Addison Rae Releases Her New Y2K Pop Single "Headphones On"
After making waves through a series of eclectic pop gems, Addison Rae recently released her new single, "Headphones On," the fourth track from her highly anticipated debut album, set to drop on June 6 via Columbia Records.
Addison Rae, “Headphones On” | Columbia Records
The song, co-written by Rae with producers Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, showcases a blend of trip-hop and early 2000s pop influences, drawing softer inspiration from artists like Britney Spears, Madonna and Björk. Its mid-tempo, synth-driven sound is paired with personal lyrics, aiming to convey emotional vulnerability from the rising pop star.
The song also explores themes of escapism and resilience, with Rae singing about coping with personal struggles, including her parents’ publicized 2022 divorce and the pressures of fame. Lyrics like “Wish my mom and dad could have been in love / Guess some things weren’t meant to last forever” and “I compare my life to the new it girl / Jealousy’s a rip tide, it pulls me under” reveal her introspective side. Though, in a more optimistic switch-up, the chorus, featuring lines such as “So I put my headphones on / Listen to my favorite song,” highlights music as her refuge.
Accompanying the single is a visually striking music video, directed by Mitch Ryan and filmed in Reykjavík, Iceland. In it, Rae sports neon pink hair, achieved using Good Dye Young hair dye from Hayley Williams’ haircare line, and wired earbuds, evoking a very much intentional, nostalgic 2000s aesthetic. The video alternates between scenes of Rae daydreaming in a grocery store and frolicking through Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, riding a white horse and dancing in a purple hoodie. It’s definitely a series of choices!
"Headphones On" follows Rae’s 2024 singles “Diet Pepsi,” “Aquamarine,” and “High Fashion,” all slated for inclusion on her debut album. The release comes on the heels of her Coachella appearance on April 13, where she joined Arca to perform their collaborative track “Arcamarine” and teased her album’s release date. Rae also recently signed with Sony Music Publishing, solidifying her growing presence in the music industry.
With over 1.2 million streams on Spotify upon debut, “Headphones On” complements Rae’s evolution from TikTok star to pop sensation.
