Miko's Music Stats 2022

Keeping with new tradition of 2020 and 2021, I'm excited to present to you my last.fm music stats for 2022. One thing I've noticed while posting my Spotify rewind on Instagram is that I had a whole month to potentially change those results...and I did. Sure, a lot of these listens were influenced by my research for Miko's Music Connection and I know that that will be a continuing factor as I resume the series and these result posts.

Fair Shake Review: Dawn FM (Alternate World) - The Weeknd

Dawn FM (Alternate World) - The Weeknd

(Genre: Pop/Contemporary R&B)

Tune into Dawn FM below:

Take My Breath (Music Video)

Gasoline (Music Video)

Sacrifice (Music Video)

Shawn Cee Reaction/Review

Big Quint Reaction

Shelby's Shuffle Mode Reaction

Miko's Music Stats 2020

I know I haven't been doing the "Most Shocking/Disappointing/WTF Asian Music Moments" in a few years, but I wanted to try something more personal and different. I haven't been the best at keeping up with music. In fact, I have a massive backlog on my iTunes library dating back to 2014/2015. It's really disgusting! Nonetheless, I have been listening to more Spotify to somewhat keep up with what's new. So, here's some stats from my last.fm [and Spotify].

BM5's September 2020 Favorites

 Favorite Music Videos

DOA - Rich Brian

There's been a few releases this month that have brought me much surprising joy. One of these came from Rich Brian's new project, 1999. I wasn't expecting him to further dive into his singing bag and 80's synth pop influences. This song was one of the standouts from the album and I had to share it with you all, if you haven't seen my review, yet. Hope you get as joy from it as I did.

Post Up - CL

The other surprise for me this month was "re-introduction" of sorts from QUEEN CL! I failed to mention this in my "Don't Do K-Pop" video, but I was trying to make CL be my gateway into K-Pop back when "Hello Bi+ches" and "Lifted" were being released. Obviously, that push in the western market was much more of a nudge. Therefore, I had to rekindle my relationship with CL when she finally left YG and dropped In the Name of Love EP which was a collection of previously written material. Now, it seems CL is ready to take the crown back from whoever you think that has it! Because, if you thought that she lost it..."That's cap!"

Favorite Short Film

A Long Time Coming - Wong Fu Productions

While tensions rise in American society, we see the importance of be socially aware. This can cause friction not only with random people online and friends, but even your own family. Being that people of color in the US all have many struggles, some that may have been caused by other minorities, fighting against overall injustice is something that everyone can get behind. Yet, the means of which to do that is always a concern. The addition of a pandemic isn't helping either. This short film does a fantastic job of suggesting how perspective and having open mind can help lead to conversations that can lead to understanding. Until we can come to that common ground, we can't build a solid foundation for the future. Enough of my short opinion piece, though. I'll the video do the talking and let you come to your own conclusion.

Favorite Music Discussion

Why Pop Music is Obsessed with This One Note - Andrew Huang

You know, I don't know why I haven't subscribed to this gentleman, yet. This time, instead of a "4 Producer, 1 Sample" video, we will talk about music theory and how it affects pop music. Yep, I bet you didn't think something like that could be so important to commercial music. Though, there really is a bit of science to creating music that pleases general audiences with how our brains typically operate. Here Andrew breaks down the current trend of what is called the "supertonic note". When he shows how many songs are currently utilizing it these days, I'm sure you'll be amazed like I was. Although, The Weeknd might be upset about how people are trying to dip into his secret sauce...

Full Sept. 2020 Favorites playlist: click here

Fair Shake Review: After Hours - The Weeknd

After Hours - The Weeknd

(Genre: Alternative R&B/Pop)

After Hours of listening, here's more to the last you The Weeknd:

After Hours (Short Film)

Blinding Lights (Music Video)

In Your Eyes (Music Video)

Shawn Cee Reaction (+ Review)

Honest Review

Understanding The Weeknd (Volksgeist)

Miko's January & February 2020 Favorites

The Weeknd (USA)

This man needs no introduction as The Weeknd has been progressively growing in popularity no matter what genre he undertakes. Some fans have been listening to him since the beginning and others jumped on the bandwagon with the catchy "Can't Feel My Face" or his Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack entry, "Earned It". I came in during the Beauty Behind the Madness era and solidify my devotion with "The Hills", a beautiful dark song. I have yet to go back two album entries, but I'm looking forward to it since there's some fan references to it with his latest song, "After Hours". Of course, during January, this track didn't exist. Fans were surprised with the catchy, somewhat cynical bop called "Heartless". Since Starboy [and a little My Dear Melancholy and Black Panther soundtrack], I've been ready for more and "Heartless" was everything and more for me (and fans)! The following month, The Weeknd dropped another new video to keep us craving more in the form of the 80's synth inspired "Blinding Lights". After seeing both of these videos and repeating both tracks over and over, my body is ready for this album to drop! Since I can't decide which music video to display [as you can tell by the links in the song titles], I'm going to share his amazing performance on The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert as I find the technical aspects (camera shots and set changes) extremely impressive! Honorable mention for the month of January is kpop girl group Everglow as I repeated "Bon Bon Chocolat" and G(I)-dle's "Lion" almost as much as The Weeknd.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"The Hills" by The Weeknd
2015 was a very good year for this little known artist and he was one of the best things that came out of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. It took me a while to hop on The Weeknd bandwagon, but I'm here and I might review his most known album of that year at some point. For now, I want to talk about one of my favorite tracks from the album. Visually, the video reminds me of one of my all time favorite Kanye West videos, "Flashing Lights"--darkness with a little bit of sexy. Even the tone of the song has that haunting, seriousness that really lures me in. Sure, it doesn't show off his vocals that well compared to other songs, but it solidifies his mature, dark style with just enough emotion of despair and pain.



"Ridin Round" by Kali Uchis
I was introduced to this artist recently by a friend and I'm excited to check out more of her material, especially after seeing this video. Very good first impression. It really reminded me of early Rihanna meets M.I.A. (with maybe a hint of Amy Winehouse) and in my book, that's a pretty awesome combination. The video and song mixes Latin culture with indie pop sounds. I really feel like I'm part of the Colombian hustle life. There's so much confidence and sensuality exuding from this woman and it doesn't feel forced either. She feels like a real person you could run into and she'd be open to showing you around the neighborhood while also showing all the nightly hot spots. It's a very chill and fun song and will put a smile on your face easily.



"I'm About to Break You" by New Years Day
Unfortunately, I haven't gotten around to talking about another amazing female fronted rock band I came across on YouTube here. I don't know how that happened, but I do have a concert report queued up featuring them. Anyway, this is one of their latest music videos for their most recent album, Malevolence. One thing I've noticed when listening to this song is that they have definitely polished their signature sound even more. It's sexy, aggressive, and subtly playful. The vocals are just rough and raw enough, but still maintain control that it doesn't make your ears bleed. The visuals are very Mad Max: Fury Road inspired and certain elements remind me of In This Moment, but doesn't feel like a complete copycat. This definitely gets me pumped to listen to the new album!



"愛にいくよ" by AISHA
I believe I saw this video on my Facebook feed and it was quite refreshing to hear such talent. I've never been exposed to AISHA's music, but she gives me amazing vibes like BENI, JASMINE, and EMI EMARIE...oh, and lecca, which makes me happy. The video is very simplistic by only focusing on certain parts of her face or body as she sings, her running through the city, in a sparkly gown; and her in a bathtub with gold eyeshadow, but the simplicity works for this powerful R&B track. There's enough emotion exuding from the atmosphere and subtle gestures and acting given by AISHA. Perhaps, I should check out more of her music.



"NEVER EVER AGAIN" by GANGLION
I'm going to try really hard not to mention a certain band while I type about this music video. So far, every PV release I love these ladies more and more. They're very confident and comfortable with their rock style, both musically and visually. The visuals are just enough for this powerful rock tune. I love seeing Oni wandering around the warehouse dirty and determined. When the whole band is on the screen, or just watching their single shots, is simply satisfying. You can't help but smile as you see this amazing chemistry and spirit thrive through them all like it's a live show!