Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Photo Courtesy of LAPONE Entertainment
Grammy-Winning Producer Dem Jointz Crafts All Six Tracks on This EP, Signaling a New International Direction for the Japanese Act
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LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Worldwide boy band JO1 steps into a fresh era today with the arrival of ANIMAL, their very first EP recorded entirely in English and their official debut project in the U.S. market.
This six-song collection represents a significant milestone in JO1’s ongoing push into international markets, combining a globally oriented sound, deeper hands-on input from the members, and a partnership with acclaimed Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Dem Jointz, who handled production for every track on the release.
Crafted to reveal a different dimension of JO1 to listeners worldwide, ANIMAL showcases the group at its most raw and unrestrained. Throughout the EP, JO1 delves into ideas of liberty, self-expression, and surpassing limits, all while building on the musical and performance style that has established them as one of Japan’s most notable modern acts.
The EP’s focal point is its lead single, “ANIMAL,” a high-voltage dance number centered on the concept of revealing the hidden aspects of one’s identity. JO1 member Takumi Kawanishi contributed to composing this track, highlighting the group’s increasing participation in the creative side of their work.
Fueled by a driving rhythm and an explosive delivery, “ANIMAL” turns the EP’s broader message into a rallying cry to shed restrictions and follow one’s instincts forward.
The single drops alongside its official music video, which brings that theme to life visually. The clip shows JO1 exiting the confines of a “cage” and stepping into a vast, unpredictable environment, using that imagery as a symbol for the group moving past familiar borders and onto a larger world stage.
The choreography ranks among JO1’s most physically demanding routines to date. The video ends with the band joined by 30 dancers in a sweeping final sequence, representing the members shaking off the barriers that previously held them back.
Fans received an early taste of “ANIMAL” through appearances at major events such as KCON LA 2026 and ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026, where JO1 performed the song ahead of its official drop.
ANIMAL arrives after a stretch of rising international momentum for JO1 and coincides with the launch of their North American tour today, October 2, at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall. The five-show run continues through New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, wrapping up October 11 at The Novo in Los Angeles, cementing 2026 as a defining year in the group’s worldwide growth.
Beyond just a U.S. introduction, ANIMAL signals the start of a new phase for JO1 as they broaden their musical range, take on a larger role in the creative process, and share their music with a wider global 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
