Crypton Future Media, the company behind "Domingo," a local information source for Hokkaido, hosts the music competition "SONICON: SONICWIRE CONTEST 2025 – Vocal Track Edition –" as part of its efforts to support music creators. The 2025 contest saw a record-breaking 1,135 entries, from which a group of talented, next-generation winners were selected. In this article, we introduce the award-winning works and messages from the artists. Why not dive into the world of creativity expanding through music?

What is "SONICON"?

This is a DTM (Desktop Music) competition open to all creators, regardless of professional or amateur status or background. It has been held since 2022 by the digital creator download store "SONICWIRE" with the aim of discovering and supporting the next generation of creators. The "SONICON: SONICWIRE CONTEST 2025 – Vocal Track Edition –" called for "vocal tracks under 5 minutes." A panel of distinguished judges selected the Grand Prize winner based on a multi-faceted evaluation of melody, chords, progression, sound, and musical ideas.

Grand Prize: "Yubae Note / hinode°"

A Message from hinode°

I created this song while reminiscing about my school days, walking home, and after-school hours during middle school. The highlights, I believe, are the joyful chord progression and the constantly changing development. (And the melody, of course!) It's a nostalgic and heartwarming piece that brings back those exciting feelings every time I listen.

Excellence Award: "Mangekyo ni Shizumu / Mochiko"

A Message from Mochiko

I channeled the conflict and despair I've felt since childhood, stemming from a sense of being out of sync with those around me, into the dizzying yet beautiful world of a kaleidoscope. I paid special attention to the imagery, experimenting with how to express a glass-like transparency, a sense of color, and the feeling of sinking into a chaotic world. Although lyrics were not part of the judging criteria, as a singer, I was also very particular about choosing words that would capture the song's worldview.

Excellence Award: "Rinri Futeki / Ohanabatake Kotobuki (Music/Arrangement), Lylli.J (Lyrics)"

A Message from Ohanabatake Kotobuki

I tried to create a song that sounds like it could be in a cosmetics commercial from a while back. I paired slightly risqué lyrics with a somewhat nostalgic melody and orchestration.

A Message from Lylli.J

It's been exactly one year since I started collaborating with Ohanabatake Kotobuki, and I am incredibly happy to receive such a wonderful award at this milestone.

Excellence Award: "RE:PEAT / Manatriad (Lyrics/Music: Masakazu Yamashita / Vocals: Amane)"

A Message from Manatriad

I composed this song with the image of a youth anime in mind, where the protagonist repeatedly time-leaps to save someone. A key point is how the vocalist, Amane, perfectly captures the emotional temperature of the lyrics in each section! Also, the electric bass goes wild throughout the entire track, so I'd be happy if you could pay attention to that as well.

Sho Watanabe Award: "New Days / Tomoki Inoshita (Music/Arrangement), Tenuu (Lyrics)"

A Message from Tomoki Inoshita

I aimed for an overall sound that evokes a sense of nostalgia. I think I successfully combined a strong melody with the floating feeling of the chords. I hope this song can gently stay by the listener's side.

A Message from Tenuu

There are many ways to get over a bitter love, but I don't think it always has to be a beautiful, clean memory. I'm glad the lyrics turned out in a way that lets you say, 'Ah, that was bitter!' while leaving the bitterness as it is. Wishing all the best to everyone's love lives!

yamazo Award: "Kimi wa Kiseki / Yuto"

A Message from Yuto

I was inspired to write this song while watching my child's sleeping face, wanting to capture that feeling in a song. I'm particularly fond of the chorus melody and the progression from the interlude to the end. I hope it makes you feel gentle and warm.

Shota Tani Award: "Himitsu Rhythm / Kairi Takanashi"

A Message from Kairi Takanashi

I wrote this song aiming for a mix of pop-rock, big band jazz, and a cute love song. I tried to express the heart-pounding feelings of a girl in a close-but-not-too-close relationship through a catchy melody and a bluesy arrangement. I'd be happy if you'd pay attention to the lyrics as you listen.

Koki Hamada Award: "True! True!! / Masaya Ichikawa (Lyrics: Masami Kakinuma / Music/Arrangement: Masaya Ichikawa)"

A Message from Masaya Ichikawa

The theme of this song is about finding small joys and growth in everyday life, and moving forward with hope for the future and belief in oneself. It might sound like a simple pop song at first, but I've actually woven in many little tricks in the chord progression and development. In the arrangement, I made sure every instrument comes to life. I hope it becomes a memorable piece for everyone!

SONICWIRE Award: "Kimiiro Memory / Kurose"

A Message from Kurose

I created a song with the worldview I love, using a lineup of my favorite bands plus strings. I built the melody and arrangement carefully to not break that worldview, aiming for a song that would reach listeners directly. I'm particularly fond of the string arrangement and chord progression, so I hope you'll pay close attention to them.

We've introduced the award-winning works from 'SONICON: SONICWIRE CONTEST 2025 – Vocal Track Edition –'. We encourage you to read the artists' messages, listen closely to each track, and find your new favorite songs and creators. The special event page also features comments from the judges, so if you're interested in professional critiques, be sure to check it out!