Music Highlights 1.11.21
After starting to write up the post for last week, I realized I only had a couple of things to talk about. Christmas slowed down releases that weren’t Christmas-related, and not much news was released. I’ve also decided that making these bi-weekly seems like the more logical choice for this anyways. LOTS of music coming out in the next couple of weeks that I’m really looking forward to.
+ News
Spotify is launching in Korea. I think this will be good selfishly for me as a lot of the music I listen to tends not to be uploaded to Spotify (and having all my favorites in one place is just nicer). I think more indie artists will feel like it’s a good option to promote their music when in the past there was no incentive. However, I do know it’ll just become a messy spot as another place to stream. The music world we live in now.
Shinsadong Tiger will be debuting a new girl group early 2021. As a huge fan of EXID it’s one of the newer groups that I have had my eye on and am interested in their sound and how they will be produced.
Another year end list that I think is worth a look is Unite Asia’s top 10 albums of the year. Unite Asia is a great option to be able to find rock music from Asian countries, and the top list is a good spot before the massive dive.
Maaya Sakmoto will be releasing her fourth concept album that will feature 7 artists in March.
GOT7 has decided to not renew with JYPE. The group seems to be split up in every direction in terms of their solo activities, so I’ll think it’ll be interesting how they’ll be able to continue as a whole (that’s a lot of contract planning), but hoping they are able to - if they want. I know a lot of fans are sad at the moment but I hope that GOT7 will be able to do what they want to do without that pressure, whether they stay together or not. They are all talented. I’m not worried that they won’t be able to find a path that’s right for them.
+ Releases and Finds
I’ve been needing some quieter music with how the world has been going. Songs that have been helping: Viral Affair’s ‘Signs’, Greener’s ‘Drift’, L.NDN’s ‘Stay With Me’ and Yolk’s ‘Rose’
Roling Quartz came out with their first single, ‘Blaze’. Not going to lie, there was a part of me that worried that we would stray from a rock sound, so I was really happy with this song. All female rock group’s deserve views so go give it a listen.
Yorushika always comes out with music/music videos when I’m not suspecting it, and when I need it the most. ‘春泥棒’ will be on their album coming out at the end of the month.
I know I said I was splitting my kpop faves into their own separate thing, but there was only one offering this week so I figured I’ll keep it in. Young K collabed with daybreak for ‘Run With Me’ (Sunwoojunga cover). The cover is really good, and special since Young K is a huge fan of the group.
+ Upcoming
AleXa single, ‘Never Let You Go’ (14)
Epik High album, Epik High Is Here (18)
Chungha pre-release single, ‘X’ (19)
Alexandros album, Best Of (20)
Band Maid album, Unseen World (20)
Hoppipolla mini album, And Then There Was Us (20)
Ling tosite Sigure single, ‘Perfake Perfect’ (20)
Hiroki Moriuchi solo cover album, Sing;est (20)
Leaves Black album (21)
+ Album Spotlight
Today’s spotlight is the South Korean band, Rain Note, who I stumbled upon and have very little listens, but I think a lot of people would connect with. Their album, First Note (Remember), just came out at the beginning of the month. If you are into an emotional rock band, check them out!
Check out the last Weekly Highlights here.
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