City Pop’s Revival in Modern Music

City Pop, a genre that initially peaked in the 1980s, has experienced a remarkable revival in recent years. This resurgence has introduced the genre to new audiences and influenced contemporary music in various ways. This article explores the factors contributing to City Pop’s revival, its influence on modern artists, and the role of remixes and covers in its renewed popularity.

Social Media Influence

Social media platforms have played a crucial role in City Pop’s revival, introducing the genre to a global audience and facilitating its spread across different communities.

Role of Platforms like TikTok in Popularizing Classic Tracks

1. TikTok:

• Short-form video platform TikTok has been instrumental in popularizing City Pop tracks, particularly among younger audiences.
• Songs like Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” and Miki Matsubara’s “Stay With Me” have become viral sensations on the platform.
• TikTok’s algorithm-driven content discovery has helped expose users to City Pop who might not have encountered it otherwise.

1. YouTube:

• YouTube’s recommendation algorithm has been credited with resurging interest in City Pop, often suggesting tracks to users interested in vaporwave or other related genres.
• Extended mixes and “aesthetic” video edits of City Pop songs have garnered millions of views on the platform.

1. Instagram:

• Instagram’s Reels feature, similar to TikTok, has also contributed to the spread of City Pop.
• The platform’s emphasis on visual aesthetics has helped popularize the retro visual style associated with City Pop.

Examples of Viral Trends Related to City Pop

1. “Plastic Love” Challenge:

• Users on TikTok and Instagram created videos mimicking the pose from an unofficial album cover of “Plastic Love,” often with the song playing in the background.

1. City Pop Aesthetic Videos:

• Content creators have produced montages of 1980s Japanese footage or anime set to City Pop tracks, which have become popular across various platforms.

1. “Anime Opening” Trend:

• A trend where users create fake anime openings using City Pop tracks, often blending anime visuals with the music.

1. City Pop Dance Challenges:

• Various dance challenges set to popular City Pop tracks have emerged, particularly on TikTok.

Contemporary Artists Inspired by City Pop

The revival of City Pop has inspired a new generation of artists, both in Japan and internationally, who incorporate elements of the genre into their music.

Overview of New Musicians Incorporating City Pop Elements

1. Sunset Rollercoaster:

• This Taiwanese band draws heavily from City Pop in their dreamy, retro-inspired sound.
• Their album “Bossa Nova” is particularly reminiscent of classic City Pop.

1. Moe Shop:

• A French electronic music producer who blends City Pop influences with future bass and kawaii bass styles.
• Tracks like “Notice” explicitly reference City Pop’s sound and aesthetic.

1. Yukika:

• A Japanese-born K-pop artist whose music heavily incorporates City Pop elements.
• Her debut album “Soul Lady” is a modern reinterpretation of the City Pop sound.

1. Prep:

• This British band incorporates City Pop influences into their smooth, sophisticated pop sound.
• Their self-titled debut album draws clear inspiration from City Pop’s production style and themes.

Analysis of How Modern Productions Reflect Classic Sounds

1. Production Techniques:

• Many contemporary artists emulate the lush, layered production style of classic City Pop.
• Use of vintage synthesizers or software emulations to recreate the characteristic City Pop sound.

1. Songwriting:

• Complex chord progressions and jazz-influenced harmonies reminiscent of City Pop are often employed.
• Thematic focus on urban life, romance, and nostalgia echoes classic City Pop lyrical content.

1. Instrumentation:

• Prominent use of elements like slap bass, Rhodes electric piano, and brass sections that were staples of City Pop.

1. Fusion with Modern Genres:

• Contemporary artists often blend City Pop elements with modern genres like EDM, R&B, and indie pop, creating a hybrid sound that appeals to both nostalgic and contemporary tastes.

Remixes and Covers

Remixes and covers have played a significant role in reintroducing City Pop to modern audiences and recontextualizing the genre for contemporary listeners.

Examination of Notable Remixes that Have Revitalized City Pop Songs

1. Night Tempo:

• This South Korean producer has gained fame for his “Japanese Boogie” series, which features edited and remastered versions of City Pop classics.
• His remixes often emphasize the funkier elements of the original tracks and have introduced many listeners to the genre.

1. Vantage:

• Known for remixes of tracks like Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love,” which have millions of views on YouTube.
• His remixes often slow down the original tracks and add additional percussion, creating a more atmospheric sound.

1. Macross 82-99:

• This future funk producer has created numerous remixes of City Pop tracks, blending them with elements of French house and vaporwave.

1. Yung Bae:

• Another prominent figure in the future funk scene, Yung Bae’s remixes and original productions draw heavily from City Pop samples.

Impact on Both Old Fans and New Listeners

1. Rediscovery for Old Fans:

• Remixes and covers have encouraged long-time City Pop fans to revisit and reappreciate classic tracks.
• These new interpretations often highlight different aspects of the original songs, offering fresh perspectives.

1. Gateway for New Listeners:

• For many younger listeners, remixes serve as an entry point to discover the original City Pop tracks and artists.
• The fusion of City Pop elements with contemporary genres makes the sound more accessible to modern audiences.

1. Cross-Cultural Exchange:

• International artists creating remixes and covers of City Pop have facilitated a global appreciation for the genre.
• This has led to increased interest in Japanese popular music and culture more broadly.

1. Preservation and Evolution:

• While purists might prefer the original tracks, remixes and covers play a crucial role in keeping City Pop relevant and introducing it to new generations.
• These reinterpretations allow the genre to evolve and remain dynamic in the contemporary music landscape.

The revival of City Pop in modern music demonstrates the enduring appeal of the genre’s sophisticated sound and nostalgic aesthetic. Through social media, the work of contemporary artists, and the proliferation of remixes and covers, City Pop has found new life in the 21st century.

This resurgence is not merely a replay of the past, but a dynamic reinterpretation that blends the best of City Pop with contemporary musical trends. As a result, the genre continues to evolve, reaching new audiences while maintaining a connection to its rich history.

The story of City Pop’s revival is also a testament to the power of digital platforms in reshaping music consumption and discovery. It shows how genres can transcend their original time and place to find new relevance in different cultural contexts.

As City Pop continues to influence modern music, it will be fascinating to see how the genre further evolves and what new forms of musical expression it might inspire in the future. The ongoing dialogue between past and present in City Pop’s revival enriches both the original genre and the contemporary music scene, creating a unique bridge between different eras of popular music.