Refresh or start your spring playlist with the latest releases.

Obviously depending where you are from or located winter may look different for you, but for many we are getting to that time within the year where the heavy snowstorms and strong gusts of wind are slowly but surely changing into a warm and sun filled days. The days themselves getting warmer as the snow melts, the grass turning green, flowers, bees and other animals returning to our cities or local country sides. 

Spring is often a time of a fresh start or restart for many individuals, sometimes it could be a time of completing those goals or hobbies we put aside in the winter, starting a new hobby or wanting to try a new fashion style to see what suits us the best. Spring or the seasons changing in general often mean something different for everyone or give us a chance at trying something again with a fresh perspective. 

Sometimes it could mean discovering a new music genre, going back to that old music genre you used to listen to when you were younger or even finding new artists to listen to. Whatever the case may be, let’s take a look into some of the latest releases from independent, r&b, indie and Korean bands including some of my personal favourites and new discoveries. 

DayDream by Hyunseo.

Earlier this year, Hyunseo would announce to fans a new upcoming single would be released in February. The song itself would eventually be released on February 18th 2025 where Hyunseo would also be credited as a co writer for the song. Check out the official YouTube video for it here. In a more recent announcement, Hyunseo would announce that he would be the cover for YouTube’s official playlist ‘Rest On: Popular Indie/Folk Music’ which you can check out here.

Translator & stuck with me by Joowon. 

Joowon Translator official lyric video.

Originally seeming to be promoting underneath the name ‘Jonghan’, he would participate in the co ed survival show that aired in both Korea and Japan called Youthstar/’Stars Awakening’. The show itself went on to debut their group n.SSign. Within the show, there would be a total of 108 contestants, 48 individuals within the ‘idol’ category, 29 in the singer songwriter category and 31 in the vocal category. Throughout the show he would become known for his dimple smile, songwriting and composing skills and would be recognized for the performances; Sleepless Rainy Night and Road and would appear to be a former artist/trainee of nCHworld. 

It appears that Joowon is currently releasing music independently and is actively taking part in the music creation, from lyrics, writing and composition. Over on his new profile, Joowon has released two singles this year; Stuck with me (January 9th 2025) and Translator (February 28th 2025). 

‘Summer night’ by Option.

Summer Night Official Audio. 

Previously releasing music in 2022 and 2024, the South Korean singer songwriter would release his first self entitled EP ‘Option’ on March 9th 2025. The EP itself contained new tracks and previously released songs; Take care of you, Toy, Taxi Driver, Bad Bed, decaffeine and my personal favourite summer night. The album itself is perfect for long spring nights or rainy evenings, promoting a chill and positive vibe, ‘Summer Night’ is the perfect song for your playlist. 

Yoonmin 윤민/ M!N / 민.

Pajama Sunday. 

Formerly a Cube Entertainment trainee and a former member of the pre debut JYPE Loud group, M!N (also known as Yoonmin) has come a long way in his career. Known to fans for being an independent singer songwriter, lyricist, composer and rapper. Showcasing his talents in different songs like ‘Ding Dong’, ‘U’, ‘Toy Story’, ‘Overnight’, ‘Whats Wrong’ and ‘Slob’ (feat. GIRIBOY). Within this time, Yoonmin would introduce new pictorial profile and new activities underneath his new label ‘howtouse’. A South Korean record label created by Giriboy and DNOPE in 2024.

On March 2nd 2025, Yoonmin would release the perfect song for a cozy sunday or evening with friends. A song filled with first love emotions, relatable lyrics and an enjoying melody, it is perfect for that spring playlist.

Hug me tight – Sogaksogak.

Hug Me Tight Official Release. 

Known underneath the stage name ‘sogaksogak’, she is a South Korean singer songwriter signed currently to INHEARTMUSIC. On January 22nd 2025, she would release the heartfelt and tear jerking yet relatable song ‘Hug Me Tight’, where in her Instagram post asks fans to find comfort in her/ her music. The song itself having impressive vocals throughout the song, truly filled with emotions would be her first release in 2025. 

Previously in 2024, she would release the singles ‘my fave’, ‘Summer Triangle’ (which also included the song ‘don’t worry about that!’ and ‘love me less’. You may also recognize her for the OST ‘My Dream’ for the drama ‘Not Others’. 

What songs are you looking forward to this year? Do you have any upcoming playlists you enjoy during the spring time?