Riize embraces sleepless nights with emotional new single ‘Insomnia’

Boy band Riize wants listeners to be in touch with all their emotions — good and the bad — with its new single “Insomnia,” scheduled to be released Monday.

The new song is an acoustic pop that reflects serenity with a hint of solitude, just in time for the chilling breeze of autumn. The move is a new step for the band known for its bright dance pop music.

“I really enjoyed the song’s gentle warmth when I first listened to its demo,” Sungchan said in a press release marking the single’s release on Sunday. “I wanted to bring it to full life with my bandmates. I paid close attention to my [vocal] tones and how I sing the words in the lyrics to bring out the fine details of my vocals on a raw acoustic rhythm. “

Anton’s favorite part of the lyrics is “I stay up all night till I see the morning” in the chorus, according to the singer.

“I think a lot of the listeners would empathize with that chorus,” Anton said. “I have also stayed up all night and have seen the sun rise before. I don’t know if the listeners would find that chorus comforting or something else, but I think it’s the most important part in the track.”

The music video for the upcoming release was also a big step for the band.

“I put on special effects makeup for the first time filming this music video,” Shotaro said. “It was hard crying and screaming for the shoot, but I was able to pull it off thanks to my acting coach helping me tap into my emotions for those scenes on set.”  

“I think it’s okay to feel a sense of solitude with ‘Insomnia,’” Wonbin said. “It’s great when music gives people strength and comfort, but I hope this song allows everyone to be completely in their feels with their raw emotions. Sometimes we all need a song that does that.”

Riize debuted in 2023 under SM Entertainment with its first single “Get A Guitar.” The band is known for the songs “Memories” (2023), “Love 119" (2024), “Fly Up” (2025) and “Do your dance.”

The sextet comprises Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton.

BY LEE JI-WON [[email protected]]