If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

1Take & TAK

Years active: 2016-present

Associated Acts: Infinite, Wanna One, Lovelyz, Golden Child, Monsta X, BOYS24, Good Day

Their sound: Hard-hitting, sledgehammer synths with a glitchy electro-dance base. Polished pop melodies that soften the duo’s more aggressive instrumentals.

Why you should love them: 1Take and TAK only have a handful of idol group productions under their belt, but they’re one of k-pop’s most exciting up and comers. Their songs have an incredibly distinctive sound, blending classic sing-along melodies with a punchy electro stomp. Their trademark so far seems to be these huge walls of glitchy synths that give their material a sense of EDM immensity. Woollim Entertainment has recruited the guys to collaborate with all three of their acts, and I hope this is the beginning of a long-lasting partnership.

Examples of their best work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrZALxLeKeA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCm47SpHT_k