OPM band NEXTONE returns with “Nagkulang,” a new single that pairs infectious groove with the emotional weight of second-guessing one’s value once a relationship no longer works out.
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
Released under Sony Music Entertainment, the track mines crossover potential with a distinctly nocturnal sound, weaving punchy rhythms, city pop influences, glimmering synths, and modern pop-rock textures into a melodic, fist-pumping jam.
The song’s concept began with the word itself. From there, the band developed a narrative centered on someone who, despite believing they did nothing wrong in a relationship, comes to terms with self-doubt in the wake of an unexpected romantic fallout.
View this post on Instagram
Instead of treating heartbreak with a traditionally subdued or stripped-down approach, NEXTONE deliberately gives “Nagkulang” an energetic pulse. The contrast is central to the song’s appeal: its catchy melodies and driving production choices mirror the restless cycle of overthinking, while the repeated hook conveys the word that keeps playing inside the mind of the storyteller.
View this post on Instagram
“We really wanted the word ‘Nagkulang’ to feel like it was stuck in the listener’s head throughout the song. Because of that, we were intentional with how we approached the melody and production,” the eclectic quartet explains. “The whole idea is about getting inside your head, questioning whether you did something wrong, and never really knowing the answer. That contrast between the catchy, almost light feeling of the song and the weight of what it’s actually about is what makes it feel a little crazy, almost like the song itself is driving you deeper into that overthinking.”
View this post on Instagram
While the band has mostly explored guitar-driven arrangements in their previous work, “Nagkulang” enables the band members to experiment with funk, alternative pop, rock, new wave, and synth-heavy production. The songwriting process itself proved unusually instinctive. The chart-topping act completed the song’s structure and melody during the first session, before allowing the material to sit and eventually giving it a clearer sense of its potential.
View this post on Instagram
“One of the most memorable parts of recording was working on the bass and guitar parts,” the band adds. “Those ended up being the more challenging elements because we didn’t want to overstuff the production, especially with the heavier synth parts already carrying a lot of the song.” The band ultimately opted for restraint, ensuring that each instrumental layer contributed to the song without overwhelming its central groove.
View this post on Instagram
With “Nagkulang” pivoting to a refreshing new direction, NEXTONE promises growth for their upcoming new releases. “Nagkulang has been such a mature turning point in the way we write and produce our music, and we’ve been carrying that mindset into the songs we’ve written since. We’re also hoping to release another song before the end of the year, which would be a really nice contrast to ‘Nagkulang’ and a great way to close out this year’s sound.”
NEXTONE’s “Nagkulang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
ALSO READ: P-pop Boy Group AJAA Releases Sophomore EP “4:ÜS”—Here’s Why You Should Tune In
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
