Japanese breakout singer-songwriter Rol3ert (pronounced Robert) is making waves once again with his latest single, ‘Nerd’, released via Exciter Records.
At just 19, the Tokyo-based singer-songwriter is fast becoming one of Japan’s most exciting new voices, gaining traction across Asia with his emotionally rich indie pop sound. Following the success of his debut singles ‘meaning’ and ‘HOPE’, ‘Nerd’ arrives as a stirring anthem for anyone who’s ever felt different, alone, or unsure of their place in the world.
Written primarily in English, ‘Nerd’ blends glittery melodies with striking moments in Japanese, diving deep into the quiet ache of solitude and the quiet defiance of hope. “I erased my colors / And I was okay with that / But I was still scared of the end,” he sings, before gently affirming: “Don’t die / Don’t throw it away / Believe in the feelings inside you.”
Co-produced by MONJOE (yahyel, DATS, Number_i), the track glides with a dreamlike, shoegaze-tinged groove, while Masahito Komori (Fujii Kaze, Kenshi Yonezu) lends his mixing and mastering touch for a polished, expansive finish.
The accompanying music video tells the story of a shy boy who finds a quiet connection through a subtle, almost clumsy dance with a mysterious girl (played by Aika Sonoda). It’s a gentle yet moving visual that mirrors the track’s message of finding light through the awkwardness.
Rol3ert shares in his self-penned liner notes, "Even though I’ve lived for 19 years – seeing, feeling, absorbing so much – there are still moments when I wonder what the right answer in life really is… That’s why I believe in facing the ‘nerdy’ parts of yourself”.
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