5 Seconds of Summer Ignite a New Era with Raw, Energetic Single “Not OK”
Los Angeles, CA – September 25, 2025 – Hold onto your hats, music fans! 5 Seconds of Summer, the Australian pop-rock powerhouse that defined a generation, has officially returned with a vengeance. Their brand new single, “Not OK,” dropped today, and it’s a thrilling glimpse into a bolder, more self-aware chapter for the band. This is a breaking news moment for fans who’ve eagerly awaited new music after a three-year hiatus.
“Not OK”: A Descent into Reckless Abandon
“Not OK” isn’t just a song; it’s an experience. The track, available now on all digital platforms, dives headfirst into the intoxicating chaos of a love that pushes boundaries. Luke Hemmings’ vocals are particularly striking, delivering a catchy yet emotionally complex refrain: “Hey, I’m not well! I like the darkest side of me, that part of me who comes out to play when I am with you.” Hemmings himself describes the song as embodying the “energy of the early 5 Seconds of Summer, but different,” a sentiment that encapsulates the band’s evolution. Inspired by artists ranging from The Prodigy to Nerd, the song blends stacked synths with a driving bassline, creating a sound that’s equally at home in a packed festival crowd or an underground rave.
‘Everyone’s a Star!’ – Album Details & Instant Sell-Out
“Not OK” serves as the first taste of 5 Seconds of Summer’s sixth studio album, “Everyone’s a Star!”, slated for release on November 14th. The album, created over the past two years between Los Angeles and Nashville with collaborators like Jason, Julian Bunetta, and John Ryan, promises a level of creative freedom and self-expression the band hasn’t explored before. In fact, the Picture Disc format of the album on the Universal Shop sold out in under an hour, demonstrating the incredible anticipation surrounding this release. Pre-orders and pre-saves are still available here.
From High School Friends to Global Superstars: A 5SOS Retrospective
For those just tuning in, 5 Seconds of Summer – comprised of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin – burst onto the scene in 2011, evolving from high school friends into a global phenomenon. Their 2014 debut single, “She Looks So Perfect,” catapulted them to international fame, earning them a Golden Disc in Italy and a Song of the Year award at the Aria Music Awards. Since then, they’ve amassed over 18 million albums sold, 6 million tickets sold worldwide, and a staggering 17 billion streams globally.
Their journey hasn’t been without evolution. Albums like “Sounds Good Feels Good” (2015) and “Youngblood” (2018) – the latter achieving Platinum status in Italy and topping the Billboard 200 – showcased their growth and willingness to experiment. “Calm” (2020) and “5sos5” (2022) further solidified their position as one of the most consistently successful and critically acclaimed bands of their generation. This consistent success is a testament to their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, and their commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
A Band Reimagined: Embracing Vulnerability and Unconscious Creativity
“This is an album created by four people who could each have their own solo album,” Hemmings shared, highlighting the individual strengths and collaborative spirit that fueled “Everyone’s a Star!”. He adds that the album represents a return to the band’s original, unfiltered approach to songwriting – a willingness to be vulnerable and say what they think, even after 15 years in the industry. The recent performance at Sun Rose West Hollywood, where they previewed new material alongside their classic hits, offered fans a tantalizing preview of this exciting new direction.
5 Seconds of Summer aren’t just making music; they’re defining a sound, influencing a generation, and proving that reinvention is the key to longevity. “Everyone’s a Star!” isn’t just an album title; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that everyone has a voice, a story, and a star within them – and 5 Seconds of Summer are here to help them shine. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of 5SOS and all the latest in music news.