Have you ever been completely blindsided by an artist who suddenly reveals a side you never knew existed? That's exactly what happened when we dove into five different STARTO artists that took us on an unexpected musical journey.
Our exploration began with Ae! group's "Chameleon," a jazz-infused track with groovy bass lines and brass elements that had us immediately moving. From impressive guitar solos to saxophone flourishes, this track showcased Ae! group's potential as a pure band rather than just performers.
SixTONES' "Barrier" hit us with raspy vocals and aggressive delivery, blending genres from jazz to rap to rock. The forceful punctuation in lines like "You are my girl" creates their distinctive sound, while Kento Nakajima's "Just Kenty" brought pure joy with its bubbly electronic dance beat and retro 80s disco influences. His sweet vocals promising to "share his time" perfectly capture his genuine, accessible persona.
WEST's "AHO" took chaos to new heights, transitioning through surf rock, big band sounds, Latin salsa, reggae, and rock ballad elements—all within a single song. This wild blend perfectly encapsulates their Kansai-style humor and creativity, demonstrating why the group works so well together.
The biggest surprise came from Ryosuke Yamada. His tracks "RED," "VELVET," and "HUSTLER" left us speechless, revealing a mature, sultry side that contrasts sharply with his typically cute image. "Hustler" particularly impressed us with its swagger as Yamada declared, "I'm a hustler" and "Get to be a legend"—statements that seem increasingly believable given the quality of his work.
These songs demonstrate STARTO's commitment to nurturing versatile artists who can explore different musical territories while maintaining their unique identities. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Japanese music, these tracks offer something fresh and exciting. Subscribe, rate, and review to support and join our musical journey!
Ae!Group Instagram X YouTube (Chameleon)
Kento Nakajima Instagram Just Kenty
WEST X YouTube A.H.O.
Ryosuke Yamada Instagram X RED (album)
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