MkX Premieres New Single “UP” With Y2K Pop Flair And Futuristic Edge
Photo Cred: Chris Lee
Pop artist, producer, and Berklee graduate MkX is back with a new single, “UP,” a track that channels early 2000s pop through a modern 2025 lens. The single arrives on the heels of a busy year for the Billboard-charting artist, including a string of Pride festival performances across the country and a high-profile mainstage slot at World Pride in Washington, DC.
With over 9 million streams and an expanding catalog of high-energy singles, MkX has built his reputation on blending nostalgia with forward-thinking production. “UP” continues that path, pulling inspiration from Max Martin-era pop hits while layering in hyperpop textures shaped by pioneers like SOPHIE.
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A New Single Built On Nostalgia And Precision
Produced by MkX alongside longtime collaborators Myah Marie (Britney Spears, RuPaul, Selena Gomez) and Brandon Colbein (Zayn, Kehlani, Hayley Kiyoko), “UP” reflects the artist’s signature approach: recycle influences from his childhood and reimagine them with modern production techniques.
In his own words, MkX describes the track as leaning into “that very 2001-era punchy pop” and pairing it with ear-catching effects: lasers, bubbles, zaps, and bleeps. The single nods to icons like Britney Spears, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Janet Jackson’s “Doesn’t Really Matter.” In fact, MkX even tracked down the same robot dog that appeared in Janet’s video and incorporated it into the cover art and short-form content for “UP”.
The single arrives after a series of successful releases, including “MAN ON A MISSION,” directed by Scott McCullough—known for his extensive work with Prince—which aired internationally on MTV outlets. He followed with “WANT U BAD,” complete with a self-produced hyperpop remix and a club-ready rework by Grammy-winning producer Dave Audé (Lady Gaga, Madonna, Beyoncé). Together, these tracks built the runway for “UP,” establishing MkX’s current momentum.
From Pride Stages To Studio Sessions
Performance has always been a central part of MkX’s artistry. Over the past year, he’s delivered choreographed, high-energy sets across Pride festivals in Las Vegas, West Hollywood, Palm Springs, Milwaukee, Augusta, Charlotte, and Oakland. That schedule culminated in his World Pride set, where he opened for Doechii and performed for a crowd of 30,000.
Outside his own releases, MkX has built an impressive resume as a songwriter and producer. He co-wrote with Kim Petras on “Young & Wild” for K-Pop group TWICE, a track that appeared on their platinum-selling Yes or Yes EP, which went #1 in South Korea and Japan. He’s also worked with artists like Ayesha Erotica, Kim Petras, That Kid, and 6arelyhuman, balancing studio sessions with his solo career.
MkX’s background reflects both technical and creative depth. Growing up obsessed with late-90s and Y2K culture, he taught himself music production and video editing before attending Berklee College of Music. Over time, he’s grown into a multimedia performer who writes, produces, and designs the visual identity for each release. His catalog has earned placements on SiriusXM and iHeart platforms, along with Billboard and Mediabase chart success.
Looking Ahead
With “UP,” MkX has crystallized his formula: lean into the nostalgia of early-2000s pop while pushing sound design toward hyperpop experimentation. The single is both playful and precise, an extension of the bold personality and futuristic aesthetic that has defined his career so far.
Between his track record of charting singles, festival performances, and production work for other artists, MkX has positioned himself as one of the more consistent voices in the next generation of pop. “UP” isn’t just a callback—it’s another building block in a catalog that bridges eras of pop music while refusing to blend into the background.
