Hey there, music lovers! If you've been scrolling through your feeds lately, you've probably noticed how synthpop is making a massive comeback in 2025—think shimmering synths that feel like a neon-lit hug, mixed with those raw, emotional lyrics that hit right in the feels. And right on cue, enter CATBEAR with their brand-new single "It's Okay," dropping today (October 8th, y'all—perfect timing for your playlist refresh). This track is pure alt-pop gold, an anthem that's all about ditching the apologies and owning your space. If you're into that euphoric rush of self-acceptance vibes, stick around because this one's about to become your go-to for late-night drives or those moments when you need a reminder that you're enough.
As a synthpop junkie, I live for tracks that blend 80s nostalgia with modern edge, and "It's Okay" nails it. Picture this: it starts off in quiet reflection, like a deep breath in the chaos of life, then explodes into these euphoric choruses that you can't help but sing along to. The pulsing synths drive the whole thing forward, layered with beats that make you want to move, and Zoe Konez's ethereal vocals soaring defiantly over it all. It's got that signature CATBEAR sound—electronic textures that nod to Depeche Mode and The Cure, but wrapped in indie pop warmth that's distinctly their own. And those lyrics? Straight fire. Lines like "No more fake smiles, no more compromise" and "It's okay, you made it, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone" reject all the BS and affirm that resilience and pride we've all been chasing. It's not just a song; it's a statement, placing CATBEAR firmly alongside synthpop queens like Robyn, MUNA, Shura, and Christine and the Queens.
What I love most is how this track ties into the bigger conversation happening in alt-pop right now. We're in this golden era of queer visibility in music, where artists are flipping the script on belonging and identity, especially as we hit our late 30s and beyond. Zoe herself puts it perfectly: "This song is about reaching a point where you stop apologising for yourself. It's inspired by conversations about being queer in your late 30s and beyond—belonging, visibility, and being proud of the lives we've built. It's a reminder that it's okay to take up space, and to show the next generation that we're still here, thriving." With synthpop's revival exploding on platforms like Spotify's New Music Friday (where CATBEAR has already snagged spots), tracks like this are fueling that fire. It's empowering, it's visible, and honestly, in a world that's still catching up, it's revolutionary.
Now, let's talk about the duo behind the magic. CATBEAR—best friends Zoe and Sarah, hailing from Brighton and South London—have been crafting their alt-pop world since 2018. It all kicked off with DIY gigs and house parties, evolving from their debut single "Beast of the Night" (a gritty take on party highs and crashes) to their first album Into the Light, which bundled those early breakout hits. But 2023's "I Choose Love" was the game-changer, shifting gears into broader LGBTQ+ themes of joy, identity, and belonging. Fast-forward to now, and they've racked up over 4.5 million Spotify streams, BBC Introducing love, and stage shares with heavy-hitters like The Subways, Ladytron, and The Human League. Oh, and don't sleep on their live game: after tearing up The Great Escape and Bristol Pride's main stage, they've leveled up to a three-piece with powerhouse drummer Camille Phillips. As they say, "Camille brought CATBEAR back to life... she's an incredible drummer and it elevates our live show into a joyous experience." Their ethos? Proudly DIY—Zoe writes, records, and produces everything in her Brighton home studio, even handling the merch shipping herself. Supported by Arts Council England and Help Musicians, they've built a global fanbase from Mexico to Germany, all while keeping it real and independent.
"It's Okay" isn't just a standalone bop; it's the final single teasing their second album For Now, For Ever, out October 24th. This one's their most ambitious yet—their first physical release on vinyl, CD, and cassette, conceived as a full journey from quiet introspection to full-on catharsis. Mixed and mastered by Oz Craggs at Hidden Track Studios, it's packed with 80s-inspired synths, indie-rock guitars, and those warm vocals that make it perfect for neon-lit queer club nights or gaming marathons. Follow-ups like "Higher," "Rush," and "Carry On" have already pulled in millions of streams, and with four fresh tracks rounding it out, this album feels like the CATBEAR sound they've been chasing since day one. Catch its live debut at their Brighton headline show at Daltons on October 11th—trust me, you don't want to miss that energy.
Whew, if "It's Okay" has you feeling seen and hyped, you're not alone. This synthpop gem is out now on all major platforms, ready to soundtrack your next empowerment playlist. What about you—does this track resonate with your own journey, or what's your fave alt-pop anthem of the moment? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I read every one and love geeking out over new music with you!
And hey, if you're an indie artist grinding in the synthpop or indie pop scene, getting your tracks out there shouldn't be a hassle. That's where DistroKid comes in—they make distributing to Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond super straightforward, so you can focus on creating. Plus, snag a sweet 7% off your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It's a no-brainer for keeping more of your earnings while reaching those global fans. Go make some noise!
