Nopality’s May Music Playlist 🎧
WRITTEN BY LORENZO DELA CRUZ | MAY 28, 2025
May has been a blessing for music lovers who crave depth, mood, and a little edge in their listening. Whether you're discovering these artists for the first time or you've been a fan from day one, this month's new releases bring something soulful, introspective, and undeniably fresh. Let’s dive into the songs we can’t stop playing this month:
🎙 BRYN – "Dry"
Who is BRYN?
BRYN is one of those artists who thrives in the shadows of the mainstream—someone whose sound feels incredibly intimate, yet cinematic. As a rapper and singer emerging from Seoul’s underground scene, she’s known for her poetic honesty and her ability to blend vulnerability with cool detachment. She’s not trying to fit into a mold, and that’s exactly what makes her compelling.
About the Single:
“Dry” is a slow burn. From the moment it starts, there’s this feeling of emotional drought—like you're standing in a desert of past conversations and unresolved tension. The production is stripped-down, letting the textures breathe, which gives BRYN’s voice room to command attention. There’s a sadness here, but it’s not melodramatic. It’s weary. The kind of sadness that comes after the storm, when everything’s quiet and cracked. Her delivery floats between spoken word and melody, creating a hypnotic rhythm that feels almost meditative.
What really stands out is how she balances distance and intimacy—her tone is cool, sometimes even icy, but what she’s saying cuts deep. If you've ever sat in silence with someone you used to know so well, you'll get this song.
🎙 Yerin Baek – I MET PEEJAY
Who is Yerin Baek?
Yerin Baek has quietly become one of South Korea’s most respected solo artists—and she did it all on her own terms. Formerly known for her K-pop beginnings, Yerin has evolved into an R&B/soul powerhouse with a devoted following. Her voice? Soft, rich, and instantly recognizable. Her songwriting? Deeply personal and always intentional.
About the EP:
I MET PEEJAY is a sonic love letter to groove. Collaborating with the acclaimed producer Peejay (who’s worked with everyone from Beenzino to Zion.T), Yerin leans into a sound that feels vintage but never dated—think smooth 70s soul vibes filtered through a 2025 lens. The album plays like a late-night drive through neon-lit city streets: warm, introspective, and maybe just a little bit heartbroken.
Each track is like a page from a diary, but with Peejay’s instrumentation, those pages feel soaked in velvet. The basslines are rich and buttery, the percussion is always just behind the beat, and Yerin floats on top of it all with this effortless elegance. She sings in both Korean and English with fluidity, which makes the emotional weight of the songs feel even more universal.
🎙 Skyminhyuk – "MAD"
Who is Skyminhyuk?
Skyminhyuk is part of a new wave of Korean indie-R&B artists who aren’t afraid to color outside the lines. His music leans experimental, drawing from electronic, trap, R&B, and even ambient influences. What makes him stand out is his ability to turn emotional chaos into sonic order—his tracks don’t just sound good, they feel like something.
About the Album:
“MAD” is a visceral experience. From the first note, you're pulled into a world that feels unstable, charged, and deeply internal. The production is layered with glitchy effects, heavy reverb, and haunting synths that feel like echoes from inside your own head. It’s controlled chaos—a reflection of someone trying to hold it all together when everything’s slipping through the cracks.
Lyrically and emotionally, the track sits in that in-between space where anger blurs into heartbreak. Skyminhyuk’s vocal performance is raw and strained in the best way—he doesn't hold back.
🎙 Tuesday Beach Club – "Wish"
Who is Tuesday Beach Club?
Tuesday Beach Club is like a daydream in musical form. This indie pop act combines warm guitar riffs, laid-back beats, and soft, airy vocals to create songs that feel like they were made for slow mornings and beach sunsets. Their vibe is effortlessly nostalgic without trying too hard—it’s like the musical equivalent of a handwritten letter you find years later in a shoebox.
About the Track:
“Wish” is pure indie pop charm. It’s gentle and unhurried, like the kind of conversation you have with someone you miss but can’t reach anymore. The production is lo-fi and breezy—think sun-faded film photos, or the feeling of driving past places that used to mean something. The vocals have this warm, intimate tone, like they’re being sung right next to you rather than at you.
Lyrically, the track explores longing in a way that doesn’t wallow. There’s a sweetness to the sadness—a hopefulness that maybe, just maybe, the wish you’re whispering out into the universe might land somewhere. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re feeling a little wistful but still want to keep your heart open. A gorgeous track for lazy afternoons, solo walks, or simply lying in bed with your thoughts.
🎙 F5ve – "BoW Chika Wow Wow"
Who is F5ve?
F5ve is a newer name on the scene, known for playful, high-energy music that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With a style that pulls from early 2000s hip-hop, internet humor, and pop culture references, F5ve is bringing something fun and different to the table.
About the Track:
“Boy Chika Wow Wow” is catchy, cheeky, and full of personality. It blends playful lyrics with bouncy production and a lighthearted energy that makes it instantly fun to listen to. There’s a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor in the title and throughout the track, but it never feels forced. It’s confident without trying too hard, and the beat keeps things moving with just the right mix of pop and hip-hop influence. It’s a perfect addition if you’re looking to add something upbeat and refreshing to your playlist this month—especially for those moments when you just want to have fun with your music.
🎙 Lorde – "Virgin"
Who is Lorde?
Lorde hardly needs an introduction. The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter became a global name in her teens with her unique blend of alt-pop and poetic, introspective lyrics. She’s known for crafting full moods within her albums, blending sharp observations with dreamy production.
About the Track:
“Virgin” is Lorde doing what she does best—stripping things down and letting her words carry the weight. This track feels intimate and minimal, driven more by storytelling and subtle emotion than heavy production. It’s thoughtful and a little raw, showing a quieter side of her that fans of Melodrama or Solar Power will appreciate. The lyrics are reflective and personal, and the whole song feels like it’s being told in a hushed voice, just between her and the listener. It’s not a big, flashy single—it’s more of a slow-burn track that sneaks up on you emotionally the more you listen.
