A Pivot to Pop Energy
Rosé is stepping away from the melancholy themes that defined her recent work. The Blackpink star announced her new one-off single, New Trick, marking a shift in both sound and perspective for the singer. She wrote the track during a fast-paced week in New York, specifically two days after she appeared at the Met Gala in May 2026. This creative departure comes after she spent significant time recording sad songs for her studio album, Rosie. She shared the creative process with her regular songwriting partner, Amy Allen. The pair found themselves crafting something upbeat rather than the somber ballads that previously occupied her studio time.
She describes this shift as a refreshing change of pace. She noted that she enjoyed channeling a different version of herself while working in the studio. The thrill of this energy is something she wants her audience to feel immediately. While she acknowledged her previous hit single, Apt., as a contender for the title of her cutest work, she considers this new song a strong rival. The song leans into the pop-rock aesthetic that often defined early 2000s music, a style she grew up listening to and admired.
Technical Innovation in Music Production
The visual accompaniment for New Trick marks a technical collaboration between Rosé and director Dave Meyers. The music video is notable because it was filmed entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro, the latest hardware revealed by Apple at their Cupertino headquarters on September 9, 2026. This project is part of the established Shot on iPhone campaign, an initiative that has featured artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd. Rosé cited her longstanding admiration for the creative output of this specific campaign as a factor in her decision to participate.
Filming with a smartphone required a distinct approach compared to traditional production setups. Meyers, who has directed videos for Harry Styles and Ariana Grande, brought his experience to the project to ensure the visual quality met the standards of both the singer and the brand. By utilizing the new hardware features of the iPhone 18 Pro, the team captured a aesthetic that Rosé believes fits the upbeat nature of the track. The video is set to go live on September 17, giving fans a glimpse into the sound she is currently pursuing.
The Evolution of a Solo Career
This single serves as a bridge for fans waiting for her sophomore album, which is scheduled for release in 2027. Rosé is currently in a period of transition as she determines her next artistic direction. She spoke about the challenge of finding the right balance between the world she aims to build and the authentic expression of her current identity. The process is one of steady evolution rather than a sudden overhaul of her musical style. She is taking the necessary time to ensure the final product reflects who she is becoming as a performer.
Her focus remains on the development of this new era of music. She views her career as a long-term progression where she experiments with different sounds until she finds what resonates with her personal taste. Fans should expect the upcoming album to be a continuation of this testing phase. For now, she is committed to the release of New Trick and the work that will follow in the coming months. The industry will watch to see how this transition impacts her standing as a solo artist.