Who said we’re done with summer songs this year? Well, no one. That’s why we’re allowing Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI’s freshest release to take us to one that’s all-too familiar: a bright, laid-back, and carefree time in our history. 

A day after her mysterious post of a handwritten page off a notebook, the 88rising star dropped her surprise single “Every Summertime” and its visual counterpart. A few seconds into the music video, the roadtrip FOMO easily creeps in, especially when you spot Alan Kim riding shotgun.

The award-winning 9-year-old “Minari” star leads the MV’s father-son narrative as he seemingly listens to “Every Summertime” on the stereo with his dad. Basked in sunlight, this undisturbed moment amplifies the track’s youthful and comforting atmosphere. Just peep the lyrics like, “18, we were undergrads / Stayed out late, never made it to class.” 

But later in the track, NIKI also chronicles the reality of growing up. This includes our best effort to keep everything intact above the changes. “Every year we get older and I’m still on your side,” NIKI sings with the right mix of R&B and soul jazz. Despite how time flies, the trying presence of security makes each moment feel like summertime. So, Alan Kim, please don’t close the car doors yet. 

Watch the MV here:

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Still from “Every Summertime”