LISA is opening a new chapter in her solo career with PRESS PLAY, a six-track EP arriving tonight, through LLOUD and RCA Records. Following the success of “SaWaDiKa” and her 2025 debut solo album Alter Ego, the BLACKPINK star is turning toward a more personal concept inspired by her Thai roots, cinematic storytelling and evolution as an artist.
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When Does LISA’s PRESS PLAY Come Out?
PRESS PLAY arrives on Friday, October 23, 2026, marking LISA’s first new solo project since Alter Ego. The upcoming release follows “SaWaDiKa,” which debuted on September 4 and introduced the EP’s cultural direction through Thai-inspired imagery, assertive rap delivery and bass-heavy production.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, LISA explained that the six songs reflect her journey from Thailand to her current position in the global music industry. She described the project as a movie, with each track possessing its own character and sound while contributing to a larger experience.
That approach differs from Alter Ego, which explored five fictional personas representing different sides of her personality. Rather than centering the project on separate identities, PRESS PLAY puts greater emphasis on her personal story and the cultural influences that have shaped her career.
LISA’s PRESS PLAY Tracklist
The EP features six tracks, including the previously released lead single and five additional songs. The complete tracklist is:
- “SaWaDiKa”
- “V12”
- “COBRA”
- “TARANTINO”
- “CUT U OFF”
- “SWEAT”
No guest artists appear on the project, positioning the PRESS PLAY as a largely solo statement. This contrasts with Alter Ego, which featured collaborations with Doja Cat, RAYE, Rosalía, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla and Future.
What to Know About “SaWaDiKa”
Released September 4, “SaWaDiKa” draws its title from sawatdee kha, a Thai greeting commonly used to say hello. The song places LISA’s cultural identity at the center of her solo era, combining confident rap delivery with heavy bass and punchy percussion.
Its music video was filmed in Bangkok and directed by Bang Jae Yeob. Thai locations, street scenes and imagery inspired by Muay Thai boxing reinforce the connection to LISA’s home country.
The release also delivered major opening numbers. The video generated approximately 70.8 million YouTube views in its first 24 hours, placing it among 2026’s biggest music-video debuts. It subsequently passed 100 million views in approximately 52 hours and reached 153 million views during its first seven days.
On the Billboard charts, “SaWaDiKa” debuted at No. 69 on the Hot 100, giving LISA her seventh appearance on the chart. It also opened at No. 23 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 13 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
LISA’s “Tarantino”: Release Date and Music Video
“Tarantino” arrives alongside PRESS PLAY on October 23. LISA announced the track on October 14, sharing its artwork and a preview that introduced its cinematic concept. In the snippet, she raps about long nails, lipstick and gun-barrel imagery before declaring, “It’s a movie, baby, come and press play.”
A music-video preview released October 21 shows LISA reading a letter in an elegant hotel room before two men attempt to break through the door. The sequence ends with the intruders being sent flying, suggesting an action-driven visual narrative. The title references filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.
How PRESS PLAY Follows Alter Ego
Released February 28, 2025, Alter Ego marked LISA’s first full-length solo studio album under LLOUD and RCA Records. Its 15 tracks explored five fictional personas named Roxi, Sunni, Kiki, Vixi and Speedi, allowing her to move between different musical styles and performance identities.
The album included “Rockstar,” “New Woman” featuring Rosalía, “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” and “Born Again” featuring Doja Cat and RAYE. “Rockstar” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200, while Alter Ego debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 with 45,500 equivalent album units.
LISA’s Upcoming Las Vegas Residency
The EP arrives during an active period for LISA beyond music releases. Her documentary, Always Lalisa, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September before receiving a worldwide theatrical release on October 12.
She is also preparing to launch her Las Vegas residency, Viva La Lisa, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on November 12. The original four-show run was expanded to six dates following strong demand, putting the new EP just weeks ahead of another major live milestone.
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