TOKYO, Japan (Jun 2026) — Rol3ert’s breakthrough month is not slowing down. The Japanese singer-songwriter just released the official music video for “Aftertaste (feat. REJAY),” the lead focus from his new EP Kodoku.
The 5-track EP is built around the title track “Kodoku,” Rol3ert’s first song written in Japanese. Noise-tinged guitar and heavy drums push a vocal that suppresses emotion while exploring loneliness and becoming. Acoustic piano versions of “frozen,” “(how could i be) honest?,” and “Kodoku” round out the EP.
A collaboration made at a festival
“Aftertaste” pairs Rol3ert with REJAY, a Niseko singer-songwriter. The two met at SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025, and their connection is obvious: both 20 years old, both Japanese artists writing and performing in English, both pointed at the global indie scene. The track was previewed live during their co-headlined “Square One” tour in May before dropping on June 17.
A month of firsts in June
Rol3ert made his live debut in Taiwan on June 24, performing at the Golden Melody Awards Showcase, often called the Grammys of Chinese-language music. He backed Taiwanese band Vulgar Savior for a one-night Japan-Taiwan collaboration stage before headlining his first-ever overseas solo show, Rol3ert live ‘3mpty,’ at SOIL Taipei. Tickets sold out within days.
Earlier in the month, he received the Radio Special Award at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, an honor chosen by radio professionals nationwide for a domestic artist expected to break through.
Where to listen and watch
Watch the “Aftertaste (feat. REJAY)” music video and stream the Kodoku EP on major platforms globally.
