Catch a Glimpse Into Night Riots' Alt-Electro Dreamscape With  "Loyal to the Game" [PREMIERE]

image

Following the early 2015 release of their debut EP,  Howl,  Billboard called Night Riots' sublime alternative sound a  "new wavey bliss." Four and a half years later, the description still rings true. The LA-based quintet, comprised of vocalist Travis Hawley, bassist Mikel Van Kranenburg, guitarists Nick Fotinakes and Matt DePauw, and drummer Rico Rodriguez,  is known for their charismatic live shows and ethereal but hard-hitting electro-indie anthems. The group has crafted an '80s-esque dark synth sound which has mesmerized 670,000 Spotify listeners and garnered over 74 million streams.  Today, Ones to Watch is premiering Night Riot's new single and visual  "Loyal to the Game"  in support of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, New State of Mind, set to drop July 26.

The invigorating new single sends vibrations down the spine and into every nerve, ending as moody and intoxicating guitar-like synths accompany Hawley's dynamic vocals. The song seems to be an ode to sensuality and attraction, focusing on a female subject who intriguingly  "moves in her own way/Loyal to the game." The corresponding visual is as hypnotic as the track itself. It features a prolonged shot of a single female figure treading water and floating in a vast, unearthly sea. As the song progresses, the camera zooms out until the swimmer becomes a small white dot amidst the milky dreamlike ocean.  

The group shares a juicy BTS tidbit about filming the video:

“At its core, ‘Loyal to the Game’ is a sexy summer love song. In honor of this sexiness we filmed the video ourselves at a nude beach. So as you’d expect, we were just off camera completely nude."  

Revisit Night Riots' live performance and interview from our "All Eyes On" series below:

Related Articles

Haiden Henderson Keeps Things "NSFW" (As Advertised)

Haiden Henderson Keeps Things "NSFW" (As Advertised)

June 29, 2026 Henderson is building momentum in real tim.e
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop
In Conversation: Wallice and Dolly Ave [Q&A]

In Conversation: Wallice and Dolly Ave [Q&A]

June 29, 2026 For OTW's 11th anniversary and AAPI month, friends and musicians Wallice and Dolly Ave interview each other about their unexpected paths to music, the realities of touring, and their first concerts.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
Pop
James Droll’s New Project, Big Guy & The Very Large Men Celebrates Nashville Queer Community [Q&A]

James Droll’s New Project, Big Guy & The Very Large Men Celebrates Nashville Queer Community [Q&A]

June 26, 2026 Droll took the time to chat with us about his new project, DIY-ing his “Cowboy Boots” music video, and the very important balance of serious and stupid.
Author: Rebeccah Blau