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.

DEVINE CHANNEL

Years active: 2006-present

Associated Acts: VIXX, EXO, Taeyeon, CLC, Lay, Hello Venus

Their sound: Varies, but most recently their music has veered toward a darker blend of fitful synths and lurching beats that cast a moody, mysterious vibe.

Why you should love them: As a collective of producers, Devine Channel’s work is understandably varied. If I’m being honest, their current future bass-inspired sound is not my favorite, but if you like your k-pop with a darker, more rhythmically complex style you’ll find plenty to love amongst their discography. Personally, I find that Devine Channel are at their best when they’re taking a funk driven approach, or when they collaborate with other hitmakers to create something as fantastic as BTS’s Fire. Their older material for SM artists is also particularly good.

Examples of their best work: