P&P Spotlight: TRENDZ

The popularity of K-pop boybands has skyrocketed in the last few years, and TRENDZ are the latest name to join that movement. Their musical style and stage presence takes hints from their predecessors, including BTS and Tomorrow X Together, while adding an alternative twist.

TRENDZ debuted in January 2022, and consists of members HAVIT, LEON, YOONWOO, HANKOOK, ra.L, EUNIL, and YECHAN. Their breakthrough single "VAGBOND" came to the life with the help of producer LEEZ, and introduces the boyband's defining BLUE SET saga. Previously, they've worked with prominent names in the Korean music scene, such as ATEEZ, DREAMCATCHER, YOONHA, and N.FLYING. Despite their status as fresh new kids on the block, they've already come very far in developing their sound.

Image courtesy of TRENDZ, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

YOU'LL LOVE TRENDZ IF YOU LISTEN TO: The Weeknd, BTS, Tomorrow X Together, JUNNY, Drake

The boyband has put out two BLUE SET single albums, Unknown Code and NEW DAYZ. Between the sonic nature of these projects, as well as their accompanying dance practice videos, TRENDZ could be described as a darker, more contemporary version of BTS. TRENDZ primarily make pop music, but incorporate more deliberate, large-scale storytelling into their work. NEW DAYZ especially is systematic, thought-provoking, and introspective; it represents the perfect blend of individual elements from a variety of genres.

The R&B-infused, scene-setting opener "Nightmare" captivates listeners in a brilliant way. The farther into NEW DAYZ you get, the more you realize how universal its sentiments and themes are.

As they've mastered the art of wrapping a resonant narrative in dynamic production and charismatic delivery, TRENDZ seem to define the future of K-pop music. The plethora of singles they've been dropping demonstrates their versatility well, with the group's overall approach pointing towards how their genre is continuing to evolve. Hopefully, we've convinced you to check them out by now. Here's a playlist we've curated for you to get started!