Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert releases the official music video for “Aftertaste (feat. REJAY)”, the latest moment in a June that has seen him release his second EP Kodoku, perform his first-ever overseas solo headline show in Taipei, and receive a major industry award in Japan.
The 5-track Kodoku EP is anchored by its lead track “Kodoku,” the first song Rol3ert has ever titled in Japanese. Driven by noise-tinged guitar, heavy drums and a vocal that seems to suppress emotion, the track explores loneliness and the inner conflict of becoming, depicting the anxiety that lives beneath the surface of everyday life. The EP rounds out with acoustic piano versions of “frozen,” “(how could i be) honest?,” and “Kodoku,” stripping each song back to vocals and piano in the solo performance style that sits at Rol3ert’s core.
“Aftertaste (feat. REJAY),” the second track on the EP, is a collaboration with REJAY, a singer-songwriter from Niseko. The two met at SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025 and have grown close as peers: both 20 years old, both Japanese artists writing and performing in English, both looking toward the global indie music scene. The track was previewed live during their co-headlined joint tour “Square One” in May before its release on 17 June. Strumming guitars, taut beats and the intertwining vocals of Rol3ert and REJAY come together in an alternative pop track that carries a quiet, smouldering heat.
The EP arrives on the back of a landmark month for Rol3ert overseas. Making his live debut overseas in Taiwan, he performed at the prestigious 2026 Golden Melody Awards Showcase 金曲售票演唱會 on 24 June alongside Taiwanese band Vulgar Savior, who served as his backing band for a one-night-only Japan-Taiwan collaboration stage. The Golden Melody Awards, often referred to as the Grammys of Chinese-language music, is one of Asia’s most recognised music ceremonies, and the Showcase brings together new voices from across the region. The following evening, Rol3ert headlined Rol3ert live ‘3mpty’ in Taipei” at SOIL Taipei, his first-ever overseas solo headline show, with tickets selling out within a few days of going on sale.
Earlier in the month, Rol3ert received the Radio Special Award at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, one of Japan’s premier annual music industry ceremonies recognising outstanding domestic talent across a wide range of categories. The Radio Special Award is selected by radio station professionals nationwide and honours “a domestic artist expected to break through after receiving the award.” The ceremony also brought together a remarkable cross-section of the global and regional music world, with Rol3ert crossing paths with the likes of Sam Smith and Grimes, as well as Southeast Asian artists Cup of Joe (Philippines) and Hindia (Indonesia). The recognition adds to a year of growing momentum: selection for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2026,” inclusion as Japan’s representative for Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music,” selection for “SPACE SHOWER NEW FORCE,” and a sold-out headline show at Shibuya WWW X.
With a growing listener base across Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, and a packed festival season ahead featuring SUMMER SONIC TOKYO and SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2026, Rol3ert heads into the second half of 2026 with significant momentum behind him.
Tracklist
Kodoku
Aftertaste (feat. REJAY)
frozen – acoustic piano version
(how could i be) honest? – acoustic piano version
Kodoku – acoustic piano version
