Music shouldn't feel this personal. But sometimes, a song hits that specific nerve of a messy, undefined relationship and you're just left staring at your phone. That’s exactly what the Australian duo Royel Otis pulled off with their track who's your boyfriend. Released in August 2025 as a standout single from their sophomore album hickey, it’s a song that basically captures the exact moment you realize you're the "other" guy—even if you're not officially the other guy.
The track is sun-drenched indie pop on the surface, but the lyrics? They're kinda brutal.
Why who's your boyfriend is the Anthem for Situationships
Honestly, the "situationship" is a tired trope in modern dating, but Royel Otis managed to make it feel fresh and uniquely painful. The song isn't about a grand betrayal. It's about the small, itchy details. Like having a "pet name" for someone who is technically just a friend. Or the fact that she’s calling you because her actual boyfriend bailed on her birthday.
Otis Pavlovic and Royel Maddell have this way of making heartbreak sound like a beach party. It’s deceptive. You're humming along to this shimmering, jangly guitar riff while Pavlovic sings about being on "Do Not Disturb" because the real boyfriend is finally in town. It’s a gut punch delivered with a smile.
The central question—who's your boyfriend—isn't just a query. It's an accusation. It’s a plea for clarity in a world of mixed signals and "we're just hanging out."
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The Lola Tung Connection and That Cinematic Video
If the song felt like a movie, that’s because the music video basically was one. Directed by Lauren Dunn and shot entirely on Kodak film, it stars Lola Tung. Yeah, the girl from The Summer I Turned Pretty. Having her in the video was a stroke of genius. She brings that exact "girl next door who is accidentally ruining your life" energy that the song demands.
The visuals are hazy and nostalgic. They capture the boredom and the electricity of young adulthood. You see Otis and Lola together, and the chemistry is so thick you could cut it with a knife, which makes the lyrics about her sleeping with someone else even more of a downer.
Breaking Down the Songwriting Team
This wasn't just a bedroom project. To get that perfect polish, Royel Otis teamed up with some heavy hitters. We’re talking:
- Amy Allen: The mastermind behind hits for Sabrina Carpenter and Harry Styles.
- Blake Slatkin: The producer who has worked with everyone from Gracie Abrams to Lizzo.
Despite the big-name collaborators, the song doesn't feel manufactured. It still has that scrappy, Sydney-indie-scene soul. It’s part of why hickey was such a huge step forward for them after the viral success of their "Murder on the Dancefloor" cover. They proved they aren't just "the cover band." They can write their own anthems.
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The Real Meaning: It's Not About Jealousy
A lot of people hear the title and think it’s a jealous rant. It’s not. Or at least, it’s not just that. It’s about the exhaustion of being an emotional placeholder.
"I can't want you / And I won't ghost you / And I can't make sense of what's in your head."
That line is the soul of the track. It’s that paralyzing middle ground where you’re too involved to leave but not "official" enough to stay. Pavlovic’s delivery is almost monotone, which makes the frustration feel more real. He’s not screaming; he’s just tired of the games.
The production by Blake Slatkin keeps things moving with driving guitars and these soaring synth melodies that make you want to drive with the windows down. It’s a "window down, crying inside" kind of vibe.
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Why the 2026 Tour Makes This Song Essential
Right now, Royel Otis is on their "meet me in the car" world tour. If you've seen them live lately, you know who's your boyfriend is the moment the crowd loses it. There’s something about shouting "Who's your boyfriend now?" alongside a thousand other people that feels like a collective therapy session.
They’ve been hitting major spots like London’s Brixton Academy and the North Hagley Park in Christchurch. Every time they play this one, it’s clear it has transcended being just a "radio hit." It’s become a core part of their identity.
If you're currently in that weird "we're more than friends but he doesn't know about me" phase, this song is probably your biography. The best way to experience it is to watch the official music video first to get the vibe, then find the acoustic version they released shortly after. The acoustic take strips away the shimmering pop and leaves just the raw, awkward truth of the lyrics. It’s definitely worth a listen if you want to feel the "ache" a bit more clearly.
Check out their full album hickey to see how this track fits into the larger story of messy, sun-kissed young love. It’s a wild ride.