19/06/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | JUNE 19, 2026

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Indie-pop singer Lenka’s album brings Good Days

FKJ embraces solitude, connection via Soulmates FRENCH singer FKJ is entering a new chapter with the release of his latest single Soulmates and the announcement of his forthcoming third studio album Tyber , due out this September. Soulmates offers listeners a first glimpse into the sonic landscape of Tyber , showcasing his signature blend of musicianship, emotion and experimentation. Built around a central guitar motif, the track radiates a euphoric midsummer energy while exploring themes that extend beyond traditional romance. “ Soulmates is about embracing your solitude. For me, solitude really works, and I’m taking time with myself. But I really care about my soulmates, the people in my life who are important to me. It’s all about finding the balance,” said FKJ. Instead, FKJ uses the song to reflect on the balance between solitude and meaningful human connection. The release marks the beginning of the journey towards Tyber , which FKJ describes as his most expansive and uninhibited project to date. Arriving after his critically acclaimed album Vincent , the forthcoming record captures a period of personal and creative transformation. Written and recorded across multiple locations including London, Los Angeles, Paris, Brazil, the Philippines and Mexico, Tyber reflects years of movement, reflection, collaboration and self discovery. The album sees FKJ continuing to blur genre boundaries, weaving together groove-driven compositions, jazz-inspired instrumentals, sample-heavy experimentation and direct songwriting. Drawing influences from funk, alternative pop, R&B and psychedelic sounds, the project aims to create a musical portrait of an artiste documenting his evolution in real time. Adding further depth to the album is a diverse lineup of collaborators, including Lucy Park, Baby Rose, Bas, Eryn Allen Kane and Labrinth. Over the years, FKJ has carved out a unique place within contemporary music. Widely regarded as a pioneer of the New French House movement, he has built a distinctive sound rooted in live instrumentation, improvisation, looping techniques and richly layered production. While his French heritage remains an important influence, his music continues to absorb inspiration from different cultures and communities encountered throughout his travels. With Soulmates now released and Tyber on the horizon, FKJ appears poised to enter his next creative era with renewed clarity. Balancing introspection with exploration, the musician continues to push his sound forward while remaining grounded in the instinctive artistry that has defined his career from the start.

A USTRALIAN singer-songwriter Lenka recently returned with her new album Good Days via Skipalong Records. Recorded in Sydney with producer Tony Buchen, the 10-track LP delivers an atmospheric, 1960s soul-infused pop sound that does its utmost to dispel the day-to-day trauma of life in the 2020s with at least attempted optimism. Coinciding with the album release is So Far So Good , an uplifting new single o Aussie artiste hopes to raise spirits during uncertain time of troubles

accompanied by a visualiser. Exploring themes oracles, superstitions and gratitude, the song reflects on how moments of hardship and uncertainty can, in hindsight, reveal a life unfolding exactly as it was meant to. Written largely between school runs, late-night walks and quiet moments at home, Good Days sees Lenka enter a new creative chapter shaped by motherhood, reflection and a renewed search for light in uncertain times. Lead singles Sunshine Girl and the final pre-release track The Balance , the latter crowd-sourced from her fanbase, set the tone for an album that does its utmost to dispel the day-to-day weight of the 2020s with at least an attempt at optimism. Lenka’s unique blend of emotive, finely crafted indie pop has long resonated with audiences across Asia, where her music found a devoted following well before the age of TikTok virality. From sync placements in global hits such as Moneyball and Grey’s Anatomy to widespread use across regional TV and advertising, her songs became quietly embedded in everyday pop culture across Southeast Asia. Her nostalgia-tinged sound and heartfelt songwriting have in recent years brought her back to the region for multiple headline runs – including sold-out and fan-favourite shows across Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore – reaffirming Lenka is no stranger to Southeast Asian audiences, old and new. With Good Days , Lenka has somehow created her most vibrant and infectious music to date, in the face of or perhaps in defiance of the bewildering and often brutal world we are living in. Recorded largely live in the studio, with minimal edits and effects, Lenka sought to surround herself with the direct, connected energy of being present together in one of

Lenka is best known for beloved songs such as The Show, Trouble Is a Friend and Everything at Once . – HANDOUT PICS

Good Days sees Lenka enter a new creative chapter shaped by motherhood, reflection and a renewed search for light in uncertain times. space – helping give the 10-track collection an immediate, lived-in feel, offering a touch of comfort to shield us from the storms. Korean star Krystal drops soulful new single PWLT

GLOBAL pop and style icon, as well as former F(X) member Krystal has returned with PWLT , a refined new solo R&B release that further ushers in her long-awaited solo era. Blending Korean pop with warm 1980s and 1990s soul, boogie and modern alt-R&B influences, PWLT channels the timeless sounds of artistes such as Sade and Janet Jackson. The track serves as the second release from Krystal’s forthcoming debut solo album, following her highly anticipated comeback single Solitary released in November 2025. Built around a sparkling mellow R&B groove, the song takes its title from the infectious hook “People want to live together”, reflecting on themes of connection, purpose, and human relationships. To bring the record to life, Krystal assembled an all-star lineup of Asian talent. The track features guitar work from Kuo Hung Tseng (Kuo) of acclaimed Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster, alongside mesmerising synth contributions from Oh Hyuk, frontman of beloved Korean indie band Hyukoh. Further connecting Krystal to the soul, boogie and funk influences she deeply admires, PWLT was written and produced by legendary American producer and songwriter Steve Lindsey.

Krystal is a former member of girl group F(X). – HANDOUT PIC His acclaimed career includes credits with Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and Alexander O’Neal, as well as performing keys for Chaka Khan – in addition to famously discovering Bruno Mars.

official YouTube channel. After debuting as a teenage pop star and helping redefine the K-pop landscape with F(X), Krystal now steps confidently into a sophisticated new chapter as a solo artiste. With PWLT and Solitary, she reveals a sharper artistic vision and a refined sound that welcomes her global audience into an exciting new era.

Krystal is returning to music in 2026 with her first solo album. Adding to the excitement surrounding the release, an official music video for PWLT was also released on Krystal’s

FKJ is an artiste of French origin. – HANDOUT PIC