did this come about?
JiHae – We have a partner in L.A. and he linked us to do that show. It was an amazing opportunity. I really appreciate that we were given the opportunity to perform with Big Big Snoop Dogg!!!
Angeli – We were really happy and excited about it because it was Blush’s TV U.S. debut.
Q – How did you get involved with Snoop Dogg?
JiHae – Snoop Dogg loves to help and mentor new artists and also likes to learn about Asian music. I couldn’t believe that I was singing and performing with him. I really, really appreciate it.
Angeli – Snoop Dogg has always been helpful to new artists and being on the same song with him is really a big honor for us. We are really happy to have him on our single, “Undivided.”
Q – Your debut album, which will be released later this year, features songwriters and producers who have worked with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry and Rihanna. What has working with these high caliber producers done for Blush?
JiHae – We’ve learned a lot of things, not only about singing but also about life and how to be more emotional and professional.
Angeli – It’s a great experience to work with people who have been working with top artists because they really help us to develop and grow as artists ourselves.
Q – Once the album drops, will there be a corresponding U.S. tour?
JiHae – We hope so. It depends on the plan but I hope that we can have a U.S. tour.
Angeli – I’m sure there will be as soon as we finish our album. We will let you know! We want everyone to hear our music and we want them to know what Blush is all about – strength in diversity, teamwork, girl power, and uniting together to create something bigger, better, and more interesting.