KATSEYE has shared their new single, “Animal”, a confident, high-energy pop track co-written by Ed Sheeran that explores themes of instinct, identity, and self-expression. The release is accompanied by a cinematic music video featuring a cameo from Demi Moore, adding a striking visual layer to the track. It follows their previous collaboration with LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT on “Iconic By Mistake”, further building on an already impactful year for the group.
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Formed through the HYBE x Geffen Records global girl group project, KATSEYE officially consists of six members: Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung. However, Bannerman is currently taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and well-being, with the remaining five members continuing promotions during the “WILD” era.
The global girl group’s newest release arrives as the latest preview of their upcoming third EP, “WILD”, which is set to drop on August 14, 2026. With “Animal”, KATSEYE explore the tension between the carefully crafted images people share with the world and the more instinctive sides of themselves that emerge away from the spotlight, wrapping that idea in sleek production and an instantly memorable hook.
Written by Omer Fedi, Blake Slatkin, Ed Sheeran, and Johnny McDaid, whilst it was produced by Fedi and Slatkin, “Animal” combines polished pop songwriting with a playful, unpredictable edge. The track showcases KATSEYE’s ability to embrace a more daring sound while still maintaining the accessibility that has helped them connect with audiences worldwide. With both producers having previously worked with artists including The Kid Laroi, Rosé, Justin Bieber, Lizzo, Sam Smith, and Lil Nas X, amongst others, the song carries a level of pop expertise that perfectly complements the group’s growing ambition.
Vocally, KATSEYE continue to prove why they are becoming one of the most talked-about emerging girl groups on the global stage. Each member brings their own personality to “Animal”, with the track allowing their individual strengths to shine while creating a powerful sense of unity through its layered harmonies and dynamic vocal arrangements. The group’s confidence is evident throughout the track, with every member contributing to the song’s bold and theatrical energy.
However, “Animal” does arrive with a sense of familiarity, particularly for fans of Fifth Harmony’s “I’m in Love With a Monster”. From the dramatic vocal delivery and darker pop atmosphere to the playful portrayal of a more unpredictable side, the similarities between the two tracks are difficult to overlook. While KATSEYE bring their own identity and lyrical approach to the song, the strong resemblance has led some listeners to draw comparisons between the releases.
Beneath its flirtatious energy, “Animal” captures the thrill of embracing a side of yourself that is usually kept hidden. KATSEYE transform that idea into a confident and empowering anthem, balancing playful lyrics with a commanding performance that feels perfectly suited to the group’s expanding artistic identity. As they enter the “WILD” era, the single showcases a group that continues to push their creativity while cementing their place in modern pop.
Alongside the single, the globally charting girl group have unveiled a visually striking music video that expands on the song’s themes. Set within a series of observation rooms and mirrored environments, the video massively plays with perception, identity, and control. The members move through shifting personas, blurring the line between who is watching and who is being watched, all while delivering sharp choreography and captivating on-screen presence.
Directed by Cody Critcheloe, who has previously worked with KATSEYE on “Gnarly” and “Touch”, the “Animal” music video embraces surreal imagery, bold styling, and a chaotic behind-the-scenes world that reflects the song’s themes of identity and transformation. Adding to the cinematic feel of the visual, Demi Moore makes a memorable cameo as a figure of authority within the dressing room sequence. Sitting calmly in the middle of the chaos as the members rush through endless outfit changes, the girl group turn to her for fashion advice as the pressure and excitement around them continues to build.
With quick-fire decisions and an increasingly frantic atmosphere, Demi Moore eventually cuts through the madness with a playful “Tuck, Tie, Fab” before the scene reaches its peak. After the chaos settles, she returns to her chair and delivers the line, “Alright, let’s get wild”, perfectly setting the stage for the track to burst back into its high-energy choreography. The visual’s combination of theatrical storytelling, striking performances, and Demi Moore’s unexpected appearance adds another memorable layer to KATSEYE’s latest era. The video’s broadcast premiere across MTV platforms and the Paramount Times Square billboards further highlights the scale of the group’s growing global presence.
“Animal” follows the success of KATSEYE’s previous era, which saw their 2025 EP “BEAUTIFUL CHAOS” make a significant impact on the US Billboard 200, charting at Number 4. With that momentum behind them, the group is now pushing forward into the “WILD” era—one that appears to embrace a more experimental and fearless creative direction.
Fans were first introduced to this new phase during the girl group’s first-ever performance at Coachella, where they debuted the lead single “PINKY UP” live. That moment marked a turning point for the group, signalling a shift in both sound and visual identity, and setting the tone for what audiences can expect from the upcoming EP.
Beyond the music, KATSEYE is also expanding their presence into film with KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS, a special theatrical release set to premiere in limited cinemas from August 12, 2026. The project promises to offer fans a deeper look into the group’s journey and the creative world behind this new era, further strengthening the connection between KATSEYE and their rapidly growing global fanbase.
Meanwhile, anticipation is continuing to build for KATSEYE’s upcoming global arena tour, titled THE WILDWORLD TOUR. The demand for tickets has already proven to be immense, with shows selling out within 48 hours across multiple territories. Additional dates were added in key cities, including London, where the group will take to the stage at The O2, as well as at major venues in North America and beyond, all of which have also sold out.
Set to launch in Dublin on September 1, the tour is expected to be KATSEYE’s most ambitious live venture to date, bringing their evolving sound and high-concept visuals to arenas across the UK, Europe, and North America.
With “Animal”, KATSEYE continues to refine their identity as a global pop force, balancing commercial appeal with a willingness to explore more layered concepts. As the countdown to “WILD” EP continues, the group is clearly positioning this era as one of their most defining yet—both musically and visually.
“Animal”, by KATSEYE, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via HYBE, Geffen Records, and UMG Music. Look out for their forthcoming “WILD” EP which is set to be dropped on August 14, with their film KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS being released in limited cinemas prior to the EP release, on August 12.
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