Rol3ert drops new single ‘(how could i be) honest?’ showcasing his vulnerability
Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert, at just 20 years old, continues to captivate audiences with his latest release, “(how could i be) honest?” as part of his three-month consecutive series of new music. This track, released worldwide on December 17, is punctuated by a music video premiere on YouTube scheduled for December 19 at 10 pm JST, preceded by an Instagram Live session at 9.30 pm JST.
“(how could i be) honest?” stands out as Rol3ert’s fastest-tempo and most synth-driven alternative dance-rock creation to date. Featuring sharp guitar and synth riffs paired with a grinding synth bass, the song delivers a high-energy vibe while delving into the emotional depths of a 20-year-old grappling with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and desperation.
The lyrics of the song lay bare the artist’s feelings of vulnerability and the need to be understood, juxtaposing upbeat rhythms with deeply poignant lines like: “I can’t even save myself / I can’t quit though it’s useless / I’m covered in mud so I want you to find me” “Help me / I wish I could bleed / So I could show you this pain”
In the production realm, producer MONJOE, who previously collaborated with Rol3ert on “Nerd,” returns to sculpt a multilayered, chaotic sonic landscape inspired by the artist’s original demo. The mixing and mastering work by D.O.I., a notable figure in Japanese hip-hop production, inject a distinctive and unconventional texture into the track, challenging the societal norm of concealing emotions. Rol3ert’s music offers a bridge for listeners to confront their vulnerability and navigate the intricate emotional pathways of young adulthood.
Hailing from Japan, Rol3ert has carved out a unique space among the emerging wave of young songwriters in the country. In 2025, he achieved significant milestones, including selling out his debut acoustic headline show at Daikanyama SPACE ODD, performing at high-profile festivals like FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL and SWEET LOVE SHOWER, and bagging the Best Breakthrough Artist award at the Tokyo Alter Music Award 2025.
Beyond Japan, Rol3ert is gaining organic traction across Southeast Asia. His recent covers of Regina Song and Bernadya have garnered substantial viewership, particularly around his performances at TIMM. These covers have attracted a strong following in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, hinting at a growing regional fan base.
The video for “(how could i be) honest?” complements the song’s underlying theme of restraint, with muted tones and a focus on Rol3ert alone capturing the tension of wanting to express oneself while opting for silence. The visual portrayal extends the band performance elements introduced in “frozen,” offering a comprehensive look at Rol3ert’s current live band setup.
Looking ahead, Rol3ert’s next headline show, “katachi,” is set for February 27, 2026, at Shibuya WWW X, marking his first full-band one-man live event following his piano-centric July performance “3mpty.” Tickets for the show are currently available, promising another immersive musical experience from this emerging talent.