Ben Madilynn
SIRUP × hard life Release New Collaborative Track “RENDEZVOUS feat. hard life” and Music Video – A Road Trip Through Heartbreak
SIRUP has released his latest track, “RENDEZVOUS feat. hard life”, on Wednesday, May 7, accompanied by a brand-new music video that dropped on 12 May.
SIRUP, known for genre- and language-crossing collaborations with global artists such as CODY JON, HYBS, SUMIN, and Zion.T, now joins forces with hard life – the UK band formerly known as easy life, whose debut album hit No. 2 on the UK charts and who won Best New British Act at the NME Awards 2020. This collaboration came to life following a direct offer from Murray. The song’s sound was produced by Taka Perry, who is also behind hard life’s upcoming album “onion” set to release this July. “RENDEZVOUS” blends emotionally raw, bittersweet lyrics with mellow rhythms and flows, showcasing a dreamy groove that reflects the best of both artists.
The music video features Murray, the lead vocalist of hard life. Directed by Shunsuke Shiraiwa, who also helmed the video for “UMAMI” by SIRUP, The Crane & whoosh in 2023, the MV follows two characters on a bicycle journey as they carry the lingering emotions of heartbreak. The flowing landscapes and quiet passage of time are portrayed with a sense of weightlessness and loss, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
In the final scene — conceptualised by SIRUP himself — the two characters’ journey transcends time and space, culminating in their arrival in the cosmos. That moment of release from reality leaves behind a refreshing and cathartic afterglow.
On set, the shoot was filled with laughter, thanks to the real-life friendship between SIRUP, hard life, and producer Taka Perry. In one behind-the-scenes highlight, Murray even performs SIRUP’s verse in Japanese, a language he’s currently studying. True to the track’s dreamy vibe, the video shoot was laid-back and positive, with behind-the-scenes content set to be released soon on their official social media channels.
Upcoming Tour: NEXT LIFE TOUR 2025
SIRUP is set to kick off his long-awaited national tour, “NEXT LIFE TOUR 2025”, starting June 1 in Nagoya and ending July 18 in Tokyo, with performances in eight cities across Japan.
In addition to high-profile collaborations, SIRUP expanded his international presence with solo headliner shows in Thailand and South Korea last year. His ever-evolving live performance, which now spans borders, continues to impress. The tour will also feature unreleased tracks performed live for the first time, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience his latest music through all five senses.
About SIRUP
With a vocal style that effortlessly moves between rap and singing, SIRUP delivers genre-defying music rooted in neo-soul and R&B, blending elements of gospel and hip-hop into a refined sound that makes anyone feel good.
He has released collaborative tracks with artists from the UK, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and has partnered with global brands such as Irish whiskey label JAMESON, audio company BOSE, and automaker MINI. In 2022, he held his first solo concert at the iconic Nippon Budokan, and in 2024, his music was nominated at the Golden Melody Awards (GMA), the largest music awards in the Chinese-speaking world—further solidifying his presence as a globally active R&B artist expanding his influence beyond music.
About hard life
hard life first drew widespread attention in 2017 with their breakout track “Pockets,” shaking up the UK pop scene with their cross-generational songwriting and genre-defying sound. After chart-topping albums and collaborations with major artists, the band weathered both the pandemic and legal troubles. In 2024, frontman Murray Matravers made a fresh start in Japan, where he met music producer Taka Perry—a new creative partner. Together, they are embarking on a new chapter, marked by a more mature and liberated musical direction. Their new album, “onion,” is set for release in July 2025.
About Taka Perry
An internationally active Australian-Japanese music producer, songwriter, and composer, Taka Perry began making music in middle school and has since worked on tracks for artists such as KATSEYE, Cashmere Cat, Ruel, hard life, SIRUP, yama, iri, and MAZZEL.
With over 900 million total streams across the songs he has contributed to, his work has charted on Billboard in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as the Spotify Global Top 100, Spotify Global Viral Top 10, Spotify Japan Viral #1, and iTunes Japan #1.
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Source: IRUP x Hard Life – A Dreamy R&B Collab You Can’t Miss!
