KATSEYE have officially released their high-energy new single and music video, “PINKY UP”, continuing a bold new era for the six-piece global girl group—comprising Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung—as they step into one of the busiest live-performance periods of their career. The release arrives at a pivotal moment, aligning with their growing global momentum and a packed schedule of high-profile festival appearances, while also serving as the follow-up to their previous single, “Internet Girl”.
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With their highly anticipated Coachella debut now already underway as of April 12, following the festival’s opening weekend in Indio, California, “PINKY UP” further amplifies the group’s expanding international profile. The release also reinforces their increasingly prominent presence on the global festival circuit as they gear up for a run of major appearances in the months ahead.
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A confident, high-energy new chapter
“PINKY UP” leans into an edgy, upbeat sound that reinforces the group’s evolving pop identity. Driven by bold percussion, a commanding bassline and sleek synth layers, the track carries a playful yet assertive energy that reflects themes of confidence and living without hesitation.
The single was produced by HYBE collaborators dwilly, “hitman” bang, and FRANTS, further cementing the group’s connection to the wider HYBE creative ecosystem as they continue to refine their sound on a global scale. The songwriting team consisted of Sorana, David Wilson, Justin Tranter, Skyler Stonestreet, and Magsy, whose combined efforts help drive the track’s bold, unapologetic message and polished pop edge.
A stylised visual world
The accompanying music video for “PINKY UP” presents a visually inventive concept, reimagining ordinary environments as expressive, playful spaces where individuality and self-assurance take centre stage. The group move through these everyday settings with a heightened sense of attitude, turning the familiar into something stylised and performance-driven.
The video was directed by Bardia Zeinali, known for work with artists including Kacey Musgraves and Troye Sivan, and produced by Roisín Moloney, whose credits include Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Together, the creative team crafts a polished visual narrative that aligns with the single’s confident tone.
The video’s creative direction is led by Humberto Leon, with João Moraes serving as visual director, bringing an elevated, fashion-forward perspective to the project’s overall aesthetic. Midway through, the video shifts into a standout break, spotlighting a group of trans creatives—including model Vivian Wilson, musician Mel 4Ever, model Katalina, drag queen Vhex, and DJ Saturn Risin9—adding an extra layer of energy and inclusivity that reinforces the video’s themes of self-expression and unapologetic individuality.
Manon’s hiatus explained
Fans watching the “PINKY UP” music video may notice the absence of Manon Bannerman, with KATSEYE currently promoting as a five-piece rather than their usual six-member line-up. Her hiatus was first announced in February, with the group’s management confirming that she would be stepping back from activities to focus on her health and well-being.
As a result, Manon Bannerman does not appear in the “PINKY UP” single or its accompanying music video, and has also been absent from recent performances, including the group’s Coachella debut.
Despite this, both the group and Bannerman herself have reassured fans that the hiatus is temporary. She has shared messages expressing gratitude for the support she has received, while the remaining members have continued to emphasise their close bond, describing her as an integral part of the group.
At the time of writing, no official timeline has been confirmed for her return, though KATSEYE continue their current promotional cycle and live performances as a five-member group.
Coachella and a packed festival schedule
The timing of “PINKY UP” is particularly significant, arriving just as KATSEYE begin one of their most important live performance phases to date. The group made their Coachella debut on April 10, with another scheduled performance set for April 17, both in Indio, California.
Beyond Coachella, the group’s 2026 festival calendar includes major appearances across North America, with headline sets at 88rising’s Head In The Clouds festival in Los Angeles, Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City, and Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa.
Their upcoming run of live shows also reflects a rapidly growing international demand following a sold-out debut tour in support of their EP “BEAUTIFUL CHAOS”. The group’s first headline run, which spanned 16 shows across 13 cities in North America, sold out almost instantly—prompting additional dates in key markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, which also quickly reached capacity. This overwhelming response not only underscored the strength of their global fanbase but also cemented KATSEYE’s status as a rising live act, with demand now extending beyond traditional touring circuits and onto major international festival stages.
Critical acclaim and growing cultural presence
The group’s recent rise has been further amplified by high-profile media coverage and award recognition. Following their 2026 GRAMMY Awards appearance—where they were nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—media reactions highlighted their breakout impact.
KATSEYE’s profile in the U.S. continued to rise with their first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a milestone that placed the group firmly within the late-night mainstream circuit. The moment saw them step into a broader pop culture spotlight, reflecting on their recent GRAMMY season while also highlighting how their presence has begun extending beyond music into wider entertainment and brand collaborations. That crossover was underlined by their reference to a State Farm campaign linked to the Super Bowl, which later became part of a live choreography segment performed during the show—reinforcing their growing reputation for tightly executed, performance-led concepts.
A global group with global momentum
Formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’s joint venture project, KATSEYE are made up of six members whose backgrounds span multiple continents, giving the group a distinctly global identity from the outset. Daniela Avanzini grew up in Atlanta with Cuban and Venezuelan roots, Lara Raj is based in New York with Indian heritage, while Manon Bannerman was raised between Ghanaian and Italian influences in Zurich. Megan Skiendiel brings a Chinese-American background from Honolulu, Sophia Laforteza hails from Manila in the Philippines, and Yoonchae Jeung joins from Seoul in South Korea.
Rather than a traditional pop formation rooted in a single market, the group’s appeal is shaped by this cultural crossover, which continues to define their positioning as an internationally minded pop act.
The group’s rapid ascent has already earned them a place on major cultural lists, including recognition from The Washington Post as one of the people shaping society in 2026, alongside a GLAAD Media Awards nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.
Looking ahead
With “PINKY UP” now out in the world, the release effectively sets the stage for KATSEYE’s next phase, as they move into a packed summer of festival performances, including Governors Ball, Hinterland and Head In The Clouds, where their evolving sound will be showcased to growing international crowds.
For now, “PINKY UP” stands as a statement of intent—playful, confident and fully aligned with a group increasingly positioned at the centre of modern global pop.
“PINKY UP”, by KATSEYE, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via HYBE and Geffen Records.
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