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.

E-TRIBE

Years active: 2006-present

Associated Acts: Dal Shabet, Girls’ Generation, Super Junior, MBLAQ

Their sound: Fluffy pop songs built on heavy repetition and bubblegum hooks. Bright, synth-drenched production style with high energy beats.

Why you should love them: Most notable for composing one of the genre’s iconic tracks in Girls’ Generations’ Gee, E-Tribe played a big role in crafting k-pop’s oddball, unbelievably catchy side. Though their discography is relatively small in comparison to their influence, current producers are still aping their sound. But as addictive as their uptempo work is, the duo is just as adept at creating slow-burn mid-tempos for boy and girl groups alike. They’ve been quiet for the past few years, but there’s no denying E-Tribe’s significant contribution to k-pop’s colorful world.

Examples of their best work: