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Ongaku Magazine is a teen-run music magazine, an independent collective of writers, critics, musicians, and producers under twenty. Explore below to find our original teen-written content, curated-playlists, charts, resonate with various topics surrounding the music industry.
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See the Ongaku Charts
Ongaku Magazine publishes two curated ranking charts: a Top 25 Songs chart and a Top 20 Artists chart. Unlike sales-driven lists, our charts prioritize artistry — the compositional craft, emotional depth, innovation, and lasting resonance of a track or artist — over immediate commercial performance. We hold that true artistry shouldn’t be reduced to first-week streaming numbers or chart-topping ad buys; the most meaningful music often proves its value over time.
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How Lana Del Rey’s “Norman Fu**ing Rockwell” Deconstructs Americana
Today, with over 51% of Americans finding the Dream economically unachievable, Lana Del Rey uses her 2019 album Norman F***ing Rockwell! to navigate the sorrowful loss of the American Dream.
My Predictions for 2027 Grammy Nominees
The cycle for the 2025-2026 music is about to close in August with nominations being officially released in November 2026. I’ve selected each of my nomination predictions based on each song and artist’s likability within the industry, progression and narrative as an artist, the exploration of their songs, and cultural relevance. Please enjoy!
The Revival of Cigarettes in Gen-Z Music Brands
From selfies on Dua Lipa’s Instagram, to being the main attraction in Charli xcx’s visual brand, having features on Malcolm Todd’s bedside, a grand contributor to Lana Del Rey’s “cool girl” aesthetic, cigarettes have been making a comeback in the pop culture scene and it’s raising some eyebrows. Why is it resurfacing now? How did it come about?
I Went to the Buena Vista Social Club: Here’s What I Thought
On a rainy Wednesday afternoon during my President’s Day Break, I had the opportunity to view the Tony Award-Winning Music, Buena Vista Social Club. A performance depicting real events with vibrance, sentiment, colors, music, and a history lesson, the show is a must-watch, and most certainly a celebration of music you just can’t miss.
Why You’re Wrong About the Grammys.
Why do the Grammys always give the biggest awards to the “wrong people”? How does the voting procedure work? Find out in this article.
Amid Political Tensions, Bad Bunny Provides a Much-Needed Performance
Just a week ago, Puerto Rican Artist, Bad Bunny, received the Grammy for ‘Best Musíca Urbana Album’ and called attention to a political reality that cannot be ignored. “ICE Out,” said Bunny on the 68th Grammy Stage. Tonight, he performed on the Super Bowl halftime show and provided a much-needed message for America.
The Top 10 Albums of 2025
Ongaku Magazine’s Top 10 Picks for the Albums of 2025. Includes our Honorable Mentions.
When we think of Western pop and rock music, the first things that come to mind are catchy riffs and melodies, references to having a good time, and whatnot, but hidden within the discographies of a surprising number of Western artists, are songs sampling Sanskrit verses composed thousands of years ago as part of an oral tradition to preserve and pass down sacred knowledge across generations. Quite the tonal whiplash if you’d ask me.