Rookie K-pop group NEXZ is poised to make their mark on the Japanese music scene with the upcoming release of their first Japanese EP on August 21st. The seven-member boy band, composed of six Japanese members – Tomoya, Yu, Seita, Hyui, Haru and Yuki – and one Korean member, So Geon, will drop their three-track EP titled “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.) / Keep on Moving.” 

The EP will feature two title tracks – “Keep on Moving” and the Japanese version of “Ride the Vibe” – as well as the Japanese version of their previous single “Miracle.” “Keep on Moving” has already gained attention in Japan, having been featured in a commercial for the popular Aquarius beverage brand. The song’s lyrics and production were overseen by JYPE founder and K-pop hitmaker Park Jin-young. “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.)” is described as an “easy-experimental song that fuses elements of hip-hop rhythms with electronica music,” promising an exciting and genre-blending sound for NEXZ’s Japanese debut.  

NEXZ(넥스지) “Ride the Vibe” M/V

Meanwhile, “Miracle” was previously used for the final stage performance in the second season of JYPE’s survival show “Nizi Project,” which led to the formation of the group. In addition to the three main tracks, some limited physical editions of the EP will include a bonus track, further whetting the appetite of NEXZ’s growing fanbase. To support the release, NEXZ will embark on a Japan showcase tour titled “Ride the Vibe,” kicking off on August 3-4 at the Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall B.

The group will then perform at EDION Arena Osaka on August 17-18 and Musashino Forest Sport Plaza Main Arena on August 24-25. The upcoming Japanese debut marks a significant milestone for the rookie group, who only formed in December 2023 through the “Nizi Project” audition program.  Despite their short time together, NEXZ has already generated considerable buzz, with their debut Korean single “Miracle” amassing over 50 million streams on major platforms. 

“We are thrilled to be making our official debut in Japan and can’t wait to connect with our fans there,” said NEXZ member Tomoya in a statement. “This EP represents our passion for music and our desire to bring our unique sound to a new audience. We’ve been working hard to prepare an unforgettable experience for our Japanese Engene (NEXZ fandom).” 

We are thrilled to be making our official debut in Japan and can’t wait to connect with our fans there, This EP represents our passion for music and our desire to bring our unique sound to a new audience. We’ve been working hard to prepare an unforgettable experience for our Japanese Engene (NEXZ fandom)

Tomoya

The group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, has high hopes for NEXZ’s Japanese foray, with the label’s lead producer Park Jin-young expressing confidence in the band’s ability to captivate the market. “NEXZ has shown immense potential, and we believe their fresh and innovative music will resonate strongly with Japanese listeners,” Park said. The release of “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.) / Keep on Moving” and the accompanying showcase tour will undoubtedly be a crucial step in NEXZ’s global expansion. As the group continues to build momentum, fans and industry observers alike will be closely watching to see how the rookie sensations fare in the competitive Japanese music landscape.

NEXZ(넥스지) “Ride the Vibe” Performance Video

The unique musical styles featured in the EP

NEXZ’s upcoming Japanese EP “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.) / Keep on Moving” features a diverse blend of musical styles:

  • “Keep on Moving” incorporates hip-hop rhythms and electronica elements, creating an “easy-experimental” sound. The song was produced by K-pop hitmaker Park Jin-young.
  • “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.)” fuses hip-hop and electronica as well, blending genres in an innovative way for NEXZ’s Japanese debut.
  • “Miracle” is the Japanese version of a previous single that was featured in the final stage performance of JYP Entertainment’s “Nizi Project” survival show.

So in summary, the EP showcases NEXZ’s ability to seamlessly incorporate hip-hop, electronica, and pop elements into their music. The title tracks “Keep on Moving” and “Ride the Vibe (Japanese Ver.)” in particular demonstrate the group’s genre-blending approach.

From The Kpoppie Newsroom

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