Rosé & Bruno Mars: "APT."

Three uniquely stylized piano solo arrangements of "APT." as performed by Rosé and Bruno Mars. The K-pop earworm is guaranteed to dazzle audiences at your next performance!

This post is part seventeen of the Sonic Surprises Sheet Music Series.

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About the collaboration:

The collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars on the track “APT.,” released on October 18, 2024, as the lead single from Rosé’s debut solo album rosie, is a vibrant fusion of K-pop and pop-rock that has captivated global audiences. Inspired by a Korean drinking game called “Apartment,” the song’s infectious chant of “apateu” (Korean for apartment) forms its catchy, rhythmic core, blending Rosé’s ethereal vocals with Mars’ soulful, playful energy. The creative process began when Rosé introduced the game to her studio crew, sparking fascination, and Mars, intrigued by its cultural significance, eagerly joined the project after Rosé pitched three songs, with “APT.” as her top choice. Mars not only co-wrote and co-produced the track alongside producers like Cirkut and Omer Fedi but also provided vocal coaching to Rosé, enhancing her performance with newfound confidence. Their chemistry, evident in playful social media exchanges and a music video styled with nostalgic 2010s grunge-pop aesthetics, turned the track into a cultural phenomenon, dominating charts like Billboard’s Global 200 for nine weeks and earning acclaim as 2024’s most acclaimed K-pop song by Forbes.

What makes “APT.” stand out is its seamless blend of Rosé’s Korean heritage and Mars’ global pop sensibilities, creating a track that feels both fresh and nostalgic. The song’s pop-punk and new wave influences, reminiscent of Gwen Stefani or Avril Lavigne, are elevated by Mars’ intricate musical arrangements, incorporating guitar, bass, and drums for a rich, dynamic sound. Rosé’s initial hesitation about a song centered on a drinking game was quickly dispelled as her team and Mars embraced its addictive quality, with critics praising its universal appeal and ability to turn Korean culture into a global meme, akin to Psy’s hits. The collaboration also had a broader impact, boosting interest in Korean soju and even reviving a 1982 Korean song titled “Apartment” by Yoon Soo-il. For Rosé, working with Mars, whom she described as a “great mentor and friend,” was a pivotal moment in her solo career, while Mars found a new avenue to explore his versatility, following his successful duet with Lady Gaga.

Official music video for “APT.“:

The music video for “APT.,” released on October 18, 2024, starring BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars, is a vibrant, nostalgic tribute to early-2000s pop-rock aesthetics, blending playful energy with cultural flair. Directed by Daniel “Cloud” Campos, it features Rosé and Mars in a retro-inspired setting, rocking grunge-pop outfits—think leather jackets, plaid skirts, and chunky sneakers—while performing against a backdrop of neon-lit apartments and arcade-style visuals. The video’s dynamic choreography, including Rosé’s confident struts and Mars’ slick dance moves, complements the song’s infectious “apateu” chant, inspired by a Korean drinking game. With quirky elements like soju bottle props and a cameo-filled party scene, the video captures the song’s fun, cross-cultural vibe, amassing over 1.5 billion YouTube views by early 2025 and earning praise for its bold, nostalgic charm.

Why did you arrange this song?:

This song was a request by a piano teacher whose student is a late-beginner/early intermediate and wanted to perform this piece for their upcoming recital. I created multiple versions so accommodate students and music-lovers alike.