Jpop: Cicada (シケイダ)

Magic and soulful, the five members of Japanese band Cicada delivers a sound that is vibrant with mellow and tranquil feeling. The voice of Akiko Kido combines with soft electronica that I hope promises much for the future.

• Cicada - Yes
• Cicada - Shake Your Fingertips (ゆれる指先)
• Cicada - Door
• Cicada - Naughty Boy

Russian pop: XES

The group is newly started and has a sound similar to Tesla Boy, even though it is to early to say if they can deliver on that level. The first single "Black Tears" shows great promise anyway, with a killer intro, and in it they have the Japanese/Russian singer Origa as an interesting guest singer.

• XES ft Origa - Black Tears