Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Six-Track Project Produced by Grammy-Winning Producer Dem Jointz Marks a New Global Chapter for the Japanese Group
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LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — International boy group JO1 officially begins a fresh era today with the drop of ANIMAL, their very first EP recorded entirely in English and their formal debut project in the United States.
This six-track EP represents a significant milestone in JO1’s ongoing worldwide growth, combining a globally oriented sound, deeper creative participation from the members, and a partnership with acclaimed Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Dem Jointz, who helmed production on every track of the release.
Crafted to reveal a different dimension of JO1 to listeners across the globe, ANIMAL showcases the group at its most raw and unrestrained. Throughout the project, JO1 delves into themes of liberty, individuality, and surpassing expectations, while broadening the musical and performance style that has elevated them to one of Japan’s most notable modern acts.
At the heart of the EP lies its lead single, “ANIMAL,” an energetic dance track centered on the concept of releasing the hidden parts of oneself. JO1 member Takumi Kawanishi contributed to the song’s composition, highlighting the group’s expanding involvement in their creative work.
Powered by a driving rhythm and an explosive delivery, “ANIMAL” transforms the EP’s overarching message into a rallying cry to shed constraints and move ahead fueled by instinct.
The single arrives alongside its official music video, which visually elaborates on that concept. The clip traces JO1 as they escape a “cage” and step into a vast, unpredictable world, using this imagery as a symbol for the group pushing past familiar limits and onto a broader international platform.
The choreography ranks among JO1’s most physically demanding routines to date. The video concludes with the ensemble joined by 30 dancers for an expansive finale that symbolizes the members freeing themselves from the frameworks that previously confined them.
Fans received an early taste of “ANIMAL” through performances at major events like KCON LA 2026 and ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026, where JO1 debuted the track ahead of its official launch.
ANIMAL arrives on the heels of mounting international momentum for JO1 and coincides with the group kicking off its North American tour today, October 2, at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall. This five-show run will proceed through New York, Chicago, and San Francisco before wrapping up October 11 at The Novo in Los Angeles, cementing 2026 as a landmark year in the group’s global trajectory.
More than just a U.S. introduction, ANIMAL signals the dawn of a new phase for JO1 as they evolve their musical identity, assume a greater role in the creative process, and present their music to an even wider international audience.
ANIMAL is out now across all major streaming platforms.
UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE
Friday, October 2 / Toronto: Danforth Music Hall
Sunday, October 4 / New York: Webster Hall
Tuesday, October 6 / Chicago: Copernicus Center
Thursday, October 8 / San Francisco: The Warfield
Sunday, October 11 / Los Angeles: The Novo
ABOUT JO1
JO1 is a 9-member global boy group on the rise to becoming worldwide stars. Emerging from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN on March 4th, 2020, they have quickly made their mark with their remarkable talent, chart-topping hits, and dynamic performances. Consisting of 9 members – Sho, Ren, Ruki, Junki, Keigo, Takumi, Syoya, Sky, and MÁME, they were formed through 65 million votes by their passionate fans—the "nation’s producers"—JO1 is carving out a major presence not only in Japan but across the globe. JO1 has nine consecutive number-one singles on the Oricon charts, including the record-breaking debut single “Protostar,” which sold over 300,000 copies in its first week. They have eight number-one songs and two number-one albums on Billboard Japan, with “Wandering” achieving double platinum status. They’ve achieved three MTV Video Music Awards Japan, three MAMA Awards, and one Japan Gold Disc Award, including Favorite Asian Artist at the 2022 MAMA Awards.
Angela Mach
Platform PR
angela@platformpr.net
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ANIMAL Official MV
