Boston’s beloved groove-markers Ripe are back with their highly anticipated new single, “Try Not To Look,” out yesterday, March 21, via Glassnotes Records. Known for their infectious energy and dance-ready funk-pop, the band takes a reflective turn on this soaring, emotionally charged anthem—an ode to youth, nostalgia, and the magic of living in the moment.

Following the critical success of their sophomore album Bright Blues, Ripe’s “Try Not To Look” blends the band’s signature upbeat sound with poignant lyrics about holding onto fleeting moments. Powered by radiant melodies, frontman Robbie Wulfsohn’s soulful vocals, and a groove that’s impossible to resist, the track captures the bittersweet feeling of watching time slip by while trying to stay fully present.

“There’s a glorified basement in Massachusetts where, from around 7pm until midnight-ish, the walls are ringing with music,” the band says of the song’s inspiration. “You’re nineteen, and vaguely aware that you’re in the middle of something exciting… Try Not To Look is a love letter to those moments, to falling in love with life through people and music.”

The song is more than nostalgia—it’s a shot of joy with a chase of melancholy, as Wulfsohn sings about looking back on the chaotic, thrilling nights that shape who we are. Whether it’s a basement show or a festival stage, “Try Not To Look” captures that universal pull to freeze time, to live fully before it slips away.

2024 was massive for Ripe. Their single “Settling” climbed to Top 15 at AAA and Top 25 at ALT, earning them spins across over 200 stations and a dedicated following on SiriusXM’s Alt Nation. Their second album, Bright Blues, expanded their sound with lush instrumentation and introspective songwriting, while still delivering the funk-infused energy fans love.

With over 65 million Spotify streams, Ripe’s music has been described by Atwood Magazine as “stunningly bold, irresistibly radiant, gorgeously groovy, and infectiously smile-inducing—and “Try Not To Look” is not exception. Melodic Mag calls it a track that “encourages those who listen to take a chance and live life to the fullest,” and the band’s knack for creating moments of joy through music is fully intact.

Fresh off sold-out shows at iconic venues like MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park and Terminal 5, Ripe are set to hit the road again this spring. Their upcoming 2025 tour will take them through the Midwest, South, and East Coast, including stops in Madison, Wisconsin, Austin, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, with festival appearances at The Capitol Groove Music Festival and Back Cove Music and Arts Festival.

2025 Tour Highlights:

• April 1 – Bluebird Nightclub @ Bloomington, IN
• April 4 – Skully’s Music Diner @ Columbus, OH
• April 12 – Third Room @ Asheville, NC
• May 22 – ACL Live at The Moody Theater @ Austin, TX
• July 22-23 – The Chicken Box @ Nantucket, MA
• August 2-3 – Back Cove Music and Arts Festival

For a full list of dates and tickets, visit Ripe’s Official Website.

About Ripe

Formed at Berklee College of Music, Ripe—Robbie Wulfsohn (vocals), Jon Becker (guitar), Calvin Barthel (trombone), and Sampson Hellerman (drums)—have earned their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the country. Their high-energy blend of funk, pop, and rock has graced stages at Bonnaroo, Firefly, SweetWater, and BottleRock, and their connection with fans continues to deepen with each release.

With “Try Not To Look,” Ripe delivers another joyful, groove-laden anthem destined to become a highlight of their live shows and a staple on summer playlists everywhere.

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