Sunday Spin: New Releases From JENNIE, Tyla, Creepy Nuts, and Billkin
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.
Autumn may be here, but the heat from this week’s Sunday Spin is undeniable. Team EnVi is back with a lineup of tracks that are sure to keep your playlist on fire, no matter the season. Tune in, turn it up, and let these hits carry you through the week with style.
JENNIE – “Mantra”
Looking for the perfect pregame song before your night out with the girls? Global superstar, JENNIE, made a triumphant return with the female empowerment anthem, “Mantra.” JENNIE has made a name for herself across every industry she has touched base in — from selling out stadiums with BLACKPINK, to being the face of global fashion campaigns. “Mantra” marks a new chapter for JENNIE, with the song and accompanying music video perfectly embodying her star power.
The track is a classic pop dance track, with a pulsating bass and bright brass. “Mantra” is like the sonic representation of being a “girl’s girl” — the lyrics exude unapologetic confidence and promote positivity. JENNIE sings in the chorus, “This that pretty-girl mantra / she’s that stunna / make you wanna swing both ways.” She also advises that, “Pretty girls don’t do drama ‘less we wanna / it’ll be depending on the day.” JENNIE shared in a press release, “It’s energetic and empowering with a message to all of my ladies, women, and pretty girls out there to love yourself for who you are. This is your anthem.”
JENNIE serves pop diva realness in the Los Angeles-focused music video. She works the camera in a variety of looks, rocking both blonde and black hair. It isn’t a JENNIE video without her choreography, as she flaunts her stellar dance abilities in high heels and hot pants. “It reflects the main theme of female empowerment and confidence,” JENNIE said about the music video. “It was important for the overall vision to be consistent, and I love how it turned out. I’m so excited to finally put it out there.” “Mantra” is the first track to be unveiled from her forthcoming solo album, and with a track this infectious, we can’t wait to see what else is in store!
Sanaz – “Just Another Chapter”
If you’re a fan of Christina Perri or Gracie Abrams’ emotional anthems, then Sanaz is the artist you’ve been waiting for. The Iranian-American singer-songwriter shines on her debut EP Chapters. The standout track “Just Another Chapter” closes the EP off with an uplifting anthem for anyone ready to move on from heartbreak.
“Just Another Chapter” is the heart of Chapters. The song is packed with everything that makes the album special: vulnerability, resilience, and the strength found in closing old doors to make way for new beginnings. Whether you’re crying, dancing, or doing a bit of both, her heartfelt lyrics and upbeat vibe are the perfect reminder that the end of one chapter is just the start of something new. Resilience with a smile? Now that’s a breakup mood we can get behind!
“When I first brought “Just Another Chapter” into the studio, I thought it would be this super sad breakup song,” Sanaz said in a press release. “But my producer gave it a whole new vibe, turning it into a breakup anthem. Now, instead of just feeling sad, people can actually dance around and sing their hearts out, celebrating the end of a chapter and moving on.”
aespa – “UP – KARINA SOLO”
After much anticipation, K-pop star quartet, aespa, released their “SYNK: PARALLEL LINE” solo tracks on streaming. One track in particular stood out, garnering the attention of millions with just concert clips. KARINA, aespa’s leader, made viral waves with her solo track, “UP.” “UP” is a confident, pop dance track with crunk&b influences. She sings about her unmatched ability to charm audiences in an instant. The track flaunts KARINA’s strengths as a multidimensional artist — from her sultry vocals to crisp rap delivery. KARINA’s powerful, yet seductive choreography brings “UP” to life. Even before its official release, the chorus choreography went viral for its powerful, yet seductive moves. KARINA’s vision comes to life in her “MY ARTi FILM” — showcasing her moves as a certified girl boss.
“UP” received immense praise from not only dedicated MYs (aespa’s fanbase), but general audiences. The hype for the track proved to be strong enough for “UP” to sweep Korean music streaming charts. This is not even KARINA’s official solo debut with a formal promotional roll-out, leaving audiences curious as to what else this powerhouse is capable of. Aespa have an exciting few months ahead of them — gearing up for their fifth mini album Whiplash, set to release on the 21st, and the global expansion of their live tour, “SYNK: PARALLEL LINE.”
Creepy Nuts – “Otonoke”
After their profound success in their quirk earworm single “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born,” Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts comes back with another hair-raising hip-hop track perfect for the spooky season. “Otonoke” is a cleverly composed rap track, packed with intricate wordplay embedded with references to Japanese horror stories, occult culture, (online) urban legends, and homage to famous Shonen Jump titles. The single also serves as the opening theme song for hot shonen series Dandadan, an otherworldly track thematically fitting for an action packed occult show. The title “Otonoke” is a reference to the famous Japanese urban legend “Yamanoke” which connects to the pre-chorus lyrics “I’m inside, I’m inside, I’m inside, I’m inside, I’m inside,” a citation to the legend’s chilling excerpt.
The duo immediately bursts with energy as they open the song with an addicting vocal mimicry in the refrain, “Dandadan dandadan dandadan dandadan dandadan” accompanied by a sticking rhythm of low-end bass percussion. R-Shitei delivers an endless flow of references within the first verse that’s impossible to ignore.
Praying for safety as he dives into the world of the supernatural, R-Shitei raps “Kuwabara, Kuwabara, Kuwabara,” a traditional Japanese phrase (or incantation) used to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. The lines, “Sada-chan and Kaya-chan” mentions iconic Japanese horror characters Sadako from The Ring & Kayako from The Grudge and their 2016 crossover movie Sadako vs. Kayako. In his piece “4:44,” R-Shitei cleverly taps into the number’s eerie significance by using traditional Japanese units of length to convey deep, haunting emotions. The second verse pays homage to renowned shonen titles such as Mashle, Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, One Piece, Naruto Shippuden, and Jujutsu Kaisen through short yet memorable nod to the show’s content.
Alongside R-Shitei’s inventive rhyming schemes, DJ Matsunaga sets a culturally rich instrumental background with the use of traditional Japanese sounds with an otherworldly modern mix. DJ Matsunaga heightens the song’s eldritch lyrics with a flute accompanied by a ghostly sound. The pairing is reminiscent of classic Japanese horror theme sounds. High pitched horns and the deep-rooted genre of drum and bass cements the song’s groovy rhythmic foundations. With the additional inclusion of guitar lines and futuristic synths played in the pre-chorus, the song transforms itself into a new form that invokes a new feel midway through the song that will keep you on your toes. Make sure to check out Dandadan’s opening animation for a visual feast alongside Creepy Nuts official English lyric video for a song that’s out of the world.
Charli xcx, Tinashe – “B2b”
2024 was quite the year for pop icons Charli xcx and Tinashe. Despite being forces in the pop industry for a decade, their recognition soared to new heights this year. The brat phenomenon took pop culture by storm, and “Nasty” was an inescapable track with its infectious hook. The two stars reflect on this skyrocketing success on the highly awaited remix album, Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat. Tinashe collaborated with Charli xcx for the remix of “B2b,” with a more upbeat, hyperpop heavy sound. True fans of the two artists will know this isn’t their first collaboration, as they featured on rapper Ty Dolla $ign’s “Drop That Kitty” in 2015.
Their rightfully deserved critical acclaim has been a long time in the making, and their lyricism reflects this. Charli xcx begins by sharing how exhausting her current schedule is, coming off the success of brat. She continues by sharing the epiphany she had after pitching the collaboration to Tinashe. Charli sings, “Oh my god, we really blew the fuck up / Now everybody wants what we got / ‘Cause we made ‘em ‘Boom Clap,’ made ‘em get ‘2 On.’” Charli references their respective 2014 hits, “Boom Clap” and “2 On” — arguably their most publicly recognized tracks until this year. Tinashe’s verse shares the same sentiment: “Didn’t come out of nowhere, they been sleeping on me, I’m bored.” Despite its club-like energy, the lyrics are quite emotional as the two have been through so much to reach their 2024 stardom.
Charli xcx Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Tinashe Socials:IG | TK | X | YT
The Lindas Lindas – “Nothing Would Change”
The Lindas Lindas are here to steal the punk pop scene with their newest release, “Nothing Would Change.” This track from their second full-length album, No Obligation, sounds straight out of a ‘2000s high-teen coming-of-age drama. The infectious guitars and drums will be sure to have your head bobbing along. It’s the perfect track to drive with the windows down and hands in the air—the perfect punk youth anthem. Despite the high-tension beat, the song’s lyrics encapsulate the pain of growing up in a witty way. The band incorporates silly childhood games such as “Simon Says” and “Duck Duck Goose” to describe how their youth is slowly slipping away. “Running was a game/Now we’re both running away,” they sing, describing how running away has a different connotation now that they’re leaving behind their childhood.
The Linda Lindas are made up of Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong, Lucia de la Garza, and Mila de la Garza. With the eldest member at just 20 and the youngest only 14, this all-female band is set to make waves in the music scene with No Obligation. This new album is a youthful sorbet of L.A. punk, garage rock, and power pop. Each of the twelve tracks exudes the rebellious spirit of new punk, while still weaving in catchy hooks and sharp melodies.
BoyWithUke – “Gaslight”
BoyWithUke’s latest single, “Gaslight,” is the breakup anthem you didn’t know you needed—packed with attitude, dark humor, and a whole lot of bite. BoyWithUke isn’t pulling any punches here, singing about toxic love with lines like, “It’s like you’re bad for me / And I might just be the same / I don’t know another way, so I let you” and “Rather die and be alone than to love and be in pain.” The track’s explosive alt-rock sound and raw lyrics serve up a perfect storm of emotions, from rage to heartbreak, all while keeping things irresistibly catchy. With its gritty guitar riffs and an unforgettable bridge that has BoyWithUke threatening to “dance on top of your grave,” “Gaslight” turns emotional chaos into a headbanging moment of clarity before easing into a strangely soothing finish with lingering “oh-oh-ohs.”
The single comes ahead of BoyWithUke’s album Burnout, dropping November 15, which will be his final project under the masked moniker. Charley Yang, the man behind BoyWithUke, is swapping his signature ukulele for stadium-sized rock anthems, all while diving into personal themes of self-doubt, fame, and messy relationships. It’s his ultimate mic drop moment and we’re here for it.
Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
ano – “Fiancée-kyun, I Love You”
Half of your love just isn’t enough for Japanese pop artist ano, it’s either all or nothing in this fight for love. Embracing Ano’s unique style and vocal delivery, “Fiancée-kyun, I Love You” is a catchy love song filled with charming lyrics that will make you feel like you’re in a romantic comedy. With a gong announcing the start of the song, listeners are thrown into a modern fusion of J-pop and the sounds of East Asia. “Fiancée-kyun, I Love You” combines a traditional Chinese harmony and melody reconstructed into a modern take with its lively guitar chord progression. Featured as the opening theme song for the reboot of classic rom-com anime series Ranma ½, fans of the beloved show might take notice of endearing terms sprinkled through the songs lyrics and overall meaning. With lyrics containing keywords “Ranma,” “½,” and other allusion-packed lines, ano’s love song stands as a reflection of the frustrating yet heartening relationship between the show’s main couple Ranma and Akane. Stitched with themes of innocent and unprecedented love, “Fiancée-kyun, I Love You” is an vibrant and upbeat track that will have ano and Ranma ½ fans alike dancing to the beat of love.
The music video is set in a pastel colored dojo where we follow ano try her hand at numerous challenges as she shows off her athleticism. From playing a traditional Japanese game of Daruma Otoshi to epic battle of martial arts, ano effortlessly executes each task with charm as she proceeds to master the martial arts of romance. The main highlight of this heart thumping video is the adorably driven dance scene choreographed by Japanese dance trio Power Puff Boys — a prominent dance group who were in charge of the music video for ano’s previous single release “ALL KINDS OF KISSES” in 2022. The short film project was directed to be shot in one-take which gives the already impressive video more refreshing for viewers. Make sure to check out Ranma ½ opening movie to see ano sing to this dramatic and comedic love story between youths.
Tyla – “PUSH 2 START”
Tyla’s sheer charisma and tracks with irresistible danceability carried her career to the global stage. Tyla reached massive success thanks to her self-titled debut album and its lead single, “Water,” earning her numerous accolades and viral moments. Tyla returned with a deluxe version of her debut album, TYLA+, on October 11. Proudly representing South Africa, she fuses the sounds of amapiano with R&B and pop. Her newest track, “PUSH 2 START,” is no exception. Tyla teased “PUSH 2 START” in advance on her Instagram with a cheeky Macbook video.
“PUSH 2 START” features her signature sound, coupled with her confident lyrics. Tyla keeps her lover in check, telling them to prove that they’re worth the love she deserves. “PUSH 2 START” compares starting up an engine to taking initiative in a relationship. Tyla’s vocal chops are on full display in the chorus, coloring the track with both strong belts and falsetto notes. She sings in the chorus: “Act like you heard me / Only serve it up if you deserve me, yeah / Pull up and earn me / Push to start.” The backing vocals that resonate throughout the chorus and the second verse also make “PUSH 2 START” a perfect song to sing along to.
Billkin – “Golden Hour”
Looking to reminisce about those golden moments with a loved one from your past? Thai superstar Billkin’s “Golden Hour” is the perfect soundtrack for indulging in nostalgic longing and heartful memories that might be a little painful to revisit now. With Billkin’s soft vocals, the song instantly wraps in a warm, melancholic embrace, transporting you back to the tender moment when everything seemed to bathe in a soft glow. The lyrics are filled with regret, not realizing the impact of how much his muse had affected him till now when they’re gone from his grasp. Of course, with how much he’s missing this past lover, he also ponders if they miss him as much as he missed them. Now, he’s left to remember the soft, golden memories they left him within this sad hour. Whether you’re missing someone or simply looking to get lost in nostalgia, this track is sure to set the mood for reflecting on those bittersweet moments.
In addition to his successful music career, Billkin has made a name for himself as a talented actor. Just this year, he starred as the lead character, M, in the critically acclaimed movie How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, garnering widespread praise for his performance. The film became the highest-grossing Thai movie of 2024, even being submitted by Thailand for an “International Feature” Oscar nomination.
Keep an eye out on Billkin, as his captivating vocals are sure to leave you spellbound.
Josh Makazo – “Breathtaker”
Starting the spooky season with a new dark R&B release, Josh Makazo is here to take your breath away with his latest song, “Breathtaker.” In this new song, Makazo’s delicate vocals capture the feeling of being entranced completely by someone so heavenly and angelic. With his breath taken away from his muse, he impatiently yearns for them to turn into his lover, choosing to fall for them forever over death. The track is a cinematic experience with echoes and pulsating electro beats in a dark soundscape.
“Breathtaker” is the second track straight off his newly released EP, BEFORE I SEE. This new EP is set to be an introspective prelude to his upcoming second album, ULTRAVIOLET, and features three other fresh tracks for fans. At just 21 years old, Josh is making waves within the contemporary dark R&B scene. Captivating audiences in Singapore and internationally, he ranks second as the “Most Viewed Artist in Singapore” on TikTok. With this international traction, his debut album, GRADIENT, has achieved over 20 million streams across various streaming platforms.
Socials: IG | TK | YT
Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “Aporia” by Japanese rock duo Yorushika, “Tempest” by Korean solo artist Lucia, and “ICON” by Filipino pop girl group BINI. 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!
