the creative process behind his upcoming track, “The Boy in the Black Dress.”

The title, he revealed, came from writer Alday, with whom he had previously collaborated. While Yungblud admitted he didn’t connect with the original song tied to the phrase, he loved the imagery of the title so much that he asked to reimagine it for his own music.

After the success of “Weird!” the singer decided he didn’t want to record in a traditional studio. Instead, he chose the raw intimacy of a damp bedroom in Glendale, California, believing the track needed a transatlantic sound that fused both American and British influences.

Collaboration, Yungblud emphasized, is at the heart of his artistry. He explained that even if co-creators don’t pen specific lyrics, their energy sparks the life of the song. For this album, he worked with names like Chris Griotti, Matty, Jake Tory, and Jordan Gable—the latter of whom he randomly met in a Thai restaurant. Gable, he noted, wasn’t afraid to criticize his writing, pushing him to sharpen his lyrics and become a stronger storyteller.

Lyrically, Yungblud said “The Boy in the Black Dress” is deeply personal, weaving in formative experiences such as the first time he was punched and the moment a teacher told him nail polish was “only for girls.” Still, he believes the song carries a universal spirit—one of emotion and defiance—that audiences everywhere can connect to.