underscores, the San Francisco-born artist who’s rapidly become a defining voice in contemporary electronic music, is charting a new course with her upcoming album, U. Set for release on March 20, the project signals a deliberate shift towards a more streamlined pop sound, building on singles already released and showcasing a dexterity that has captivated listeners and critics alike. This evolution from her earlier, more experimental work marks an exciting new chapter for the artist, whose real name is April Harper Grey.
The first taste of U came with the release of “Music” and “Do It,” both of which demonstrated underscores’ growing comfort within the pop framework. Now, with the arrival of “Tell Me (U Want It),” a dubstep-inflected track accompanied by a self-directed music video, the album’s direction is becoming increasingly clear. The video, a playful “quasi-caper” as described by The Fader, was filmed across Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, and features a cameo from fellow producer and artist Jane Remover.
From Experimental Roots to Pop Focus
underscores’ musical journey has been marked by stylistic exploration. Previous projects like 2023’s Wallsocket and 2021’s boneyard aka fearmonger and fishmonger blended elements of rock, pop, and experimental electronics. However, U appears to be a focused effort, applying her considerable production skills to a more direct pop sensibility. This isn’t a sudden departure, but rather a natural progression, reflected in her recent remix work.
underscores has recently put her spin on tracks by Ninajirachi, with a remix of “It’s You,” and Australian pop performer daine, who collaborated on a remix of “It’s You.” She also lent her talents to a remix of K-pop star Yves’ track, “Do It,” adding a “bubbly guest verse” to the song. These collaborations demonstrate underscores’ ability to seamlessly integrate her sound into diverse musical landscapes, while simultaneously honing her pop sensibilities.
A Concise and Focused Album
In a February 27 Instagram story, underscores revealed further details about U. The album will consist of nine songs, totaling 34 minutes in length, and will not feature any guest appearances. This decision suggests a desire for a cohesive and personal statement, allowing her artistic vision to grab center stage without external influences.
underscores’ rise has been swift and multifaceted. Born in 2000, she began releasing dubstep music on SoundCloud at the age of 13, according to Wikipedia. She has since released multiple EPs, including Fishmonger in 2021, and toured with artists like 100 gecs. Her earlier work, released under the moniker leroy, even inspired a microgenre known as “dariacore.” She also operates under the pseudonym Venturing, releasing the full-length LP “Ghostholding” in February.
Beyond Production: A Multifaceted Artist
underscores’ creative output extends beyond her own music. She is also a radio host, running “Wait Watch This” on NTS Radio, where she curates hour-long DJ sets. This role allows her to showcase her eclectic taste and connect with audiences in a different format. Her versatility is further highlighted by collaborations with artists like Frost Children, underscores, and Tinashe.
The artist’s evolution is particularly notable given her previous work. A 2025 review in The DePaulia noted that her stage presence was still developing during a performance with JPEGMAFIA, suggesting a continuous refinement of her artistry. Now, with U on the horizon, underscores appears poised to deliver a fully realized pop vision, built on a foundation of experimentation and a relentless work ethic.
U is available for pre-order now, with the full album set to drop on March 20. Fans can expect a concise, focused collection of songs that showcase underscores’ evolving sound and her commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The next step for underscores will be the release of the album and the opportunity to bring her new sound to stages around the world.
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