NEXTONE Unpack Self-Doubt And Overthinking With New Single “Nagkulang” — Listen
The latest single from the rising OPM act carries the heavy weight of second-guessing and questioning one’s self-worth in the aftermath of a failed relationship.
NEXTONE: Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
NEXTONE: Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
Rising OPM pop-rock quartet NEXTONE is back with their new single, “Nagkulang,” released under Sony Music Entertainment.
The single carries the heavy weight of second-guessing and questioning one’s self-worth in the aftermath of a failed relationship. It is perfect for late-night drives and moments of solace, fusing city pop influences, shimmering synths, and modern pop-rock textures.
The concept of the track began with the word itself, which then developed into a narrative about someone trying to grapple with self-doubt following the demise of a relationship. While moving away from the usual sound of a heartbreak anthem that leans toward a more stripped-down approach, “Nagkulang” offers a more energetic and catchy sound overall.
“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 band shares.
“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,” they add.
With “Nagkulang,” the band, which has primarily explored guitar-driven arrangements in their previous songs, experiments with a diverse range of genres, including funk, alternative pop, rock, and new wave.
“Nagkulang” marks the beginning of a new creative direction for the band. “We’re also hoping to release another song before the end of the year, which would be a really nice contrast to ‘Nagkulang’ and a great way to close out this year’s sound,” the band notes.
Listen to “Nagkulang” below:
Formed in 2025, NEXTONE are composed of Ezekiel del Rosario on lead vocals and guitar, Elijah del Rosario on bass guitar and songwriting, Anton “Ant” Laron on rhythm guitar, and Alean Soto on drums.
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“Nagkulang” explores self-doubt and overthinking in the aftermath of a failed relationship, capturing the experience of second-guessing one’s self-worth. The pop-rock quartet blends city pop influences, shimmering synths, and energetic textures rather than a typical stripped-down heartbreak sound.
NEXTONE is an OPM pop-rock quartet formed in 2025, composed of Ezekiel del Rosario on lead vocals and guitar, Elijah del Rosario on bass and songwriting, Anton “Ant” Laron on rhythm guitar, and Alean Soto on drums.
“Nagkulang” moves beyond NEXTONE’s usual guitar-driven arrangements, experimenting with funk, alternative pop, rock, and new wave influences. The band fused these genres with city pop textures to create a more energetic, catchy sound than their typical heartbreak anthems.
“Nagkulang” was released under Sony Music Entertainment, marking NEXTONE’s latest single and the start of a new creative direction for the band. NEXTONE has also teased plans to release another song before the end of the year.
The concept for “Nagkulang” began with the word itself before developing into a narrative about grappling with self-doubt after a relationship ends. NEXTONE intentionally crafted the melody and production so the word “Nagkulang” would feel stuck in listeners’ heads.
