Despite the ease of access that streaming has brought to the distribution of music, the volume that's released can make it a daunting task to find unique new stuff every week. In this recurring weekly feature we put together a short list of new songs that stand out amongst all the noise and deserve a spot in your rotation.
All songs featured in this recurring series can be found in our scrmbl selection 2025 playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.
Bunn Noguchi — "Fujiko"
If Bunn Noguchi really thought this one was going to be an instrumental, he came prepared to spit over the title track to his second album. "Fujiko" finds the young artist dashing and rhyming through a disorienting jazz-inflicted backdrop, one prone to nearly collapsing in on itself — and sometimes turning into noise, only to snap out of it. Controlled chaos that is totally invigorating. Listen above.
CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE — "I Know feat. MadeinTYO"
To this point, young artist CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE has primarily been a sonic rebel rouser. Her music is kinetic, emphasizing the energy of youth with no reason to slow down for a second. That changes on "I Know." Featuring a production assist from rapper and beatmaker MadeinTYO, CHAMELEON moves at a stroll over a hazy backdrop that itself can't stop from fidgeting. She's showcasing a more reserved vocal delivery that compliments the trippy mood around her and allows a peak at a reflective side. Even human whirlwinds should take it back a bit sometimes. Listen above.
taro — "BOO!"
taro is technically a new outfit in terms of their activity releasing music, this track comes from their first EP, but don't let that fool you. Several members of the band have been playing together for years now, and the result is a groovy rock track that sounds incredibly tight while maintaining something of a gritty veneer. "BOO!" is the kind of track that would fit perfectly at home on college radio in the United States bubbling up into cult success.
Thelma Aoyama — "EASY MODE"
Long-running Japanese R 'n' B artist Thelma Aoyama loves mixing it up musically, and her latest album EASY MODE hits hardest when deviating from the sound she built her reputation on. The title track captures her at her most playful, skipping over an aerobic beat to crack jokes and generally flex about what a breeze being Aoyama can be. Listen above.
tofubeats — "ON & ON feat. Neibiss"
Some artists can remain consistent with their sound for years and never feel tired, tofubeats might just be the best example of that. "ON & ON" is classic tofubeats, which is to say that it's an expertly executed dancey hip-hop track with his trademark flourishes found throughout. His talent for fun collaborations is also on prime display here as the verses from guest rappers Neibiss (ratff + hyunis1000) perfectly match the vibe, they were given an assignment and passed with flying colors. This track is perfectly primed for the club and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Yukopi — "Tokyo"
They say that less is more and "Tokyo" exemplifies that in spades. From Vocaloid producer Yukopi's 2nd album Nimaime, the track features a stripped down production that includes many of their trademarks. Kaai Yuki on vocals? Check. Recorder? Check. Earworm melody? Double check. It's a simple song, but that's what makes it work.
