By Hasan Beyaz
Vancouver K-indie-rock duo PRYVT are stepping into their next chapter. After breaking through with their 2024 debut &SCENE – a cinematic, episodic project that won them 20 million streams and a global fanbase – the band quickly found themselves thrust into a whirlwind of touring, opening for slchld and Wave to Earth while headlining shows in cities like New York and Toronto. For singer-guitarist Hanuel and guitarist-producer JT, the sudden rise was surreal, and sometimes disorienting.
Their upcoming second album, BACK TO REALITY, channels that whirlwind into something more grounded and personal. Written largely in the aftermath of touring, the record redefines PRYVT’s sound and identity with an eye toward the live stage. Where &SCENE was cinematic and concept-driven, BACK TO REALITY carries the weight of lived experience. “This new project is meant to be performed live and be experienced with others,” JT explains. Hanuel adds that the writing process felt more intimate this time, shifting from imagined stories to deeply personal reflections of change and growth.
Leading the way is “PALETTE,” the first single and one of the album’s brighter moments. Both members describe it as a hopeful introduction – easing listeners into a record that promises a wider emotional and sonic spectrum. It’s a preview of PRYVT’s rebrand for this era: bigger shows, more immersive visuals, and a stronger focus on connection.