hickey - royel otis
“Moody” Hits #1 and Royel Otis Becomes 2025’s Breakout Indie Band
Australia’s dynamic duo, Royel Otis, has dropped their long-awaited second album hickey, out now via OURNESS/Capitol Records. The album, which features 13 tracks full of blissful highs and melancholic lows, is an anthem for the messy whirlwind of young love. With a sound that blends indie rock’s slack charm, new wave’s jangly rhythms, and swooning dream-pop melodies, hickey marks the duo’s most complete musical statement to date.
The album opens with the infectious track “i hate this tune,” which instantly sets the tone—“You know I hate this tune ’cause I think of you,” Otis Pavlovic croons, setting the emotional stage. “Love bites harder than any other emotion in the world,” the duo has shared, and this sentiment is woven throughout the album. The new wave-tinged single “who’s your boyfriend” features a hook so catchy it’s impossible to ignore and the video, starring Lola Tung from Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, showcases Royel Otis at their playful yet poignant best. The video, directed by Lauren Dunn, is a perfect visual match for the track—driving home the tension of navigating a relationship that’s anything but straightforward.
But it’s not all about the music—Royel Otis has earned a place at the top of the charts, as their lead single “moody” continues to reign on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart, where it has held the #1 spot for an impressive seven weeks and counting. With that success, Royel Otis became the first new act of the year to nab the coveted Triple A crown. The duo recently brought their signature charm to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing “say something,” further solidifying their reputation as one of indie rock’s most exciting new acts.
But it’s not just their singles that are turning heads—hickey is a fully realized album, with standouts like the raucous “good times,” the bittersweet “torn jeans,” and the driving “dancing with myself.” Every track feels like a snapshot of life’s most complicated emotions, and the buzz around hickey isn’t just confined to the U.S.—the band is gearing up for a massive world tour, with stops at festivals like Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, and Japan’s Fuji Rock, as well as their own headlining “meet me in the car” tour.
A tour down under in Australia is already looking like it’ll be one of the most anticipated of the year, with the duo headlining Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena and playing major cities in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Europe, of course, isn’t being left out, as the band preps to play to enthusiastic fans in cities like Berlin, Paris, and Stockholm later this year.Since breaking onto the scene in 2019, Royel Otis (Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic) have been capturing hearts with their undeniable chemistry and an ever-expanding catalog of infectious tunes. Their 2024 debut PRATTS & PAIN sent them into indie-rock stardom with hits like “Fried Rice” and “Foam,” earning them multiple ARIA Awards. After sold-out shows across Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., including a monumental run of more than 100 shows in 2024, the band is positioned for a breakout year in 2025. Their cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger,” which exploded globally with over 220 million streams, has already given fans a taste of the band’s knack for making old songs feel fresh.
“We write songs that make people feel,” says Royel. And with this album, it’s clear they’ve succeeded once again.
Listen to hickey now on all streaming platforms.
Watch the official video of who’s your boyfriend here.
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