Rising J-POP powerhouse WOLF HOWL HARMONY from EXILE TRIBE (LDH JAPAN) continues their unstoppable 2026 momentum with the music video premiere of “Gachi Funk” on February 27. Released digitally on February 20, the track serves as the definitive precursor to their highly anticipated first EP, “tera”, arriving March 12, 2026.
The past six months have marked a period of explosive international growth for the group. In late 2025, WOLF HOWL HARMONY solidified their status as a global force, electrifying fans at Thailand’s Big Mountain Music Festival, which saw over 100,000 attendees, and completing their first solo fan meeting tour, “BAKUON DREAM.” Their recent singles, the groove-heavy “Bossa Bosa” and the melancholic “Marmalade,” have garnered international attention with nearly 6 million YouTube views and over 3 million Spotify streams combined, further expanding their dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as LOVERED.
J-POP Meets Brazilian Funk
“Gachi Funk” marks a significant creative milestone, an innovative blending of contemporary J-POP with Brazilian funk, expressed through a Tokyo lens. The track is a new personal challenge for member GHEE, who drew from his Brazilian heritage to co-write the lyrics.
Upon listening to the song for the first time, GHEE remarked: “I believe that with a beat, the most important thing is whether it instantly moves your heart and gives you a sense of excitement from the very first listen. That time, my honest reaction was simply, ‘This is cool.’” Looking forward to fans’ reception of their new high-octane single, he added, “We hope people will come to love this song, and if everyone gets hyped together with us at live shows, we feel that creating this song was worth it.”
The “Gachi Funk” music video further elevates the single’s themes by exploring a modern redefinition of nobility through the symbolic use of the color purple. The director, YERD, offers a profound insight into this creative choice, stating: “Purple was associated with ‘noble’ people and beings. We reinterpreted this idea of purple into a different concept. In the past, nobility was associated with monarchy or divinity. Today, however, nobility may be interpreted more personally; having one’s own rules and aesthetics, possessing free imagination and creativity.”
Choreographer Nina Neves commented, “As I also have Brazilian heritage, I created the choreography while being mindful of the unique rhythm and movements of Brazilian funk. I placed great importance on preserving that groove and vibe, while incorporating WHH’s hand signs to further enhance the song’s appeal.”
Departing from their signature smooth R&B harmonies, the group embraces a festive, high-energy grit. Driven by GHEE’s TikTok livestreams and WOLF HOWL HARMONY’s contents on Brazilian trends, the group’s digital presence has exploded, resulting in a surge of 300,000 new TikTok followers across December and January alone. Fans’ excitement peaked during a recent TikTok LIVE when a preview of “Gachi Funk” was played, triggering a wave of enthusiastic reactions and anticipation from LOVEREDs.
“We focused on ensuring that each member’s individual roots are reflected within the song,” says GHEE. “In the music video, you see people from all backgrounds coming together. It connects to our core value: expanding the circle of LOVERED worldwide without borders.”
The Road to “tera” and the Winter 2026 Japan Tour
The upcoming EP, “tera”, represents an expansive vision of J-POP that honors the diverse backgrounds of its members. Following “Gachi Funk,” the group will tease the EP further with the upcoming single “One minute.” As WOLF HOWL HARMONY prepares for their Winter 2026 Japan Tour, the group remains focused on international expansion. “As we move into Thailand, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, we want to clearly express our language, voice, and style as our authentic form of expression,” GHEE adds. “This song is the first step.”
“Gachi Funk” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
