RIIZE Release New Acoustic Pop Single “Insomnia”
by Isabel Miller
SM Entertainment boy group RIIZE have ventured into emotional, acoustic pop with their new single “Insomnia.”
Initial teasers and a schedule visualiser were shared on October 18, both positioned underwater. Each contained a different part of the same instrumental, which introduced the calm, acoustic sound intended with “Insomnia,” backed by guitar. Combined with the shifting waves and “Insomnia” title, RIIZE set a slow, comforting tone for this release.
Further promotional content took an innovative approach. Within twenty-four hours of the announcement, Spotify sleep playlists were published by each of RIIZE’s six members, the first episode of a variety series titled “Insomnia Hunters” was published on RIIZE’s YouTube channel, and reservations opened for the interactive <RIIZE into INSOMNIA> release event being held in Seoul. Later in the week came the “INSOMNIA SHEEP GAME,” encouraging fans to play the web game and share their scores online, as well as memes, concept photos, and a fictional story with associated illustrations. Each maintained a strong visual theme, either incorporating a deep, underwater setting or references to sleep.
Since their debut in 2023, RIIZE have become known for their funky dance-pop, hip-hop and electronic title tracks. From their debut title track “Get A Guitar” to more recent releases like “Impossible,” “Boom Boom Bass” and “Do your dance,” the group have solidified a consistent musical identity.
In the process, however, they have largely stayed away from emotional, ballad-leaning songs. “Insomnia” is the group’s first venture into an acoustic pop sound, turning from bright concepts and dance-pop to leave a deeper impression with mellow vocals. Though the song follows a lonely speaker as they yearn for another until the sunrise, it is also intended as a comforting reminder to fans; lyrics like “When I get lost inside my head / Every time, I think of you” aim to support the listener through a sleepless night.
Its music video supports that intention to comfort fans. At the beginning, the members of RIIZE are alone, marked by blood and struggling to stay afloat in water. As the video progresses, however, those moments become more varied, the members’ reuniting in the twilight and moving back and forth between loneliness, frustration, and joy. Constructing a narrative surrounding dreams, reality, and memory, it accepts vulnerability and the strong emotions that arise at night.
RIIZE’s second mini album, II, became the group’s fourth million-seller upon its release in June. It also marked the highest first-day sales figure for the six-piece so far in their career, with over 916,000 copies sold. That consistency, aided by specific areas of growth, reflects their popularity. Returning only four months later with a new single, RIIZE are carrying that momentum forward.
The deeper narrative and sound of “Insomnia” means that this time around, the group haven’t relied on their signature and its popularity in the wider industry at the moment but on fans themselves. Even so, the release has topped charts on China’s QQ Music, surpassing 250,000 Chinese yuan in sales figures and earning a “Gold” certification. It also topped charts on iTunes in regions such as Argentina and Chile, and has charted well on Kugou Music, Tencent Music, and Line. This element of variation and versatility has been supported by those already familiar with RIIZE’s capabilities, introducing a new side to the group and emphasising their ability to explore multiple paths – opening up new possibilities as a result.
Stream and download “Insomnia” by RIIZE on global streaming services now.