Matty Aiko Drops "BUT, YOU" and the Industry Should Be Paying Attention

Every once in a while, a new artist doesn’t just release a song; they start a movement. Matty Aiko’s debut single “But, You” out under Def Alien Records’ Seoul Division is one of those rare introductions that feels both intimate and monumental. The 18-year-old, Tokyo-born and Seoul-raised artist is crafting a version of global pop that speaks the language of rhythm, heart, and honesty.

“But, You” is smooth and striking, blending modern R&B gloss with shimmering synths, lush vocals, and an emotional pull that sticks with you. Produced by ROS, the internationally acclaimed DJ and founder of Def Alien, the track feels cinematic yet deeply human. Matty’s voice glides between vulnerability and confidence, wrapping around the beat with a warmth that feels real. It’s not performance. It’s a confession disguised as pop perfection.

What sets Matty apart isn’t just his tone or precision; it’s his duality. You can hear Seoul’s sharp production and Tokyo’s emotional depth colliding through a young artist who clearly knows himself. Lyrically, “But, You” explores love, loss, and longing without slipping into cliché. It’s modern soul through a Gen Z lens; sincere, self-aware, and effortlessly cool.

With “But, You,” Matty Aiko officially steps forward as Def Seoul’s flagship artist, and it’s clear why. He’s bridging cultures in real time, merging Western R&B textures with Eastern sensitivity. His album Daydreamer just dropped and promises even more of that fearless, youthful energy.

If “But, You” is just the prologue, Matty Aiko’s story is already shaping up to be legendary.

“But, You” feels incredibly personal. What inspired the story behind the song?

It is actually based on a real-life interaction in a coffee shop when I first saw my former GF. It was like everything stopped in the world for her in that moment. ROS & I were discussing things from my past that we could craft songs around in the studio, and he decided to take that scenario and write a story about it. Love how it came out.

You grew up between Tokyo and Seoul. How does that dual identity shape your sound?

My family left Tokyo when I was very young, so I have few memories about life there. Still, in my youth and younger teens, with so much travel between both, I feel that my sound is shaped with cultural influences from both, along with my idols from the US.

Working with ROS on your debut must have been huge. What was that creative process like? 

ROS is kind of like a big brother, boss, mentor, and creative partner all at the same time. I believe he was the perfect person to introduce me to the industry because he has worked in every part of the entertainment business, from radio to movies. I want to explore all facets too, and having a creative partner who gets and supports that is huge. We do a lot over Zoom when I'm back home, so technology has really made something that sounds challenging pretty easy and fun. 

The upcoming album Daydreamer sounds ambitious. What can listeners expect sonically and emotionally?

It feels exciting. When we began writing the songs, we made a commitment to always write from an honest and personal lens. It is the reason that songs like 'Addicted', 'Get Right', 'But, You', 'Coming Home', and others sound & feel so personal... because they are. ROS and I both brought our stories to bear in the lyrics. With that said, listeners can expect real-life stories: good, bad, & in-between.

You’re being positioned as Def Seoul’s flagship artist. How do you plan to redefine what global pop looks like in 2025?

We truly believe there is an open space for the type of global pop/R&B we are creating and releasing: songs that are fun, youthful, honest, and high-vibration. With the new DEF SEOUL division of DEF ALIEN, Nori Pak (our next artist coming) and I have two projects in a row that will drive that message and vibe home. Based on the initial response so far, our entire team feels confident about our chances of success worldwide.