STAYGE NXT Lab: A Key Partner for the 2025 Singing Competition

STAYGE NXT Lab: A Strategic Partner in the 2025 Singing Competition

STAYGE NXT Lab, a pioneering player in the global fandom platform market, has officially announced its partnership with the upcoming 2025 Singing Competition. This collaboration highlights STAYGE's commitment to foster aspiring talents in Japan's music industry. They will offer an online voting feature through their innovative fandom platform, LiNC (Link).

The Singing Competition, aimed at discovering the next generation of singers aspiring to debut in Japan, is organized by CUEIGHT, in partnership with renowned music label PONY CANYON. The initiative's slogan, “A chance for everyone who wants to achieve their dreams through music,” underscores its ambition to provide a platform for budding artists. The preliminary voting rounds are set to kick off on May 1, 2025, culminating in a final showdown scheduled for July. Successful participants will gain invaluable opportunities, including song production by a music producer, digital music release rights, and a stage debut at one of Hokkaido's largest fashion shows.

Founded in 2016 in South Korea, STAYGE Labs established STAYGE NXT Lab in Tokyo to assist Japanese artists in expanding their global reach. This local branch, supported by Shibuya Startup Support, operates the LiNC platform, which connects artists with global fans. With extensive experience serving over 20 million global fans primarily in the K-pop industry, STAYGE NXT Lab aims to utilize this expertise to support Japanese artists in their journey towards international recognition.

The partnership in the 2025 Singing Competition marks a strategic move for STAYGE NXT Lab, focusing on expanding its user base, increasing brand visibility, and enhancing the provision of fandom platform services tailored to Japanese artists, all while laying the groundwork for global expansion.

LiNC serves as a comprehensive global fandom platform, featuring a wide array of tools for fan interactions including private messaging, one-on-one video calls, and interactive live events. Its user-friendly design, coupled with robust technical stability, has earned it accolades in the Japanese market.

Michael Baeg, the CEO of STAYGE NXT Lab, remarked, “Participating in this competition is a significant milestone for us as we fully launch our fandom platform business in Japan. LiNC is designed to provide a satisfying communication experience for both fans and artists. Moving forward, we aim to empower more Japanese artists to leverage LiNC’s extensive global user base and service capabilities to realize their entry into international markets.”

Exploring the LiNC Service

LiNC stands as a multifaceted platform through which artists engage with fans around the world, transcending language barriers via messaging, video calls, and online events. It supports artists in attracting, expanding, and monetizing their global fan base.

In addition to various promotional functions that aid in acquiring new fans, LiNC offers tailored revenue models optimized for artists through subscription services and ticket sales, fostering sustainable activities.

Not limited to K-POP artists, LiNC has expanded its usage to include actors, influencers, and artists across diverse genres, with a notable increase in adoption among Japanese bands and singer-songwriters in recent years.