While everyone is trying to pin down the theme of their summer, pop’s do-it-all newcomer PIAO isn’t concerned with new trends. “Simple and traditional,” she urges on the chorus of her new song, “flip phone”: “Pick me up and take me home / Make this song your new ringtone.” With a jittery beat behind her, the production offers some punch as well, giving PIAO’s otherwise elegant voice a different kind of power. Alternating between a rap-like opening verse and a quintessential pop delivery on the next, styles intertwine but never clash, held together through PIAO’s effortless command. As she straddles the line between cheeky and sincere, “flip phone” develops into a summer playlist essential. “‘flip phone’ is for the summer heat, fruit cup days, and summer flings,” PIAO implores. “Go outside, get yourself some coconut water and stream ‘flip phone’!!!”

As is typically the case, the timing is just right for PIAO – “flip phone” was released the day before her debut headline show at the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles. While monumental, the event is also a stepping stone: PIAO is set to join Marianas Trench on a full U.S. tour this fall as an opening act. With plans for an extended release later this year, PIAO has ironically proven that by not paying attention to the new trends, she has become one herself.

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