Hey everyone, let's talk about a fresh drop that's got me smiling despite the name—sad alex teaming up with Grayson Foster on "Eyes First." If you're into synthpop, indie pop, or alt pop vibes that hit that sweet spot between nostalgic glow and modern rush, this one's for you. Released just recently under STNS, it's already picking up steam with streams climbing and shoutouts across blogs calling it everything from a "melancholy pop bop" to an euphoric love anthem.
Picture this: it's February 2026, synthpop is still riding high with those shimmering 80s-inspired atmospheric layers everywhere you look—think throwback neon meets today's polished production. Tracks like this are popping up in playlists left and right, blending retro synths with upbeat energy that's perfect for late-night drives or that first-crush butterflies feeling. "Eyes First" nails it perfectly. The production shines with those glossy synth pads, a driving beat that keeps things pacy and infectious, and an overall sound that's shiny yet grounded with some indie rock undertones holding it all together. It's got that high-energy pop flex while sneaking in mellow, revealing textures—almost like a modern twist on classic heartfelt vibes, but delivered with the kind of honest, lovestruck punch that reminds folks of current faves in the scene.
sad alex (you can catch her at @imsadalex on Insta) is the LA-based talent behind this one. She's all about writing songs—often on the sadder side, though not always—and she draws her own artwork too, which is super cool (and apparently both fun and a bit awful, in her words). She's been killing it lately: did a writing camp with Kelly Rowland through her Red Bull fam, dropped collabs that landed on big playlists like Dance Rising, Metropolis, and Heart Beats, and even sold out her last show at Madame Siam. Her debut track with Vincent did really well, and she's got more cooking with cool artists. She's got that independent hustle down, balancing music, visuals, and keeping fans updated on the regular.
Grayson Foster jumps in here too (check @imgraysonfoster), bringing his own flavor to the collab. Together, they create something that's one of sad alex's "happiest" efforts—uptempo, blissful, and overflowing with those warm, atmospheric synths. It's the kind of track that captures falling hard right from that first glance, intense and addictive in the best way.
In a year where indie pop and synthpop are leaning into emotional honesty mixed with high-production sparkle—think those Scandipop nods or Chappell Roan/Troye Sivan-level endearing energy—this collab fits right in and stands out. It's short, punchy (under 3 minutes), and leaves you wanting to hit replay.
If you're digging this sound, sad alex has plenty more on the way, so keep an eye on her Insta for updates. What do you think of "Eyes First"? Does it give you those instant-love vibes, or are you just here for the synths? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear!
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