KATSEYE release new song 'Pinky Up' & debuts at Coachella.

KATSEYE are back with their brand new song ‘Pinky Up’, accompanied by a surreal music video.

KATSEYE are known for their quirky music videos, and Pinky Up is no different. Sophia and Lara wield swords and ride motorcycles, Daniella hides among teddy bears in a Claw machine, and Yoonchae blasts a flame thrower - it couldn't be more KATSEYE. 

The only thing lacking was the presence of the sixth member, Manon Bannerman, who has been on hiatus from the group since February. 

Manon did not feature on the track or appear in the music video, fueling speculation about her return. Eyekons have made it clear online that without Manon, it’s not KATSEYE.

HYBE, the group’s management, has not commented on her absence, only stating she has not rehearsed for their upcoming Coachella show on April 10th.

Pinky Up

Released on Thursday, ' Pinky Up’ set a new record for the group, earning them their biggest YouTube debut with 7.2 million views on the video. Released hours before their Coachella debut, the song is already going viral online, and fans are posting cover videos of the dance routine. 

The video included a cameo from former Teen-Vogue coverstar Vivian Wilson, who described her feature as ‘the role of a lifetime’. Vivian was joined by a few other Queer artists for this scene, where they reveal Daniella hiding in the trunk of a car. 

It is incredibly important to feature Queer artists within mainstream pop culture to showcase their talent, but it is also a massive F-you! to those who aren’t as accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.

KATSEYE are known for their outspoken love for the community, and it was nice to see them give Queer artists a platform to shine.  

Coachella

KATSEYE made their debut in the desert last night - 8 pm PST - on Coachella’s Sahara stage. It was a late one for fans across the world, who set their alarms as early as 4 am (local) to watch the group perform.

The girls took the stage as a 5-member group, disappointing fans who were anticipating the return of Manon Bannerman.

They entered with fierce looks and stunning custom outfits that complemented the ‘Pinky up’ aesthetic - opening the show with their first performance of the new song, and the crowd went absolutely wild! 

The group usually performs in matching sets, but at Coachella, they wore beautiful Mixed-and-Matched sets with different textures and prints, making each member stand out on stage. 

Daniella and Yoonchae matched in Pink & Black striped bottoms; the leader of the group, Sophia Laforteza, came out in a stunning baby blue two-piece with frilled sleeves - really giving Princess and the Pauper vibes.

The remaining two members - Lara and Megan - matched in pink and purple, adorned with feathers and lace, and wearing their iconic knee-length boots. The best way to describe it is: if Moulin Rouge and Barbie had a baby. 

Yoonchae, the youngest member, or otherwise ‘Maknae’ of the group, showcased new blonde hair, which set her apart visually. To me, her performance stood out the most because we got to see this new, feisty side of her.

KATSEYE looked amazing as a group and made a strong visual impact on stage. It's a reminder that festival looks are meant to be fun and whimsical - not taken seriously- and the girls' stylist did a great job of coordinating their looks whilst also making each individual stand out.