Fast-rising OPM band NEXTONE is back with an exciting single titled “Nagkulang.”
Released under Sony Music Entertainment, this fresh track captures the emotional heaviness of second-guessing yourself after a breakup, while still keeping your feet moving to an irresistible rhythm.
Turning Heartbreak Into an Energetic Groove
Instead of taking the traditional route with a slow, stripped-down heartbreak ballad, NEXTONE takes a surprisingly upbeat approach. Specifically, they channel the chaotic cycle of romantic overthinking into a vibrant, nocturnal track. By pairing city pop influences, glimmering synths, and driving pop-rock textures, the band creates a striking contrast between the catchy music and the heavy lyrics. In fact, the story centers on someone stuck in a loop of self-doubt after an unexpected fallout. As the band explains:
We really wanted the word ‘Nagkulang’ to feel like it was stuck in the listener’s head throughout the song. That contrast between the catchy, almost light feeling of the song and the weight of what it’s actually about is what makes it feel a little crazy, almost like the song itself is driving you deeper into that overthinking.”
On Genre-Bending Production
While the group originally focused on guitar-driven arrangements, “Nagkulang” opens up exciting new creative doors for them.
During their very first writing session, they instinctively laid down the track’s structure and melody. Afterwards, they let the idea sit and breathe to uncover its full potential. Consequently, the band freely blends funk, alternative pop, new wave, and synth-heavy elements. However, crafting the instrumentals required careful restraint. As the band notes:
One of the most memorable parts of recording was working on the bass and guitar parts,”
the band adds.
Those ended up being the more challenging elements because we didn’t want to overstuff the production, especially with the heavier synth parts already carrying a lot of the song.”
Ultimately, this subtle restraint keeps every instrumental layer clear without overwhelming the central groove.
A Mature Turning Point for NEXTONE
This refreshing direction marks a major milestone in NEXTONE’s evolving sound. Beyond this single, the chart-topping act plans to bring this refined creative energy into all of their future projects. Furthermore, they are already looking ahead to new music before the year ends. Reflecting on this transition, the band shares:
Nagkulang has been such a mature turning point in the way we write and produce our music, and we’ve been carrying that mindset into the songs we’ve written since. We’re also hoping to release another song before the end of the year, which would be a really nice contrast to ‘Nagkulang’ and a great way to close out this year’s sound.”
All in all, “Nagkulang” highlights NEXTONE’s impressive growth as songwriters and producers while delivering an addictive, relatable anthem.
You can check out the track right now, as NEXTONE’s “Nagkulang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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