Pop newcomer Addison Rae continues her ascent in the music industry with the release of her latest single, “Headphones On,” out now via Columbia Records. The track marks the fourth release from Rae’s highly anticipated debut album, which is set to drop June 6.
The emotional, synth-pop single arrived Wednesday with a cinematic music video filmed in Reykjavik, Iceland, adding another visually rich layer to Rae’s carefully crafted artistic aesthetic. Co-written and produced by Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, “Headphones On” blends Rae’s signature dreamy sound with some of her most vulnerable lyrics to date, offering fans a deeper look into her emotional world and musical growth.
“Headphones On” Offers a Glimpse Into Rae’s Inner World
The Mitch Ryan-directed music video opens with Rae aimlessly shopping in a grocery store before slipping on her headphones. From there, viewers are transported into a daydream where Rae roams the vast Icelandic countryside — dancing, twirling, and soaking in her solitude.
The dreamlike visuals reflect the emotional tone of the song, which focuses on themes of escapism, healing, and accepting the past. The chorus line, “Wish my mom and dad could have been in love,” strikes a deeply personal chord, reflecting Rae’s willingness to explore family trauma and emotional scars in her songwriting.
She continues in the pre-chorus, singing:
“You can’t fix what has already been broken / You just have to surrender to the moment.”
The track is both haunting and hopeful, underscoring Rae’s talent for combining pop melodies with introspective themes.
A Breakout Year for the Pop Star
The release of “Headphones On” follows a string of successful singles and a breakout year for the 23-year-old singer, who first gained fame as a TikTok influencer and actress. Rae officially signed with Columbia Records in 2024 and quickly began building credibility as a serious music artist.
Her debut single with the label, “Diet Pepsi,” arrived in October 2024 and marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 86 and later peaking at No. 54. The nostalgic pop track helped introduce Rae’s dreamy, synth-heavy sound and marked a major turning point in her career.
She followed that success with two more singles, “Aquamarine” and “High Fashion,” both also produced by Kloser and Anderfjärd. “Aquamarine” gained additional momentum after being remixed by Venezuelan artist Arca and re-released as “Arcamarine,” which Rae performed live for the first time during Arca’s Coachella 2025 set.
Viral Coachella Moment and Album Tease
Rae made headlines on April 13 with her surprise appearance during Arca’s set at Coachella, where the duo performed “Arcamarine” to a captivated crowd. At the end of her performance, Rae flashed her underwear to reveal the date “June 6,” a cheeky and viral nod to the upcoming release of her debut album.
The bold move sparked a wave of online speculation and anticipation, fueling excitement around her full-length project, which has yet to have its full tracklist officially revealed.
From Internet Star to Music Artist
Before aligning with Columbia, Rae quietly released a five-track EP titled “AR” in 2023, which featured the single “Nothing On (But the Radio)” and a guest verse from Charli XCX. Though unofficial at first, the EP gained traction online, especially among fans of left-of-center pop.
Rae later collaborated with Charli again on a remix of “Von Dutch,” one of the lead singles from Charli’s Grammy-winning 2024 album “Brat.” These collaborations have helped Rae bridge the gap between mainstream pop and more experimental pop subcultures, giving her broader credibility as an artist.
What Fans Can Expect from Rae’s Debut Album
Though details remain limited, Rae’s debut album is expected to blend early 2000s pop nostalgia with modern synth production, offering a mix of emotional ballads, dance-ready anthems, and introspective lyrics. Themes of heartbreak, family, identity, and emotional freedom are central to her recent releases, hinting at a deeply personal narrative arc for the project.
Music industry insiders have hinted that Rae’s debut may include more collaborations with Arca, Charli XCX, and possibly other artists from the queer pop scene. Her unique blend of viral savvy, fashion-forward visuals, and raw lyricism positions her as one of pop’s most intriguing new voices.
From Viral Videos to Radio Waves
Addison Rae’s rise from TikTok star to charting music artist has been one of the more compelling transitions in recent pop culture history. With each release, Rae continues to redefine her image, focusing on creating authentic and emotionally resonant music that defies her influencer origins.
With “Headphones On,” Rae not only cements her place in today’s pop landscape — she also signals what could be a long-lasting music career. Her full debut album drops June 6, and if her current streak is any indication, it may be one of the year’s most talked-about pop releases.
