Japanese pop group XG went from brutal five year training to global pop stars

After Cocona's announcement, XG's identity also changed. The band's initials, which originally stood for Xtraordinary Girls, now represent "Xtraordinary Genes," reflecting a message, that "it's okay to be yourself as you are", says Chisa. "Breaking fixed ideas and preconceptions is a big part of our concept," agrees Jurin. That's also the theme of their new album, The Core, where the band ditch the throwback R&B of their first EPs for a more expansive sound. Lead single Gala has a Vogue-inspired ballroom beat; while Hypnotise takes inspiration from the chunky house piano of CeCe Peniston's Finally. "When we first heard that iconic piano sound, we instantly thought, 'This has to be our title track'," says Maya. "It's not just danceable, it has a kind of dark, mysterious feel, and it makes you picture the city at night." Another standout is O.R.B, which pairs squealing guitars with a message of "bro solidarity". (Unsurprisingly, it's been interpreted as a declaration of support for Cocona.) "We told our producer we wanted a band-style rock song," recalls Chisa. "We never imagined the demo would make it onto the album, but when we listened to it together, it really reminded us of Avril Lavigne and we all felt, 'This is exactly what we want to do'. "It's a track that expands our musical gravity, our musical universe."