It is fun looking back at the start of this project which was entirely in the midst of the pandemic. The objective of introducing even more Japanese acts to AVO Magazine’s open-minded audiencee has succeeded with a weekly article presenting seven music videos to readers. The fun part is that there is always an objective to write a short introduction about the artists behind the songs. And now we are several years down the road!
We have just been able to close out the year 2023 and that means there is a new complete playlist to listen and watch to. As every year, we put our own spin on the music videos that are highlighted, the choices have now been made mainly by the editor-in-chief of this webzine who is not afraid to go in various directions in terms of music genres.
There is a certain pattern in all those music videos – there are more than 350 of them – there is a lot of rock music in them and there seems to be a weakness for shoegazey/dreamy music. Perhaps 2023 was perfect for that, just to take your mind off things. Still, it will probably stand out that there is an openness to experimental music and music genres you probably don’t expect. Here and there, familiar names will also pop up, especially nice to see that certain bands are now much better known because of their European tours (or upcoming European tour(s)).
All in all, it’s fun to look back on the year 2023 in this way through the lens of someone who has been actively spotlighting Japanese music for more than a decade by organising concerts, interviewing and writing other kinds of articles. Here’s to an interesting 2024!
TLDR: Click on this video to listen to (and watch) the playlist or this link for the YouTube Music playlist. If you wish to read the introductions, click here.
Check out the other playlists from AVO Magazine.
