Arankai Releases New Single “Playing God” and Announces Spring 2026 Headline Tour

Midwest-born artist Arankai has released a new single titled “Playing God,” marking his latest material since signing with Hopeless Records in 2025. Known for blending elements of metal and alternative rock with emotionally driven songwriting, Arankai first emerged in 2022 with a series of independent releases and went on to build a growing audience through social media and live performances.

The new track focuses on themes of heartbreak, resilience, and moving on from toxic situations. Described by the artist as a direct and emotionally charged release, “Playing God” continues the sound introduced on his 2025 debut album A Portrait of Red, which serves as the first installment in a planned three-album series. The single is part of a wider rollout of new material expected throughout 2026.

Alongside the release, Arankai has announced his first North American headline tour, set for Spring 2026, with support from Buffalo Farm. The tour will span multiple cities across the United States.

Blondie Says

Editor's Take

✦ Opinion

Arankai has been a frequent flyer of the Pozer Club Req bin channels, and from my experience in the past a straight line recommendation for those of you that enjoy bands like Bad Omens. (AKA, one time I saw one of his songs in a playlist dedicated to Sex Metal. It's a pretty good song.)

Tour dates:

April 29 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
April 30 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
May 2 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge
May 4 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter
May 5 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall's
May 6 – Columbus, OH – Ace Of Cups
May 8 – Harrisburg, PA – Capital City Music Hall
May 9 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium (Upstairs)
May 10 – Brooklyn, NY – The Sultan Room
May 12 – Virginia Beach, VA – Scandal's Live
May 13 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506
May 14 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom
May 15 – Nashville, TN – The End
May 19 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Altar)
May 20 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
May 21 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
May 22 – Pensacola, FL – The Handlebar
May 24 – Houston, TX – The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues
May 25 – Dallas, TX – The Cambridge Room at House of Blues
May 26 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Underground
May 28 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Underground
May 29 – Anaheim, CA – The Parish Room at House of Blues
May 30 – Las Vegas, NV – Grey Witch
May 31 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
June 1 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
June 3 – Kansas City, MO – The Rino
June 4 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-Fi
June 5 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache at The Intersection

Arankai is also scheduled to appear at Reeperbahn Festival in 2026.