Sunday Spin is EnVi’s weekly music showcase, where we bring you the hottest global hits in our curated playlist. Join us every Sunday for new music that sets the perfect tone for your upcoming week.
Fall has officially begun, and Team EnVi is ready to embrace the magic of this season with another curated Sunday Spin. Blending warm melodies and crisp beats, Team EnVi serves a warm rotation of tracks ready to wrap you in the comforting embrace. Press play and let the autumnal vibes fill your speakers!
bennytheghost & KiNG MALA – “Animal”
Bennytheghost kicks off a new era with his dark and edgy single “ANIMAL” featuring KiNG MALA. Departing from his earlier indie-pop sound, Benny leans into a moodier, A24-inspired aesthetic, layering self-deprecating humor over a dark indie rock sound. Built around the idea that, at our core, we’re just animals driven by basic instincts, Benny cuts deep with the first lines, “You crave sophistication / but you’re just an animal.”
With a warped synth sound and pulsing beat, “ANIMAL” dives into themes of desire, chaos, and loss of control. Lyrics like “God damn, I love how you scream through the night” and “Sink your teeth, love, be my disease” reflect an almost animalistic attraction, while the second verse taps into frustration with trying to maintain composure while consumed by greed. The collaboration with longtime partner KiNG MALA adds another layer of intensity, as their vocals intertwine to deliver a raw, visceral performance that embodies the chaos of it all.
bennytheghost Socials: IG | TK | YT
KiNG MALA Socials: IG | TK | YT
Sunburnkids – “Red Cheek Boy”
The story of the “Red Cheek Boys” begins in indie singer-songwriter and visual director Sunburnkids first full-length album Elephant in the Room. On the surface, Elephant in the Room is a debut album, but as listeners dive into the album, the eleven track record transforms into a reflection of life and insight into the singer’s personal views. Standing as the third track of the album, “Red Cheek Boy” let’s listeners into the narrative of contemplating whether they had the right to express themselves, and more importantly, what they should be expressing within the church. The song opens with an orchestral string arrangement, and introduces a crossover between alternative and R&B. Using an array of metaphors and honest writing, “Red Cheek Boys” paints a portrait of a young individual grappling with the complexities of growing up. Echoing the struggle between the innocence of childhood and the burdens of maturity, highlighting the internal and external conflicts that shape identity during adolescence.
Inspired by the American idiom “The Elephant in the room” for their debut project’s title, Sunburnkids shares how the phrase deeply resonated with his life in a press release. “I’ve carried the weight of childhood habits and unresolved traumas that, while invisible, have always felt like a colossal elephant in my heart. Every time I write, whether it’s a reflection of my life’s introduction, body, or conclusion, I’ve found myself unable to bring it to a close — unable to place that final period. In other words, I have yet to write the ending to my story.” Overseeing the album’s and music videos’ entire production, Sunburnkids collaborated with children at church and actors, spotlighting them as both the author and protagonists of his album. The music video bleeds with Sunburnkids’ colors and unique visual expression, successfully personifying the song’s emotions and narrative.
Shye – “coffee or tea”
Hailing from Singapore with a pocket full of nostalgic electro-pop tunes, indie singer-songwriter Shye celebrates the fall season with another romantic single. Following the release of her groovy soft-rock singles “can’t you see” and “WONDERFUL DAY,” Shye comes back with her fourth single of the year “coffee or tea.” Giving listeners a taste of psychedelic rock fused with her signature dreamy indie sound, “coffee or tea” captures the essence of young love and the innocent desire for a lasting connection. Softly singing the tender lyrics, “You’re the only person, my darling / I lovе it when you ask me, “Coffee or tea?” / Maybе I’m talking too much but you tell me / You wanna spend forever just you and me,” Shye expresses the romantic connection between two people as she celebrates the warmth and joy that love brings. Through the song’s recurring motifs and playful confessions, “coffee or tea” explores themes of intimacy and devotion in love’s sweet notions.
The single’s accompanying music video adopts a first person point of view where listeners go on a heartwarming date with Shye across the city. The singer-songwriter was inspired by rainy day umbrella scenes from romance dramas, making a sappy song that makes her want to fall in love as well. “[…] I hope this song can resonate with listeners whether or not they’ve already found their person. If they have, I hope it can soundtrack parts of their life and be a song that they can slow dance to.” Shye shared via press release. “For those who are longing for a future with someone, love can seem elusive but maybe this song can help us dream about finding our own person.”
AKASAKI – “Bunny Girl”
If you’ve been looking for rising stars, Team EnVi might just have the perfect artist for your playlists. Praised for his hooking chorus’ and melodic guitar riffs, 18-year-old high school singer-songwriter AKASAKI is making waves in the J-pop scene with his highly anticipated single “Bunny Girl.” The song was originally teased on July 5 on his TikTok, where the video rapidly gained almost four million views and high demand for its full release. After 3 months, and following the release of his hit singles “Kajitsu” and “Drifting,” AKASAKI officially released “Bunny Girl” on October 2. The harmonious, pop-funk track playfully illustrates the complexities of love while inviting the thrilling experience it brings between two lovers. Personifying allurement and desires, AKASAKI indulges in this whimsical romantic exploration all while acknowledging its challenging undertones. With the earworm of a chorus, “The night is just beginning bunny girl, to the heartbeat that tempts me / Even if I can’t tell you “cheers for the love” with the conflicts that fly away / Love is just beginning, bunny girl, to pierce someone / Impregnate your clear eyes,” AKASAKI is transparent.
A day before the track’s release, AKASAKI was selected as TikTok x Spotify Japan’s “Buzz Tracker” Monthly Artist for October. Upon release, “Bunny Girl” reached Spotify Japan’s trending chart playlist and soon made it into their Top 50 playlist a few hours after release. Similar to his debut on April 24, AKASAKI went viral with his first song with his first original song “Hikikomori,” becoming an instant hit, attaining over seven million views and 300K likes on TikTok and two million streams on Spotify. AKASAKI is currently on a mission to create sensational buzzworthy songs in pursuit of a music career following graduation, and Team EnVi is looking forward to witnessing the rising pop stars progress and achievements ahead!
ATEEZ – “Birthday”
After their successful “TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER” world tour, ATEEZ decided to stay international. Their new song “Birthday” marks the fourth Japanese release from the group and acts as a single for their EP by the same name. With theatrical influence, the electronic hip-hop song features a beat that fits the feeling of Halloween perfectly. The group even references the Joker with the phrase “Why so serious?” alongside a maniacal laugh prior to the chorus.
The song’s highlights include a beat switch before a unique rap from HONGJOONG and slightly whispered choruses, similar to their song “The Leaders.” The album also features “Royal,” hip-hop song they collaborated on with BE:FIRST released early in September, and “Forevermore,” a soothing ballad.
BUBBLE TEA AND CIGARETTES – “Dead Flowers”
Bedroom pop duo, BUBBLE TEA AND CIGARETTES, are giving fans a sneak peek at their second album with their song “Dead Flowers.” As the first release from their upcoming album, we should’ve killed each other, “Dead Flowers” lures the listener in with an eerie tune. It begins with a dreamy instrumental, leading into moody and mellifluous vocals. The music video for the song matches the mood with a dark atmosphere and melancholic imagery. “Dead Flowers” is the first of five new songs that fans can expect to be released in the next month. The group has also re-recorded and released three of their older songs including one of their most popular songs, “Room 907.”
BUBBLE TEA AND CIGARETTES is made up of Seattle-based musicians Kat and Andi. Though the duo is from Seattle, their new album was primarily written in Los Angeles, where there will be an album release show on November 2. After a two-week break, the duo will move to Asia to begin their winter Asia tour.
Rin – “forever long”
If you’re looking to have a soft-indie autumn, look no further than Rin’s “forever long” off her new album mended heart. After starting her songwriting journey in June of 2023, Rin released her first song “just me,” which has now found its spot on the album as well. “Forever long” was shared originally as a short demo on TikTok in April. The video ended up being one of her more popular ones, and Rin has now lengthened the song from being one minute to almost three minutes long for the release.
“Forever long” goes over the story and feelings of someone leaving a relationship even though they love the other person. The singer is telling the perspective of the person that was left and is struggling to comprehend how to move forward. Rin sings, “Said, you’d go back to find the universe in which you couldn’t save / Forever is how long you stay.” Acting as the chorus, these lyrics encompass the love and loss that Rin has weaved into every other line as well. Peaceful and melancholic, “forever long” is a new autumn staple.
CHEN – “Love you”
Following the spring release of his fourth mini album, DOOR, EXO member and soloist CHEN is back with his latest digital single, Beyond:. Considering we’ve officially entered autumn, it’s no surprise the “king of ballads” already had two cozy singles lined up for the chilly season. After all, CHEN seems to thrive the most during spring and fall, when many listeners gravitate more towards ballads and overall softer tunes. Beyond: is no different, with its lead single, “Love you,” nestling comfortably in these soothing last few months of the year.
Opening with a delicate piano, “Love you” is a comforting pop ballad and as the title suggests, is an undeniable confession of love for another. While the message could apply in several ways, depending on the listener, for CHEN, it’s his way of expressing gratitude towards his fans for entering his musical world with open arms and ears. Both the single and its B-side, “Brighter than,” serve as a continuation of CHEN inviting fans into his world with DOOR. They are also a promise that he’ll continue to fill the space beyond the door with music that heals.
As an artist, opening your heart and mind to the world must be such a powerful, personal, and scary thing to do — you’re literally pouring your soul into each body of work and allowing it to be consumed, judged, and dissected by a sea of strangers. But the reward of knowing it resonates on such a global scale makes all the difference and in CHEN’s case, “Love you” is a sincere dedication to those who have accepted him for all he is.
Thủy – “fairy godmother”
Tweetybird assemble! Pop/R&B Vietnamese queen thủy has finally spread her wings in her latest project and is ready to become the girl of your dreams. Following the release of her single “cloud 11” and “hair down,” thủy just can’t get enough of love and we’re not complaining. Coming up first in the album, “fairy godmother” slows down time in its ethereal soundscape. Opening with a synth harmony (reminiscent of synthwave), the song’s introduction evokes a heavenly feel as thủy describes the addictive desire for emotional and physical intimacy. In the chorus, a powerful ground bass kicks in, creating a strong rhythmic foundation. This sets the stage for a seamless transition back to a faster-paced version of the introduction in the second verse, adding energy and excitement to the track. Despite the track’s short length, thủy successfully encapsulates the profound effect a lover has as she reflects her strong yearning and the intoxicating nature of a passion-filled relationship.
Gallant – “Atoms.”
Artists who prefer to play outside and around the sandbox rather than be confined by it are usually the most intriguing. There are so many layers and facets to these people and musicians, making it an endless and enthralling game of “20 Questions” before finding the answer. Diving into singer-songwriter Gallant’s latest album, Zinc., feels exactly like that as it weaves in and out of styles and genres that uncover all the hidden secrets of Gallant’s artistry. But if there’s one song that needs to be highlighted (and trust me, there are many), it’s the R&B/alt-rock infused track, “Atoms.”
Laced with a healthy dose of electric guitar in its veins, “Atoms.” transports the listener back to the ‘80s with a very Prince-inspired tone — something that could easily exist on the Purple Rain album. Grappling with the effects of shouldering someone else’s burden, Gallant effectively conveys what it feels like to be torn in two, wanting to give someone your all but ultimately knowing it’ll never be enough. “Ate my words for dinner, yours for lunch / might be way too good at losing love / cause I would do anything for you / but I’m splitting atoms into two,” he croons.
The track has a way of creeping into the listener’s soul without a second thought, healing all emotional wounds the same way zinc, the chemical element, does to the human body. If anything, “Atoms.” is a necessary listen for anyone looking to lose themselves in a sonic journey that can only be described as otherworldly.
ONE N’ ONLY – “Fiesta”
Here and ready to party, ONE N’ ONLY, are firing it up on their new album Fiesta with a title track with the same name. This marks the 3rd EP for the six-member Japanese boy band as they solidify their sound of “Jatin Pop.” “Fiesta” is a wildly-alive dance track with heavy Latin influence. Some of the lyrics are even in Portuguese, appealing to their large Brazilian fanbase. The dance and vocal group showcase their talent in the title track’s music video alongside a large ensemble of people dancing, jumping, and having a fantastic fiesta.
The album delves into other genres as well such as EDM, rock, and pop. Though the theme of celebration is carried throughout every song, other songs like “Free Hug” and “Too Much” delve into topics of love, kindness, and passion as well. No matter the topic, ONE N’ ONLY is sure to get their fans up and dancing with their rowdy and energetic music. This release comes after the start of their sold out nationwide tour, “¿Fiesta?” They will be continuing this party all the way to January 18, 2025, when they are set to play their biggest venue yet, the Tokyo Garden Theater.
YUTA – “Off The Mask”
In his solo debut, NCT 127 member YUTA is finally able to let loose with “Off The Mask,” the lead single from his accompanying EP, Depth. To some who aren’t as familiar with YUTA’s personal style, the hard metal sound of “Off The Mask” may come as a shock, but for fans who have kept up the singer over the years, this route is exactly what we’d expect from a YUTA solo album and it’s been a long time coming.
Staying true to his Japanese roots, “Off The Mask” is YUTA’s declaration of revealing his “other side” to the world that’s been dying to be set free. Sonically, the track is pure J-rock heaven weighted in thrashing guitars and a relentless headbanging beat crafted for sweaty mosh pits and a perfectly binge-worthy anime intro. “Tonight, I’ll show you my other side / Hear it all from the dark / Tonight, I’m leaving the world behind / Hear it all from the dark,” YUTA sing-yells in the hook. As you listen (and watch) his story unfold, you get the sense that he’s officially transformed into something else — something beyond a member of NCT. Maybe he’s a “Butterfly” that’s shed his cocoon and is now free, or maybe he’s a phoenix that’s been reborn into something godly and immortal. Either way, YUTA’s pulling off the mask and unleashing the true power he’s been capable of all along, and the world is better for it.
Regina Song and hongjoin – “i don’t rly care bout you!”
Old-school pop is well and alive with “i don’t rly care bout you!” from Regina Song and hongjoin. The duo has created an upbeat and spirited duet, telling the story of a girl with an awful ex and the best friend that’s always there to listen. In the first half of the song, Regina Song sings, “This comical love equation / Equals to my desolation.” Finding the comical stance on the situation, hongjoin sings back, “Now you say ‘1 plus 1’ just don’t add up / Girl, what the hell you talking about?” While young love is often frustrating, the artists have turned it into a song that is full of life and energy.
“I don’t rly care bout you!” comes after much success from each artist this year. Regina Song released her debut album fangirl in June, while hongjoin released his sophomore album KOMOREBI in May. The duo met up earlier this year as well, where Regina Song confided in hongjoin about her bad experience with love. They joined forces, as she co-wrote and he mixed and co-produced what is now known as “i don’t rly care bout you!” This song is most definitely a gem created from a dud.
Regina Song Socials: IG | TK | YT
hongjoin Socials: IG | TK | YT
Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “Monotone” by Japanese pop duo YOASOBI, “NEMONEMO” by South Korean soloist YENA, and “We Used To Sing Together” by Taiwanese indie duo 好樂團 Good Band. Listen to everything mentioned and more, curated by Team EnVi only for you on Spotify.
Want more of the latest releases? Check out our previous Sunday Spin here!
