GRAMMY-nominated, genre-blurring artist Halsey is back with a bang, releasing her electrifying new single, “safeword.” Known for her fearless approach to music and a keen ability to shift between genres, Halsey has cranked up the intensity on this track, delivering an edgy punk anthem that is sure to ignite fans everywhere.
“Sitting at the intersection of raw rebellion and emotional depth, “safeword” gives off major riot girl vibes,” Halsey fans are already saying, drawing comparisons to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” era. But this isn’t your typical Halsey track. The punk-inspired sound pulses with gritty guitar riffs, a perfect backdrop for Halsey’s vocals that are drenched in effects, creating a soundscape that feels both fresh and familiar. The bold new direction in Halsey’s music proves that she’s never afraid to experiment, keeping listeners on their toes with every release.
“safeword” isn’t just about the music, it’s about the message, too. With its unapologetic energy and dark, sultry undertones, it explores Halsey’s kinky side as she taps into themes of control, power, and liberation, continuing her tradition of boundary-pushing storytelling.
As with most of her work, Halsey also delivered a striking visual experience with the music video for “safeword,” directed by Lana Jay Lackey. The video is undeniably NSFW, brimming with wild provocative imagery. In keeping with her fearless persona, Halsey takes her audience on a visual journey that’s as daring as the music itself. To add an extra layer of intrigue, Halsey’s fiancé, actor Avan Jogia, teased his involvement in the video, probably as one of the masked figures.
With “safeword” marking the start of a bold new era, and her upcoming tour set to showcase her growth as an artist, Halsey continues to prove why she remains one of the most daring voices in music today. Halsey’s tour kicks off on May 10 in Concord, California, and will visit 32 cities across North America. Alongside Alvvays and Magdalena Bay, the tour will feature an impressive lineup of special guests, including Del Water Gap, The Warning, Evanescence, Hope Tala, Royel Otis, Sir Chloe, flowerovlove, and Alemeda.
Check out the video for “safeword” below, and find tour dates and ticket information here to experience Halsey’s new chapter live.