Two of the greatest vocal powerhouses of K-Pop are indisputably DK and Seungkwan of SEVENTEEN, and the duo decided to remind us of that once again with the release of their first project as DxS. The mini-album Serenade takes us through the emotional arc of a relationship, from the first meeting to the heartbreaking end.
The angelic voices of DK and Seungkwan bring the absolute best of this love story to life and comfort us through it as well. From the thrill of DK’s solo, ‘Rockstar,’ which narrates the “butterflies in your stomach” feeling of first meeting someone to the gut-wrenching feeling of seeing that person slip away in ‘Silence,’ Serenade is a perfect showcase of DxS’s vocal and storytelling abilites. Honestly, there’s a little something for everyone waiting to be discovered in this album.
‘Blue’
‘Blue’ is the lead single of Serenade and one of the tracks that got us crying the most while we listened… and then again when we watched the music video. A 7-minute music video, by the way. Starring actors Yoo-mi Lee and Steve Sanghyun Noh, the MV feels like a short film that, much like the lyrics, depict “love moving at different paces,” causing the couple to drift apart.
We could spend hours talking about the masterpiece that is this MV. After showing us Sanghyun as a man whose wounds seem too deep to overcome and Yoo-mi as the devoted lover who grows weary of this relationship, we are left wondering what will happen to these two. Will they overcome the difficulties or drift apart forever? Well, seems like we’ll find out on January 19, when an epilogue version of the music video is set to be released.
You can check out the 7-minute cinematic music video for ‘Blue’ below and join us as we sob our way through this beautiful track (again).
The Kings of Musical Versatility
It’s not like we didn’t know that already, but seeing DxS deliver a whole mini album actively showing us how much range they have is honestly very nice. The six songs present in Serenade range from pop-rock to ballad to R&B and we love it!
Like we’ve mentioned, Serenade opens with DK’s solo track, ‘Rockstar,’ and towards the end we also have Seungkwan’s solo, ‘Dream Serenade,’ a direct contrast to the upbeat vibes of DK’s solo. This one explores the concept of finding mutual closure through understanding. Also, DxS were involved in writing and composing these tracks, which is probably why we enjoy them so much.
Beyond the solos, we’re also obsessed with ‘Guilty Pleasure,’ with its R&B sound and irresistible lyrics about being curious enough to face the possible dangers. ‘Silence’ captured our hearts as well with its depiction of the emptiness that follows a breakup we all saw coming but still hurts anyway. And what can we say about the album closer ‘Prelude of love?’ Insipiring to say the least, and a reminder that there’s always a new beginning at the end of every journey.
We already knew DK and Seungkwan are incredibly talented artists from group releases, previous solo tracks and covers, that’s not news. However, Serenade feels like a step further into that talent. And we cannot wait to see what comes next!
What was your favorite track off of Serenade? Let us know by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP. Or you can also find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Attention, Stay! The trailer for The dominATE Experience just dropped, and it got us ten times more hyped to see the movie next month! And since we’re sure you’re just as excited as we are, we thought we could sit down and have a chat about how to make the most of this cinematic experience when it finally comes around worldwide on February 6th.
Dress Up For The Experience
You know that other outfit option you had been thinking about for the concert? Or maybe you bought a cute new top and haven’t had the chance to go out in it yet? Wear it! Dressing up is always a good way to make an already special occasion even more special, and we definitely think The dominATE Experience fits that description to a tee.
Go With Your Stay Friends
In fact, make a whole day out of it together! Sharing our passions with people we love is probably one of our favorite parts of fandom culture, so of course we’d never pass up the opportunity to watch Stray Kids in theaters with the friends who share our love for the boys.
Image Source: Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
Take Your SKZoos With You
Stays are known for taking their SKZoos everywhere (all around the world :P), so why not bring them to watch their dads on the big screen too? We don’t know about you, but we’ll definitely be sitting in the theater with our plushies on our laps and/or hanging from our bags.
Recreate SKZ’s Iconic Poses
Listen, Stray Kids are known for giving us many, many iconic photos in the most varied poses one can imagine, so we might as well take inspiration from that. If you look up “Stray Kids poses” on social media, you’re more than likely to find some great inspiration to recreate in front of the movie poster with your friends. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Vlog It!
There’s nothing better than capturing special moments with important people. It’s like a memory box in video form, and we definitely think The dominATE Experience is one of those moments that are worth documenting to look back on. You don’t even have to post it if you don’t want to, just record it to have it saved. (But if you do post it, then we want to see it!)
And that’s only a few ideas from us. You can always come up with more ways to make this moment special in your own way. The important part is to make sure watching The dominATE Experience in theaters is an unforgettable moment.
Will you be watching The dominATE Experience in theaters? What moment are you looking forward to reliving the most? Tell us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or find us on Facebook and/or Instagram.
One of the greatest gifts that the universe bestowed upon mgk was his ability to impact and comfort many people through his honest storytelling, and his recent single ‘times of my life’ is the ultimate proof. After yearsssss of fans asking for this melancholic song from the Tickets To My Downfall studio sessions – which leaked after he took it off the tracklist – he revisited it with Travis Barker and some of his closest musical friends, who helped him create the triumphant lost americana last year. It feels like an amalgamation of so many of his different eras, between the seeming inclusion on the future deluxe edition of lost americana, its origins during the Tickets To My Downfall sessions, and the Hotel Diablo umbrella he holds in the music video.
In the days since ‘times of my life’ came out, I’ve seen fellow EST adopt this song into their lives in so many beautiful ways, from celebrating the fun memories they’ve made at concerts (partly fueled by the song appearing on the pre-show playlist at the lost americana Tour) to cherishing the time they got to spend with loved ones who have passed. And I know I speak for most mgk fans when I say that this release proves just how moving his music can be.
“I hope you are fine knowing you hold all my best times And without you, I’m lying to myself saying that you’ll come find me…”
Like so much of EST, mgk’s music found me when I needed it the most. He had pretty good timing because I heard ‘I Think I’m OKAY’ on the radio for the first time on a day that wound up flipping my life upside down. Hotel Diablo became a lifeline in the fallout from that day as I tried to figure out where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be. I didn’t necessarily relate to the specific stories or topics, but I admired how open Kells was about things that are very difficult to be open about. It’s like he knew that his own catharsis would be cathartic for others and pushed through to deliver that for the people who needed to hear an honest success story from a fellow underdog with the odds stacked against him.
Hotel Diablo doesn’t close with a happy ending, but ‘I Think I’m OKAY’ is the perfect conclusion. It sees Colson admitting, “I think something’s f**king wrong with me.” He knows that the power isn’t in pretending you’re fine, but knowing that just being “okay” is enough sometimes. Still standing after going through difficult, life-altering things like he describes throughout the album is a victory in itself. He owns up to his vices, destructive tendencies, and dissatisfaction with his life at the time in a way that’s refreshingly raw and real.
He spoke to Genius about the “it’s just my life and I can take it if I wanna” lyric, explaining that the darker meaning you might hear at first listen isn’t the full story, much like how there’s a whole life on the other side of whatever you’re facing at the moment.
I think a lot of people think it immediately means suicide, and I think it’s really just, like, ‘I can take back my life.’ Take your destiny into your own hands. You know, manifest what you want and make your life yours.
mgk to Genius
The Tickets To My Downfall era epitomized that idea, bringing mgk into the pop-punk spotlight after years of being a massive fan and integrating rock’s most distinctive elements into songs like ‘Save Me’ (featuring Avenged Sevenfold’s M. Shadows and Synyster Gates) and the Kellin Quinn-assisted ‘Swing Life Away.’ A few hours before he recorded ‘Save Me,’ as shown in the song’s music video, he told Slim, “I just don’t see stuff going very well.” Slim pushed, “So you wanna give up and quit? Sh*t on me, sh*t on everybody?” This is the album cycle where things started going very, very well for mgk and his rightful recognition as a music icon, holding his musical family and EST close to his heart in the midst of a massive rise.
With help from one of Colson’s musical heroes, Travis Barker, Tickets To My Downfall taught us how to dance through destruction and embrace the fun in life that coexists with what’s bringing us down. It was exactly what the world needed in the midst of the COVID pandemic, delivering nostalgia and pure joy to EST and pop-punk fans on a wider scale. In the process, it became mgk’s first #1 album on the Billboard 200 and has since gotten a 2x Platinum certification.
It felt like he had finally hit his stride and I was starting to find mine, too. I started blogging just a few months after Tickets To My Downfall came out and joined The Honey POP a little while later. He was embracing his lifelong love of pop-punk and I was embracing my lifelong love of immersive music and the artists behind it. He doubled down on it with mainstream sellout, a heavier sister album of sorts that also hit #1, and I kept exploring new content formats and topics, even writing an analytical review of the recordfor THP.
Where Tickets To My Downfall felt like a rebellious rave of sorts, mainstream sellout addressed similar topics and themes with a less playful attitude and a less shimmery sonic mood. mgk told Sunday TODAY, “I went and studied Tickets and I heard the bright sound that I had, and for this album, I just turned the lights off.” You can hear the shift from the very first track – ‘title track’ reveled in his infamy while “selling tickets to [his] downfall,” but ‘born with horns’ acknowledges “there’s no happy endings” and sees Kells taking a more honest, direct approach while describing his mental health struggles and qualms about the spotlight.
His openness about the ups and downs of being a polarizing figure in the music industry sparked a lot of thought about how artists are treated online, and even earned mgk his first-ever GRAMMY nomination in the Best Rock Album category. The man who wondered whether his hard work would ever truly pay off before recording ‘Save Me’ had officially broken through and created a thought-provoking project that demanded respect and recognition from his peers and the powers that be.
My own journey through the music industry eventually brought me to one of the coolest, most meaningful opportunities I’ve received to date: becoming a mod for mgk’s official Discord server! I wore my Tickets To My Downfall hoodie on launch day and watched as thousands of passionate fans joined in, excitedly connecting with each other and eventually Kells himself. The server felt, and still feels, like a place where EST can tune out the noise of traditional social media and the world around us to unite over what we love. It’s a reminder of how magical things can be when we come together for good, perfectly tying into the fandom name of Everyone Stands Together.
In July 2024, we came together to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Hotel Diablo with an interactive trivia puzzle throughout the server. And in one of the two most full-circle mgk moments in my life, I got to host a live Q&A with him for the puzzle winners and EST. Over 400 people who completed the puzzle got to listen in, while the fastest few to finish it were able to ask him their own questions. I talked to him about Hotel Diablo, we joked about the 32483498 nicknames he has, and he even took the time to thank me personally at the end of the event. It was such an honor to make my personal dream of interviewing him come true while sharing the moment with fans who love him just as much.
Hearing his excitement about crossing over into country with Jelly Roll on ‘Lonely Road’ (which hadn’t been officially announced yet) and seeing how much EST loved connecting with him on a deeper level had me reconsidering the possibilities of my own career in the music industry. And somehow, things made more sense to me than ever in an industry that’s constantly changing and shifting. It reminded me that there are truly no limits unless you put them on yourself or let the people trying to put them on you have the last word, something mgk has never let them do. Like our favorite rap-rock chameleon, you can try new things and take new paths and have fun with them even if they’re not what you initially imagined for yourself. In my case, it’s been expanding beyond blogging into music marketing and fandom engagement, wanting to “champion artists” like he said I do on the call and help them grow their bonds with fans, so more people can experience how powerful a kind, devoted fanbase like EST can be.
The second full-circle moment I’ve had with mgk came about a year and a half after the Q&A. After that formative day I mentioned earlier, when I heard ‘I Think I’m OKAY’ for the first time, anxiety became a really obstructive force in my life that separated me from some of the things I loved most. Colson’s music was right by my side through so much and the ultimate test of that was braving various fears to go see him live at the lost americana Tour. Anxiety is still something I regularly deal with, and I expect it will continue to be that way, but screaming all the lyrics to ‘I Think I’m OKAY’ with 12,000 other people made one of the most fragile parts of me feel like things could be okay again.
I don’t know who I’d be right now if mgk hadn’t stumbled into my life and music library. As I sit here recounting my favorite EST memories, wearing the same Tickets To My Downfall hoodie I wore the day the Discord server launched, it feels so surreal that just happening to hear a certain song on the radio six years ago has had such an impact on my life. But that’s part of the magic of mgk. You never know where his music will lead you, whether it’s through genres, through immersive lyrical stories, or through chapters and experiences that shape you.
To Colson and EST, some of the best times of my life were the ones when I was with you. Here’s to many more for all of us <3
What ‘times of [your] life’ did mgk help you through? Do you have any predictions for a possible deluxe edition of lost americana? 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.
We’ll say it… 2025 was one of the best years for K-Pop yet! The continued global explosion of K-Pop was pushed to new levels thanks to K-Pop Demon Hunters, more idols expanding their world tours, and highly anticipated returns from the likes of G-DRAGON, MONSTA X, BLACKPINK, and GOT7. We could talk all day about our favorite K-Pop comebacks, but here (in alphabetical order) are 25 of the best from 2025.
aespa – Rich Man
We really didn’t think it was possible for aespa to have a better year than they did in 2024, but in 2025 they levelled up (… ‘Next Level?’). We loved ‘Dirty Work,’ but the Rich Man mini-album is our fave comeback from aespa this year. Each of the six tracks is a masterpiece that showcases aespa’s ever-evolving skillset, but if we had to pick a favorite other than the title track ‘Rich Man,’ then it would have to be the album closer, ‘To The Girls.’
ALL(H)OURS – Smoke Point
If hype energy K-Pop comebacks are your thing, then we hope Smoke Point was on your 2025 playlists! The title track, ‘GIMME GIMME,’ is another level of fiery and intense. It’s giving old school MONSTA X! 2025 was ALL (H)OURS’ second year since debut, and the growth they’ve shown in that time is so impressive. We can’t wait to see what happens for ALL (H)OURS next.
ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3
As if the ‘Lemon Drop’ era hadn’t been enough, ATEEZ did not come to play with ‘In Your Fantasy’ and GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3. The album is a true ‘Masterpiece’ (pun somewhat intended), and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to get solo b-sides from each ATEEZ member! Our faves have got to be ‘Slide to me,’ ‘NO1,’ and ‘Sagittarius.’
BLACKPINK – ‘JUMP’
The world is always tuned in every time there’s a BLACKPINK comeback! In 2025, the quartet reunited for a world tour and the single, ‘JUMP.’ Naturally, the track is as vivacious and high-energy as anyone would expect from a BLACKPINK release. This time, though, as well as YG’s in-house team, ‘JUMP’ was co-written and co-produced by music juggernaut Diplo. Here’s to more BLACKPINK music in 2026…?
BOYNEXTDOOR – The Action
Between No Genre and The Action, it’s been a career-best year for BOYNEXTDOOR. Again and again, the group proves that they’re at the forefront of K-Pop and will continue to pioneer the 5th Generation. The members continue to get more and more hands-on, too, with Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak all contributing to the songwriting of the tracks, which focus on BOYNEXTDOOR’s group aspirations, with a sprinkle of their usual tongue-in-cheek spirit.
ENHYPEN – DESIRE: UNLEASH
As ever, in 2025, ENHYPEN took the time out of their hectic world tour schedules to release one of our favorite K-Pop comebacks. DESIRE: UNLEASH was first announced during ENHYPEN’s Coachella set, and that performance was probably a 2025 highlight, too. DESIRE: UNLEASH was stacked with hits, but our favorites have to be ‘Outside’ and ‘Helium!’
EVNNE – LOVE ANECDOTE(S)
The Honey POP stans EVNNE big time, and the release of their 5th mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S), was no different! The title track, ‘How Can I Do,’ feels like several songs in one, but in the best way possible. From the R&B moments to the intense chorus, there’s an edge of 3rd Gen sensibilities in this song. The highlight, though, is the bass and drums breakdown underneath the fierce rap verses.
GOT7 – WINTER HEPTAGON
We’ll be real, we almost forgot that WINTER HEPTAGON was a 2025 release because it came out so early in the year! Nonetheless, we are always thrilled to have more GOT7 music in our lives. This album, which we had truly been dreaming of, brought all of our wishes to life. As always, GOT7 were hands-on in the creative process, with every member contributing to the writing and production. The lead single, ‘PYTHON,’ was exactly the statement GOT7 needed to make. “I know I’m an icon.” Yes, yes, you are.
G-DRAGON – Übermensch
The king of K-Pop finally returned in 2025! With an absolutely top-tier album, Übermensch,G-DRAGON firmly restated that he is not going anywhere, even if he keeps us waiting in between releases! From ‘POWER’ dropping at the end of 2024 to ‘TOO BAD’ to all the bsides, Übermensch is a masterpiece. And if you don’t wanna take our word for it, check out the cameos in the ‘TOO BAD’ MV to see who else is a fan of G-DRAGON, too.
Hearts2Hearts – FOCUS
Hearts2Hearts made the list of our favorite K-Pop debuts in 2025, but their first mini-album, FOCUS, was easily one of our fave comebacks, too! There’s something about the title track that makes it one of the most intriguing of the year, and it’s the perfect choice for Hearts2Hearts’ end-of-year stages as they entice more fans. “I cannot focus on anything but you,” is how Hearts2Hearts are making S2U feel!
ILLIT – ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’
‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ might be one of the most recent K-Pop comebacks from 2025, but it’s still one of the best! ILLIT is a group that knows their brand perfectly, and they know how to both embrace and expand it, too. ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ is (sorry) super cute, whilst still showing a new side to the girls. We cannot wait to see how ILLIT continue to grow as we go into their third year as a group!
IVE – IVE EMPATHY
Doesn’t it feel like IVE has a career-best year, every year? Well, 2025 was no exception! Way back in February, the girls released IVE EMPATHY, which was immediately one of our fave IVE comebacks yet. Thanks to mega-hits ‘ATTITUDE’ and ‘REBEL HEART,’ this album quickly set the stage for IVE to exceed expectations once again.
JENNIE – Ruby
“Who wanna rock with JENNIE?” Umm… us please! Ruby was technically JENNIE’s debut solo studio album, but we’re including it as a comeback as she’d had official solo releases before. Having said that, Ruby definitely felt like a brand new start for JENNIE. Having worked with the likes of Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Diplo, and so many more, JENNIE gifted us with a cohesive, theatrical body of work. We waited for this album for so long, and it was so worth the wait!
j-hope – ‘MONA LISA’
Not satisfied with wrapping up his solo world tour, j-hope gifted us with a trio of iconic singles. It was so hard to pick just one of them for our top K-Pop comebacks list, but we’ve gone with ‘MONA LISA.‘ This track has been on repeat for us all year, and we reckon it’ll still be that way throughout 2026, too. From the slick choreography to the fun message, we love every part of this song.
KATSEYE – BEAUTIFUL CHAOS
KATSEYE spent 2025 “making beats,” and we couldn’t be more grateful to them for it. The girlies had their first comeback this year, the BEAUTIFUL CHAOS EP, led by ‘Gnarly’ and ‘Gabriela.’ Sometimes divisive but always talked about, everything these girls touch seems to turn to gold. Here’s to hoping that KATSEYE never go ‘M.I.A!’
LE SSERAFIM – ‘SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)’
Not only was ‘SPAGHETTI‘ one of our favorite K-Pop comebacks of 2025, but it’s maybe our favorite collaboration of the year, too! Every aspect of this release was iconic, from the styling to the TikTok trends to the packaging of the physical albums! The title track from this single album is fiery, mischievous, and tongue-in-cheek, which is basically all we could have wished for from the fimmies.
MEOVV – ‘BURNING UP’
MEOVV’s digital single ‘BURNING UP’ saw the girls take a different sonic direction than their previous releases, but this sounds works just as well for them! Still equally fierce, but with a brighter pop edge, ‘BURNING UP,’ as well as just being super fun, showcases how much MEOVV has grown in such a short amount of time.
MONSTA X – THE X
Was this the most highly anticipated comeback on this list? Maybe! MONBEBE had to suffer for literally years waiting for a group comeback, thanks to military enlistments, but we finally got it! The members didn’t come to mess around when they finally reunited either; 2025 has been stacked for them. As well as THE X, they celebrated their 10th anniversary, announced a 2026 world tour, and dropped the single ‘Baby Blue.’ We wanna see MONSTA X ‘N the Front’ row next year!
P1HARMONY – DUH!
Not only was DUH! one of our fave K-Pop comebacks in 2025, it also gave us one of the very best b-sides we’ve heard in a long time: ‘Pretty Boy.’ We’re not the only ones who think that, either! ‘Pretty Boy’ has actually overtaken the title track’s streams on Spotify! ‘DUH!,’ though, is totally worth celebrating too. Our favorite thing about the title track is its music video. Filled with references to their discography, lore details, and some classic P1H looks, it’s the perfect MV for fans both old and new.
Stray Kids – KARMA
There’s no way we couldn’t include Stray Kids on this list when both of the albums they released this year topped the Billboard 200, is there? Our fave 2025 comeback from the megastars has to be KARMA. Even if the music wasn’t incredible (which it is), the very fact it celebrates Stray Kids’ work ethic and all of their success (so far!) would be enough to earn KARMA a place in our hearts, and on this list.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – The Star Chapter: TOGETHER
We’ll be honest, ‘Love Language,’ nearly made the list as a top K-Pop comeback in 2025, but then we thought: why have one TXT song, when you could have eight? The Star Chapter: TOGETHER was a special era for many reasons, not least because it wrapped up all of TXT’s lore and storyline for the past seven years! It also gifted us solo tracks from each member for the first time, and from the cuteness of ‘Sunday Driver’ to the moodiness of ‘Ghost Girl’ to the sensuality of ‘Dance With You,’ each and every one of these b-sides is a dream come true!
TWICE – THIS IS FOR
Like for TXT, we were torn for this pick. We nearly chose TEN: The Story Goes On as our fave TWICE comeback in 2025 because we’re just so thrilled about their tenth anniversary, but ultimately we couldn’t resist THIS IS FOR. The title track was one of the most underrated bops this year, and we will never, ever, stop watching clips of ‘Right Hand Girl’ from the World Tour. Plus, we got brand new unit songs! What’s not to love?
XLOV – I One
2025 was the year that we, and the world, fell totally in love with XLOV. Imma Be was one of our favorite debuts this year, and UXLXVE was a top album, so it’s only natural that I One would be one of our fave comebacks! Led by ‘1&Only,’ this era was what truly launched XLOV to the forefront of K-Pop. Even more than that, ‘1&Only’ and ‘BIZNESS’ had some of the best choreography of the year, and we cannot recommend the performance videos enough.
ZEROBASEONE – NEVER SAY NEVER
Well, first of all, we have to say that we’re very sorry to ‘BLUE,’ but how could we resist the pull of ‘ICONIK?’ ZB1 told us to “Let the rhythm flow through [y]our body,” after all! In another year filled with hits from this group, we were thrilled about this comeback for many reasons, not least because it was their first full-length album! With the future of ZEROBASEONE still a mystery, we’re glad that we, and ZEROSE, got to enjoy a full body of work from ZB1.
&TEAM – Back To Life
One of our favorite global groups finally had their official Korean debut! &TEAM released Back To Life, including the searing rock-inspired title track that earned &TEAM their first Korean music show win. However, the mini-album’s b-sides are what make this comeback so special. We’ll never stop watching performances of ‘Lunatic’ and ‘Mismatch.’
So there you have it, all of our top 2025 K-Pop comebacks, or at least 25 of them! Which is your favorite comeback? Did your ults make the list? Let us know! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you’ve been living anywhere other than under a rock this year, there’s a one hundred percent chance that you’ve heard of Sabrina Carpenter! In just a few short years, we’ve gotten to watch an artist we’ve loved for years blossom into a full-blown pop star, and 2025 was the biggest year of them all! From being on SNL, to winning big at the Grammys (and being nominated again) to releasing Man’s Best Friend, there was no stopping Sabrina Carpenter this year! When looking back at Sabrina’s list of accomplishments this year, we knew we had to break down some of the biggest and best for you!
Let’s jump in!
Man’s Best Friend
We say this with complete confidence, Man’s Best Friend is one of the best pop albums of the last decade! And we don’t even think that’s a hot take because we’ve watched the general public fall as in love with this record as we, career-long fans, have. The witty songwriting, the visual storytelling, the vocals, and the elements Sabrina continuously excels at are heightened even further here on this record. From ‘Manchild,’ which has been inescapable, to some of our favorites, ‘Go Go Juice,’ and ‘House Tour,’ there is no doubt in our mind that Man’s Best Friend will have a long, ever-evolving life with fans.
Grammy Awards
The Grammys are one of those accomplishments that artists spend their whole careers chasing, that hold meaning for their nominees, and for fans alike. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Sabrina Carpenter took home two (!!!!) awards, and has already scored six nominations for the 2026 ceremony! That is the direct result of over a decade of hard work and dedication to mastering her craft.
Variety Hitmaker Of The Year
Much like the Grammy Awards, being named Hitmaker of the Year comes on the heels of hard work. What sets this honor apart is that being a “Hitmaker” in such a pop-saturated market takes a deep understanding of what a “pop” song entails, and how to catch lightning in a bottle time after time. From ‘Espresso’ and ‘Manchild’ to ‘Nonsense,’ Sabrina’s deep understanding of this concept just keeps growing.
Saturday Night Live
SNLis a true rite of passage for creatives throughout the entertainment industry, and Sabrina pulled off three appearances this year alone! And even more impressively, one of these appearances included the double duty of hosting and performing! These appearances reminded so many people that Sabrina is an actress! Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she also happens to have an incredible voice and is a master storyteller.
Check out more of our year-end/holiday content here!
We would love to hear from you! What was your favorite Sabrina Carpenter moment from 2025? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
As 2025 comes to a close and 2026 is just around the corner, we can’t help but wonder what this new year will bring. Honestly, we just hope for more great K-Pop that we can enjoy, and if 2025 (and every year since 2018) has taught us anything, it’s that we can always count on Stray Kids for that. Just this year, SKZ have delivered two mini-albums, one full-length album, and a world tour, and who knows what else they’ve already got planned for next year.
For now, though, we thought it might be nice to share with you our Stray Kids playlist for when we need to get hyped. You know, so we can all start the year the right way. And because these boys have a huge discography, this list is also really long, so let’s get started!
‘Christmas Love’
Yes, we’re starting off with a Christmas song; sue us. But let us explain: what’s a better way to hype yourself up for the new year than by starting on Christmas? And you cannot tell us that ‘Christmas Love’ doesn’t make you want to get up and dance around the room with a smile on your face.
‘Ceremony’
We don’t know about you, but we’re planning on blasting ‘Ceremony’ all day between December 31st and January 1st to attract some “good karma” to our lives. By far one of the best title tracks of the year, ‘Ceremony’ brings the strong beats and the uplifting lyrics we all need to start the year the right way.
‘Blind Spot’
“Shining, we are the champions / Trying to make a difference…” If this is not how you want to start off 2026, then what are you doing? Take this song as a piece of advice and show people what you’re made of. Also, we can only hope to spend this new year as happy as Han was whenever he danced to ‘Blind Spot’ during the dominATE World Tour.
‘Youth’
Lee Know’s solo song from Hop just had to be on this list! It’s just the epitome of what we think of when we think “feel-good song.” Seriously, can you think of a better way to start off 2026 than “feeling like Superman,” as Lee Know says? Also, look at his smile in the MV! It’s humanly impossible to be sad seeing him smile like that.
‘Social Path’
Listen, there’s a reason why ‘Social Path’ is present in every one of our “get hyped” playlists, okay? There’s just something about the vibes of this song and the lyrics are a constant and heartwarming reminder to keep going after our dreams even when it seems hard, and we all saw how that’s working out for SKZ themselves, so we might as well do the same!
‘Phoenix’
We don’t think we’re being dramatic when we say the lyrics “We’re gonna rise up again / Like the birds flying high” changed our brain chemistry forever. We don’t know about you, but we’re planning on going into 2026 like a ‘Phoenix’ and rise from the ashes of what’s past and keep pushing ourselves to be our best versions into the new year.
‘Do It’
The mantra of 2026 should definitely be “Just do whatever you wanna do / I guarantee that it’s the best for you,” just saying. A new year means a new chance to do what we want and focus on what’s important to us. Plus, if that beat doesn’t make you want to get up and dance your way through life, then what does?
‘Spread My Wings’
In 2026, we promise to enjoy our youth the way Stray Kids describe it in ‘Spread My Wings.’ Sure, becoming an adult is a thing we all have to go through, as scary as it is. So it is pretty comforting to have this song to help remind us to still enjoy life. And of course, having Stray Kids as the soundtrack for these moments definitely helps.
‘0801’
‘0801’ is, in essence, a love letter to Stay and a reminder that we’re never truly alone as long as we have Stray Kids. And we think that’s one of the best messages to receive before facing a new lap around the sun. At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than hearing that “You’re doing great, okay?”
‘MIROH’
‘MIROH’ has the unique power to transport us all right back to being at a Stray Kids concert having the best time of our lives screaming the lyrics with our fellow Stay, so there was no way this song would be out of our list. The energy SKZ brings to the stage whenever they sing this is the energy we hope to bring every day in 2026.
‘Haven’
Stray Kids has always been a ‘Haven’ for their fans. It’s their music we turn to in difficult times, and the fact that they have a song with that exact name just makes things better, so of course, we had to include it here as well. It’s our little reminder that whenever things get difficult, we’ll always have a ‘Haven’ to return to.
‘Half Time’
We “don’t know what’s coming next” in 2026, but we’re pretty sure that having our Stray Kids playlist will make whatever it is a lot easier. And there is no way that playlist would be complete without ‘Half Time’ to remind us that we’re just getting started and the best part is yet to come.
‘Youtiful’
Slowing down the tempo a bit, we have ‘Youtiful,’ our comfort song for hard days, and we just love the sentiment behind it. The lyrics are so adorable as well, encouraging Stay to stop doubting ourselves and staying strong. An absolute need in our playlists for 2026.
‘DOMINO’
We want to make it to the end of 2026 being able to sing “Setting up my ambitions / Completing them one by one, I made it” at the top of our lungs after a whole 12 months of achieving our goals. We simply couldn’t leave this banger out of our playlist.
‘COMFLEX’
Smash hit? Check! Killer beat? Check! Inspiring lyrics? Double check! 樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR) is full of great songs, but ‘COMFLEX’ will always hold a special place in our hearts because of how good it makes us feel whenever we listen to it. At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect. it’s about being unique and making the best of it.
‘Runners’
Whenever we feel like we need to be reminded that we can get up and keep going, we play ‘Runners’ on the highest volume. We can only hope that 2026 will be the year we go even further on our tightrope and show the world how stunning we can be.
‘Mixtape: OH’
‘Mixtape: OH’ marks such a special moment in Stray Kids’ history that there was no way we’d make this list without including it somewhere. After a troubled start to 2021, this song came out of nowhere to remind us that even the worst moments come to an end, and we can always count on SKZ to be there to help us get through them.
‘Never Alone’
Trust Stray Kids to always have at least one song per album to remind us that we’re ‘Never Alone,’ and this time they really went all out with the message. Present in their Japanese albumHollow, this song once again reinforces the bond shared between the members and how they’ll stick together through any storm that comes their way. In summary, another absolute need for our list.
‘Super Bowl’
‘Super Bowl’ is the type of song that makes us scream at the top of our lungs every time no matter how many times we’ve listened to it. Perfect for getting hyped up throughout the new year, if you ask us. Plus, it’s an absolute banger. No wonder it’s always a hit whenever Stray Kids sing it live.
‘Stray Kids’
We could only finish this list with ‘Stray Kids,’ a song by Stray Kids, about Stray Kids, written and produced by Stray Kids. There’s no better motivator than seeing the love and admiration these boys have for one another, and this song is a direct reflection of their relationship, which is why we chose it to be here as a constant reminder that their rhythm never stops and neither should ours.
So, what did you think of our song choices? Would you add any other Stray Kids songs to our playlist? Tell us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or stop by on Facebook and/or Instagram.
2025 was truly the best year in pop music we’ve had in a while! It seems like artists are simply locking back into what makes a true pop song and mastering that art. Narrowing this list down to simply 25 songs was quite the challenge, but we think this list is the best of the best throughout all facets of pop music! From Olivia Dean and Chappell Roan to Greyson Chance and so many more, let’s jump in!
Taylor Swift – ‘The Fate of Ophelia’
There is no way to talk about the great pop resurgence of 2025 without highlighting The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift. For us, the entire album is full of examples of a true-to-form pop song, but we had to choose to highlight ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ due to it being inescapable since its release. This song is pure ear candy, and will get stuck in your head for hours even after just hearing a few seconds.
Olivia Dean – ‘Man I Need’
Olivia Dean is taking the pop music world by storm with ‘Man I Need,’ and to us that makes perfect sense. In anyone else’s discography, ‘Man I Need’ would be an easy career highlight, and yet, it’s one of many songs on Olivia’s most recent album, The Art of Loving, that blew us away upon the first listen and could have easily taken this spot.
Sabrina Carpenter – ‘House Tour’
Man’s Best Friend is stacked top to bottom with pop gold, but after listening back through the album, ‘House Tour’ had to be our choice! Everything from that infectious chorus to the “my house is on pretty girl avenue” line made this one of those songs that will soundtrack nights out for us through the foreseeable future.
Jonas Brothers – ‘Love Me To Heaven’
The Jonas Brothers have been experts at the pop music game since Nick first uttered the words ‘red dress’ back in 2008, so it’s no surprise to us that they are only getting better and better 17 years later. Their newest record, Greetings From Your Hometown, had an obvious stand-out to us the first time we listened, and that was ‘Love Me To Heaven.’
Audrey Hobert – ‘Phoebe’
Who’s The Clown?by Audrey Hobert was truly on an endless loop here at THP! Upon first listen, it was automatically clear that we were witnessing the artistic birth of someone who had a crystal clear understanding of how to bring themselves through in the music, be specific while staying relatable, and develop a sound that was particularly hers. We could have easily put any song from the album here, but ‘Phoebe’ is a forever favorite of ours!
Greyson Chance – ‘Waiting Outside The Lines ‘25’
No, we are not trying to transport you back to 2011, but there is so much beauty in taking a certified nostalgia-packed hit and reimagining it with years of life lived and heightened vocal ability to back it up. We can’t help but have a permanent smile on our face listening to this track and diving into Greyson’s current catalog (which everyone should do themselves the favor of doing)!
Jensen McRae – ‘Novelty’
If you asked us what album impacted us the most this year, one of the easiest answers would be I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!Anyone who has dived into Jensen’s discography knows what a savant she is. Her relationship to her pen is one of one, and this album may be the best example of that in her discography so far. ‘Novelty’ is the song that immediately jumps out at us as a must-listen.
Lady Gaga – ‘How Bad Do U Want Me’
Lady Gaga is synonymous with pop music at this point. She has always had the skill on lock, and in many ways, has influenced so much of what the modern genre looks like. MAYHEM was a true return to form for Lady Gaga, and showed that her knowledge and talent with the pop music world has never faltered. ‘How Bad Do U Want Me’ is an instant smash and is still on repeat.
5 Seconds of Summer – ‘NOT OK’
We will forever preach our love for 5 Seconds of Summer and how they get better with every release! (If you didn’t know, this band is literally why THP exists!) EVERYONE’S A STARcame out just over a month ago and is the band’s most ambitious, larger-than-life project yet. But of course, every element was nailed perfectly. Each of the guys has so many standout moments, but there are even more moments when it is so clear why they continue to make music together: everything flows seamlessly.
Sadie Jean – ‘She’s Dating My Boyfriend’
Sadie Jean is the exact singer-songwriter your playlist is in need of, and we had to highlight a track off her debut album, Early Twenties Torture! Every song on this record feels like Sadie had a insider’s look at our deepest thoughts and struggles, was able to turn them poetic, and then put them to music. That skill of relatability is rare. ‘She’s Dating My Boyfriend’ is our favorite example of that peek inside our minds.
Laufey – ‘Lover Girl’
Laufey has seamlessly blended the worlds of pop and jazz music and made a fusion that leaves us regularly at a loss for words. A Matter of Time is Laufey’s most recent album. And upon our first listen, it was clear that this is a generational album, one of those records where anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with it. ‘Lover Girl’ is our favorite song off the record, so we had to highlight it!
Amber Mark – ‘Let Me Love You’
Amber Mark is the pop star you’ve been looking to add to your playlists! If you’re a fan of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean, Amber’s album, Pretty Idea, and specifically our favorite track, ‘Let Me Love You,’ is going to be right up your alley! We are predicting that 2026 is going to be a huge year for Amber! And with music of this quality, it makes complete sense!
Justin Bieber – ‘Yukon’
‘Yukon’ was one of our most-streamed songs of the year; it’s that serious to us! SWAG, for us, felt like Justin coming back into his own, making the music that feels true to form. With ‘Yukon,’ that infectious chorus we’ve come to know and love from Justin Bieber is the shining star, which definitely adds to why we are constantly playing this track on a loop.
Lydia Night – ‘The Bomb’
You may know Lydia Night from her time with the band The Regrettes, but trust us when we say she has turned into a full-blown solo pop star. Lydia released her debut album, Parody of Pleasure, back in August, and all thirteen songs are expertly crafted! ‘The Bomb’ has been a standout since we first dove into this album. The song is playful and reminiscent of early 2000s pop.
Role Model – ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’
Obviously, ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’ has taken the world by storm this year, so there was no way we weren’t going to give Role Model his flowers. We haven’t heard a chorus quite as infectious as ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’ in quite a long time. It’s impossible not be in an instant good mood when it hits.
Myles Smith – ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’
If you were as obsessed with Myles Smith’s ‘Stargazing’ as we were, then ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ is the perfect addition to your playlists! Myles is someone who you continue to find new things about his artistry to dig into with each listen.
Zara Larsson is a pop star in the truest sense of the word. Her entire album, Midnight Sun, is a pop masterclass, in which she’s the only person equipped to teach. When we first heard the title track ‘Midnight Sun,’ we knew that this was a whole new ball game in terms of pop music, and that we would take every opportunity to praise what Zara is doing with her artistry.
HAIM – ‘Relationships’
This song is pure ear candy and truly a discography highlight from one of our favorite trios! The chorus has serotonin woven into every line and lyric. And it makes us want to be out at night in the city with friends, dancing to every word. Their most recent album, i quit, is chock-full of tracks where you will see these themes.
Conan Gray – ‘Vodka Cranberry’
Conan Gray was born to make the exact music he’s making right now. He releases such infectious pop tracks with lyrics that both feel true to self for Conan and still connect deeply with his audience. ‘Vodka Cranberry’ blew up this year, and to us, it only makes perfect sense. This is a solidified hit.
Tate McRae – ‘Sports Car’
If you didn’t know, Tate McRae is a name that we have been screaming from the rooftops since we got to interview her years ago (which you can read here!). Tate blends musicality with dance seamlessly to draw people into who she is as a musician. ‘Sports Car’ and its visual components showcase exactly why Tate has quickly become a household name.
Avery Cochrane – ‘Shapeshifting On A Saturday Night’
Hailing from Seattle, Avery Cohrane is bound to be the name you can’t escape this next year in pop music! This year, she released her track, ‘Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night,’ and blew us away with the established pop sound she was crafting. If you’re a fan of artists like Chappell Roan or Olivia Rodrigo, we think you will love Avery!
Addison Rae – ‘Headphones On’
It’s no secret that Addison Rae has had a massive year. From the success of ‘Diet Pepsi’ and her tour to her debut album, Addison, everything about her career so far has been the beginning of a pop star who will be talked about and celebrated for years to come. For Addison, pop is a true work of performance art, following in the footsteps of the likes of Britney Spears. ‘Headphones On’ off her debut album summarizes everything we love most about Addison as an artist.
Reneé Rapp – ‘I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone’
We yell the chorus to ‘I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone’ at truly astronomical levels. Everything about this track resonates with us. Something that Reneé Rapp never fails to do is draw the listener in and weave her story in a way that feels relatable to others. On top of the lyrical content of the song, Reneé’s vocals are otherworldly here.
Demi Lovato – ‘Joshua Tree’
The 2025 version of Demi Lovato is the only artist who could craft an album like It’s Not That Deep. This record is a amalgamation of someone who has gone through it all. Someone who has experienced hardships and heartache and is in the complete opposite space now. And a lot of it is backtracked with songs you want to be in the club dancing to. That’s the duality of pop and of Demi, and it’s beautiful. To us, ‘Joshua Tree’ best represents the album as a whole.
Chappell Roan – ‘The Subway’
Ending our best 2025 pop songs with one that is still inescapable like ‘The Subway’ only felt right. Chappell Roan is a once-in-a-lifetime artist. She creates with such intention and really takes her time with each project, which comes through in the music. ‘The Subway’ will be looked at years from now as one of the great songs of the decade.
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite pop song of 2025? Is it something off the new Taylor Swift album? Maybe a Conan Gray song? Or an Olivia Dean song? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
From rookie groups to some of the most-established idols finally going solo, K-Pop was full of iconic debuts in 2025. We saw record-breaking sales, one-of-a-kind concepts, and more idols getting hands-on in the production process than we could’ve dreamed. It was really hard to narrow down our favorite K-Pop debuts from this year, but here’s our top 10 in 2025!
MARK
Considering it sometimes feels like MARK debuted 802 years ago and is in more groups than we can count, it feels kind of strange to think that he hadn’t had a solo debut yet. But all that experience led to one of the most versatile and fully-realized K-Pop debut albums, not just in 2025, but ever. The concept of The Firstfruit, led by the title track ‘1999,’ is built around the four cities that made MARK who he is today: Toronto, New York City, Vancouver, and Seoul. We’d love this debut for the concept alone, so the tracks being that good just feels like a bonus.
Hearts2Hearts
Hearts2Hearts’ 2025 has been so strong that it’s kind of hard to believe it’s their debut year. ‘STYLE’ might be the group’s biggest hit of the year, but there’s no denying the statement that their debut, ‘The Chase,’ which was written by fellow THP faves FLO, made. ‘The Chase,’ and Hearts2Hearts concept so far, is a pure embrace of pop in all its open-hearted, bright, “sparkle, sparkle,” glory.
CORTIS
CORTIS was arguably the most-anticipated K-Pop debut of 2025, and the rookie group seemed to take that all in their (very tall) stride! BIGHIT’s third boy group, after BTS and TXT, CORTIS was always going to be under scrutiny. However, not dissimilar to their predecessors, CORTIS jumped onto the scene with an anarchic attitude, determined to do their own thing. Their debut track, ‘What You Want,’ and pre-debut release, ‘GO!,’ show off this energy perfectly, as well as their commitment to a hands-on approach to their music.
JURIN ASAYA
In 2025, leader JURIN ASAYA became the first member of XG, a Japanese group based in South Korea, to have a solo debut. Collaborating with Rapsody on the track ‘PS118,’ JURIN ASAYA put her skills on display perfectly, with her quintessential delivery and lyrical wordplay. The track was a great example of what a solo debut should be: a clear statement of individual identity with just a lil’ sprinkle of the group’s character, too.
XLOV
Four-member K-Pop group XLOV had a truly unique debut in 2025. They promote a genderless concept, spotlighting their intricate choreography, decadent styling, and impressive production skills instead. Of course, this has earned them a lot of attention, both positive and negative, and shines a light on how gendered the expectations but on boy groups and girl groups can sometimes be. But, even putting all of that aside, XLOV would still be one of our fave debuts this year, thanks to how great ‘I’mma Be’ was. And they’ve just gotten better since!
YEONJUN
Does this count as a debut? Technically, yes, so we’re gonna talk about it. TXT’s Yeonjun released his official solo debut album in November, and we’re already anticipating a NO LABELS: PART 02 in 2026…maybe? Taking the stage by storm, as always, Yeonjun brought his quintessential power and charm to the record. NO LABELS: PART 01 deftly balances the opulence of K-Pop with the grit of Yeonjun’s other musical influences blending, hip-hop, hard rock, and more, seamlessly.
BEOMGYU
Ok, so we might be contradicting ourselves just a teeny-weeny bit. Like Yeonjun in 2024, Beomgyu didn’t have an official solo debut this year, but he did release his debut mixtape track, ‘Panic.’ The indie-pop song grows from a gentle intro to a searing anthem, with one of the sweetest concepts in any 2025 debut. The track came to life thanks to Beomgyu’s personal experience of music’s healing powers and how he’s been comforted by his own favorite artists. In turn, Beomgyu wanted to pass that hopeful energy onto MOA, and so, ‘Panic’ was born!
YEJI
ITZY’s formidable leader, YEJI, finally had her solo debut in March 2025. Air is all about embracing excitement, and there were few releases more exciting than this one! A mix of synth-pop and dream-pop, this EP had exactly the energy we had dreamed of for a YEJI debut, but it still exceeded all our expectations, with killer performances and fairytale references. YEJI’s intention with this solo debut was to showcase her aura, and she definitely achieved that!
HUNTR/X
You knew we had to include our girls, HUNTR/X, right? In 2025, the girl group that stars in K-Pop Demon Hunters had a debut year that most idols couldn’t even imagine! ‘Golden’ has topped the Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) chart for a record-tying 19 weeks, and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 weeks, too. And all of that success is before we even mention their other songs, like ‘How It’s Done’ or ‘What It Sounds Like!’
Saja Boys
Where HUNTR/X go, the Saja Boys will follow! Just like HUNTR/X arguably became the world’s favorite girl group in 2025, Saja Boys became a top boy group, in our hearts as well as charts all over the globe. From ‘Soda Pop’ to ‘Your Idol,’ there are few debut tracks that have gotten stuck in our collective heads like the ones from K-Pop Demon Hunters!
And that’s our ten! Do you agree with our picks for favorite K-Pop debuts of 2025? Anyone you wish we had included on this list? Hit us up! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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…
