Rol3ert is revisiting one of his most significant career milestones with a cross-border reimagining of his breakout hit. The artist has unveiled “(how could i be) honest? – DAUL mix (feat. THAMA)”, a collaboration that moves beyond the scope of a standard remix to blend Japanese and Korean musical sensibilities into a singular, cohesive work.
The latest version sees Rol3ert partnering with Korean producer DAUL and R&B artist THAMA to evolve the track’s sonic identity. While the original version of “(how could i be) honest?” established Rol3ert’s presence on the global stage, this reimagined version focuses on a more versatile arrangement, incorporating new Korean lyrics penned by THAMA and a shift toward a synth-forward, electronic soundscape.
This collaboration arrives on the heels of the original track’s rapid ascent. Following its release in December 2025, the song became Rol3ert’s fastest-growing release to date, crossing 500,000 streams on Spotify within its first month. Its reach extended across Asia, appearing on official playlists in 18 countries and climbing to No. 5 on Singapore’s Shazam charts, while receiving significant airplay on Singapore’s 987FM.
Deconstructing the Sound: From Emo-Rock to Electronic
The transition from the original’s band-driven energy to the “DAUL mix” was a deliberate effort to expand the song’s emotional depth without erasing its core. DAUL sought to maintain the “strong hook” and “natural energy” of the original vocal melody while reconstructing the environment around it using synthesizers and electronic drums to create a more three-dimensional sound.
For THAMA, the appeal lay in the original track’s “rock texture,” which he noted felt fresh compared to his usual R&B repertoire. He remarked that Rol3ert’s voice and melody evoked the emo rock bands of his youth. In this version, THAMA contributes a newly written first verse—a structural addition that was absent from the original—providing a new narrative entry point for the listener.
Rol3ert himself approached the reinvention by embracing a sense of “playfulness.” He integrated sounds inspired by 1980s video games to lean into the “absurd, chaotic, and imperfect” qualities of the original. By merging these nostalgic elements with DAUL’s production and THAMA’s Korean lyrics, the team aimed to create a piece that feels like a distinct song while remaining tethered to the original’s charm.
A Visual and Cultural Homage
The collaboration extends into the visual realm with a music video filmed in Korea. The production serves as a cultural homage to the heritage of DAUL and THAMA, mirroring the track’s intent to bridge the gap between different regional musical identities. The video is designed to paint a more vivid picture of the song’s original narrative through a diverse range of musical and visual sensibilities.
Performance Metrics of the Original Release
To understand the scale of the project, it is helpful to seem at the momentum the original track generated across the Asia-Pacific region during its initial launch period.
| Metric/Platform | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Spotify Streams | 500,000+ in first month |
| Global Reach | Official playlists in 18 countries |
| Singapore Shazam | Reached No. 5 |
| Regional Viral Charts | Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong |
The Impact of Cross-Border Collaborations
The “DAUL mix” represents a growing trend in the East Asian music market where artists from Japan and Korea bypass traditional label-driven “features” in favor of deeper, structural reimaginings of their work. By integrating Korean lyrics and production, Rol3ert is not simply targeting a new market but is actively synthesizing two distinct pop cultures.
This approach allows the song to radiate emotion through a “seamless medley” of sensibilities. The addition of THAMA’s voice and the electronic layering ensures that the track remains accessible to the original fanbase while offering a more “vibrant” and “dense” experience for new listeners who may be discovering Rol3ert through the Korean R&B scene.
As the reimagined version of “(how could i be) honest?” continues its rollout, the focus remains on the resonance of the song’s emotional core. By blending the rock-influenced origins with a modern, electronic polish, the collaboration proves that the song’s appeal transcends linguistic and stylistic borders.
With the release of the music video and the DAUL mix, Rol3ert has established a new chapter for this defining track. Further updates regarding live performances or additional regional promotions for the collaboration are expected to follow via official artist channels.
What do you think of this cross-border collaboration? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
