19-year-old Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert, born in the U.S. and raised in Japan, continues his meteoric rise with his fifth single, say my name, released globally on August 27, 2025, via Exciter Records and FRIENDSHIP. Following the success of his previous single Nerd, which saw Indonesia as his top Spotify market and the Philippines driving over 25% of its YouTube views, this alternative ballad marks a bold shift. Co-produced with Yuto Uchino of The fin., the track features weeping guitar riffs, live drums by Yusuke Okada (BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON), and shimmering synths, cradling Rol3ert’s raw, near-crying vocals. The lyrics explore life, death, symbolic love, and the desire to leave a lasting name, blending loss with hope. Stream it on Spotify or Apple Music (https://friendship.lnk.to/saymyname_Rol3ert), and watch the music video, premiering August 27 at 10:00 PM JST on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySk_HXK-Rvk), after Rol3ert’s Instagram Live at 9:30 PM JST (@rol3ertmusic).
The music video, tied to the single’s artwork, juxtaposes a “white” Rol3ert wandering a seaside with a “black” Rol3ert in an underground space, symbolizing the duality of afterlife and reality. Uchino, reflecting on the collaboration, said, “Meeting Rol3ert, his presence turned into music. Recording vocals and drums, I saw his pure joy, like when I started my band.” Rol3ert calls say my name his proudest work, its delicate demo elevated by Uchino’s expansive production. This release follows his sold-out debut solo show 3mpty in July 2025 at Daikanyama’s SPACE ODD and a standout FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’25 performance, cementing his reputation as a bold voice in Japan’s global music scene. His earlier singles—meaning (January 2025, over 500,000 YouTube views), HOPE (April 2025, J-WAVE TOKIO HOT 100 Top 20), and Nerd (June 2025)—have landed on playlists across Indonesia, Taiwan, and the U.S.
Rol3ert’s second headline show, katachi, is set for February 27, 2026, at Shibuya WWW X, featuring a full band set, a shift from his piano-driven debut performance. Tickets go on sale August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM JST (https://rol3ert.com/popup). At 19, Rol3ert bridges cultures with his globally minded production and J-Pop-inspired melodies, crafting intimate yet expansive soundscapes. His upcoming SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025 appearance and growing Southeast Asian fanbase—particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines—signal a bright future. say my name is a poignant step forward, revealing his most vulnerable side and solidifying his place as a rising star to watch.
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The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.