Music Highlights 11.23.20
I realized that a once monthly music highlights post wasn’t going to cut it and wanted to also share some news, so let’s dive deeper into the music that’s come out in the past week.
+ News
CL has decided to postpone the release of her upcoming album, due at the end of the month, ALPHA till next year. I am excited for her album, I’ve been a fan of CL and 2NE1 for a really long time, and while it isn’t fun to wait, I know that she has a lot connected to this album as it’s her first one outside of YG. I’m fine with waiting longer for it to be something she is comfortable and proud of. (article)
I just recently made the dive into Keshi’s music after hearing his praises from everyone (specifically Jae). He may have also been in an Among Us game and found him hilarious too…Clash recently did an interview with him that can be found here. It’s a good article that gives a bit more insight to how he got into music and his writing process.
We Do It Together is an album coming out this week, and is a compilation of a group of female rock musicians from Korea to highlight the sexism that’s prevalent in the scene and society. The lineup looks pretty great, and am really excited to hear what’s on it. The album releases on the 26th. Find out more here.
YouTube Japan is putting on another round of YouTube Music Weekend. They did this towards the beginning of the year - maybe around April - when we were in our first lockdowns. I was able to watch some of it, but like all Japanese music there is a catch. The shows are streamed on the individual group’s channel. If they have strict rights set up that means you won’t be able to see them outside of being in Japan (or I guess having a VPN). A list of all the artists and times can be found here.
The Melon Music Awards have officially revealed their list of nominees which includes a category of rock so devoid of rock selections that at this point just give up. Currently DAY6 is the closest with ‘Zombie’ - which I’m more than ok with because I’m a simple human and love to love my faves, but since they have no chance against the other non-rock songs it doesn’t matter (yes I am bitter that Dreamcatcher is not on that list. At the very least they should have been included.). The closest second option is N.FLYING’s ‘Oh Really’, a very much not rock offering from them. The awards ceremony will be entirely online, and DAY6 Even of Day is confirmed as a performer.
Ken Kamikita's new EP, Philia, will be released on December 10th.
The teaser for Yoshiki: Under the Sky is a music documentary/concert…thing that Yoshiki (X Japan) worked on with YouTube Originals just was released. A lot of artists are in it, from Sarah Brightman to Hyde, and as a wacky and all over the place lover of a lot of different people, most of the people on the list I’m very much interested in so I’m excited. It’ll be uploaded on December 23rd.
+ Releases and Finds
Lacuna came out with the EP, Hello Wonderland. I was first introduced to them during KCON. They had various bands perform pre-show, and immediately put them on my ongoing list as a group to listen to more. They are relatively new, so their catalogue isn’t big and easy to get through. Current faves of the EP are the title track, ‘Dancing in the Rain’, and ‘Carnival’, but the entire EP is worth the full listen.
AKMU released their newest single, ‘Happening’. I really love the duo, they are consistent in their sound and putting out content I’m just going to love.
A long time favorite, Park Jung Min, finally released an official single, ‘Love So Sweet’. While it isn’t something I’m into, I still want to spread the word that exists so that it can find the right home. Still (im)patiently waiting for a Romeo return.
Ghost Like Girlfriend’s EP 2020の窓辺から came out, and I really like all the songs off of it. I tend to like most of his work, and it’s good music to have in the background while you work.
I really am trying to be good about not rushing to pick up anymore (kpop) groups, but I’ve never really given them a CNBLUE a chance. I know basically their debut song and that’s about it. I might deep dive into some of their older work soon to get a feel of them.
DINDIN just released the single, ‘Walking’ featuring one of my favorite female vocalists Soyou (formally of SISTAR). She’s a great soloist, and her collabs tend to be fantastic. I think she has a really great grasp at fitting with whoever she works with, and who she chooses to work with.
Dreamcatcher. Oh Dreamcatcher. I love them so much, and they have to know this. They didn’t have to make me fall harder with their newest Japanese single, ‘No More’. Sigh.
Lucia is a solo artist I don’t think I’ve ever heard of, or at the very least didn’t focus on. She came out with the single ‘_Lunar phase’ and it popped up on my daily music browse and was really drawn to her voice and the song. She kind of has an Aimer vibe (at least with song), so she’s definitely been added to my soloists to potential go through old work.
+ Upcoming
GOT7 pre-release single, ‘Breath’ (23)
iri single, ‘言えない’ (25)
Various Artists, We Do It Together (26)
End of the World album, Chameleon (27)
+ Album Spotlight
This week I’m spotlighting the all-female punk band from China, Dummy Toys, and their newest album Not A Puppet. ‘City of Dead’ and ‘Universe Recombination’ are my personal favorites.
+++