K-pop boy band Monsta X joins prominent U.S. music label Epic Records

[Photograph by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]

SEOUL -- K-pop boy band Monsta X has joined Epic Records, a prominent American music label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, to establish a firm foothold for the seven-member group's activities in the United States.

"Epic Records will manage the release and the worldwide distribution of Monsta X's English version albums," the group's agency Starship Entertainment said in a statement on Wednesday. Epic Records has released music by iconic figures in the pop genre such as Michael Jackson, George Michael and Celine Dion. The music label currently has American hip-hop artist DJ Khalid and Camila Cabello, a Cuban-American singer-songwriter.

"We are thrilled to join Epic Records alongside artists we respect the most," Monsta X was quoted as saying.

The band's latest album "Take.2 We Are Here" stood at the No. 4 spot on Billboard World Albums chart in April. Monsta X's single "Play It Cool", featuring American DJ and producer Steve Aoki, reached No. 20 on Billboard's Hot Dance and Electronic Songs chart the same month.

Monsta X has launched a world tour last month, covering Seoul and 17 other ciities.