Lorely Rodriguez is doing some of her most vulnerable work yet, and the rollout for her upcoming album Dream House just got even better. Her final pre-release single, “HandsOn” is out now, blending the sharp, witty lyricism we love with the kind of infectious dance beats that hit you right in the chest.

If you’ve been following the indie-pop scene, you know this era feels different. Following her brilliant 2024 record For Your Consideration, Lorely’s life took a heavy turn when the Altadena fires tragically destroyed her family home. Instead of pulling away from music, she poured that raw experience of grief, loss, and physical reconstruction into Dream House (dropping September 18 via Giant Music).

What Makes “HandsOn” Stand Out

While earlier singles like “SYW” (featuring Cecile Believe) and “Wild Storm” lean heavily into club urgency, “HandsOn” acts as a desperate, beautiful grab for something real. It tackles the core theme of the whole record: how do you keep holding onto reality when everything familiar has literally turned to ash?

Quick Facts: Empress Of’s Dream House Era

• Release Date: September 18, 2026 (Giant Music)

• The Inspiration: Born from a voice memo on a piano and forged while physically rebuilding her family home alongside her mother, Reina (who even features on the album).

• Upcoming Live Show: Catch her at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in NYC on September 30 for a bittersweet, full-circle performance right before the historic venue closes its doors.

“HandsOn” proves that dance music doesn’t have to be mindless to make you move—it can carry the weight of real life and still feel cathartic on a Friday night.