As I mentioned during yesterday’s monthly K-pop round-up, the past two months haven’t been exactly thrilling when it comes to K-pop. So, I’ve taken the time to dive back into some old J-pop favorites and discover some artists I’d never listened to before.

I tend to embark on these deep J-pop dives each winter as K-pop’s release slate slows down. This year, I’ve been all over the place and want to share a few artists and songs that have been on permanent rotation. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do!

Predia

Over the past few months, I’ve been listening to Predia’s entire discography like it’s a new religion. I adore their robust, dramatic sound and powerful vocals. I just can’t get enough of their music. I’m posting some favorite singles and b-sides so you can get a taste.

K-pop fans of groups like GFriend and Dreamcatcher will surely find something to love here!

This video is super cringe with its weird sexualized water pouring, but the song absolutely slaps:

This one’s epic:

And this is bonkers-brilliant:

This one kinda out-Dreamcatchers Dreamcatcher:

PASSPO – Next Flight

God, I love this song. It’s the perfect blend of 80’s rock and J-pop attitude. Those melodies are perfection.

Girl Next Door

I’m obsessed with Girl Next Door’s big synth sound. It feels like an updated version of Every Little Thing’s late-90’s hits. The music just brims with life and I’m having a blast exploring their tirelessly upbeat discography.

Genic – Supersonic

I’ll probably write more about Genic later because I’m head over heels for this group, but for now I’ll share a fantastic b-side that a lot of K-pop listeners would probably enjoy:

FEMM – Whiplash

This is all kinds of awesome — the sort of ballsy showstopper Avex pulls out of their back pocket from time to time like it’s no big deal at all.

Da-iCE – Time Is Life

I’ve followed Da-iCE pretty closely since debut, but I’m not sure how I missed this punchy pop b-side. It makes me wish for summer!