Tokyo: Rol3ert conveys the tension of growing up through their new single, "Boy," co-produced with Taka Perry. Rising Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert continues to make a name for himself across Asia and globally with the release of his new single, "Boy," co-produced with Australian producer Taka Perry. This release follows the continued success that has quickly propelled Rol3ert to become one of the region's most promising new artists. His January single, "Savior," was included in Spotify playlists in 22 countries, selected as part of Spotify Japan's RADAR: Early Noise 2026 program, and his main show at Shibuya WWW X sold out. Furthermore, he was recently selected as one of 25 representatives from Japan in Rolling Stone's Future of Music project. His hit song "(how could i be) honest?" has also gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia, topping viral charts in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and was repeatedly played on Singapore's 987FM radio station, reaching number 5 on Singapore's Shazam chart. His fir st performance in Singapore will be at Mediacorp's Cloud 9 Festival on May 9th, further solidifying his growing presence in the region. 'Boy' reflects a unique perspective, co-produced with Taka Perry, known for collaborations with KATSEYE, Ruel, SIRUP, iri, and many others. The track blends a mysterious, indie rock vibe with a smooth, danceable, global pop rhythm. The result is an accessible and intuitive track that maintains a perfect balance of energy and sophistication.
According to Thai News Agency, at its core, Boy explores what Rol3ert defines as boyness - the instability between youth and adulthood, where the world starts moving faster than you're ready to keep up. In his 20s, he transformed this into a raw and sharp track, teetering between the desire to cling to youth and being pushed towards the undefined. The song reflects a generation facing real-time change and a balance of doubt, a commitment that resonates with listeners, particularly young people across Asia, connecting with the anxiety, worry, and confusion of growing up. Looking back on this transitional period, Rol3ert stated, "My life has had many phases: when I first started making music, when I started a band, when I entered middle school, then high school, and when I started making music seriously. Each phase brought different inspirations and lessons."
I enjoyed it, and it felt like my world was expanding. I felt like I was getting smarter, but ultimately, that intelligence was just learning about the things I was lacking in myself. The music video, released on Rol3ert's official YouTube channel, expands on this theme through visuals, using silhouettes, backlighting, and soft tones during the most beautiful time of day. With its muted twilight hues, the music video subtly reflects emotional insecurity and incompleteness, creating a deep and poignant atmosphere. Prior to its official release, Rol3ert connected directly with fans through Instagram Live, sharing acoustic performances and behind-the-scenes insights into his songwriting process, reinforcing the close and genuine relationship he continues to build with his listeners. Furthermore, Rol3ert is set to perform at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo on the Spotify Stage, alongside emerging artists who are shaping the future of Japanese music.
With the release of new songs, the success of live performances, and the convergence of regional popularity this year, "Boy" marks a significant turning point for Rol3ert as his activities continue to expand across Asia and beyond.