Sunday Spin: New Releases From Leyla Ebrahimi, Junghoon, Irene, Nian Tong and Sabrina Song

Cherry blossoms are sprouting, spring has finally arrived, and summer feels closer than ever. This week, EnVi brings you the best R&B, indie, and alt-rock pop songs for a refreshing update to your spring playlist — and even a new liked song!

Leyla Ebrahimi – “I’m Sorry Maria”

New York native Leyla Ebrahimi is back with her newest release, “I’m Sorry Maria.” A dreamy pop song mixed with alt-rock, Leyla captures the feeling of being torn between staying in love with a significant other or chasing freedom and exploring the world. With beachy strums and mellow guitar riffs, the song takes on an eerie, grungy feel that complements Leyla’s echoey, scream-like vocals. Leyla stated in a press release that “This song is about regret, confusion, and anger, and owning the fact that you can be 100 percent convinced you know what’s right for you in any given situation, only to find out later — when it’s too late — that you were totally wrong.”

The music video presents a striking contrast between the emotions Leyla is experiencing, shifting from her dressed in black to a ballet dancer showcased in all white. The imagery feels almost haunting, as if Maria’s presence is shadowing Leyla’s steps. After alternating between ripping down missing-person posters that read “Last Seen in Love” to tearing apart pillowcases and jumping frantically on her bed, the video ends with Leyla walking off into the darkness of the night.

Leyla has recently finished headlining her first shows at Hollywood’s School Night and Brooklyn’s Union Pool, and is currently working on her new EP. As we look ahead to the year to come, we can’t wait to see how her creativity and heart-wrenching lyrics continue to resonate with audiences.

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Junghoon – “DTT (Don’t Think Twice)”

Starting springtime just the right way, Junghoon has released his second single, “DTT (Don’t Think Twice).” Following his debut single “Belong,” Junghoon takes a different approach with his newest release, leaning into an R&B sound with a more sensual tone. The track captures the vibe of a romantic night. Almost pleadingly, Junghoon sings, “Keep it real, I won’t waste your time, show me what you like / Girl, just pull me in, wrap me around.” A slower track with more vocal-heavy melodies, the contrast between the synth pads and low bass notes gives the track an alluring, sultry feeling.

Junghoon took part in composing and writing the lyrics for “DTT (Don’t Think Twice).” He stated in a press release, “It is always an interesting process to include my own color in music and share it with you all, and I hope you’ll interpret this song however you want, in your own ways.” He continued, “After this release, I’m planning to continue releasing many songs, one shortly after another, so please look forward to those.”

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Utkarsh Ambudkar – “Too Beautiful”

Actor, rapper, and singer Utkarsh Ambudkar has released the brand-new album Too Beautiful, a deeply personal and cinematic project blending music and storytelling. The title track, “Too Beautiful,” is an introspective, slow-burning ballad that explores hope in life’s chaos and human connection. Opening with sparse, plucked strings, the track gradually builds in a fuller, urgent arrangement that mirrors the steady lift in Ambudkar’s climbing vocals. “Take my hand / A little harder if you can,” he sings, “Sometimes / It’s all too beautiful.” The song emphasizes that even in life’s uncertain, dark moments, human connection can help you continue towards the light and towards the beautiful. 

To fully grasp “Too Beautiful,” you have to step into the world of Spaceman: A Love Story.  Directed by Alex Salsberg, the animated short film serves as a visual companion to the album, following a runway alien named Spaceman who crash-lands on Earth. In the “Too Beautiful” segment, Spaceman is severely injured and vulnerable. However, one by one, all the humans he meets on his journey gently piece him back together, healing him with their kindness and fond memories despite their respective struggles. 

“This album felt cohesive, like a story, and I wanted to highlight that narrative thread visually,” Ambudkar shared in a press release. “…[This was done by] using lush, arresting visuals to tell a musical love story that exists somewhere between animation, album, and cinematic poem.”

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IRENE – “Don’t Wanna Get Up”

It’s been over a year since her solo debut with Like A Flower, and fans of Red Velvet — also known as ReVeluv — are seated for IRENE’s return. Marking the vocalist’s first full-length album, Biggest Fan features a total of ten songs tapping into genres beyond K-pop. House music in particular, famously loved for its duality of energy and calmness, has surged back into mainstream popularity. IRENE perfectly balances the two in “Don’t Wanna Get Up”.

With what’s sure to become a new club anthem, the B-side is a formal invitation to let go of all your worries and enjoy existing in the present. Its euphoric sound is best captured through lines like “Let’s keep falling forever” and “Even in the midst of any chaos / My soul remains perfectly still.” Paired with subtle synth beats, the electropop track channels an almost airy sensation.

Filled with colorful hyperfeminine visuals, IRENE’s new era is continuing to impress and show it’s never too late to live life to the fullest. With her solo Asia tour “I-WILL” slated to start this May, audiences around the world are more than proud to watch the star shine on her own for the very first time.

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Sabrina Song – “Play It Cool”

Feeling romance stir in your heart along with the blooming flowers? Singer-songwriter Sabrina Song has just the song for you. Her new single “Play It Cool” expresses the way romance slowly affects every part of one’s thoughts and daily routine.

The song begins with an acoustic guitar, then gradually adds slow bass, drums, and subtle tambourine. A dreamy instrumental complements Sabrina Song’s warm vocals. Following cues from the sounds, listeners can hear how Sabrina quickly and fiercely falls in love. Still, as she tries to “Play It Cool,” the instrumental dwindles back down to the acoustic guitar, highlighting the vulnerable lyrics. “Showing my face and my greatest mood / Check things off and I follow through,” she sings in the chorus. Even as she doubts if her presence is wanted, Sabrina wants to present her best self to her lover. 

In a press release, Sabrina revealed that “[“Play It Cool” is] a love song about falling head over heels for someone, and being nearly embarrassed about how intense of a feeling it is.” The lyric video features animal pairs who mate for life, hinting at Sabrina’s desire to have her romance grow into something long-lasting. The inner conflict of “Play It Cool” is just one of many vulnerable experiences covered in the singer’s upcoming EP Big Trick, releasing May 8.

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Assia Keva – “Can We Be Friends Again?”

Indonesian singer-songwriter Assia Keva returns to her acoustic music roots in her new EP forevermore, but it’s just me and piano. Three tracks previously featured in her album Forevermore have been re-released in a new format, which feature Assia’s live vocals accompanied by Kevin Suwandhi on piano. In a press release, Assia revealed her hopes that the new composition would allow listeners to appreciate each song’s message and melody more deeply. 

Out of the three songs featured on the EP, “Can We Be Friends Again? – Live Stripped Down” stands out. Bright and upbeat piano carries the melody, while Assia’s voice carries great emotional weight and range. As her voice increases in volume, so does the expression of her heartbreak. Facing a period of separation from a friend over an argument, Assia pleads for their understanding. She sings in the chorus, “Can we find a way go back to be / Just a little love to see?” with a conversational and direct voice. Her request is desperate but simple — she wants to confide in a dear friend and cherish them again. For all those finding themselves redefining relationships, Assia Keva is here for you.

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Nian Tong – “Gradually”

London-based singer and songwriter Nian Tong is helping us move on from our ex with his latest single and EP release “Gradually.” Layered with synths, an acoustic guitar, and a steady rhythm, the introduction to the track feels as if we were hearing it on a classic vintage radio. As the line “Gradually you’re fading like a book I once read,” drifts into focus, the song leans into a nostalgic tone. As stated in a press release, the track “captures the shift from emotional fixation to something quieter and more resolved.” With a catchy “Gradually” heard throughout the chorus, the track feels almost like a healing letter from Nian to those who reflect on this situation.

Serving as the title track, the song is part of a four-track EP. The album explores romance through long distance and personal growth, as well as the unresolved feelings that keep appearing when someone is trying to heal from another person. “Gradually” feels like a turning point of the album itself, as it explores the process of letting go. Rapidly growing and emerging as a modern indie pop artist, Nian Tong is meant to be heard internationally and on bigger stages in 2026.

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TEHYA – “the patriot”

In today’s political climate, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure how to create meaningful change. But in her newest single, “the patriot,” rising Cherokee-Filipino artist TEHYA doesn’t shy away from putting pen to paper. Written by the singer and her producer Cameron Hale, the alt-pop track features classic references to patriotism, reimagined with a striking twist.

The intro begins with TEHYA addressing frustration to a lover by declaring, “Run me my reparations / I need some separation / From this church and this state.” Desiring to be loved and appreciated the way she deserves to be, witty one-liners like “Giving you land to stand on / Don’t forget who this belongs to” and “Praise me like your / National anthem” are delivered as a unique way to reclaim her Indigenous heritage. Giving insight into the imagery used in a press release, TEHYA says, “As I kept writing during this wave of violence against immigrants, it became about something broader — a song about the false sense of ownership people have over land that was never theirs.” 

Music has served as the one constant in this Seattle-based star’s life for as long as she can remember. Now, TEHYA is paving her own journey and redefining what it means to be a pop star by finding true strength in standing tall.

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Kep1er – “The Show”

Catch your eye, catch your mind! Kep1er is back with a new EP, CRACK CODE. The sextet is trading BUBBLE GUM’s pink for chic black and corporate grays with their title track, “KILLA (Face the other me).” The song is a full-fledged girl-crush anthem and wastes no time in getting down to business. DAYEON kicks things off in the first verse, declaring, “You will know, I will show you.” Each of the girls passes the baton smoothly on this track, showing off their crisp vocals with charisma-packed lyrics about being unstoppable. With a dynamic blend of rock and EDM, Kep1er is locking in on their target — and they don’t show any signs of letting go. “Go run before I catcha,” they warn in the chorus, “Run, ‘cause you know I’m a killa.” 

But the fun isn’t over just yet. “KILLA (Face the other me)” takes a sudden swerve into a hip-hop-laced dubstep beat drop that pushes the song into a powerful finish. The music video has the girls gleefully disrupting a rigid office world and setting off multiple explosions. From their gun-shot arm choreography to a gritty lip bite, Kep1er is fully embracing their darker side and facing their killer “other” selves.

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Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “The Show” by DPR IAN, “Daha İyi” by manifest, and “heal” by MONSTAX. 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!