XG’s Debut Album and the Making of “GALA”: JAKOPS (SIMON) on the Next Chapter
An interview with executive producer JAKOPS (SIMON) by Kenta Terunuma
Photograph: Mori Yoshihiro
XG have announced their first full-length album, led by the striking new single “GALA.” The track departs from both conventional J‑pop structures and the typical Western verse/chorus blueprint, favoring bold arrangements and experimental progressions that point toward a refreshed pop identity.
In just three years since debuting, the group has already mounted a global tour, appeared at Coachella and played Tokyo Dome. To discuss where XG stands now and to explore the creative approach behind the album and its lead single, executive producer JAKOPS (SIMON) spoke with Kenta Terunuma at XGALX Tokyo HQ, the collective’s new creative headquarters.
On “MILLION PLACES” as a closing chapter
Kenta Terunuma: “MILLION PLACES,” along with its video, felt like a finale. How do you assess XG’s position at this moment?
JAKOPS (SIMON): It did feel like the end of a chapter. We invested roughly five years preparing for the debut, and in the three years since, the members and the team have grown through diverse musical explorations and ambitious milestones. In that sense, “MILLION PLACES” served as a thankful reflection on the journey. The full-length album, by contrast, represents a fresh starting line — a deliberate step into the next era of XG’s career.
Tour before album — intentional strategy?
Kenta Terunuma: Traditionally groups release an album and then tour. XG did it the other way around — was that planned?
JAKOPS (SIMON): We never bound ourselves to a fixed formula. Even while touring we continued to write and refine material, adjust setlists and keep releasing music. The tour tested and honed our work; after Coachella and Tokyo Dome, we shifted focus into the album with the same uncompromising intensity. Our aim with the record was simple: make something enduring.
Audience reaction to the world tour
Kenta Terunuma: Did the global response match your expectations?
JAKOPS (SIMON): Largely, yes. From the outset we set ambitious goals — a global standard for performance, a true world tour, shows at major festivals and dome venues. Achieving those targets validated the vision and reinforced how important it is to speak clearly about our aims. Saying it out loud helped make it real.
Adjustments at Coachella
Kenta Terunuma: You made changes between Coachella’s first and second weekends — what prompted that?
JAKOPS (SIMON): We treated the first weekend as a live lab: we analyzed footage, gauged audience response and listened to feedback from the members. With a show in Seattle between weekends and minimal rest, the team still chose to press on and refine the set. Those edits paid off — the second weekend felt more cohesive, and many of those learnings carried over into the Dome performance. It was a reminder that stamina and professionalism are as crucial as talent.
How the album process began
Kenta Terunuma: When did work on the album truly start?
JAKOPS (SIMON): After the Dome show we finally had a moment to regroup, and everyone agreed the next phase was the album. We went all in in June — writing and recording nearly every day. Aside from a couple of tracks conceived on tour, we completed about ten songs in just over a month. We’re now deep in mixing and mastering, still driven by the goal of building something memorable. The seven members have developed at an incredible rate — coming here today I felt proud to showcase their growth.
Producer–artist dynamic
Kenta Terunuma: How has your relationship with the members changed during this period?
JAKOPS (SIMON): It’s shifted from mentorship to partnership. Beyond musical training, it’s about discipline, self-care and the organizational routines that let artists deliver consistently high performances. Sustained excellence is far more challenging than a single peak, and XG’s commitment to that standard is what makes them stand out.
Where the record was made
Kenta Terunuma: Where did most of the production take place?
JAKOPS (SIMON): We split work between Japan and South Korea, with an especially intense stretch in Korea. One memorable moment: the first time everyone heard “GALA” together was at my wedding in June. The members and the core staff were present, and we all agreed it set the album’s tone. From that instant, the project accelerated.
The vision behind “GALA”
Kenta Terunuma: What inspired the lead single and how has it been received?
JAKOPS (SIMON): The sonic palette was influenced by electronic music we encountered while touring Europe and by work tied to Paris Fashion Week. We started from a house foundation, layered experimental harmonic moves, and used vocal and rap production tailored to XG’s strengths. “GALA” is deliberately forward-looking — I believe it opens a new dimension for the group.
Pop and the underground
Kenta Terunuma: XG blends mainstream pop with underground sensibilities. How do you approach that balance?
JAKOPS (SIMON): I don’t categorize music by labels; the metric is simply whether it’s compelling. Our aim is to introduce fresh ideas into the mainstream rather than chase trends. We draw from club music, rock, J‑pop, Latin, K‑pop, hip‑hop, jazz, classical and traditional sounds — a hybrid approach I find inspiring. A good example is the soundtrack to OTOMO’s AKIRA: something that reads as distinctly Japanese actually incorporates Balinese instrumentation, creating a hybrid that feels authentic and new. That kind of cross-cultural blending is a reference point for us.
About XGALX Tokyo HQ
Kenta Terunuma: Tell us about the new XGALX Tokyo space.
JAKOPS (SIMON): The Tokyo HQ is more than an office — it’s a creative ecosystem designed to remove friction between artists and staff. Practice rooms, recording, choreography review and styling facilities are integrated so work can flow naturally. Even after a short time in use, it’s proven to be an efficient, collaborative environment that brings everyone together.
The changing J‑pop landscape
Kenta Terunuma: Since XG’s debut, has the scene shifted?
JAKOPS (SIMON): Definitely. There’s a wider visibility for diverse genres and experimental approaches than before. Teams and artists are exploring directions that once seemed unlikely, and that momentum pushes us to emphasize our own strengths. That energy is precisely what drives this next chapter.
Interview conducted by Kenta Terunuma. Originally published in Billboard Japan.
