We find ourselves in a time and place where pop-escapism is needed now more than ever. Haute & Freddy are here to provide an aural portal.
The breakout Los Angeles duo of veteran songwriter and vocalist Michelle Buzz (“Haute”) and drummer and producer Lance Shipp (“Freddy”) delivered one of 2026’s more essential albums in March’s Big Disgrace (and not simply due to its hyper-aware title), and now return with a soothing electronic-pop bop called “Touch Touch.” It’s a cinematic throwback to ’80s enchantment synth, full of drama and casual grandeur, and has us recalling late nights under neon lights spent dancing to Cyndi, Laura, and Bonnie.
As the new and familiar make out in a darkened corner, “Touch Touch” has a transportive effect on our overstimulated minds and understimulated hearts, and the theatrical duo has shifted the kiss from our ears to our eyes through a vibrant new high-concept music video directed by Amalia Irons.
“I don’t know if it’s more about the empowerment of intimacy or the simplicity of letting community soothe the insanity of life right now, but regardless, it’s shamelessly dramatic,” says Buzz. “We were writing in Joshua Tree, and Lance was laying down the bass line. I was dancing in the kitchen and just instantly thought, ‘I think I have a chorus — let’s lay it down.’ We were both like, ‘Yep!’ The chorus is lusty and fun, while the verses embrace the sensitive side of us underneath all the escapism.”
Take us away, friends, come take us away.