Luna's Ongaku Go for July 2021!

Picking up after Ken with another month down from 2021, we at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“TONIGHT” by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE

“TONIGHT” is one of JSB’s latest tracks that immediately caught my ear. It brings a nice R&B flavor to the table with its dance beat but with more composition. Usually my go-to track by JSB is “Yes we are”, which are very heavy dance influenced songs, but “TONIGHT” took me off guard with its harmonous vocals and R&B vibe throughout. I also felt that the R&B Trap remix for “TONIGHT” is just as good as the original. JSB does what they do best, provide smooth vocals, a chill yet sexy vibe, and each member brings their own personality into “TONIGHT”.

Check out “TONIGHT” here and the music video below, along with the track here!

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“The Moment” by AI featuring ¥ellow Bucks

I have been very hyped for “The Moment” due to my recent obssession with AI. Upon hearing it, I was not disappointed as “The Moment” gives you everything you want in an R&B/Hip-hop track. You got ¥ellow Bucks featured here bringing the rap to AI’s smooth vocals. The medley fits so well with the lyrics, rap, and vocals; I feel that that this song is one that fits with both artist’s style making it a match made in heaven for collaborators. “The Moment” is a very Western style track, however, it fits well with both artists and I cannot help falling in love with it.

Check out “The Moment” here and the music video below, along with the song here!

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“BAKA” by I Don’t Like Mondays

In the summer, I always go back to I Don’t Like Mondays as they have some amazing summer tracks. I discovered “BAKA” and fell in love despite it not being the typical track I listen to this time of year. “BAKA” is a softer song, more on the ballad side but not quite there. I love when I Don’t Like Mondays does tracks like this as it shows off their vocals and that they can do the slower tracks that pull you into the song. “BAKA” automatically pulls you in with its beautiful composoition and Yu’s vocals are just phenmonal.

Check out “BAKA” here and the lyric video below, along with the track here!

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“Kira Kira Wasurete” by t-Ace

t-Ace is an artist I’ve been wanting to dive into so I started listening to his whole discography. One of his latest tracks “Kira Kira Wasurete” became my favorite. The beats fit with his style of rap and vocals as he takes on more of the Western style in his music. “Kira Kira Wasurete” is a fun upbeat track that you can either dance to or chill too, which is one of the reasons I gravitated for it. My only issue is the use of autotune in the track itself. I believe that t-Ace doesn’t need to use it as he is a great rapper and decent vocalist, however, it does fit with the type of song he is doing.

Check out “Kira Kira Wasurete” here and the music video below, with the song here!

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“Lonely Boy” by KIRA

With the release of KIRA’s newest track “Look at me” with Shimotaku, I decided to go back and re-listen to her newest EP Miss Indepedent that released in April of this year. “Lonely Boy” is one of the lead tracks off of it and easily became my favorite track of the summer. It reminds me of a second part to “Bye Bye Boy” combined with Destiny Child’s “Say My Name”. The composition and lyrics are catchy, not to mention KIRA’s smokey vocals that make everything come together. “Lonely Boy” has easily become one of my favorite songs by KIRA and brings you back to that late 90s and early 00s western style of music.

Check out “Lonely Boy” here and the music video below, with the song here!

Ken's Ongaku Go For July 2021

The mid peak of summer has arrived which means a brand new Ongaku Go is here! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“Presence Remix” by STUTS & Takako Matsu with 3exes (Feat. T-pablow, Daichi Yamamoto, NENE, BIM & KID FRESINO)

A project that was built highly and actually lived up to its hype, STUTS & Takako Matsu with 3exes’s, “Presence”, a project that started in April and accumulated into an amazing album and “Presence Remix” that concluded at the end of June. Originally broken up parts I-V, the remix brings the accompanying artists T-pablow, Daichi Yamamoto, NENE, BIM & KID FRESINO together one last time to make a unique mix that combines all vocalists that just absolutely works.

Be sure to check out the music video for “Presence Remix” below along with the song here!

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“Monster” by YOASOBI

I’ve been loving this song since its release back in January but its been off my rotation for the better part of the year. However, the reason I get to add this to my Ongaku Go even more so is because the international release of BEASTAR (which this song is attached to as the opening theme) is finally available on Netflix. Everything for this song works for me, especially the composition of Ayase’s vocal range. Like “Yoruni Kakeru” before it, the melody is something that just gets into your head and slowly infects you into enjoying it even more upon every listen. While it might not be the most popular track upon the three of us by YOASOBI, “Monster” absolutely takes down the worst. 

Check out the music video for “Monster” along with the streaming link here!

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“MYPPL” by KM (Feat. Daichi Yamamoto)

A rarity on our list as I have two tracks that have the same featured artist on my Ongaku Go. But Yamamoto takes a more promising role in “MYPPL” compared to “Presence Remix”. The vocal tones of both KM and Yamamoto really sold me on the track to the point that once I get over the intro of the work, the whole intention of the artist is fully realized. While this is my first introduction to KM as well, “MYPPL” had made me take notice of this artist as well.

Be sure to check out the music video for “MYPPL” along with the track here!

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“Marble” by showmore

It has been a long while since showmore released a track, so I thought the worst since they haven’t released anything since “Now” back in 2019. Honestly, “Marble” is absolutely needed right now, with its more elated back competition that I can just drift away to does the heavy lifting. The vocals by Manami Nezu are no joke as it shows how the one two punch of Atsushi Inoue’s medley works so well with her. I’m looking forward to more work done by this amazing duo in the future and am so happy that they decided not to split. 

Check out the music video for “marble” below along with the song here!

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“Weather Report” by Tokimeki Records (feat. Hikari)

If you heard what I’ve been saying on the podcast, then you’ll know that I’ve been loving the work that Tokimeki Records has been doing by revitalizing popular 70’s, 80’s and 90’s pop songs. From “Mind Circus”, “Mayonako no Door”, and now “Weather Report” that was originally sung by Hidomitoi, Tokimeki Records truly understands what makes the songs great without being a one to one cover of the track. She makes her version in her own unique way that would connect to the younger generation who might not be familiar with these classic songs. While I do love the original versions of these tracks, the spin that Tokimeki Records puts on it makes it feel like a brand new song entirely. This makes me look forward to any upcoming work that she does in the future. 

Be sure to check out the lyric video for “Weather Report” below along with the track here!

Gray's Ongaku Go For June 2021

Picking up after Ken and Luna with another month down from 2021, we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

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“Emotion” by Jang Keun Suk

This is one of the best songs I’ve listened to in 2021. It’s so catchy and it came out of left field as well. Both me and Luna had never heard of Jang Keun Suk but this one single has turned me into a fan. All three tracks on his latest album are stellar but “Emotion” is still my favorite. Do yourself a favor and check this one out. This will more than likely be in my top 5 for the end of the year. 

Check out “Emotion” here, and the music video below.

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“Till I Know What Love Is (I’m Never Gonna Die)” by Aimyon

To me this is an instant classic song for Aimyon. It has all the tropes that make a really good Aimyon number. Delivers nice guitar work with a really catchy melody. It has an honest feeling to it that draws the listener in. This is her best release in a while and I’ve had it on repeat since we covered it on the show.

Check out “Till I Know What Love Is (I’m Never Gonna Die)” here, and the music video below.

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“Kimi Shika Katan” by Hintazaka46

This has been a guilty pleasure since it dropped. It’s traditional idol flair but it’s got this fun upbeat melody that I just can’t get enough of. Hinatazaka46 has been pretty consistent since they debuted and I’m always excited to hear what they have next.

Check out “Kimi Shika Katan” here, and the music video below.

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“I Remember You (feat. AK-69)” by Ms. OOJA

I owe Luna a lot for introducing me to Ms. OOJA. This was the first song I heard by her and it’s so satisfying. The percussion really thumps in this number that is guaranteed to get the listener’s head to bob. AK-69 has a fantastic rap in it as well. This single left an impression on me and I can’t get enough.

Check out “I Remember You (feat. AK-69)” here, and the music video below.

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“Scarlet Lips” by Touken Danshi team Shinsengumi with Hachisuka Kotetsu

The last Touken Danshi is still in my top five for the year and I feel like my expectations were just a bit too high but I’ve gone back to “Scarlet Lips” several times since then and this track grows on me each time I listen to it. It has a great big band feeling to it and it’s super fun overall. I might be turning into a Touken Danshi fan since their last two singles have really surprised me. 

Check out “Scarlet Lips” here, and the music video below.

Luna's Ongaku Go For June 2021!

Picking up after Ken with another month down from 2021, we at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“Ego” by Yayoi Daimon

Yayoi Daimon’s music has been a part of my life for the last couple years and our recent Music Corner has solidified my love for her. When the teasers for “Ego” were dropping, I was automatically drawn in. “Ego” is a darker song both musically and lyrically, and I love hearing this new side of Yayoi. It still has Yayoi’s signature rap and vocal style. The chorus is very catchy and the heavier beats fit perfectly with the message Yayoi is bringing in “Ego”. This is my song of the month as you can easily listen to it on repeat and find a new appreciation and enjoyment with each listen.

Check out “Ego” here and the music video below!

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“Kono Yume ga Sameru made” feat. The YOSHIDA BROTHERS by Miliyah Kato

Miliyah Kato is one of the versatile artists that can do any style. She started out with an R&B style but shows her music range, especially in “Kono Yume ga Sameru made”. The YOSHIDA BROTHERS play a big part in this as they are a shamisenist duo, right at the beginning you hear the shamisen (a traditional Japanese instrument) and it brings out Miliyah’s vocals in many different ways. Milliyah takes her unique style and mixes with the YOSHIDA BROTHERS by adding in some rap, R&B, and pop flavor all into one track that features traditional Japanese instruments. “Kono Yume ga Sameru made” flows perfectly in composition with MIliyah smooths vocals and rap - making it sound like this song was made just for her.

Check out “Kono Yume ga Sameru made” feat. The YOSHIDA BROTHERS here and the music video below!

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“perfect angel” by COMA-CHI

With the release of COMA-CHI’s latest EP, Shades of Yellow in March of this year, I went back and revisited her whole discography which led me to re-discover “perfect angel”. I remember when “perfect angel” released on her RED NAKED album in 2009 and I listened to it non-stop; going back has been such a treat. “perfect angel” is a slower hip-hop track in which COMA-CHI shows both her vocal skills and rap flawlessly. The transition between vocals to rap is seamless and COMA-CHI has a way of keeping that emotion in the track that makes it memorable. The music plays as a ballad which her powerful vocals come out to shine and when the rap transitions, it manages to keep the music ballad and gives the track a beautiful serene flow.

Check out “perfect angel” by COMA-CHI here and the music video below!

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“lovey-dovey” by CREAM

CREAM released their latest track “lovey-dovey” on May 21st and has practically been on repeat since it released. To say I’m obsessed with “lovey-dovey” is an understatement. The beats are nice, smooth, and match perfectly with Minami’s vocals. Staxx-T and Minami have the perfect charisma which is why “lovey-dovey” works so well, they both play off each others lyrics and you cannot help but sing-a-long and move to this track. The lyrics are also relatable to most couples today and how they are “lovey-dovey”, which is another reason this song works with me so well.

Check out “lovey-dovey” by CREAM here and the music video below!

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“Roller Coaster” feat. Novel Core by KAHOH

I discovered “Roller Coaster” and KAHOH when I was listening to a recommended station on AppleMusic and fell in love. “Roller Coaster” is a catchy urban-pop tune that brings a fun vibe to the summer time. KAHOH has a smooth sultry voice that coincides with musical beat that makes you want to get up and dance. Novel Core lends his voice in this lovely dance tune and it shows the chemistry both him and KAHOH have together. “Roller Coaster” is a feel good summer track that it both upbeat pop dance feel with a slice of urban style creating a perfect mixture. Not to mention, the lyrics are very fun and easy to sing-a-long too.

Check out “Roller Coaster” feat. Novel Core here and the music video below!

Ken's Ongaku Go for June 2021!

Reaching that half way point of the year means a brand new Ongaku Go is here! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“Tabitachi no Mae ni” by WANIMA

Honestly, WANIMA is a group that came up the last couple months in my rotations. While their release in April, “Chilly Chili Sauce”, was something I’m used to by them, what really surprised me was their next digital release of “Tabitachi no Mae ni”. While its not as high energy as previous tracks done by the band, I absolutely love the message of “doing your best not matter what obstacles are in your way”. It’s a message that, especially during this time, we all need. While I wasn’t sold on them when I first listened to them a couple years back, solid releases like “Chilly Chili Sauce” and “Tabitachi no Mae ni” in the past couple months made me really look forward to their upcoming releases. 

Be sure to check out the music video below, along with the track here!

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“Love+” by Daichi Yamamoto & DJ DISK

I was honestly anticipating Whitecube that came out earlier in the month, and while I think the album is very strong as a whole, “Love+” drew me back again and again. The interesting mix of having it be a fusion reggae rap mix honestly threw me off upon first listening but enthralled me upon repeated listens. Yamamoto’s vocal range is put on center stage with this release and really shows that he can do more then that western style of rap vocals that he is known for. While I have been a fan of Yamamoto for awhile now, “Love+” really changed what I thought I knew about the vocalist and can’t wait to hear more by him in the future. 

Check out the music video for “Love+” below, along with the song here!

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“Awakening” by Tokyo Jihen

Now, while I appreciate what Shinna Ringo and Tokyo Jihen have done for the industry, I’m not the biggest fan of them. So when I had heard about this upcoming release, I had little to no interested in the album, Ongaku, let alone this song. But when the music video released for this track it had peaked my interest, as most of the things that had turned me off about Ringo and this band was put to a minimum or not included at all and albeit slowly had won me over. This doesn’t mean that I’ll be hurrying to buy their next release, but I can understand why fans love her in the first place a whole lot more now with “Awakening”.

Be sure to check out the music video for “Awakening” below, along with the track here!

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“PARADISE” by TENDRE

I was honestly a little afraid when I had found out that TENDRE had gotten signed to Universal via EMI RECORDS earlier in the year as sometimes studio interference is a thing with artists that don’t fit the mold of popular artists. So to hear the one two punch of “PIECE” earlier in the year and “PARADISE” of being unabashedly his style was a sigh of relief to say the least. While I had did enjoy “PIECE” upon its release as it was also in my Ongaku Go back in April, I felt like it was him holding back just a bit as it was his first major release. With “PARADISE I feel like its TENDRE being more himself with this track and its something that I absolutely love, from its amazing composition to, his vocal work with this track, its an instant listen to any fan and new-comer alike. As I look forward to his upcoming major label album in September, I won’t have to worry about this artist not being able to blaze his own trail in the music industry. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “PARADISE” below and the song here!

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“Highway” by Kobore

Going down the rabbit hole of several new releases a couple weeks back led me to finding this wonderful band. Their latest EP Orange is absolutely fantastic and well roundly showed off their skills as band, however it was the lead track, “Highway” that had really sold me on them. While not shaking the pot too much, they are really solid in what they do. Their vocalist Takeshi Sato really had surprised me and harked back to a lot of early 10’s era of rock. All in all Kobore really got me interested to go back into their discography just a bit more and made me want to look forward to their upcoming release.  

Be sure to check out the track here!