Aria van Weye 
There is absolutely no denying that this summer ( or if you are like me, living in the southern hemisphere, Winter) has been an absolute banger from great new music and sounds. With many coronavirus mandates being lifted for many countries in the Australasian region, we are now seeing an onslaught of new singles/albums/tours. However there are a few Artists out there who are real trailblazers and taking the lead this summer. Let’s check out 7 of the top trailblazers this summer/winter.
JUICE BOY, TAIWAN
Juice boy has been working around the clock and has dropped two amazing singles this year. His recent release is an amazing rap/hiphop love ballad ‘Take my heart away’ and features the talented Patrick Brasca. It’s the ultimate romance song for those hot summer days. Juice boy is an up and coming rapper and is really taking charge by making songs that make you want to keep listening. Check out ‘Take my heart away’ here
KIM DRACULA, AUSTRALIA
Kim Dracula has really been pushing boundaries, and everywhere I go, I hear his song ‘Make Me Famous’. The young shock rocker from Hobart (Australia) has been the talk of the whole metal community for his amazing and dark insight into the gun problems of America. He does an amazing job of taking a long hard stab at gun control (and the lack thereof) and Mass shootings in the US. The song reminds me of the times in the 90s where bands such as Rage Against The Machine, would write power anthems to protest the issues. Kim Dracula bring back those days, and more so than ever do we need more musicians like him, to stand up and take a stand. Check out ‘Make Me Famous’ here
PETIT BRABANCON, JAPAN
Petit Brabancon, the band made up of the Visual Kei artists elite. With singer Kiyo from Dir En Grey and Petit Brabancon’s leader, these guys are bringing the Metal this summer. Their return this summer has made fans around the world beyond excited and their latest single ‘Don’t Forget’ will make you wish you were at their live performance, circle-pitting. Petit Brabancon is made up so so much talent, and that’s why their summer performances and single are so great. Its rough, its loud, its screaming, and the composition is on point. It genre-blends J-metal and Visual Kei perfectly. If you were to ask anyone which Japanese J-metal band they are looking forward to seeing, 90% people will say Petit Brabancon. Check out ‘Don’t Forget here!
MUCC, JAPAN
Legendary Visual Kei group MUCC has had a phenomenal year, celebrating 25 years in the business by releasing the amazing metal ballad ‘Hoshininegaiwo’ (wish upon a star) and a whole freaking album. Their latest album ‘New World’ is an absolute aural pleasure to go through, and ‘Hoshininegaiwo’ is so perfectly crafter it will be lodged in your head for the next week( and currently my number 1 song of the year!). MUCC have been prolifically touring non stop to celebrate their 25 year anniversary so if you are in Japan, you won’t miss out on the amazing performers that are MUCC. Check out ‘Hoshininegaiwo’ Here
AK BENJAMIN, TAIWAN
AK Benjamin is one of the best up and coming talents from Taiwan and he has been hustling hard releasing songs left right and centre. Starting off as a cover artist, AK has moved on to making some serious quality beats and songs. This summer he released the EP ‘2022 is 2020 too’ containing his latest hits, ‘Beautiful Insanity’, ‘ok with it’, and ‘2022 i’m still in the building’. His relatable hits involving the coronavirus have been the anthem for this decade, mixing rap, soul, hip-hop and RNB as well as insightful lyrics that are still relevant today. Check out his new EP Here!
MARZ23, TAIWAN
Lead singer of the Taiwanese emo rock band ‘Trash’, Marz23 has been on absolute fire this summer with hit after hit after hit. His latest song ‘This Is My Life’ Is literally the feel good hit of this summer. Its one of those songs where you just need to yell and sing along. This song is everywhere. Marz23 recorded one hella fun video for this song, and it really makes you wanna do the same things. I know there will be many parties with this song playing in the background with the crowds singing along. Marz23 has a presence which is cool, fun, and anarchist all in one. Check out his latest hit here
DPR IAN, KOREAN/AUSTRALIAN
We have known for a while that DPR (Dream Perfect Regime) team have been in the studios (multiple studios according to their instagram) recording. So it came as absolutely no surprise when DPR Ian (Christian Yu) announced his latest album, MITO 2 (Moodswings In To Order) on top of not only a new album, but according to DPR REM there will be a whole dang movie released as well. It’s no surprise that DPR Ian’s fans have are ecstatic and elated that this summer will be filled with more amazing DPR goodness and talent. I for one am ready and revving to go to get my preorder put in on the 29th July. I have MITO 1 so cant wait to add to the collection. What does DPR Ian hold in store for us this summer!
