BAND-MAID released its new single, “ENERGETIC,” on June 24, marking the group’s first release of 2026, according to Billboard. The band has also said it will take a short break from its “OKYU-JI” live shows in 2027 so it can recharge.
In an interview with Billboard JAPAN, the members spoke about how that announcement shaped the mood of their new music. SAIKI said “Days” includes raw, honest lyrics that reflect how the band feels, while MIKU KOBATO said the song was meant to comfort fans who may feel sad about not seeing the group for a year.
KANAMI said “ENERGETIC” was written with a bright future in mind and that she imagined fans dancing at the 2026 OKYU-JI. She also said this was the first time in BAND-MAID’s 13-year history that the group moved straight from writing a song into recording it and then performing it live so quickly.
The band had just wrapped the European leg of its world tour, which included shows in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris and London, along with an appearance at Download Festival in the U.K. The members said they were relieved by the response, with KANAMI noting it was their first European run in seven years and AKANE saying many audience members were new to OKYU-JI.
