Feather-boa-wearing, fruit-singing superstar Harry Styles is officially back in the public eye with his upcoming album, “Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally”. Students at the University of Southern California are preparing to hear his newest music.
Styles’ fourth studio album officially drops on Mar. 6 at 12 a.m., closing the longest gap between projects during his solo career. Nearly four years after the release of “Harry’s House,” Styles’ comeback is already echoing throughout the USC campus.
“You would never hear Harry Styles at a frat party now,” said Julia Kirsh, a junior studying music industry. “But after tomorrow, he’s going to be opening up his genre and his world to more people.”
Kirsh, who has been a fan of Styles since 2013, is also co-director of marketing for the Concerts Committee, a live music organization at USC.
His first single from the upcoming album, “Aperture,” was released on Jan. 22, and showcased an immense shift in genre.
While his earlier solo work leaned heavily on pop-rock and soft pop, “Aperture” marks a turn toward house-inspired dance music, with a focus on groove and rhythm. Styles’ evolving artistic vision also opens the door for his music to be played in new settings, like campus parties, where his previous work might not have fit as seamlessly.
“I need Harry at the frats,” said Audrey Battig, a sophomore majoring in psychology. Battig noted that British DJ Fred again.. surprised fans at his show on Feb. 26 by debuting a string-tinged, unreleased Harry Styles song, reportedly titled “Coming Up Roses.”
Since Fred again.. is known for blending electronic genres, this performance hinted toward Styles’ new house-oriented direction, a change that could make his music more suited to campus parties.
Beyond the desire for Styles’ music to be played at social gatherings, USC students are also reflecting on what his new music means for them personally.
“Every time Harry announces an album, it feels like the start of a new era in my own life,” said Ruby Bierman, a sophomore with a major in communications and a minor in the music industry.
Styles recently announced his 2026 tour, “Together, Together,” with North American dates running from August through October, prompting a plethora of USC students and their families to begin planning trips around concert stops since there aren’t any in Los Angeles.
Bierman said that she has been a fan of Styles for over a decade and will be attending his next tour in 2026.
Kirsh plans to see Styles five times on the tour, including shows in New York City and London.
Battig stated she tried to get tickets but was unable to secure them.
“I think because he took such a large break, there was a sense of anticipation for his return,” Bierman added, explaining why so many students are eager to travel outside L.A. just to see him live.
After such a long wait, Styles’ return feels like a moment for fans to reminisce on who they were the last time he released music and celebrate future memories that will be made with his newfound sound.
“Guys, we are so back,” said Battig.