Ready to step into an analogue dream with the iconic blackbear? He’s back and ready to call us all out on the masks we put on with the chaotically cathartic ‘britney in 07,’ which challenges you to be more upfront about how you’re truly doing and to consider whether the way you present yourself matches it. We’re in an era where most people are public figures in some way, whether it’s through actually being famous or even just posting a lot of their lives online. And even though you don’t have to fill your profile with sad songs or cryptic reposts during harder times, you also don’t have to act like everything is going really well for you if it feels like the exact opposite.
blackbear flips between embracing fame and condemning it as quickly as you’d tap past 10 different stories of crying selfies from someone you barely know but still followed to “connect with” at some point. “I bought a new house, I bought a new whip,” he announces before admitting, “I’mma burn that sh*t down, I’mma drive it off a cliff.” The material things that come with his success don’t feel like items of celebration anymore, but perhaps things that separate him from the average person and remind him of the struggles he’s been through while chasing such an ambitious lifestyle. Does he burn it all down and put a stop to it, or embrace it and hit the gas even when he’s not feeling it anymore?
Ultimately, bear lands on something in-between: he can admit those struggles while also trying to stay on the right path pursuing his dreams. “I’m not okay, but if Britney [Spears] could survive ‘07, you could do it today,” he urges before trying to bridge the public-facing and more internal sides of himself: “It’s hard to be a liar and the same time keep it real.” For his own well-being and to keep helping the fans he’s inspired throughout the years, he needs to maintain that bridge and be honest about how he’s really feeling.
This song is about crashing out and being open about it. Society makes us feel like shit sometimes, there’s a 2007 Britney in all of us .. one hateful comment away from shaving our heads and smashing up our cars for the world to see.. The sad part is the world loves it. It’s like a train wreck we can’t look away from when someone’s going through it. I hope this song changes the narrative and encourages people to check up on their friends and actually be there for one another as human beings undergoing the same human condition… But Britney survived and I think we can, too. It’s just gonna take some empathy, compassion, love for our neighbor and other humans, and quite a bit of work. Mainly on ourselves.
blackbear
‘britney in 07’ is billed as blackbear’s first major solo release since his 2022 album, in loving memory, following a break from performances and a period of health challenges he’s been very open about. He’s experienced necrotizing pancreatitis, which led to a multi-organ removal surgery, and diabetes. We can only imagine how empowering it must feel for him to get back to what he loves in its purest form – he performed at YUNGBLUD’sBLUDFEST and the Long Beach date of Warped Tour this summer, and he’ll be releasing his new album, analogue dream, in 2026!
The analogue dream title has us so excited for blackbear’s next chapter! “Analogue” means something that serves as a parallel to or shares qualities with something else, while the homophone “analog” is the opposite of “digital.” As social media and AI evolve into our nightmares, how can we embrace unity and togetherness beyond our screens? What kinds of insights on humanity does blackbear have to offer us after pushing through so many obstacles and dealing with the internet’s opinions of him along the way? bear’s music has always made us feel so seen and understood, so we know his upcoming project will definitely move us while leading us to question how we can improve ourselves and our outlooks on life.
What do you love most about ‘britney in 07?’ Which lines do you most relate to? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
If you’re looking for a new band to take over your playlists, look no further than Arrows in Action! Their latest album, I Think I’ve Been Here Before, is the perfect gateway into their musical world, so this is the ideal time to jump in! We were lucky enough to get to chat with Arrows in Action all about their newest album, past music, live shows, and so much more!
Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your sound to someone who is tuning in for the first time? We’re an alternative pop-rock band! We’re a blend of everything we love, and we love a huge array of music.
I Think I’ve Been Here Before is less than a month away. What emotions are you guys feeling leading up to the release of this record? We’re feeling a mix of relief, excitement, and catharsis with the release of this album! We can’t wait for people to hear it all in its intentional order.
Out of the eleven songs on the record, only two are unreleased. What goes into the decision of what to release and what to hold back? We wanted to make sure to save the conclusion of the album for the day of release. We were very intentional with the track order on this record, and we wanted our fans to experience the album in its entirety together.
‘Hello Sunlight!’ is the oldest track on the record, having been released in May of last year. When this song came out, did you know it was part of a bigger project, or did that come with time? Though it was released far ahead of the album, ‘Hello Sunlight!’ is the track that started the writing process and was instrumental in guiding us towards the sounds that would make up Side A.
You’ve released this album in two parts, with Side A coming out earlier this year. How do you group the songs and figure out which song belongs on which side? In both subject matter and sonics, we accidentally curated two distinct vibes while writing this album. It could be the simplest thing, like the placement of a minor chord that guided a song toward side B, and in many cases, it was the lyrical perspective that placed the song.
With a new album comes the hope of live music! While crafting the album, which song off this album were you most looking forward to bringing to life on stage? Victor: ‘Cheekbones,’ Jesse: ‘Empty Canvas,’ Matt: ‘Empty Canvas.’
Your debut album, Be More, came out four years ago! When you look at the artists who released that record, and the artists who are about to release this record, what do you see as the biggest area of growth? Our biggest area of growth has been how much we collaborate! With years of touring and writing together, we know each other better than ever before, and we know how to expand on each other’s ideas.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, what is one thing on the Arrows in Action bucket list as we close out 2025? A bucket list item we completed this year was headlining in Europe and the UK! A bucket list item we have that is yet unchecked is performing at Red Rocks in Colorado. Thanks for having us!
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song off of I Think I’ve Been Here Before by Arrows in Action? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
Is it too soon to say we miss this era already?! Jeff Satur just capped off an iconic year with the release of the Red Giant EP. Throughout 2025, Jeff has given us a behemoth concept and storyline, the “Year of Red Giant,” and now we have the full EP to enjoy. Allow us to bask in the light of this bright star!
Red Giant EP
What’s better than ‘Golden Night?’ Two versions of it! On Red Giant, Jeff gives us exactly that, with both an English version and a Thai version of the track. And what’s better than a miracle? Two miracles! Which coincidentally is the message of ‘Golden Night:’ miracles do happen, and what’s more is that they can happen more than once! We love a hopeful, magical message!
It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that Jeff gives us one of the best vocal performances we’ve heard in a long time on Red Giant. Or at least, probably some of the best vocals since Jeff’s last release. We’ve been indulging in some of these tracks all year, but the EP release brings some brand new songs, too! As well as both versions of ‘Golden Night,’ we get ‘Passion Fruit’ and ‘Call It Over,’ each with its own visualizer (basically a mini music video). Check out the full tracklist below!
‘Ride or Die’
‘Tell Me the Name’
‘Golden Night (English Version)’
‘Passion Fruit’
‘Call It Over’
‘ของขวัญปีใหม่ (Golden Night (Thai Version))’
The “Year of Red Giant”
If you’re not familiar with the concept of Red Giant, it’s the moment just when a star swells and appears as it reaches its full life cycle, kind of like a phoenix just before it’s reborn from ashes. From the moment we heard Jeff Satur’s plans for a “Year of Red Giant,” we’ve been absolutely in love with this imagery and how well it fits Jeff at this point in his career.
However, even that couldn’t have prepared us for how Jeff has soared this year. From ‘Ride or Die’ way back in January (how has it been that long?!) to the Red Giant world tour, we’ve loved seeing Jeff Satur get his flowers! He’s a genuine world star and one of our absolute favorite vocalists. Now, we just need to get ourselves back into the audience for one of his shows. Join us in anticipating, and hoping for, even bigger things from Jeff in 2026!
What’s been your favorite moment from Jeff Satur’s “Year of Red Giant?” Do you have a fave track on the EP? Let us know on @TheHoneyPOP on Twitter or by leaving a comment on our Facebook and Instagram posts.
The last time we saw Seattle-based band, The Home Team, was on the idobi Summer School Tour last year. Sunday, we finally got to see them again at The Belasco in Los Angeles on The Crucible of Life Tour. The Belasco isn’t a huge venue, so it’s a place where you can feel every cheer, clap, and scream.
Jay Flores for THPJay Flores for THP
When the lights dimmed, the crowd went wild! Opening with ‘Turn You Off,’ a song off the band’s most recent album, which shares the same name as the tour. The night had a natural rhythm, shifting between high-energy bursts with songs like ‘Hell’ and quieter, more reflective moments with songs like ‘Walk This World With Me.’
One of the most OMG moments we caught was when Brian paused to address the crowd: “This is the biggest headlining show of our entire tour.” To be a part of this monumental crowd for a band we have seen grow has brought so much joy to our lives. For the OG fans who have seen them grow in the last 12 years, it must be such a surreal feeling. We can only imagine what it feels like to be in the band!
The crowd carried the night from start to finish, helping sing every lyric to every song. And let us just say, we appreciate that THT kept some of those OG bangers on the setlist, as well! ‘Fashion Forward’? ‘She’s Quiet’? Keep those on there forever!!! Please!!!!
Jay Flores for THPJay Flores for THP
If you have the chance to see The Home Team on the rest of their tour, please make sure you do! You’re not going to want to miss this one!
Check out the full gallery below!
If you caught THT this tour or plan on seeing them soon, let us know in the comments, on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, where we’re always buzzing about something!
It’s here! Yeonjun has released NO LABELS: PART 01, and neither us nor our playlists will ever be the same again. We’ll be the first to admit that we had very, very high hopes for Yeonjun’s debut solo album, but we’ll also hold our hands up and say that he exceeded every single expectation. Rather than a perfect, sparkling pop album (which we all know Yeonjun is capable of, too), NO LABELS is bold, untamed, and disruptive.
Throughout NO LABELS: PART 01, Yeonjun provocatively dares the listener to try and categorize him, whilst proving time and time again that it’s impossible. Every aspect of the album is rebellious yet calculated.
However, as thought-out as NO LABELS: PART 01 is, it never comes across as inauthentic. Yes, Yeonjun has a point to prove, but that point is so intrinsically tied to him and his artistic self that it never feels deliberate. Yeonjun can’t help but demonstrate just how dynamic and enigmatic he is, because that’s just him.
From now on, too, through my music, I’ll keep showing you the honest and new sides of myself.
Yeonjun on the NO LABELS: PART 01 listening party CDs.
There’s no doubt that K-Pop’s formula to promote upcoming releases works incredibly; from concept photos to MV teasers to tracklist announcements, with something happening pretty much every day at 00:00 KST, it’s a surefire way to get audiences hyped for a comeback or debut. With NO LABELS: PART 01, Yeonjun rebelled even against that process, announcing and promoting the album on his own social media, including setting up a Pinterest account specifically for the concept photos, and giving MOAs sneak peeks at almost every track on the album. Plus, throughout TXT’s career, Yeonjun has been notorious for dropping spoilers, and he seriously weaponized that talent for NO LABELS.
Even the very notion of a PART 01 is disruptive. We already (especially after that teaser at the end of the music video) know we can expect a PART 02, but when and what that looks like is on Yeonjun’s terms. And he’s always one step ahead!
My very presence speaks for me, and it will not be silenced. I exist on my own terms. Outside of words, this is just me.
Text in Yeonjun’s NO LABELS: PART 01 packaging
Track By Track
Now, let’s get stuck into the details, and how each NO LABELS track proves Yeonjun’s artistry is limitless.
‘Talk To You’
Once upon a time, we had ‘LO$ER=LOVER,’ which opened with Soobin kicking us in the face; now we have ‘Talk To You’ opening with Yeonjun getting punched. Unlike the music video, which has it as the grand finale, Yeonjun opens NO LABELS: PART 01 with ‘Talk To You,’ the title track. Like the rest of the album, this song toes the line of just-weird-enough, and on first listen reminded us of another album that straddles that line: RM’s RPWP. ‘Talk To You’ builds on a duality that Yeonjun is already well known for: the potent mix of rock and hip-hop. Both genres are rife with anarchy, which is exactly the energy that Yeonjun attacks them with.
If there were ever any doubt that Yeonjun’s personal mark is all over this album, then ‘Talk To You’ alone would prove that theory wrong. Yeonjun is credited for both the lyrics and composition (he’s credited on five out of the six NO LABELS tracks), and further contributed to its creative direction through the choreography and performance. In fact, the choreography itself is some of the hardest we’ve ever seen, to the point where, in behind-the-scenes content, Yeonjun has been warning fans not to try it out! We’d expect nothing less from the 4th Gen It Boy, but he still exceeded all our expectations.
‘Forever’
If ‘Talk To You’ reminds us of RM’s RPWP, then ‘Forever’ reminds us of another of RM’s previous collaborators, Anderson .Paak. Where so much of this album is deliberately disruptive, ‘Forever’ is its sleekest moment. A simple (in comparison!), bright hip-hop track contrasts with the nonchalant delivery of Yeonjun’s all-English rap, and we love this low-pressure version of a seize-the-day mentality. Yeonjun mentioned that a lot of his friends picked this track as their fave when he gave them a sneak preview of NO LABELS: PART 01, and we can totally appreciate why.
‘Let Me Tell You (featuring Daniela of KATSEYE)’
This is the track for the 00s R&B lovers! With two of K-Pop’s best dancers, we knew the choreography of this track would hit, and it still blew us away. The sensual nature of ‘Let Me Tell You’ suits both Yeonjun and Daniela so well, and we need a full performance ASAP!
And, once again, Yeonjun rebels against the limitations placed on idols, who often face massive backlash (think ENHYPEN’s ‘Bite Me’) for performing with people of other genders. Of course, male and female idols singing and dancing together shouldn’t be controversial, but it is, and Yeonjun and Daniela do a beautiful job of pointing out the absurdity of that, simply by not acknowledging it at all.
‘Do It’
‘Do It’ is an underrated gem on NO LABELS: PART 01, and we can totally see this track having some serious longevity. The song is full of confidence and charisma, but in a completely unexpected way; it’s not brash or loud. In fact, the live band style and jazz influences make ‘Do It’ feel like a very intimate listen, and this nonchalance adds to its effectiveness. Yeonjun doesn’t need to shout to be heard, or for everyone to stop what they’re doing and pay attention.
In the second half of the album, which ‘Do It’ kicks off, Yeonjun responds to the question of NO LABELS more directly, speaking about his persona and the criticism that he has faced. Throughout ‘Do It,’ he teaches his critics how to be “YJ’s miniature,” but even when he plots out the most basic steps for them, they can’t manage it. All of this goes to show that just because Yeonjun makes something look easy, that doesn’t mean it is. That’s just his talent.
‘Nothin’ ‘Bout Me’
Like ‘Do It,’ ‘Nothin’ ‘Bout Me’ tackles the album’s themes head-on. With lyrics like “you can’t fit me in any kind of frame,” and “I’m my own product,” Yeonjun speaks directly to people who try to contain him as any one specific thing. Moreover, whilst “you” try to box him in, he’s not even paying attention to your failed efforts; he’s busy “snoring in a Carnival.” A Carnival is the car most commonly used by idols, and it’s not the first time they’ve been used as a status symbol in a diss track, just look at the way ATEEZ belittle their stalkers in ‘MATZ.’
Yeonjun co-wrote and composed Nothin’ ‘Bout Me,’ and you can definitely feel that raw, untamed energy come through in this hip-hop track. On an album full of self-assuredness, ‘Nothin’ ‘Bout Me’ still takes the crown for the most provocative and defiant moment.
I rip off any label put on me, even if it gets sticky, sticky, sticky, I still go.
Yeonjun, referencing NO LABELS and ‘GGUM’ on ‘Nothin”Bout Me’
‘COMA’
‘COMA’ is Yeonjun’s favorite track on NO LABELS: PART 01, and we’re inclined to agree with him. The production on this hip-hop track is deliberately disorienting, as Yeonjun displays how much power he has over his rapt audiences. In addition to creating the choreography for ‘COMA,’ Yeonjun co-wrote the lyrics. As a result, ‘COMA’ brings us one of our favorite Yeonjun trademarks: wordplay. When rapping “The ‘GGUM’ you were chewing on,” Yeonjun uses 씹다, which means both ‘to chew’ and ‘to belittle’ (source: TranslatingTXT), so this line can also be taken as a reference to the haters’ reactions to his 2024 mixtape.
Yeonjun then goes on to say that he has “Fed this scene a new topic, eyes on me, all them eyes on me.” Yeonjun’s name is often mistranslated as ‘fed,’ so it’s like he already knows that everyone will be talking about NO LABELS: PART 01, and about Yeonjun himself too. With an album this iconic, can you blame us?
It’s clear in every aspect of NO LABELS: PART 01 that Yeonjun has uncovered a true artistic vision, and as fans, we couldn’t be happier for him (or happier to reap the benefits!). From the lyricism to the aesthetic and everything in between, NO LABELS: PART 01 is completely undefinable, except for the only label it needs: Yeonjun.
What’s your favorite track on the album? And tell us your predictions for NO LABELS: PART 02! Let us know over on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
And if you want more TOMORROW X TOGETHER in your life, you’ve come to the right place…
Let us start by saying that Starkissed is the most perfect name for a TXT album. It’s beyond fitting, and just so cute. TXT’s most recent album finished with ‘Song of the Stars,’ and now we get lots of Starkissed songs!
Instrumentals
One of the very best things about TXT’s Japanese albums is that we are treated to beautiful intro and outro instrumentals! ‘Intro: SPARK’ and ‘Outro: GLOW’ are no exception. We love how these two tracks open and close this chapter and, as always, we hope to see them live on in something else too… perhaps background music for the VCRs at the ACT: TOMORROW Japan Dome Tour? TXT’s creative team, our door is always open.
‘Can’t Stop’
The names ‘SPARK’ and ‘GLOW’ for an album with a starry concept are so gorgeous too, but they’re not the most-aptly named songs on Starkissed. The title track, ‘Can’t Stop,’ is perfect. It’s shot up to the top of all our ‘On Repeat’ playlists, and we truly ‘Can’t Stop’ streaming it. TXT, like a lot of K-Pop groups, usually lean towards ballads for Japanese singles, and this is easily their most fun, catchy Japanese release to date. Full of 80s synth and irresistible guitar riffs, the THP MOA hive was never going to survive this comeback unscathed.
Original Japanese B-Sides
Another one of the new Japanese original songs on Starkissed is ‘Where Do You Go?,’ a song that made us immediately jealous that we won’t be attending the Japan tour shows to see this IRL. It has a cute, bright energy that we haven’t seen from TXT in a while, and instantly reminded us of 2020’s ‘Wishlist.’
The final original track is ‘SSS (Sending Secret Signals),’ which is a pretty good tongue twister. Written by HYDE, this song is rich with the rock-pop energy everybody loves to see from TXT. The pre-chorus breakdown stole our breath the first time we heard it, not to mention Yeonjun’s spoken lines. HYDE is a music icon in Japan, having been active in the industry since 1988. As TXT’s global and Japanese fandoms continue to grow, we are so happy to see them getting the opportunities to work with such storied artists!
Re-Releases
Additionally, we were treated to Japanese versions of some of our other favorite TXT singles, ‘Beautiful Strangers,’ and ‘Deja Vu,’ as well as re-releases of ‘Step by Step,’ ‘Rise,’ and CHIKAI’s ‘We’ll Never Change’ and ‘Kitto Zutto.’ Not to mention that we, of course, had to be gifted with a Japanese version of our beloved ‘Song of the Stars!’
With the Starkissed release, we’ve got to indulge in several brand new songs, renew our love for some familiar ones, and enjoy plenty of TXT content on Japanese music and variety shows! Considering The Star Chapter: TOGETHER still feels like it came out yesterday (how has it been three months already?!), MOAs really do feel like the luckiest fandom.
What’s your favorite track from TXT’s Starkissed? What have you enjoyed about this comeback? Let us know on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! Or, if you’d rather, you can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
Cottage wh*res and coven queens, gather round. 1500s sirens with bleeding nipples and thrashing tails couldn’t out-sing Florence & The Machine when she’s in her mythic bag. And honestly? She’s been haunting (and treating us with) folklore since forever, so a Halloween album drop was never going to be a trick. Everybody Scream (produced by Florence Welch, Aaron Dessner, Mark Bowen & James Fordis) is what happens when gothic cathedral choirs get drunk on moonlight and sea salt. It’s got all the eerie elegance we crave—windchimes that tinkle not by breeze but by the ghost in the rafters on ‘Drink Deep,’ banshee wails curling through ‘You Can Have It All,’ and titles that flaunt their witchiness on lace sleeves, like ‘Witch Dance’ and ‘Sympathy Magic.’
To celebrate this deliciously deadly dawn, we conjured five crystal grids—one for each of our top tracks. Think moon-charged quartz, screaming carnelian, and obsidian that’s seen things. Because if Florence just opened a portal, you know we’re stepping through—in heels, of course.
🩸’Witch Dance’
Sounding like a possession in motion from the first breath, ‘Witch Dance’ channels the Irish grief ritual of keening—a loud, high-pitched wail for the dead—to express not just sorrow, but its collective release. The sound appears first in the intro, haunting the air, then sinks into the production like a ghost remembering its body. Yet beneath the communal mourning lies something achingly personal: a metaphorical coitus with death, referencing Florence’s near-death experience following an ectopic pregnancy two years ago. It all culminates in one of the record’s most gutting lines: “there’s nobody more monstrous than me.”
Ritual Grid for ‘Witch Dance:’ This grid hums where grief and ecstasy blur—light a single candle and let the flame waver with your breath.
Begin with Garnet at the base, the life-force ignition stone that grounds passion into the body and keeps your spirit tethered when it wants to drift.
Place Obsidian at the left point, a torch in the dark—it transforms pain into power, fear into fire.
End with Moonstone at the right point, the crystal of divine surrender, helping you release what must die so something softer can rise.
Sway with it. Let your pulse keep time with the keening. This isn’t mourning—it’s resurrection in motion.
🌊 ‘Kraken’
A ‘Cassandra’ lyric parallel? Yup, ‘Kraken’ has it. Where ‘Cassandra’—based on the Trojan princess cursed by Apollo so her prophecies would never be believed—asks, “Well, can you see me? I cannot see you,” ‘Kraken’ replies, “Well, do you see me now?” Both are metaphors for how the industry treats women as disposable, never granted the same footing as their male peers, only for her now to rise, colossal and undeniable, above what they once imagined. Its production is gorgeous: siren backing vocals, floorboards that creak like ship decks, the crackle of storm wind, and clapping chants that sound like beer-soaked sailors hailing their queen.
Ritual Grid for ‘Kraken’: This one’s for when you’re done shrinking for anyone.
Start with Aquamarine as the base—the ocean’s own crystal, a calm current through emotional turbulence.
Place Labradorite at the left point for transformation’s shimmer—it’s the flash right before you break the surface.
Finish with Chrysocolla on the right point, the stone of truth and song, to reclaim your voice and let it echo like waves against steel.
Breathe like the tide: in power, out release. You’ve always been the storm they whispered about.
🥀 ‘Buckle’
Even when thousands of adoring roses get thrown on stage, it’s the haunting, withered black one that catches your eye—the one that reminds you what it feels like when your muse takes you for granted. ‘Buckle,’ co-written by Mitski, is an ode to that lonely ache of being an option even when, in Florence’s case, the entire world treats her like a star. With its hushed, stripped-back guitar melody, it’s the moment the curtains fall away and you’re not watching the bewitching siren anymore—you’re watching the woman underneath.
Ritual Grid for ‘Buckle’: Lay your crystals under dim candlelight—no spotlight here, just soft flicker.
Rhodonite sits at the heart center: its rose-pink glow streaked with black veins, a spell for love after chaos.
Place a Smoky Quartz at the left point to ground your grief and dissolve any attachments that still hum with old pain.
End with Rose Quartz at the crown or center of your palm, its light-pink aura whispering, you are worthy of softness, even when the music stops.
Breathe deep. Let the melody hum through your bones. This is how you heal when even the applause feels lonely.
🕯️ ‘The Old Religion’
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Florence & The Machine fans, eat your heart out. When talking to Radio X, Florence said that while writing ‘The Old Religion’ with Aaron Dessner, she was trying to craft something that belonged in those worlds. A few decades may have passed since Buffy’s slay-age, and our vampires might now come with daylight rings and leather jackets (looking at you, Damon Salvatore), but this track shows us exactly what those shadowy realms would sound like, infused with Florence’s haunted brilliance.
Beyond its vampiric glamour, ‘The Old Religion’ also confronts addiction—its harrowing guitar-piano pairing layered with trembling drums and the biting line, “And it’s your troubled hero back for season six.” The lyric mirrors both Florence’s own cyclical rebirth in her sixth album and Buffy’s literal resurrections throughout the series: her leaps through portals, her returns from death, her endless struggle to find light in the dark.
Ritual Grid for ‘The Old Religion’: This grid hums best under candlelight—a flicker for every life you’ve survived.
Start with Pyrite at the base: a golden shield of unshakable confidence, your armor when the shadows flirt too close.
Anchor Black Tourmaline at the left point to keep you grounded through energy surges—the kind that make your pulse feel supernatural.
End with Carnelian on the right point for raw instinct, sacred rage, and the courage to release what no longer feeds you.
Let the music rumble through your ribs like a heartbeat you’ve heard in a hundred lifetimes. You’ve slain your monsters before—this time, you dance with them.
🌙 ‘And Love’
Our gorgeous outro—and perhaps a subconscious echo of ‘My Love’ from Dance Fever—’And Love’ feels like the wish the album itself has been building toward. Amid its messy, scream-worthy sisters, Florence describes this track with Zane Lowe on Apple Music as the quiet incantation that wants to come true. There’s this stunning duality: Florence describes love as a kind of deep hibernation in the second verse, then transforms it into a mantra by the chorus, repeating “peace is coming” like she’s manifesting serenity by living in the end. Between the glimmering chimes reclaiming their spotlight and Florence’s celestial vocals, it’s a lullaby that feels too brief for the kind of calm it casts.
Ritual Grid for ‘And Love’: Set this grid somewhere gentle—on your nightstand, altar, or near your heart as you drift toward dreams.
Begin with Selenite at the base, a beam of divine clarity that purifies and allows light to flow through the cracks you once called flaws.
Anchor Green Aventurine to the left point for steady heart healing and the courage to open again.
Close with Lepidolite, lightly infused with lavender if you can, on the right point to soothe anxiety and whisper peace through your aura.
Take a breath, slow and sure. Let the words “peace is coming” echo softly within you until they no longer sound like hope—only truth.
Which crystal grid are you stuffing into your bra? You know Florence would approve. Or maybe you’ve got your tarot deck spread across the floor, asking if you’re “gonna be in pit” for her newly announced North American tour—featuring Rachel Chinouriri, SOFIA ISELLA, CMAT, and Mannequin Pussy joining the coven for select dates.
Either way, manifest a blessing from us by tweeting your own crystal grid inspired by one of the other songs @thehoneypop. Then follow our Facebook and Instagram for more of the Halloween magic we dropped all October long.
Is it hot in here, or is it just PSYCHIC FEVER turning up the heat with their latest release, ‘SWISH DAT?’ We’re betting on the latter! KOKORO, WEESA, TSURUGI, RYOGA, REN, JIMMY, and RYUSHIN have had a banner year, complete with their PSYCHIC FILE III EP, sold-out shows across multiple continents, and an appearance at SXSW’s Friends From The East Showcase, but they’re still giving their absolute all to this new drop. We’re exhausted even just thinking about all the hard work they’ve put in throughout 2025 yet they make it look so effortless. ForEVER are so proud of their dedication and passion!
‘SWISH DAT’ was selected as the theme song for the Japanese show Masked NINJA Akakage, and we think it was a truly perfect choice. If we were channel surfing and heard a theme tune like this, we’d immediately drop the remote and add it to all our playlists! It pays homage to Japanese culture in its lyrics, choreography, and music video while also feeling like a mission statement of sorts for PSYCHIC FEVER. It shows off their ambition and drive to be the best artists they can be while proudly repping Japan as they rise on the global music scene. And REN’s stunning high note?! They “go swish” and we go to recommend it to all of our friends.
“A silent declaration, proven in the darkness Leaping past even flaws to the heights beyond…”
Whether ‘SWISH DAT’ is the first you’ve heard from PSYCHIC FEVER or you’ve been a ForEVER for a while, we have a special treat for you! We’re psyched to share that we got to do a fun Q&A with the members for fans to get to know them better. Press play on ‘SWISH DAT’ above or maybe even their PSYCHIC FILE III EP, then keep reading to learn all about PSYFE from PSYFE.
KOKORO
You’ve said that your training was a difficult time and that you were anxious about the future, but you’ve been able to push through and light up so many fans’ lives as part of PSYCHIC FEVER. What motivates you during hard times, especially now that you’ve made it through some of the hardest ones you faced? My dreams and the support of everyone who cheers me on are my driving force. All the struggles and worries I’ve faced have now become part of who I am, allowing me to motivate myself no matter what.
Earlier this year, you released your first photobook, Kokoro no Oto, which you shot in Thailand! What was it like for you to create this book and see how much ForEVER have loved it? It truly made me happy and was a blessing for me. The photobook brought out charms I didn’t even know I had, so I hope you’ll continue to enjoy it.
You’ve been learning guitar, which must be so fun! What are your favorite kinds of songs to play? Will you be playing on a PSYCHIC FEVER song in the future? I practice guitar as a hobby! I play ballads, jazz, rock, and a wide range of genres! My dream is to perform live someday!
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? The song that immediately comes to mind is ‘BAKU BAKU.’ It’s a track about moving toward your dreams even amidst anxiety and tension, and it’s one I feel truly represents who I am. It captures the emotions I feel when facing new challenges like my first stage performance or recording sessions, so I chose this song.
I think it also applies to songs I haven’t released yet, so please look forward to them!
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? What I love about our group is how warmly everyone sends each other off when we have individual activities, and cheers each other on with “Do your best!” You don’t often see this on stage, but I’m constantly reminded how kind my members are and how glad I am to be in this group.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? Thank you so much for always giving us your warm support and energy. We’ll keep working hard toward our dreams to deliver music and live entertainment that’s uniquely ours and that you’ll enjoy. Please look forward to our future activities!
Image Source: LDH Japan
WEESA
Mac Miller has been a big inspiration for you, and you’ve called him your hero! What do you love most about his work? What would it mean for you to be able to move PSYCHIC FEVER fans who want to be musicians in a similar way? I’ve loved Mac Miller since middle school, and listening to his music made me want to create my own songs. I think the first time I properly made a song, I used one of his type beats. His vibe and singing style felt truly one-of-a-kind, and I got hooked.
If there are people out there who see us and think, “I want to start making music too,” that would make me incredibly happy.
You told KpopWise that you listen to music before your performances to get yourself hyped up. What kind of music has been motivating you lately? The songs I listen to vary completely depending on my mood, but I basically listen to whatever songs I like across all genres.
In addition to music, you also love art and have been drawing for a long time. What inspires your art, and might we see your art on a PSYCHIC FEVER album cover anytime soon? I often get inspired by watching movies or looking at other artists’ paintings. Drawing also helps me switch gears, so sometimes I draw instead of writing in a diary.
If there’s ever an opportunity that my works fit the album’s concept, I’d definitely love to draw for it.
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? I really love the lyrics to ‘Rocket (Take You Higher).’ I’m not sure if it matches my personality, but I get really into singing it.
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? All the members have such unique personalities. They might look a little scary… it’s [a] joke! but they have cute sides too, so please come check out our live shows if you can.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? We’ll keep working hard to deliver even more amazing songs to everyone. I’d be thrilled if you listened to our music a lot and came to our live shows.
Image Source: LDH Japan
TSURUGI
You’ve mentioned that you continued training while working part-time jobs and facing many struggles. How does it feel now to have become a shining member of PSYCHIC FEVER and to be loved by so many fans worldwide years later? It really made me realize nothing beats experience! Working for someone else, or working for others and for myself—I learned that from part-time jobs! Now I live for my fans!
You have a black belt in karate and started practicing when you were very young – what’s something you learned through your karate journey that’s helped you in your music career? Greetings! Karate is a martial art that values etiquette! It taught me that greetings are extremely important.
Even now, in my work as an artist, I believe greeting people and communicating are essential. So I think my karate experience really comes into play.
It’s so cool that you collect vintage cowboy hats! What interests you the most about cowboys and their style? Where do you get inspiration for your own style? What fascinates me is their attitude of “working to live!”
I deeply respect how they cherish the land and live authentically alongside all life! I believe expressing your true self is crucial for artists, so this became my inspiration!
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? It’s ‘Temperature!’ In this song, I rap about the relationship between me and my fans in a super real way! Of course, body temperature rises, but it also really captures how fans mimic me and come to match me! I think it gets the crowd the most hyped at live shows.
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? Just looking at you guys makes me feel like I’m melting! Like the sweets, you guys are absolutely essential to my life.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? I’m always so incredibly happy that you all support us. I’m also looking forward to seeing everyone! I love you! Always have, always will!
Image Source: LDH Japan
RYOGA
You spent some time studying dance in the United States, and you’ve now gotten to perform throughout the U.S. at sold-out PSYCHIC FEVER shows. Those must have been such full-circle moments for you! If you could go back and give some advice to your younger self who was working so hard to study dance around the world, what would you tell him? I want to tell them, “Just keep believing and moving forward, and you’ll be fine. ”The time I spent in America taught me more than just dance technique—it taught me the courage to challenge myself. In an environment with different language and culture, I learned the importance of believing in myself and taking action.
Thanks to that experience, where I never gave up and kept going, I’m able to stand on this dream stage today.
And, the skills and senses I gained from that experience are definitely alive in my current performances with PSYCHIC FEVER. I feel everything connects to the present.
Earlier this year, you said that your keyword for PSYCHIC FEVER in 2025 was “EVOLVE” so you could keep growing and learning. How do you feel that you and your groupmates have evolved throughout this year? Our “teamwork” as a group has grown stronger. Of course, each member has improved their skills, but the biggest change is that we’ve become able to naturally move in sync with each other on stage, sensing one another’s presence.
Personally, I feel I’ve become better at expressing my emotions more honestly.
Also, being able to perform in many countries and regions this year is also a factor in our evolution. Being exposed to new cultures and atmospheres definitely allowed us to “evolve” in terms of our expressive range and mindset.
You’ve enjoyed movies like Fast and Furious – if you could choose one PSYCHIC FEVER song to appear in a Fast and Furious sequel or a similar movie, which would you pick and what kind of scene would you want it to be in? I’d choose ‘Hotline.’ It has a sense of speed and energy, and I think it would be perfect for car racing scenes or scenes speeding through the city at night. The feeling of the sound racing forward feels like it would link well with the Fast & Furious world.
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? ‘Choose One.’ I’m the type who sees things through once I decide on them, so I really resonate with the message of “believing in your path and moving forward.” I think it’s close to how I live my life. Listening to this song reminds me of past decisions and efforts, and it still gives me the strength to keep moving forward.
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? Everyone is truly made of “kindness.” Probably. lol.
Even with our demanding schedules, if someone looks tired, we naturally check in on them. We support each other. In that sense, I think we’re more of a “warm” group than a “sweet” one.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? Thank you so much for always supporting our music and activities. It’s because of you that we can stand on stage. Let’s keep “evolving” together from here on out. We love you, ForEVER!!
Image Source: LDH Japan
REN
Before you joined PSYCHIC FEVER, you originally wanted to be a professional dancer. What has it been like for you to get to pursue dancing while also touching so many people with your music? I originally started dancing because I admired Michael Jackson’s moves, wanting to become a dancer who could inspire others. Dance allows me to express myself in various ways and connect with everyone watching, transcending language barriers. I’ll keep striving to continue moving many people through dance.
You’ve said discovering new ramen spots is one of your biggest hobbies. What’s your go-to ramen order? My absolute favorite is tonkotsu shoyu (soy sauce and pork bone broth ramen). Within that, adding a boiled egg and extra scallions, then mixing them into the soup, makes it incredibly delicious.
You were more shy as a child and have said that your face would turn bright red when speaking in front of people. How have you built your confidence over the years to be able to connect more with ForEVER? Through performance. Performing makes my shy side disappear. I naturally smile and pour my feelings into conveying my message through the performance. It’s like another version of myself.
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? ‘Best For You.’ It’s not just about personality—it was also the first song I sang lead vocals on, and it’s a song where I discovered a new side of myself. So it’s a key song for me.
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? I’ll invite you to a sweet paradise with my voice. With a beatbox. lol
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? Thank you for always supporting us. We’ll keep practicing and training hard to shine on the stage. We have lots of songs in production and things in the works, so please look forward to them. I love you all.
Image Source: LDH Japan
JIMMY
Fans call you the fashion icon of PSYCHIC FEVER and we love your personal style! You’ve even walked some runways and helped design merch for ForEVER to enjoy, which must be so fun. What inspires your fashion choices? I’ve loved fashion since I was little, so I’m incredibly happy to be involved in it. Having worked as a model, I enjoy wearing various genres, but for our apparel brand, since we often perform and move intensely, I focus on creating silhouettes that look cool no matter when you wear them, yet remain comfortable.
You grew up listening to iconic R&B artists like Boyz II Men, Destiny’s Child, and TLC. How do you bring those early influences to your work with PSYCHIC FEVER? I listened to a lot of Black music from a young age, influenced by my parents. Those roots serve as an incredibly valuable reference point for me when creating music and performances. We actively incorporate the preferences and styles that resonate with other members as we explore new genres.
You’ve spoken about wanting to try acting to inspire fellow mixed-race people and show them that they can pursue their dreams, which we love. What has it been like for you to embrace your Nigerian-Japanese identity and get to empower others in the process? I have so many moments in my life where music, starting with R&B and hip-hop, helped me. But in the TV shows and dramas I watched growing up, there weren’t many mixed-race people like me. The same was true when choosing a career path. So I think I unconsciously gravitated toward music.
As an artist in the spotlight, I want to show the next generation of young people that there are many possibilities. I just happened to be good at dance and rap, but I want to show that I can shine in other areas too. That’s why I wanted to try acting and play various roles.
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? ‘Highlights.’ I think the feeling of occasionally letting loose and getting hyped up really suits my personality. It’s super fun to perform, too!
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? Thanks for always putting up with my whims! I love cooking, so someday I want to treat everyone to a special full-course meal.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? Thank you for always supporting us! I’d be thrilled if you keep cheering for PSYCHIC FEVER, and please come hang out whenever we have a live show! Also, check out our apparel brand, PCF APPAREL DEPARTMENT!
Image Source: LDH Japan
RYUSHIN
You’ve been described as the mood maker of PSYCHIC FEVER. How do you keep the energy high and motivate everyone while working hard for your dreams? I’m incredibly grateful that what I’ve always done—like dancing—has become my job, so I always get to do it with joy!
That’s why even when I’m with the members, it feels like working with friends, which probably creates a great atmosphere!
One of your hobbies is playing games, and you told tmrw that it helps you stay grounded through your hectic schedules. What are some of your favorite games to escape into? Smash Bros! I play it with Ren and Kokoro. We always play after a performance to refresh!
You played baseball and practiced judo when you were younger before focusing on dance and music. What’s something you learned from your athletic training that you’ve taken with you into your journey with PSYCHIC FEVER? Teamwork, I guess! Baseball is also a team sport, so that aspect is the same. I feel like I naturally apply it!
Which PSYCHIC FEVER song do you think matches your personality best and why? ‘Temperature!’ Both the choreography and the music are totally my style, and I’ve always loved it! When we perform that song, I feel like I can really express myself and give my all in the performance!
At The Honey POP, we love all things sweet! Could you say something sweet about your fellow PSYCHIC FEVER members? I think everyone might have a slightly intimidating image at first glance, but they also have adorable sides in everyday life. If you check out our SNS, you’ll probably see that!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans, ForEVER, that the questions didn’t touch on? Thank you so much for always supporting us! It’s because of all of you, ForEVER, that we can keep doing what we do, and you give us energy every single day!
We’ll keep working hard to give back double the love we receive from you all, so we’d be thrilled if you’d continue supporting us!
Image Source: LDH Japan
Thank you so much to PSYCHIC FEVER for answering our questions and lighting up our playlists with ‘SWISH DAT’ and PSYCHIC FILE IIIthis year! We’re so proud of how far you’ve come and can’t wait to see what you have in store for ForEVER next.
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What’s your favorite song PSYCHIC FEVER have released in 2025? Who’s your favorite member? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
As adoring NSWERs from their debut era, we’re so proud of every step that’s led NMIXX to blossom so much on their first full album, Blue Valentine. The album brings their Mixxpop concept to life with so much ambition and perfectly emulates what they’ve brought to K-Pop and the global music scene. Blue Valentine brings us some of the most naturally flowing Mixxpop yet, integrating everything from pop-punk and R&B to reggaeton and hyperpop. It touches so much sonic ground, but NMIXX had been priming us to expect that from the beginning of their career with ‘O.O.’
‘O.O’ made a lot of waves when it first came out in February 2022, for varying reasons. Some people praised the dynamic sound, which combined elements of bold baile funk with bright pop-rock, while others thought it was too mismatched and jarring. As ‘O.O’ lovers, we’ve had a theory that the big switch-up was intentional to drill the idea of Mixxpop into people’s heads right out of the gate, and we feel very vindicated now that Blue Valentine has proven us right.
The girls gave us two new versions of ‘O.O’ at the tail-end of the album: ‘O.O Part 1 (Baila)’ and ‘O.O Part 2 (Superhero).’ The credits divide the credits of the original song, proving that it was made up of two different tracks all along with a few writers contributing to both. Check out the separated credits below!
‘O.O Part 1 (Baila)’ songwriters: Awrii (The Hub), Ayushy (The Hub), Brian U (The Hub), Chanti (The Hub), Charlotte Wilson, Dr.JO, ENAN, Jan Baars, Rajan Muse
‘O.O Part 2 (Superhero)’ songwriters: Brian U (The Hub), Charlotte Wilson, Dr.JO, Ejae (yes, from KPop Demon Hunters!), MarkAlong
Of course, if you’re a hardcore NSWER, you’ve most likely known the separation existed, because NMIXX performed both versions at their NMIXX CHANGE UP : MIXX UNIVERSITY fan meeting in October 2023. This was also probably intentional to reflect how the ones who care and take the time to understand the music will be the ones to learn its real secrets. After all, a lot of debut-era NSWERs became fans after picking up on the backlash and wanting to “get” the song!
The only thing we’d change about NMIXX’s debut era is how much hate the girls got. Musically, we’d change absolutely nothing! Whether you liked ‘O.O’ or not, you knew NMIXX brought a lot of different sounds to the table, and they got to show you two very different sides of what they can do. And as a result, the change-ups since then have felt very smooth, prompting many of the people who hated on ‘O.O’ to celebrate NMIXX’s growth and maturation as they refine their sound.
Hearing Lily’s battle cry of “Do you see it now?” and their chant of “Gonna rock the world” after listening to the new tracks on Blue Valentine felt like such triumphant moments. The two lines, especially Lily’s, call out the people who bashed the big changes on songs like ‘O.O’ and ‘DICE’ right after proving just how beautiful Mixxpop and their concept can be, and point out the growth that artists can show off if you put your initial judgments aside and give them a chance. NMIXX pushed through the negativity and have continued to become one of the most fascinating groups on the global music scene. We couldn’t be prouder of Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin!
What do you think of the new versions of ‘O.O?’ Which one is your fave? Did hearing ‘Baila’ and ‘Superhero’ separately change your view of the original song? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
As adoring NSWERs from their debut era, we’re so proud of every step that’s led NMIXX to blossom so much on their first full album, Blue Valentine. The album brings their Mixxpop concept to life with ambition and tact, drawing from everything from pop-punk and R&B to reggaeton and hyperpop. “I could make the world change, start a new planet,” they sing on the confident ‘Reality Hurts,’ and we think that perfectly emulates what they’ve brought to K-Pop and the global music scene. NMIXX have completely redefined what K-Pop can be while encouraging listeners to expand their own ideas of what’s possible.
NMIXX use the songs on Blue Valentine to explore different aspects of love, including those infuriating hot-and-cold situations and even envy, which is often regarded as admiration in disguise. It all culminates in two new versions of their debut single, ‘O.O’ (which they first performed at their NMIXX CHANGE UP : MIXX UNIVERSITY fan meeting), showing us how the track started off as two different songs that they combined to emphasize the idea of mixxpop. There’s not a single skip on this album, and we bet it’ll land on your list of this year’s best releases!
Inspired by the Valentine theme and the loving messages on NMIXX’sBlue Valentine album, we’re mentally heading to Valentine’s Day and finding the perfect messages for you to write on your V-Day cards! Consider this our love letter to an already-legendary project. You could write these on notes to your crush, frenemies, BFFs, or even yourself if you really wanted to. For simplicity, we’ll reference the lyrics to the English version of ‘Blue Valentine’ and the English translations for the rest of the album by the Genius Korea community.
‘Blue Valentine’
“You’ll always be my blue valentine…”
“I can see it now, can you see it now?”
“I come running every time…”
“Your heart’s getting colder, I’ll keep the fire lit in mine…”
“A spark that never dies…”
“Hot and icy, but I like it…”
“Truth is, we’ll come back together…”
“You might be my end game…”
“I’m falling over and over and over…”
‘SPINNIN’ ON IT’
“It gets harder and harder to erase…”
“Maybe you and I are loco…”
“Why do I want you more?”
“Should I keep loving you or not?” (we picture this as one of those “yes or no” checkboxes people used to give to their crush to see if they liked them back!)
“You are all I need…”
“I’m craving for this obvious story even more…”
“We’ll still be each other’s, whatever…”
“I’m trapped with you…”
“Just gotta ride with me…”
“So truly, we’re endless…”
‘Phoenix’
“Never fear the fall…”
“A bright blue spark…”
“Spread your wings to the sky…”
“Embrace the aurora…”
“I’m never, ever gonna stop it…”
‘Reality Hurts’
“We’re just on another plane…”
“Keep on chasing me…”
“Catch up to me…”
“I’m with my girlies…”
“We’re always gonna bounce back…”
‘RICO’
“Yeah, we loco…”
“Young and wild…”
“We’re so buena…”
“Come and come get some vibe…”
“Me encanta, ay, qué rico…”
‘Game Face’
“From now on, it’s a new phase…”
“Tune into my heart…”
“Leaving everything bad behind…”
“Take a breath, break through what matters…”
“My heart’s heating up nonstop…”
‘PODIUM’
“Even from afar, your gaze is already burning me…”
“I’ve been watching you for a while…”
“I’ve left behind that timid attitude…”
“Be legendary…”
“We rise higher, fly above the flames…”
‘Crush On You’
“My mind goes blank thinking of you…”
“I wanna know how you feel when the silence lingers between us…”
“Do you wanna hold my hand?”
“Thinking of you, my heart starts to pound again like a drum…”
“My feelings keep growing…”
“I got a crush on you…”
“You’re my favorite view…”
“Everything else turns blurry, there’s only you…”
“You make me feel so good…”
“Everyone’s already noticed I’m heading to you…”
“The moment our eyes met, my heart flew to the moon…”
“Anything’s fine if it’s with you…”
“I just wanna be with you…”
“I’m swimming in your ocean blue…”
“Your eyes hold the whole sunset…”
‘ADORE U’
“The chemicals got all tangled up…”
“If I could show my heart, you’d see how much I adore you…”
“I think I’m out of control…”
“I want to give you all of my clumsy love…”
‘Shape Of Love’
“Tell me how to love you well…”
“You will paint me blue, even so, it’s you…”
“I love you in any form…”
“In the end, we’re always together…”
“Crashing into each other, fitting the frame…”
“We’ll forever be clumsy like that…”
“Spent my whole life chasing true love…”
“We wanna be young and wild and free forever…”
“Even if it takes a little while, we will finally see…”
‘O.O Part 1 (Baila)’
“Driving you crazy, huh?”
“Tension goes higher…”
“Watch it, how nice, how nice…”
“Passing that boundary…”
“Quickly, follow me…”
“Don’t be afraid…”
“A vivid dream…”
‘O.O Part 2 (Superhero)’
“Let me rock you out…”
“Fly as my heart desires…”
“Never let you down, be with me…”
“Let me be your superhero…”
“Hold onto me tight…”
“Nothing to be afraid of, never give up…”
“Baby, trust in me and you…”
“Everything is fake, but I ain’t a fake…”
“The real start is from now…”
“I got your back…”
“Finally, we’ll win…”
“Baby, you’re my superhero…”
“Gonna rock the world…”
Will you be using any of these lyrics on a note to your ‘Blue Valentine?’ Which song on NMIXX’s Blue Valentine album do you love most? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
If you think you’ve never heard Ink, we guarantee you that you’re wrong! This GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has already made it onto your playlists with songs like Beyoncé’s ‘16 CARRIAGES,’ Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ and Lay Bankz’s ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend.’ But now, she’s proudly stepping onto the stage with her own narratives and voice on her debut EP, BIG BUSKIN’, which proves that Ink is a vital storyteller defining this generation in music. We need music that connects and transforms us more than ever, and she has the perfect pen for the job.
Across 13 songs, Ink throws a moving ‘Hoedown’ that walks us through her love story with music, her views on persistence and tough times, and the passion that’s carried her through life. “They can steal your style, but they can’t steal your story,” she muses on the spoken opener, ‘Inktro,’ over a western-inspired soundscape. At the heart of each song lies Ink’s authenticity and pure, all-encompassing love for the music she makes, especially on emotive tracks like the incredible ‘God’s Been Drinkin’.’ Even the EP title is an ode to her love for her craft – some of her earliest musical pursuits involved busking and learning how to make her storytelling as moving as possible, and the ‘Tony Machine on 42nd’ interlude tells the story of one of those performances.
The hell with all that BS — press play and find out — real music is back!
Ink
We’re ‘Comin’ Back’ from our listening experience with some extra sweet news: we got to ask Ink all about BIG BUSKIN’, writing her truth, and her biggest inspirations! Press play on BIG BUSKIN’ then keep reading to learn more about the project from the musical genius who created it.
Hey Ink, congratulations on the EP release! What has it been like for you to drop it and see how much fans are loving it? It’s been incredible to drop the EP! Finally being able to say it’s out now is surreal.
There are so many thoughtful lyrics on your standout single ‘Sweet Tea,’ with one of our favorites being “we can’t take it back, so really we gotta live again.” Which line from the song are you most proud of? “Yeah, my granny never even cuss ‘til she got Alzheimer’s / Uh, real GOAT, greatest of all timers.”
The ‘Sweet Tea’ music video includes so many sweet home movie clips and throwback moments. What was it like for you to revisit so many memories for the song and video? It was the best part about it. It just took me back down memory lane. It felt so good to be back home and just have the spirit of my family and those that aren’t here anymore still be there to celebrate.
We’re so excited about your debut BIG BUSKIN’ EP! Which song were you most hyped for fans to hear and why? Which tracks are the most meaningful to you? They’re all meaningful to me, but I’m most hyped for fans to hear ‘Sweet Tea’ because they get to hear a little about the fam, and ‘All I Got’ since it really summarizes the EP. Plus all the inkerludes!
Inspired by ‘Turquoise Cowboy,’ which color do you think best matches the energy of BIG BUSKIN’? Turquoise with a little wood grain.
The BIG BUSKIN’ title nods to your own experiences busking around Atlanta, which you’ve described as “resilience in motion.” What’s something you learned during that phase of your musical journey that you’ve taken with you as you’ve grown? The world is a beautiful place, you’ve just gotta choose to see it.
In your recent INKtionary post on Instagram, you listed one of the definitions of BIG BUSKIN’ as “to live loud, global, and unapologetic – outlaw energy with superstar reach.” How do you stay true to yourself and your roots as your star rises? I just carry on the memory of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met as I go. I take my boots off, get my feet in the grass, and connect to nature.
Alongside your own work, you have writing credits on iconic songs like Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ Beyoncé’s ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,’ and Lil Nas X’s ‘STAR WALKIN’!’ How do you approach writing for another artist differently than writing for your own releases, and how do your experiences on those songs inform how you approach your music? Each artist has their own story, so I just see it as me being there to help serve them creatively. It helps me learn new things for my process, as each artist has a different process and story. They each teach me something different.
You told Billboard that you wrote the lyrics to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on flash cards one day after school – as a publication run by fans, we love the passion! Is there a certain song on the album that has most influenced you and your music? I think the whole album – it gives you the sense of creating a body of work. Some artists can make a few great songs, but she really made a great body of work.
From Beyoncé to Shaboozey and Post Malone, country is definitely ‘Comin’ Back’ to the mainstream spotlight lately! What do you feel makes country so moving, especially in a time when we need the magic of music more than ever? The storytelling!
You’ve called yourself “a faucet of creative energy that never runs out” to The Tennessean. When do you feel most inspired, and what inspires you most? Life and the people and places in it make me feel most inspired. I can just open my eyes and there’s a song waiting.
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2025/2026? Performing, pulling up, doing shows, and lots of great music. Next year I’ll also be dropping my debut album!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on? Pull up when you see the spill!
It sounds like BIG BUSKIN’ is just the very beginning, and we can’t wait to see what Ink will spill next! Thank you so much to Ink for answering our questions and pouring so much heart into every song you touch.
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What are your favorite tracks on the BIG BUSKIN’ EP? Who do you hope to hear Ink write with in the future? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
Right before kicking off their European shows, Nxdia made a stop in London. Not only was London sold out, every single show on the tour has been, which is an incredible feat for any artist, especially as a first-ever headline tour!
I Promise I’m Watching is a direct nod to their debut EP, I Promise No One’s Watching. The tour manages to create such an open, comfortable, and safe space. Curating a tour – and music, around coming out and the life experience of being queer, non-binary, and androgynous naturally draws in other people who are experiencing the same things and feeling the same feelings.
Image Source: Toyah Ann for The Honey POP
The setlist was everything from emotional hard-hitters like ‘Ambulance,’ and ‘Tin Man,’ to their biggest hits ‘She Likes A Boy,’ and ‘Feel Anything.’ Nxdia performed a cover of Katy Perry’s ‘I Kissed A Girl’ and all we have to say about that is bring back those pop-goes-punk albums. That was incredible – and such a fitting song, it sat perfectly in the setlist, and is obviously an LGBTQ+ anthem!
Every once in a while, a show will just hit the spot and make you feel like you’re floating. The Garage is such an iconic London venue and Nxdia themselves said they were nervous when it was being suggested to them. This show really was something else, and there aren’t enough words in any dictionary to explain the absolute euphoria that was felt.
Image Source: Toyah Ann for The Honey POP
The perfect pop-punk vibes, emotions were flowing left, right, and center, and the feeling of community was so intense it may or may not have reduced us to tears. They honour their heritage by writing lyrics in Egyptian, merging them seamlessly with the rest. Not only is it a beautifully unique characteristic to have in music, but it even encourages people to learn a new language – or at least some phrases in a new language, only creating a more open and diverse fanbase!
Being so loud and proud about your background, your journey, and your life is not something every artist can achieve. Nxdia has consistently grown over the years, from beautiful lyricism to this headline tour. The in-betweens consisted of performing at Bludfest, going viral many… many times, and perfectly curating such a memorable, admirable group of fans.
We could go on and on about Nxdia, how proud we are to have seen them grow. But we are aware that we came with unseen photos for everyone to admire so… we’ll leave it here, for now! You will be hearing from us again very soon…
If you’re looking for a new supergroup to dive into, look no further than one of our most recent musical obsessions, CVCHE! If you’re just now tuning in, you’ve done it at the perfect time! CVCHE’s debut album, Get Fluffy is due later this year, and we’ve just gotten their newest offering from the record, ‘The Star.’ We were lucky to chat with CVHCE about their upcoming record, ‘The Star,’ and so much more!
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, if someone is tuning in for the first time, how would you describe the kind of music CVCHE makes? No, thank YOU! We’d definitely describe ourselves as the pioneers of Rural Canadian Techno, since that genre did not previously exist – nor may it EVER exist – unless people want it to. You could also say “organic electronic jams that make you want to dance in your socks on a hardwood floor.”
Get Fluffy is due later this year! What has the process of crafting your first album together as a group been like? We set up four or five synths at one station for each of us. I would make a beat, then we’d all start dialing in sounds on our stations. Once we all had a good palette of sounds, someone would come up with a bass line or tonal starting point. Then we’d hit record and start laying in parts simultaneously, like a live jam, for about 20 minutes. We then edited the best parts into the final track. Some ended up tracking the record rather quickly, and on others, we spent a bit more time on arrangements.
How far into the creative process of ‘Get Fluffy’ did ‘The Star’ come to be? Were you still actively crafting the album? It all happened very quickly from inception to completion because of the process I outlined above. It’s a great way to work, and we just know each other so well that there was very little mucking around and/or throwing things out. We actually have a bunch more tracks we really like that aren’t coming out on the record. The chord progressions are more vocal-friendly, so we saved them to experiment with that at some point. We basically got into a great flow state and just made a whole bunch of stuff with no ‘demographic’ or all the other things you’re supposed to think about – where it fits, who will like it, etc. We just made music, and all this stuff is what came out, with no fidgeting around with expectations. It was fun. And still is!
When you’re in the midst of a jam session, and a song like ‘The Star’ starts to form, do you guys automatically realize you have something you want to dig into further and possibly release? We actually aren’t jamming in the typical sense. It’s more about coming up with a beat we all like, then a bassline, or riff, or chord progression. If we like where the early stages are going, we start dialing in sounds we like on all of our respective synth stations and all sorts of approve of them or not as we’re working them up. Once we have a big palette of sounds and the framework of the track, THEN we “jam” in a structured way for 20 – 30 minutes as every synth patched into ProTools is in record. We then edit it down with the sections we feel are gelling the most.
With CVCHE, when did the idea first spark to form this group? Were you all approached at once? Liam and Jimmy started jamming a bit after tracking a Metric record, and then I came in. We drank wine, pulled out more synths, and then decided to make a record after we’d already finished making it.
Each of you comes from different groups that we are sure have their own creative processes. How do you bring each of those into this new group, and what works best for what you want to be creating? I think all of our experience combined really helps in making navigating the technological aspect of things secondary to creativity, which can be a challenge for everyone. We know how to dial sounds up quickly, and we know how to get around our synth collections, arranging, mixing, etc., so it’s more about us playing off of each other rather than getting caught up in midi troubleshooting (which we’ve collectively probably spent 8 million hours doing). We all use Pro Tools, and it helps that Liam is a legit Pro Tools wizard.
And speaking of what you want to be creating, it’s been said that you guys want to “make releasing music as fun as creating it.” What aspect of creating music do you think is lost in the stress of releasing said music? Oh, wow, I could talk shit about algorithms all day! Making records is fun, spiritual, bonding, magical, and all the other feels, and then comes… algorithms, metadata, streaming companies, troubleshooting passwords, traffic light captchas. So romantic, isn’t it? So, we just said “fuck all this.” Yes, it has to be done, but what else can we do to keep it fun? That’s when we brought Jon Morris in as a member of CVCHE. He did Nine Inch Nails’ stage design, as well as designed for Lady Gaga and Metric, and has done loads of huge installations at Burning Man. Jon is the official-unofficial king of fun. He helped make an infinite scroller video game (it’s fun… check out www.heycvche.com), and we’re building out a super fun merch store. We’re planning a crazy, awesome live show as well. We tell more jokes on calls than we talk about business. We have no strategy to ‘beat the algorithms.’ We just have fun and, in between, fill out endless forms and upload to streamers and publishing info. Gotta keep it fun.
You recently released your single ‘Thumper.’ What inspired that song, and how did it come together? A super weird thumping sound that randomly started coming out of the MS-20… a ghost in the machine, as Sting would say. We made a track around the sound and then ended up muting it in the end — the track, as you hear it, remained.
While crafting this upcoming album, Get Fluffy, was there a song that felt like lightning in a bottle? That once it started, you guys knew it was going to be one of the ones that made the record? No, because we like all of them. We have more that aren’t on the record – more so because the chord progressions lend themselves to vocals – so we’re sitting on those for the right time.
We have to talk about the video game! Where did the inspiration come from to include this in the process of putting out music? Jon Morris brought that to the table, and his friend/coder, Sonny, dialed it all up. At the time of creating the game, with a new song release per level of the game… We are as certain as we can be that we were the first to do this in this way.
Once again, thank you guys so much for your time! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025? More sock jams that make you wanna dance in your socks on a hardwood floor, live shows from us at some point, and hopefully vacations in the Caribbean when it starts to get cold — for both us and fans alike. Who wants to make a plan!? We’re SO IN. ⚡️
We would love to hear from you! What do you think of our interview with CVCHE? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Em Beihold has been a mainstay on our playlists ever since her song ‘Numb Little Bug’ came out, so it is no surprise that her artistry is displayed in her newest song ‘Hot Goblin.’ We were lucky enough to chat with Em about ‘Hot Goblin,’ the thematic through lines of her recent music, ‘Numb Little Bug,’ and so much more!
Hi Em! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? Hello hello! Thanks for having me! I like to describe my music as quirky piano pop that talks about difficult things with a certain degree of levity. I’ve also been described as a popified Regina Spektor, and I really like that description.
‘Hot Goblin’ is your latest track! The lyric video felt like stepping into a fairy tale book. When crafting this track, was the inspiration immediately tied to that aesthetic? Not really! When I was writing the song, I was initially thinking more along the lines of the experience of being a woman and how fickle our relationship with confidence can be. The fairytale stuff came after and felt obvious once the concept was solidified.
Something that immediately drew us to ‘Hot Goblin’ was the vulnerability hidden within this musically upbeat pop track, the understanding of insecurities, but the ability to still find confidence in that. What do writing sessions look like for a song that presents vulnerability in this way? I think my co-writers Nick Lopez, Jason Suwito, and I had a lot of fun figuring out what the term “hot goblin” means. As a girl who definitely feels the pressure to constantly present as put-together, fashionable, hot, etc. (especially from social media), it felt freeing to put a name to the feeling of embracing your insecurities and messy parts while still loving yourself completely and not feeling less than. I also wanted the song to be about that feeling on top of the world one day and at the bottom the next, so ‘Hot Goblin’ became a way to give language to that cycle. Nick has been a close friend since we wrote ‘Numb Little Bug’ together, and Jason came into my life during a rough patch in my career, so there was already a lot of trust in the room. After we laughed about the phrase “hot goblin,” which I brought into the session (kind of as a joke), they both got it and locked in immediately. That balance of humor and honesty made the writing process really special. I write my favorite songs when I’m laughing.
‘Brutus’ is another recent release of yours! This track features some of our favorite visuals from you yet! Where did the creative vision for this video come from? And what was that on-set experience like? I was really inspired by the movie Amadeus, which my mom showed me when I was going through an intense, unforgiving period of depression, where I couldn’t stop comparing myself to other female artists who were creatively unblocked and more successful than me. I related to the character of Salieri and thought it would be fun to bring that rivalry with Mozart as a vignette alongside a few others to tell the story of what I was feeling. The on-set experience is one I will never forget because it was a day full of fun and laughter with friends, which felt SO full circle after a year of essentially crying every day and hating being in my skin. I was so happy to be me and felt so proud of the art that came out of such a hard time. I also checked off two big goals of mine, which were: one, working with my co-director, Ethan Frank, whom I’ve been a huge fan of for years, and two, fencing in a music video since I was a competitive fencer for many years.
With both ‘Hot Goblin’ and ‘Brutus,’ the themes around the visuals are locked into days of old, with fairy tales and gladiator times. Is there an intentional through line there? You know what; accidentally yes. It wasn’t intentional, but I think the whole album has puzzle-pieced itself together more than I planned for. It’s whimsical, it has hints of classical music, and instruments like the harpsichord! There’s definitely some fun “historical” stuff in there.
Egg in the Backseat came out three years ago! Is there a song on that record that, for you, has just gotten better with time? I would say ‘Goo,’ because my fans have really taken to that one at my live shows. It’s kind of a sleeper, dare I say!
We, of course, have to briefly touch on ‘Numb Little Bug!’ Now that you are three years separated from the release of the track, how has your relationship to this song changed as time has gone on? Oh my gosh! I wrote that song about my unfortunate experience with antidepressants, and now (after lots of trial and error), I’ve found one that has absolutely changed my life. It’s a cool marker of where I was then, and how much I’ve grown. I will always appreciate the response to that song and how much it changed my life.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025? My debut album is coming out very soon in 2026! It’s the proudest I’ve ever been of anything I’ve made. It’s about my journey through depression, experiencing complete loss of self, and how I have come out on the other side to be the happiest and most me I have ever been. It’s fun and pop and silly, and I’m ready for 2025 to be done so I can finally share this new music with my fans!
We would love to hear from you! What do you think of our interview with Em Beihold? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram!
If you’re looking for which artist is going to be the talk of the town before too long, look no further than Benjamin Steer! Benjamin Steer has just released his EP Figuring It Out, which showed us, clear as day, that we were looking at an artist who is going to have a long and prosperous career! We were lucky enough to chat with Benjamin all about the EP and so much more!
Hello Benjamin! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? It’s a pleasure, thank you! I would say my music is sort of a soundtrack to confusion in your 20s, a soundtrack to love, to heartbreak, and to figuring things out. I’d like to think it’s pretty cinematic but has some energy in it too!
Figuring It Out is your debut EP! What feelings accumulate as you get ready to put your first collection of songs out? It is weird. I always feel a bit of anxiety before release days, but then as soon as the project is out, the anxiety disappears. I don’t hold emotional attachment to the songs once they are out. It then becomes a case of how many people can get their ears on it. But certainly, I am really proud of these songs. I feel like it sort of marks the end of my first chapter in the music world. I feel like each song serves a different purpose; the whole thing feels pretty dynamic.
You described this record as “a hopeless romantic’s dream and downfall.” What is one lyric throughout the project that best represents the dream aspect, and on the other hand, what lyric would you say best represents the downfall? I think the dreamer line is definitely the chorus of ‘No One Wants To Die Alone,’ “Live Big Love Fast and not Die Alone.” It is sort of the payoff line in a song that lyrically is frustrated in many senses, and encapsulates the sort of desire of the EP. There are many downfall lines in the EP, so I’ll give you three: ‘Oh Darling,’ “Many nights I try to find you in other eyes… Am I blind to all that makes you you?” ’5%,’ “It’s the 5% that is in the spotlight and the 95 that hides behind my eyes – So I’ll keep it out of mind and out of sight.” ‘Sweat Off Our History,’ “I’ll thread the needle between who I am and what you want from me.” I think all of these lines sort of summarize the pressure that you have to appear complete and confident and put together… But in reality, you are still figuring things out – trying to find a purpose. And you often hide these insecurities and fears in actions and facades that are not favorable to yourself – just to appease others or numb yourself to vulnerability.
As we are writing this, the EP is officially out! What has the reaction to the record been like over the last few days? How are you feeling post-release? Honestly, I think it went as well as I had hoped. I think these things take a journey themselves when they are out. I think hopefully it has legs to continue to connect with people and make an impact. People have been so supportive and kind, and I feel very unworthy. I always say this, and it is very cliche, but I am just a dude who writes about life and love in his bedroom, so it’s surreal that it is connecting so well!
When you released ‘No One Wants To Die Alone’ last year, did you already know this track was going to be everyone’s first taste of this EP? Or was it added in as the creation of the EP went forward? No Idea. ‘NOWTDA’ always felt special. It was the first song that I wrote, and I was like, if this doesn’t become the biggest song, then I am not sure what will. It felt so right and felt so me. The EP was certainly not a manufactured Idea. It was sort of the collection of the best things I had written in the last 8 months, and it all felt rather cohesive. I think if I were to sit down with the intention of writing an ep, and with a certain goal and message, it would have almost felt like I wasn’t being authentic. That being said, ‘No One Wants To Die Alone’ was probably the first song I wrote out of the ones that made it on to the EP, so maybe in some way it did guide the sonic and messaging of the rest!
Hailing six songs, half of the record was previously released, and half of the songs were saved for release day. How do you go about deciding which songs you want to hold onto and let fans discover all at once? I think there is a feeling that you get when you have a single, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the non-single tracks are missing something. I feel like putting out a bigger body of work allows you to release songs that may never come out as a single, but you still want people to hear them. I think ‘Sweat off our History’ is a good example; this would never be a single, but that does not mean that it isn’t good. So I am glad I had the opportunity to release it.
We want to go back a bit and talk about ‘Muted Colors,’ This track changed a lot for you! When you look back, what does your relationship with that song look like now vs two years ago when it was released? I think ‘Muted Colors’ was the unexpectedly perfect first song to put out. It served its purpose in the time that it was written for me personally, but also to show an audience the type of music and messaging I wanted to pursue. I look back positively on it now for sure. It was the first stepping stone in a long journey to cross the river, and I’m so grateful that I could have even had the chance to start or embark on that journey. I think it worked because I was just honest, it was one of the first songs I had ever written and I did not really have a reference point as to what was ok and what was not. I think I do naturally cringe a little bit looking back to it now because I think my style and tone have changed a bit, but it certainly was a fantastic first step!
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, is there anything coming up that fans can look forward to? Any live shows? Hopefully got a lot of exciting stuff coming up! Going to hopefully do another London headline before the end of the year, and then a bit more of a fuller tour in early 2026! I’m also really excited to open for Arthur Hill on his UK tour in September!
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song from Benjamin Steer’s EP, Figuring It Out? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Durry just released a surprise single called ‘Dead Media,’ formerly a hidden track exclusive to their physical album, This Movie Sucks. Now, everyone can experience both the song and its music video across digital platforms. Durry consistently delivers infectious pop-rock anthems. We appreciate how openly they explore everyday experiences in their lyrics, making each track genuinely relatable. This brother-sister duo knows how to make real music, and they keep it transparent. No games or gimmicks, what you see is what you get, and that goes for their music too.
“’Dead Media’ is a catchy pop tune about the perils of social media addiction and how we’ve replaced the artistry of pop culture with content and short form videos,” says Austin Durry on the lyrics of the song. “It talks about the duality of being addicted to social media, but also social media is a huge part of what made this band successful.”
We’re all guilty of having a social media addiction, especially in the younger generations. It’s important to talk about, especially if you have any type of influence on the internet. If you’re spending more time looking down at a screen than right ahead of you, then you probably have a problem. Durry’s music can help you out with that, and maybe remind you to get off your phone a little more.
Our Favorite Lyrics
Like a creature In the night Hypnotised by the glow Of the cell phone light
These lyrics really drive it home. It’s very common to be on your bed in the middle of the night, hunched over your phone at full brightness. We often try to find solace in it, but in the long run it doesn’t do much good. It’s just too easy to be captivated by the shiny cellphone light and social media FOMO.
Check out the making of their latest album This Movie Sucks below!
Durry is about to dive headfirst into a fall tour around the country. Secure your tickets now and experience their energy live—tickets can be purchased here. We’re thrilled for them, and we just know they’re going to have the best time performing for you all.
After the success of 5SOS5 in 2022, 5 Seconds of Summer are finally back with a brand new song called ‘NOT OK,’ and let us tell you it’s a certified bop. The song will be part of 5SOS’s new album, EVERYONE’S A STAR!, and they even got a record deal with Republic Records.
We never imagined 5SOS would make a 2025 comeback. When 5SOS said “soon,” we thought they were joking, but this time, they meant it. After three years away, 5 Seconds Of Summer are back—and we are “NOT OK” about it.
“It’s Official – The Greatest Boyband In History Are Returning!“
It all started last week, when posters around the world stated that “our favorite back is back.” Of course, 5SOS got to work; days later, we got the announcement of a new era, including its colors, bright pink and orange. On Thursday, September 13, the band announced their upcoming album, called EVERYONE’S A STAR! With a cover of Calum, Michael, Luke, and Ashton with bubbly heads. The lead single, ‘NOT OK,’ was released on September 14, followed by a live gig, an ocean of pink shirts, and a pink limo! How cool is that?
The song presents a completely new vibe for the band. Drawing influences from early 2000s Gorillaz and bands like NEED and The Prodigy, 5SOS made a song that felt authentic, bold, and challenging. Think 5SOS in 2014 but with steroids, a great hyped-up drumline, and the feeling of being pumped by energy. Of course, we have to talk about the aesthetics of the era, because they made Y2K meet Vivienne Westwood with their outfits!
After hearing the song live, we are sure that this song is about to be great on tour with the fans on the pitch jumping. The band also performed a couple of songs that will be on the album. We at The Honey Pop are already the #1 fan of ‘Boyband.’
12 Brand New Songs!
The album will be released on November 14th under Republic Records. Also, it was produced by Jason Evigan, Julian Bunneta, and John Ryan, who you may know for working with Sabrina Carpenter! It promises to feature punk, pop, and rock songs with early 2000s vibes, and we already know how the first five songs sound. If you haven’t heard them, let us tell you, we love the new sound. Here is the track list of 5SOS’s new album EVERYONE’S A STAR! :
P1Harmony aren’t content to sit back and coast on past wins. Just a year after topping charts with ‘DUH!,’ the six‑member group are back with EX, a five‑track mini album designed with the Western market in mind and delivered with a creative genre blend that’s rare in 4th‑generation K‑pop. It’s their first English‑language collection, yet it closes with a Spanish version of the title track, proving that this crew aren’t afraid to stretch their sound or their languages.
Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
From their world tour to daytime‑TV appearances and an ever‑growing global fan base, the stakes for P1Harmony have never been higher. So does EX live up to the hype? Here’s the thing: rather than delivering a safe, uniform sound, the group lean into variety and personality. Each song feels like a conversation with a different side of the band; at times playful, at others introspective, and occasionally downright celebratory. That diversity is both the album’s hook and its charm!
‘EX:’ Synth‑Pop Sparkle With A Playful Message
The opening and title track, ‘EX,’ is a shimmering synth‑pop anthem built on catchy hooks and crisp digital textures. It’s light and breezy, almost like stumbling onto a carefree afternoon on a boardwalk. The lyrics, delivered entirely in English, celebrate independence and self‑discovery without sounding preachy. There’s even a gently feminist streak in the way the chorus suggests every woman deserves to explore and have fun without needing permission or an explanation. With Keeho and Jiung sharing centre stage, the song’s bright vocal interplay underpins a melody that lingers long after the final synth sweeps.
Listening closely, you can sense the group’s desire to expand their sonic palette. The title track’s production folds in soft digital textures and spirited rap verses, but the heart of the song lies in its chorus; an earworm that borrows from 80s synth‑pop while keeping one foot firmly planted in 2025. It’s the kind of tune you could imagine blasting in an arena or singing along to at a festival, which makes sense given that EX arrives just before their largest U.S. tour yet.
‘Dancing Queen:’ Pop‑Rock Euphoria With A Nostalgic Glow
Then P1Harmony pivot into pop‑rock territory. ‘Dancing Queen’ is the EP’s stadium‑ready moment, driven by buoyant guitars and the group’s commanding vocals. You know what? It recalls the energy of classic boy band anthems without feeling like a throwback. Keeho’s vocal tone pairs with Theo’s warm harmonies, creating a chorus that feels destined for late‑night singalongs.
What sets ‘Dancing Queen’ apart is its effortless blend of sweetness and edge. In thelyrics, the protagonist invites their lover to own the night and dance without apology. The instrumentation shimmers with layered guitars and a driving beat, and there’s a subtle nod to 70s disco in the groove, yet the song never slips into pastiche. It’s playful and earnest in equal measure; the kind of track that would fit right over the credits of a feel‑good rom‑com!
‘Stupid Brain:’ Emotional Honesty Wrapped In Downtempo Grooves
If ‘Dancing Queen’ is all about letting loose, ‘Stupid Brain’ turns inward. The track opens with lush strings and almost orchestral drama before flipping into a hip‑hop‑tinged beat. That contrast might sound chaotic on paper, but it works, creating a unique blend that showcases the group’s versatility. While the production nods to mid‑90s R&B, the song’s structure is thoroughly modern, with bubbled synths and a downtempo groove that feels tailor‑made for a rainy‑day playlist.
Lyrically, ‘Stupid Brain’ is relatable to anyone who has ever overthought a situation. The song expresses the frustration of being stuck in your own head, unable to silence intrusive thoughts even when surrounded by friends. The melody dips and sways, giving space for introspection, and Keeho’s soulful delivery underscores the vulnerability of the message. A surprise guitar solo midway through adds a classic rock flavor, bridging the song’s orchestral intro with its pop‑R&B core!
Honestly, it’s the EP’s heart, offering a glimpse into the group’s emotional range. While it might not explode like a single, it’s the kind of track listeners return to when they need to feel heard.
‘Night of My Life:’ 2010s EDM Nostalgia Meets Unbridled Joy
Just when you think the EP might settle into moody reflection, ‘Night of My Life’ bursts through with sparkling EDM‑inspired energy. The song is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s simple, self‑hyping lyrics revolve around embracing the moment, dancing under the stars and having the best night possible, echoing the carefree charm of early 2010s pop anthems. There’s a playful electronic whistle that punctuates the chorus, and the beat builds to a euphoric drop that wouldn’t feel out of place in a DJ set.
Fans of LMFAO or early Calvin Harris will appreciate how ‘Night of My Life’ channels the party‑rock spirit of that era while giving P1Harmony space to show off their vocal agility. In a clever twist, Intak takes a turn singing on the final chorus, adding texture to the track’s soaring finale. If ‘Stupid Brain’ is for introspective nights, this song is for living in the moment; a high‑energy reminder that sometimes joy should simply be embraced!
‘EX (Spanish Version):’ Bridging Cultures With A Bilingual Banger
Closing the EP is a Spanish version of the title track; an unexpected twist that underscores P1Harmony’s eagerness to reach beyond linguistic boundaries. It’s the group’s first official Spanish release, following their earlier covers and Latin‑inspired songs like ‘Sad Song,’ and it reveals a comfort with the language that feels authentic rather than forced. The playful lyrics remain, but hearing them delivered with a different cadence gives the melody a brand‑new dimension.
Culturally, the move is significant. K‑pop acts rarely produce full Spanish versions of their songs, and when they do, it’s often as a one‑off novelty. Here, P1Harmony treat the Spanish version as a natural extension of the original, not just a marketing gimmick. For bilingual P1ece, it’s a thrill to hear familiar words roll off their tongues; for monolingual listeners, it’s a testament to the universality of pop music. Either way, the track signals the group’s commitment to building community across borders, a sentiment echoed throughout their broader discography!
Beyond The Music: Creative Control And A Tour To Match
Part of what makes EX compelling is the group’s hands‑on approach. Members Keeho, Jiung, Intak and Jongseob are credited as creative producers, continuing a tradition of deep involvement that fans have come to expect. That creative input is evident in the EP’s thoughtful sequencing and willingness to experiment. From synth‑pop to pop‑rock, R&B, EDM and Latin pop, the project moves effortlessly between genres without feeling disjointed, a testament to both the group’s musicianship and the production team’s vision.
The timing of EX’s release isn’t accidental. It drops just ahead of P1Harmony’s largest U.S. arena tour, P1ustage H: Most Wanted, which is scheduled to hit major cities like Newark, Chicago and Los Angeles before heading to Latin America. Pairing an English‑heavy EP with a multilingual tour is a savvy move: it gives new listeners an accessible entry point while rewarding longtime fans with fresh material. The tracks on EX are designed to translate well to live stages; imagine the opening synths of ‘EX’ echoing through an arena, the guitar licks of ‘Dancing Queen’ sparking a singalong, or the EDM drop in ‘Night of My Life’ triggering a sea of light sticks.
Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
Final Verdict: A Polished Yet Adventurous Detour
So, is EX worth your time? Absolutely! At just over fifteen minutes long, the EP packs more variety into its runtime than many full‑length albums. Its five tracks feel like distinct chapters in a cohesive narrative, each revealing a different facet of P1Harmony’s artistry. The members’ vocals shine, the production is tight, and the willingness to experiment, linguistically and stylistically, keeps the project feeling fresh!
For longtime stans, EX offers another layer to a discography that already spans boom‑bap hip‑hop, hyper‑pop, reggaeton and synth‑driven anthems. For newcomers, it’s an accessible introduction to a group poised for global growth. More than anything, the EP serves as a reminder that pop music can be both fun and thoughtful, polished and playful. It’s a genre‑blurring, multilingual journey that leaves you wondering: if this is just a mini album, what sonic adventures might P1Harmony embark on next?
Image Source: Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
Which song is your favorite on the EP? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
In preparation for The Prowler Tour happening this fall, Waterparks announced three secret shows in LA, NYC, and Chicago in the smallest venues they’ve performed in since 2017.
The Glass House in Pomona has a capacity of 800 people and it’s safe to say that they squeezed all 800 people in. We might’ve been a little squished (and really sweaty) but Waterparks made us forget about all of that during their one-and-a-half-hour set.
THREE SECRET WATERPARKS SHOWS IN THE SMALLEST VENUES WE’VE PLAYED SINCE 2017, WHO WANNA GO?
Waterparks on Instagram
Awsten warned us that there would be deep-cuts that they’d be performing that they hadn’t touched in a while but we weren’t expecting ‘Peach (Lobotomy)’ or ‘War Crimes’….
(Writer’s Note: We hate to break it to you but Awsten said they wouldn’t be singing ‘Peach’ at any other show but the LA one…….)
Jay Flores for The Honey POPJay Flores for The Honey POP
Now let’s take this moment to go over the entire set list so we can compare the Chicago and NYC ones later:
Red Guitar
Numb
Stupid For You
Peach (Lobotomy)
Gloom Boys
Secret Life of Me
Call Me Beep Me
War Crimes
Take Her to the Moon
Magnetic
Ritual
Turbulent
Lucky People
I Miss Having Sex But At Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore
Funeral Grey
[Reboot]
If Lyrics Were Confidential
Zone Out
Tantrum
Real Super Dark
Opening with ‘Red Guitar,’ their first single off the upcoming, still-untitled record, was a top-tier choice. It’s safe to say that if the other songs on this album are anything like ‘Red Guitar,’ or their newest single, ‘If Lyrics Were Confidential,’ this album is going to land a spot in our favorite albums of 2025.
When you go to a Waterparks show, you’re not only met with immaculate vibes from the crowd, you’re also met with silly banter from the band themselves. In this case, Awsten wouldn’t let Geoff take his sweatshirt off even though he was sweating enough for the three of them. (New single should be called ‘Ten More Sweaters.’ If you know, you know.)
Jay Flores for The Honey POPJay Flores for The Honey POP
When you’re at a Waterparks show, it’s almost impossible to just stand still, or bop your head around a few times. You go all in. Or at least we did. We were screaming the lyrics to ‘Magnetic,’ ‘Turbulent,’ and ‘Real Super Dark’ like our lives depended on it. And the intimacy of the venue only added that extra UMPH! to the feel of the show.
Even if you weren’t a fan of Waterparks in 2017, being in this small room with them made it feel like you were there with them in the beginning.
Check out the full gallery from the show!
If you didn’t get a chance to catch them at one of their three secret shows, you still have a chance to catch them on The Prowler Tour this fall. If you saw them at this show, are going to see them at an upcoming show, or just want to tell us how jealous you are, let us know in the comments, or hit us up on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram to talk all things Waterparks!
With every release, we fall deeper in love with the dreamy atmosphere ash angel is creating around her music! Her latest release, ‘twisting the knife,’ draws from R&B and neo-soul as ash laments a lover giving her the infamous silent treatment, longing to feel that magical connection with them again and work things out. Your heart will twist with every emotional lyric, her otherworldly vocals and harmonies making an already relatable story even more moving.
“I don’t understand how this silence will solve anything,” she confesses. “You’re twisting the knife. I’m trying not to cry. All I want is you to hold me, that’s the truth.”
We’re so excited to see where ‘twisting the knife’ leads ash! She shared on Instagram that it’s the first song she’s produced all on her own and that she’s “never felt more aligned to the sound.” It seems like ash is truly coming into her own as an artist, staying true to her vision while expanding into new sonic galaxies that will keep amazing us.
If you love ‘twisting the knife’ as much as we do, make sure you also check out our past fave ‘eternal serenity.’ Where ‘twisting the knife’ is a call for comfort, ‘eternal serenity’ is a call to create your own calm, making it another perfect song for your fall playlists. Let your emotions out with ‘twisting the knife’ then spend some time relaxing to ‘eternal serenity!’
What do you love most about ‘twisting the knife?’ Which of ash angel’s songs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.