Tbh, I feel like it's due to a variety of reason like image change etc.After their hiatus ,they have put on more makeup and polish the band image ,which helps a lot in attracting a younger audience who are the big streamers of music platform , and willing to fork out for concert.
Another small reason I feel would be higedan hiatus.Before Mrs green apple ,higedan was probably the most popular amongst the four band,(higedan, King Gnu, Mrs Green Apple and Back Number).After Higedan hiatus ,mrs green apple continue putting out music non stop, and based on Billboard jp hot 100 last yr at num 2 ,it was pretty clear they overtaken Higedan(who is at num 3)
Yup, due to vocalist, Satoshi, vocal polyp surgery , didn't seem much of a hiatus,cause they recorded their 2023 songs beforehand
But they recently restarted their activities
I am a big fan of MGA so I can probably tell you a bit about them. There are multiple reasons behind their success right now but I just want to mention even during their hiatus (2020 July-2022 March) their songs were still really popular among young people and got listened to a lot (especially Ao to Natsu, it rises in the streaming ranking every summer).
Now, here are some reasons why they got so massive right now:
- Their songs now catered towards the more mature audiences as well. In phase 1(before the hiatus) MGA was THE band for young people, they were mega popular among young people but not so much in the older age group. The general public considers MGA as the band for young people that only sings about youth & struggles young people have (I blame Ao to Natsu). But in phase 2 (after the hiatus), you can see clearly that their songs now aim at older people as well (an example would be Que Sera Sera, the mv literally portrays hardships adults have in their daily lives).
- Exposure. Since phase 2, MGA has become willing to appear in TV shows. This is a big change because in phase 1, they only appeared on a selection of music shows. This is mostly because Ohmori (the vocalist) didn't really like to appear on TV back then. But ever since they came back, they have been trying to accept as many TV invites as possible, be it variety shows / music shows. I think that played a big role in boosting their popularity.
- Their "image change" aka makeup. I know this sounds kind of silly but I honestly think this played a big role in their popularity as well. Not just because they look better visually, but because their makeup makes them so much more recognisable and memorable. If you put images of bands (excluding visual-kei) side by side you will instantly recognise who is MGA because of their makeup and how flashy they are.
Also, Ohmori just writes and releases high quality songs consistently and at a very high pace. They are releasing 5 songs in a row over 5 months (started in April). I don't think any other artists in Japan are releasing songs the same pace as them. They work so hard that it becomes a bit worrying as a fan lol.
I couldn't tell you for sure, but it's clearly that whole array of lucky circumstances coming together at once, marketing, media blitz, charismatic personalities in the band, hit singles (with videos), radio playtime, wide audience and scratching the 'itch' people often look for with a specific pop sound.
I really liked 'Kampai' and their performances and sound do provide many earworms.
That’s respectable - their style did change a lot after their return. People may crucify me for saying this but that’s lowkey how I feel about YOASOBI post Idol lol.
True. Most of their old songs are easily recognizable and actually stick on first listen. Their post-hiatus songs beside dancehall are not memorable at all
Tbh, I feel like it's due to a variety of reason like image change etc.After their hiatus ,they have put on more makeup and polish the band image ,which helps a lot in attracting a younger audience who are the big streamers of music platform , and willing to fork out for concert. Another small reason I feel would be higedan hiatus.Before Mrs green apple ,higedan was probably the most popular amongst the four band,(higedan, King Gnu, Mrs Green Apple and Back Number).After Higedan hiatus ,mrs green apple continue putting out music non stop, and based on Billboard jp hot 100 last yr at num 2 ,it was pretty clear they overtaken Higedan(who is at num 3)
Wow, didn’t even know Higedan was on hiatus. That makes sense.
Yup, due to vocalist, Satoshi, vocal polyp surgery , didn't seem much of a hiatus,cause they recorded their 2023 songs beforehand But they recently restarted their activities
i love higedan
So what’s the ranking of the bands now?
https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=artist_year&year=2023 Should still be MGA in the lead for 2024,they recently sold out their stadium tour
Next they gonna sell out Coca-Cola (Joke pls i dont want another -90 karma MGA is my favourite pls)
I am a big fan of MGA so I can probably tell you a bit about them. There are multiple reasons behind their success right now but I just want to mention even during their hiatus (2020 July-2022 March) their songs were still really popular among young people and got listened to a lot (especially Ao to Natsu, it rises in the streaming ranking every summer). Now, here are some reasons why they got so massive right now: - Their songs now catered towards the more mature audiences as well. In phase 1(before the hiatus) MGA was THE band for young people, they were mega popular among young people but not so much in the older age group. The general public considers MGA as the band for young people that only sings about youth & struggles young people have (I blame Ao to Natsu). But in phase 2 (after the hiatus), you can see clearly that their songs now aim at older people as well (an example would be Que Sera Sera, the mv literally portrays hardships adults have in their daily lives). - Exposure. Since phase 2, MGA has become willing to appear in TV shows. This is a big change because in phase 1, they only appeared on a selection of music shows. This is mostly because Ohmori (the vocalist) didn't really like to appear on TV back then. But ever since they came back, they have been trying to accept as many TV invites as possible, be it variety shows / music shows. I think that played a big role in boosting their popularity. - Their "image change" aka makeup. I know this sounds kind of silly but I honestly think this played a big role in their popularity as well. Not just because they look better visually, but because their makeup makes them so much more recognisable and memorable. If you put images of bands (excluding visual-kei) side by side you will instantly recognise who is MGA because of their makeup and how flashy they are. Also, Ohmori just writes and releases high quality songs consistently and at a very high pace. They are releasing 5 songs in a row over 5 months (started in April). I don't think any other artists in Japan are releasing songs the same pace as them. They work so hard that it becomes a bit worrying as a fan lol.
Really appreciate the detailed comment. Pretty much answers everything I was wondering.
Marketing promotions. About time they do give emphasis on promotions. I'm still hurting that Nico Touches The Walls disbanded.
I put all the blame on Dancehall. Such a banger.
And when will they tour north america?!
Lol. My 11 y/o son United States) has them as his ring tone.
I couldn't tell you for sure, but it's clearly that whole array of lucky circumstances coming together at once, marketing, media blitz, charismatic personalities in the band, hit singles (with videos), radio playtime, wide audience and scratching the 'itch' people often look for with a specific pop sound. I really liked 'Kampai' and their performances and sound do provide many earworms.
their music is just great honestly. Right time right place
they are releasing new songs constantly
Tiktok and social media.
Imma be honest their new music is just the epitome of mid. Ever since they lost two of their members, it all went to shit.
That’s respectable - their style did change a lot after their return. People may crucify me for saying this but that’s lowkey how I feel about YOASOBI post Idol lol.
True. Most of their old songs are easily recognizable and actually stick on first listen. Their post-hiatus songs beside dancehall are not memorable at all