The fast-rising OPM outfit turns the restless cycle of overthinking into a genre-bending track fueled by funk, synths, and raw alternative rock
NEXTONE, one of OPM’s promising rising bands, makes a comeback with ““Nagkulang,” a fresh single that blends an upbeat groove with the emotional uncertainty of questioning one’s worth after a relationship falls apart.
Released through Sony Music Entertainment, the track carries crossover appeal through its distinctly late-night vibe, combining punchy beats, city pop elements, shimmering synths, and contemporary pop-rock sounds into a catchy, high-energy anthem.
The song’s concept began with the word itself. From there, the band developed a narrative centered on someone who, despite believing they did nothing wrong in a relationship, comes to terms with self-doubt in the wake of an unexpected romantic fallout.
Instead of treating heartbreak with a traditionally subdued or stripped-down approach, NEXTONE deliberately gives “Nagkulang” an energetic pulse. The contrast is central to the song’s appeal: its catchy melodies and driving production choices mirror the restless cycle of overthinking, while the repeated hook conveys the word that keeps playing inside the mind of the storyteller.
The eclectic quartet explains, “We really wanted the word ‘Nagkulang’ to feel like it was stuck in the listener’s head throughout the song. Because of that, we were intentional with how we approached the melody and production. The whole idea is about getting inside your head, questioning whether you did something wrong, and never really knowing the answer. That contrast between the catchy, almost light feeling of the song and the weight of what it’s actually about is what makes it feel a little crazy, almost like the song itself is driving you deeper into that overthinking.”
While the band has mostly explored guitar-driven arrangements in their previous work, “Nagkulang” enables the band members to experiment with funk, alternative pop, rock, new wave, and synth-heavy production. The songwriting process itself proved unusually instinctive. The chart-topping act completed the song’s structure and melody during the first session, before allowing the material to sit and eventually giving it a clearer sense of its potential.
“One of the most memorable parts of recording was working on the bass and guitar parts,” the band adds. “Those ended up being the more challenging elements because we didn’t want to overstuff the production, especially with the heavier synth parts already carrying a lot of the song.” The band ultimately opted for restraint, ensuring that each instrumental layer contributed to the song without overwhelming its central groove.
With “Nagkulang” marking a fresh creative direction for NEXTONE, the band sees the track as a stepping stone toward further growth in their upcoming releases. They shared that the song served as a mature turning point in their songwriting and production process, influencing the way they have approached the music they created afterward. The band also teased another release before the year ends, which they hope will offer a different sound from “Nagkulang” and serve as a fitting close to their musical journey this year.
NEXTONE’s “Nagkulang” is now available worldwide on all major digital music platforms through Sony Music Entertainment.
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